YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

HISTO R Y
OF
DON FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA'S
ATTEMPT TO EFFECT
A REVOLUTION IN
SOUTH AMERICA.
IN 3 SERIES OF LETTERS.

BY JAMES BIGGS.
REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED.

TO WHICH ABE ANNEXED,
SKETCHES OF THE LIFE OF MIRANDA, AND GEO
GRAPHICAL NOTICES OF CARACCAS.
Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot
Unlikely wonders. — Shak.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,
BY T. GILLET, CKOWN-COURT, FLEET-STREET,
,*\'D SOLD BY GODDARD, PALL-MALL ; AND SHERWOOD,
XEELY, AND JONE5, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1809.

f Liiteredat Slation.em'' Hall.']

ADVERTISEMENT
TO THE LONDON EDITION.

When a book is submitted to the
public, they have a right to expect an
avowal of the author's reasons for laying
it before thein.
No time, perhaps, could have been
more proper than the present, for the
publication of the matter contained in
this volume. Every political eye is
how directed towards South America ;
and the moment is fast approaching,
when that immense and valuable section
of the globe must effect its independence,
or change its master. Whatever, there
fore, tends to throw light upon the at
tempts which have been already made
to accomplish either of these purposes,
cannot fail to command serious attention,
a2

IV ADVERTISEMENT.
and must be considered, as being of
special interest to the British Empire.
With one or two exceptions, the partial
statements which have been published of
General Miranda's most singular enter-
prize, are not such as can be relied upon.
The subject itself is sufficiently im
portant to rouse that species of private
and political curiosity, which searches
for, and earnestly demands truth. In
all that has been hitherto said of Ge
neral Miranda's peregrinations, doubt,
rnistatement, and conjectures, have pre
vailed in such a degree, as to leave the
world unsatisfied respecting his late views
and operations ; or to lead it into erro
neous opinions. The following history
is calculated to obviate the objections to
preceding narratives ; as well as to ap
prize and warn persons of adventurous
dispositions, of the danger and obloquy
of a participation in the chimerical
schemes of innovation, projected by idle,
visionary, or ambitious enthusiasts.
The writer of these letters had the best

ADVERTISEMENT. v
opportunities of ascertaining facts ; and
in his reasoning upon them, he is confi
dent he shall not incur the imputation
of illiberality. Though he has freely
animadverted on the conduct of the herd
of this history, the most conspicuous poli
tical Empiric of this age, he avers that no
sinister views, nor malicious feelings,
have prompted him to make this expose
to the world. THE AUTHOR.
London,
March Uth, 1809.

PREFACE.

THE Letters in this volume give
an account of the commencement, pro
gress, and termination of Miranda's at
tempt to effect, a revolution in South
America. The facts came within the
observation of the writer, or were ob
tained by careful inquiry. In history,
says a great moralist and critic, the whole
should be told. The author has told

Vlll PREFACE.
all that appeared to him at once proper
to be related,* and interesting to the rea
der. These letters were written for
the information of the author's friends,
and to assist his own memory. After
much deliberation and some doubt, he
has been induced to commit them to
the press. The expedition of Miranda
excited attention and expectation at the
time it was in operation ; and has not
ceased to be a subject of speculation. It
had a certain aspect upon our foreign re
lations, and occasioned a discussion of
much delicacy respecting the conduct of
the American government. It may be
of some use to the world, that the agency
of Miranda in this enterprize should be
detailed, and the impression he made
on the minds of his unfortunate fol-

PREFACE. IX
lowers should be known. By the dis
closure of the facts, the persons con
cerned with him may hope to be con
sidered with more equity, and perhaps
more favour, than they would find, if
the public opinion were left to be form
ed by the fictions of rumour and. the
exaggerations of ignorance. It is pos
sible that its developement will create
an interest in behalf of that portion of
Miranda's associates now suffering im
prisonment* or slavery in that country,
where they dreamed they should enjoy
and communicate liberty. This enter
prize, and its incidents, afford a curious
exhibition of human nature. The bold-
* See an account of their situation and fate, in
the Monthly Magazine for March, 1809.

