From the Annals of the Texas Abolitionists –  In 1844, Republic of Texas president Sam Houston granted an empresario contract to Charles Fenton Mercer.  The grant was notable because the former U.S. Representative from Virginia was considered an abolitionist even though he was probably more accurately characterized as a strong advocate of developing the American West for the white race and colonizing “free people of color” through emigration to Africa.  After resigning from Congress to staunch the drain on his personal finances, he became interested in bringing settlers to North Texas.  Mercer organized the Texas Association and quickly recruited more than 100 families as potential settlers.  But Mercer’s vision never came to fruition.  Texas was turning away from the empresario system and Mercer’s well-known abolitionist sentiments made the colony an issue in the abolition and annexation controversy.  Mercer’s resources were further drained by court disputes over land claims.  Ultimately, Mercer assigned his interest in the contract to other members of the Texas Association in return for a $2,000 annuity.