X PREFACE.
ness of the design, and the variations
of fortune in its progress and execution ;
the sufferings and the actions of the ad
venturers, are not wholly unworthy of
the attention of those, who wish to be
instructed by a view of the obliquities of
the human mind, or amused by the pe
rusal of eccentric adventures.

CONTENTS.

LETTER I. Page
Commencement of theexpedition. — Ship and Command
er. — Author's views and expectations in joining Mi
randa. — Supposed destination. — Reasons for believing
the enterprize sanctioned by the government of the
United States. 1
LETTER II.
Account of Miranda. — His age. — Leander spoken by
the British Frigate Cleopatra, and near being sent to
Burmuda for trial. — Sailors impressed. — Happy re
sult. .... g
LETTER III.
Spanish schooner brought to. — Conjectures upon this
unusual procedure. — Stratagem to deceive the master
of (he schooner. — Miranda appoints his officers. —
Th;ir names and distribution into corps. — Uniforms,
&c. — Arrival at Jacquemel. — Accident. - 14
LETTER IV.
Difficulty of getting into port. — A quarrel, and its ap
prehended mischiefs. — Scene on the deck of the
Leander. — Form of officers' commissions. — A sail

xu CONTENTS. Page
seen. — Complaint of the effects of delay. — Return of
Captain Lewis. ... 24
LETTER V.
Columbian colours displayed. — Schooner Bee chartered.
— Report from La Guira. — Aspasia. — Disturbance in
the Bee. — Disappointment respecting the ship Em-
perour. — Schooner Bacchus engaged.  Supposed to
bring a spy. — Treatment of a Danish vessel. 36
LETTER VI.
Preparations for ^departure. — Declaration made and
sworn to by the officers. — 'Compensation of (he of
ficers. - - 44
LETTER VII.
Departure from Jacquemel.— Change of men to the
schooners. — Officers engaged at this island  A brawl.
— A sail seen. - 48
LETTER VIII.
Another dispute. — Ship falls to the leeward. — Chases a
vessel, — rThe Leander cannot use the American En
sign. - - 54
LETTER IX.
Arrived at Aruba.— Manoeuvring the troops. — Re
marks. - - _ 58
LETTER X.
Departure from Aruba. — Events till the arrival on the
coast. — Singular order. — A great dispute. — Resigna
tion of Lewis. — The main land in sight. — Sailors en
listed as soldiers. — Ready to laud. • $1

CONTENTS. . jtiii
Page
LETTER XI.
The Leander attacked by two Spanish guarda costas. — •
The schooners Bee and Bacchus captured. — Ren
counter with them. — Lewis not to blame for the loss
of the schooners. — Names of the officers and men cap
tured. — Discovery of the want of water. — Shape our
course for the island of Bonair. — The officers enter
tain suspicions of their Chief. — They have private
consultations. — Conduct of the General in the action
and subsequent council of war, and their determina
tion. — Reflections, &c. 74-
LETTER XII.
Undignified conduct of his Excellency to one of his of
ficers, &c. - - - 8/
LETTER XIII.
Off Margaritta. — Leander endeavours to avoid every
strange sail. — Crew on short allowance. — Hardships.
— Religious service on board, and Miranda's conduct
respecting it. - - - gi
LETTER. XIV.
Arrival at Grenada. — Refresh and sail for Barbadoes. 37
LETTER XV.
At Bridgetown. — Leander libelled and released. — Ar
rangements with Admiral Cochrane.— r-Lewis resigns.
— Vanity and philosophy of Miranda. , - 100
LETTER XVI.
At Trinidad. — Officers and men engaged there. — Ge-

^T CONTENTS. Page
neral order. — Captain Johnson. — Foolish handbill. —
Departure. - - - . 10S
LETTER XVII.
Landing on the Main. — Result. - - 115
LETTER XVIII.
At Aruba. — Events after leaving Trinidad. — Army dis
embark.— Gain La Vela de Coro .— March to Coro.
— Disaster at that place. — Return and evacuation of
the Main. - - - ll7
LETTER XIX.
Other events previous tothe evacuation of the Main. —
. Colonel Hall's embarrassment. — Threat of Miranda,
concerning his wounded men. — Captain Johnson's
misfortune. - - - - 137
LETTER XX.
Miranda takes possession of Aruba by proclamation. —
Sickness, of the men. — Courts Martial. - 15(5
LETTER XXI.
Animadversions of officers on the Expedition. — Cura-
50a scheme. - - - - 174
LETTER XXII.
New Captain appointed to the Leander. — His ill con
duct and cruelty to the sailors. — Condition of the
sick on board. — Miranda's treatment of Captain
Meade, Commander of the brig Commodore Barry.
—Soliloquy. - - - - 103

CONTENTS. xt
Page
LETTER XXIII.
Departure from Aruba. — Miranda and suite embark
in the Seine frigate. — Lieut. Dwyer, an English of
ficer, takes command of the Leander. — Events dur
ing the passage. — Arrival at Grenada. - 202
LETTER XXIV.
Arrival at Trinidad. — Trimmer concern. — Reception of
Miranda and his followers at Port of Spain. — Straits
of the people. - - - 212
LETTER XXV.
Disposition of the British Commanders. — Mission t«
England. — Process against the Leander. — Dispersion
of officers and men. — Fate of the prisoners. — Inter
cepted letters. — Intelligence from De Rouvray. — ¦
Characters. - - . 23i
LETTER XXVI.
Result upon the means, conduct, and object of the ex
pedition. — An apology for its agents. - 25S
LETTER XXVII.
Notices of Miranda. - 29!
LETTER XXVIII.
Geographical and statistical notices of Caraccas, 304

P, C8, last line, for Ocumary, read Ocur,:zra.
P. 88, I. 22, for silent read silence.
P. 238, 1. 5, for two hundred and sixty, read out hunind and seventy.
P. 252, 1. 17, for Redingfield, read Biddhgfidd.

MIRANDA'S EXPEDITION.

LETTER I.

Commencement of the expedition. — Ship and
Commander. — Author's views and expecta
tions in joining Miranda. — Supposed destina
tion. — Reasons for believing the enterprise
sanctioned by the government of the United
States. Ship Leander, at Sea, February 5 th, 1806, to
Mr. R. S. G***n of Philadelphia.
DEAR FRIEND,
PUBLIC rumour has probably given you
some information of a mysterious expedition,
said to be fitting out at New York, under
the auspices of a celebrated character. I have
been persuaded by my friend Mr. ***** to
commit myself to the chances of an enterprise,
at once extraordinary and dangerous; and to
leave my own country once more, in hope of
honour and its reward. You may perhaps
fear that I have been seduced by the glitter of
fair promises, or the allurements of novelty ;
B

[ 2 ]
or prompted by a spirit of adventure to spe
culate too largely on the favours of fortune
It may be so ; but I have deliberated much on
the subject, and think I am justified in the re
solution I have taken. I confess, however, that
in forming it, the opinion of men, whose for
tunes and characters are staked on the issue,
had great authority.
My new situation will no doubt furnish a
variety of subjects and events for a correspond
ence, which I shall not neglect, because you
have a claim to this attention ; and it will be
no small consolation to keep you thus alive in
memory during my absence. I propose to ad
dress to you an account of all the interesting
occurrences that may happen in this expedi
tion, remaining silent only when it shall be
enjoined by an honourable obligation, and
choosing such a time for sending my letters
as prudence and regard to my duty shall point
out. We have been out three days, the wind
blowing hard all the time,, till within two
hours. I begin my epistolary journal by in
forming you that the Leander is a ship of
about' two hundred tons burden, commanded
by Captain Thomas Lewis, who is reputed to
be a man of intrepidity, and a thorough master

C 3 ]
of his profession. He is said to have proved his
spirit and bravery on occasions which put them
to the test ; and his appearance and deport
ment are, in my estimation, strong indications
of his possessing the character which report,
and his own actions, have established. From
the little I have seen, I have no doubt of his
seamanship; for I notice he manages the vessel
with skill and ease ; and the ocean seems to be
his element. There are nearly two hundred
souls on board, so that as you may conceive,
we are very much crowded, and, on that ac
count, but ill accommodated.
You naturally inquire what is the object
and destination of this ship ? what do we pro
pose, and whither are we going ? I am un
able to give a positive answer to either of these
questions; for only a few confidential persons
concerned are let into the secret ; nor do I
know the extent of that knowledge relating to
it, that possibly might be obtained, were I to
make it my business to importune for particu
lar information. I deem it proper, at this
moment, to suffer my curiosity to remain un
satisfied, till the period arrives when inquiry
will not be considered impertinent, or an ex
posure of our plans and intentions impolitic.
This, I apprehend, will shortly be the case. I
b2

C 4 ]
for one, and most others, have embarked upon
general information and assurances that' more
shall be disclosed at a suitable season. We
rely much on our leader and on those who re
commended him to our confidence. We know
enough not to be angry with ourselves for
joining the undertaking; we imagine and con
jecture much. Generally, I can say that we
are engaged in an expedition to some part
of the Spanish dominions, probably in South
America, with a view to assist the inhabitants
in throwing off the oppressive yoke of the pa
rent country, and establishing a government
for themselves ; upon which, we are told, by
our General, they have resolved; and for which,
he says, they are entirely disposed and pre
pared. For this purpose the Leander was en
gaged and fitted out, as we understand, by the
credit and funds of Don Francisco de Mi
randa, the Commander-in-chief of the expedi
tion. The vessel is laden with arms of various
descriptions, ammunition, clothing, and every
kind of military equipage necessary for a cam
paign. A number of Americans, some of them
gentlemen, and persons of good standing in
society, though mostly, I believe, of crooked
fortunes, haved embarked. Few of us, before
entering the ship, saw our leader, but had our

[ 5 ]
communication with those, who were his ac'
knowledged agents and advocates. We have,
as yet, made no definite engagements with him,
nor he with us ; and I presume, if upon fur
ther insight into the business, or experience
of the service, we shall be dissatisfied, we may,
if please, withdraw; though it must be con
fessed our destinies, now we have proceeded
so far, are seriously joined with those of Mi
randa. Do you ask, whether our taking a
part in this enterprise consists with our rela
tion to our country, or with moral right, to
say nothing of common discretion? I hope it
u inconsistent with neither. I will not say that
there are not some of our company thoughtless
or ignorant enough to disregard these weighty
considerations. Perhaps it is a matter of indif
ference to many of the volunteers in what cause
they act, if it do but promise them an oppor
tunity of distinguishing themselves by martial
achievements, and afford a chance of acquiring
gome portion of the riches, supposed to be in
the hands of unworthy possessors in the south.
By the issue of this undertaking they can
hardly lo*e, and may gain. But the greater
number of those who can reasonably loqk for
high places, or large emoluments, are not des
peradoes, though they arc adventurers ; and

[ 6 ]
although they are willing, from situation or
temper, to try a bold and hazardous scheme,
it would be illiberal, as well as unjust, to infer
that they would act an unprincipled or dis
honourable part.
We are encouraged in the belief, that our
government has given its implied sanction to
this expedition ; and this circumstance, taken
in connection with the official language of the
President, and the known sentiments of some
of the political party that now prevails, leads
us to suppose, that our government expect or
intends, very soon, explicitly to authorise the
use of force against Spain, Under such im
pressions, we think we shall not be called to
account as violating the pacific relations of the
United States. The project of appearing for
the relief of the oppressed, under the banners
of a celebrated chief, who is said to be their
greatest friend and favorite; of lending our
assistance to found an independent state, in
extensive, fertile, and populous regions, where
the spirit of the people is crushed, and the re
sources of nature are kept down by a vile colo
nial policy, presents itself to our imaginations
and hearts in the most attractive light, and
make us rejoice, that it has fallen to our lot to
attempt the deliverance of a large portion of

C t 1
our fellow men. We flatter ourselves it is
honourable and humane to be thus engaged ;
still I am sensible that nothing: short of com-
plete success will ensure such a design the ap
probation of the mass of mankind. If we suc
ceed, our fame will take care of itself. To
quiet the revolting of our humanity, and sa
tisfy us that we are not going upon cruel work,
we are told that a revolution can take place in
the country proposed, with little violence, and
perhaps without the loss of much blood : the
people are said to be now awake to their suf
ferings, and inclined and competent to remove
the cause, as the government by which they
are oppressed is weak and inefficient. On this
disposition of the inhabitants to join the stan
dard of our leader in such numbers as to com
pel the few friends of the old order to make
_ terms without delay, we place our expectations
of success. It is also intimated that we shall
receive, as far as occasion shall require, the
countenance and co-operation of the British.
After all, it must be confessed, we may be
" plucking a thousand dangers on our heads ;"
but we presume our conductor knows what he
is doing, and will lead us to great exploits and
splendid fortunes. Your's truly, &c

C s 3

LETTER II.
Account of Miranda. — His age. — Leander
spoken by the British Frigate Cleopatra, and
near being sent to Burmuda for trial. —
Sailors impressed. — Happy result.
February gth, 1805.
General Miranda has heretofore employ
ed, and sometimes agitated, the public mind.
He bore a conspicuous part in the French
army under Dumourier, whom, it is said, with
what truth I know not, he used very ill. In
the early period of the French Revolution, he
is mentioned both with praise and censure.' —
From the opportunity I have had to see and
hear him, since my coming on board, I should
suppose him to possess great talents. He ex
cels all men that ever I have known, in collo
quial eloquence and power of persuasion. He
discovers a full mind, furnished with compre
hensive and accurate information, improved
by extensive reading, by travelling, and obser
vation. According to his own account he is

[ 9 1
jn the fifty-second year of his age. His ap
pearance is that of sixty. Perhaps no man
living can boast a more retentive memory.
His manners and address are extremely plea
sing. In the treatment of us, his volunteers,
be is all affability and condescension. This
may be his habit, or it may proceed from the
interest he has at present in conciliating our
esteem and good-will. May his courteous
demeanour continue when we shall have ac
cepted our commissions, and have come under
his power. He is very much disposed to con
versation. With a fund of materials to render
it instructive and amusing, he makes a judi
cious selection of topics ; accordingly, to ths
youpg men, some of whom have just left col
lege, he talks of literature, and recommends
the study of the Spanish language and of ma
thematics. Proficiency in these branches, he
tells them, will ensure promotion in his army.
The gentlemen more advanced in years are en
tertained with his ideas on the subjects of
politics and war. The General often cites a
part of the history of his own life and travels,
to illustrate the opinions which he seems
anxious to inculcate. It is evident enough,.
that he aims to sow in the minds of his fol-

C io 3
lowers, the seeds of heroical deeds ; of liberty,
and revolution. I will not venture to predict
what kind of a crop bis efforts may produce, as
I have scarcely any acquaintance with my
fellow adventurers.
12th, 8 o'clock, A. M. At this moment, a
cry from a man stationed at the mast-head, an
nounces a sail in sight ; she is too far distant,
however, to enable us to distinguish what
kind of vessel; I notice it creates consider
able anxiety on board — particularly with the
General. We shall probably know something
more of this strange sail before long, as she is
sailing nearly in a line with us, is somewhat id
leeward, but, if disposed, may speak us in
two or three hours. 11 o'clock, A. M. the
strange vessel turns out to be a large vessel in
pursuit of us.
Captain Lewis has shortened sail to let her
come up. If she is French or Spanish she
will probably speak to us in harsh language,
and we shall be obliged to fight — God knows
what our fate would be if captured; for I be
lieve we must appear to them a suspicious set,
who are on the high seas in a very question
able shape. If she is English, perhaps " all
may be well." I must conclude, as we are

C n ]
going to prepare for action. Our sea com
mander says, " if she is an enemy, we must
overcome or perish."
13th. The affair is settled very much to our
satisfaction ; but not without a thousand alter
nate hopes and fears. Within four hours after
my last, we expected to be now making the
best of our way to Bermuda, under the lee of
a British frigate. Yesterday, at half past one
o'clock in the afternoon, we were spoke by the
ship seen in the morning ; she proved to be his
Britannic Majesty's ship Cleopatra, of forty
guns, commanded by Captain John Wight.
The first lieutenant of the frigate came on
board and examined our ship and crew. We
were detained nearly twenty-four hours, and
had nineteen men pressed — mostly Irish, with
American protections. As a kind of return
for the impressed sailors, we received twelve
Americans, who had been taken out of Ameri
can vessels lately captured by the Cleopatra,
to the list of which, the Leander was nigh be
ing added. Captain Lewis went on board
with the ship's papers, which showed her to be
the Leander, an American ship, bound to St.
Domingo. These were, on examination, de
clared by Captain Wight to be unsatisfactory.
A gentleman then by the name of Armstrong

[ IS ]
went on board with instructions from the Ge
neral, and joined with Lewis in expostulating
with the commander of the frigate, but with
out effect. At last the General himself was
obliged to appear on board the Cleopatra. He
stated certain particulars to Captain Wight,
and shewed him documents, which justified the
English captain in allowing our .ship to pro
ceed. This event has confirmed our impres
sions, respecting tlje nature and objects of this
expedition. General Miranda, I think, must
have effected the release of the Leander, by
explaining a part, or the whole of his plan,
relative to South America ; and, by producing
credentials from the British government, au
thorising, or at least protecting him in the un
dertaking. This idea is strengthened, by Mi
randa saying that Captain Wight had promised
to assist in the enterprise. The General re
mained on board the frigate all night, and re
turned this morning at eleven o'clock. J am
extremely glad we were overtaken by this ship ;
for the result tends to put us at ease about the
consistency of our design with the laws of na
tions, and proves to the world that we are not
a " band of desperate pirates," a description
given to us by some persons before we sailed
from New-York, and propagated afterwards,

C 13 3
in whispers, through the ship. Besides, the
expedition is now placed on a respectable foot
ing, by having, as we presume, the acknow
ledgment and countenance of England. We
are all in high spirits and high hopes. The
General speaks now more openly about the en
terprise ; he expresses great anxiety to begin
his operations ; and complains of having been
so long detained in a good wind, notwith
standing it has turned out so much to the ad
vantage of his project, both on account of the
promised assistance, and a certificate that he
procured of Captain Wight, to prevent future
search or detention by other British cruisers
which we may happen to meet.
Your's sincerely, &c.

C i* 3

LETTER III.
Spanish schooner brought to— —Conjectures upon
this unusual procedure. — Stratagem to de
ceive the master of the schooner. — Miranda
appoints his officers. — Their names and dis
tribution into corps. — Uniforms, &;e. Arri~
veil at Jacquemel. — Accidents. February 15th, 1806.
We are now in the Mona passage, between
the islands of Porto Rico and St. Domingo.
A circumstance occured this morning of a
somewhat singular nature ; and, to my view,
not very agreeable. About 10 o'clock we saw
two strange sails, a brig and a schooner ; in a
short time after, the Leander fired a shot at the
latter, whether1 by the order of Miranda, or
at the instance of Lewis, I know not. The
vessel being alarmed, altered her course and
endeavoured to escape, upon which we dis
charged several shot; and she was at last oblig
ed, for fear of being sunk, to heave to under
our lee. The master was immediately ordered

[ 15 3
on board with Iris papers; and, upon examina
tion, the vessel proved to be a Spanish schooner,
from St. Martins, loaded with logwood, and
and bound to St. Bartholomews. After an
hour's detention, she was permitted to pro
ceed. Previous to the master coming on
board, the General and Lewis had some
private conversation, at the conclusion of
which, the latter ordered all those of our crew
who could speak French, to use no ther lan
guage while this man was in' the ship ; at the
same time directing that no English should
be spoken. This order was strictly obeyed,
and the gang- way was instantly crowded with
fifteen or twenty sailors and servants, who be
gan talking in French. When the master
came over the side and found himself among
Frenchmen, he brought his hand forcibly to
his breast and exclaimed, " Vive 1' Emper-
eur ;" but I cannot express the terror he mani
fested upon arriving on the quarter-deck, and
finding himself in the midst of Englishmen
and Americans.
You may ask what right had the private
ship Leander to bring to any vessel whatever
at sea ? Why did General Miranda permit, or
order such a procedure ? Or was he ignorant
of maritime customs and usages ? Suppose thi*

[ 16 3
vessel had actually been engaged in a contra
band trade, could the Leander have captured,
or even detained her ? Then by what right
was this schooner fired at, compelled to heave
to, the captain ordered on board, and his pa
pers examined ? These questions, I confess, I
cannot answer to my own satisfaction ; and
therefore, probably not to yours. The only apo
logy whicli I can imagine is, that our chief had
it in view to gratify his curiosity, or obtain in
telligence which might be important; I cannot
suppose he had an}' idea of seizing the vessel
and converting her to his own use; or that if
he had, our sea commander would have con
sented. Feb. 17th. Last Thursday General Miranda"
assigned to his volunteers the several ranks
which they are to hold in his army, in a Gene
ral Order, communicated to us, by the officer
next in rank (at present) to himself. In the
copy of this order, which I shall give you
in the margin,* you will notice some names

y- cc

Leander, Feb. 14lh, 1806, Latitude
21 . 27. N. Longitude 64. 3 W."
" G. O." " Parole, America. Countersign, Liberty."
" The Commander-in-chief has thought proper to make
the following appointments of officers, in the Columbian
Army, and different corps thereof, as hereafter" mentlon'j'J,

with which you are acquainted, and a number
of others, whose distinction is yet to be ac
quired.to commence rank and pay from the first day of January,
1806."

1. William Armstrong, Colonel.
2. Thomas Lewis, do.
3. William Steuben SmithA
Aide-de-camp to the f _, , ,,
^. ,.,./-/• Lieut-colonel.
Commander-m-cmef, f
with the rank of j
4. Henry Sands, Major.
5. Barent Roorbach, Captain.
6. Thomas Billop, do.
7. David Heckle, do.
8. Daniel R. Durning, do.
Q. James B. Gardner, do.
10. Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do.
11. Samuel C. Lowdon, do.
12. William Hosack, First Lieutenant, •
13. Charles Johnson, do. .
14. JohnOrford, do*
15. Paula Theodore George, do.
16. Daniel D. Kemper, do.
17. Miles L. Hall, do.
18. John T. O. Sullivan, Ao.
10. William Lowdon, do.
20. Edward Yates, (Adjutant) Second Lieutenant.
21. Francis Farquharson, do.
22. Henry Newton, do.
2S. James  do.
24. Thomas Gill, do«
c

C 18 ]
There are several others who have as yet
eceived no particular appointment, but who
are on probation for something. Besides the
twenty-six names just mentioned, there are two
others in place, who are said not to belong to
the military catalogue. Mr. Jonathan Smith,
supercargo of the ship, and Mr. Thomas Mo-
lini, secretary to his excellency the General.
The first of these gentlemen is commonly cal
led Major, but I believe incorrectly, as he has
not yet taken a Columbian commission. What
we now see and hear justifies the supposition
of an expectation in his Excellency that a nu
merous and well organized army will spring
from these roots. Those who know nothing
of the military profession are to learn it as fast
as possible, in order to be ready for training
Spanish recruits, which, we are told by the
General, are waiting our arrival on the Main.
With this employment, and the study of the
Spanish language, to make themselves under
stood by their new friends, all will have enough
to do. It is no time for play now ; though it
is easy to see that some of them, even those of
sedate years, think of nothing else, and the
General has seemed to encourage it. He sup-
25. John Moore, Second Lieutenant.
26. pavid Burnett, do.

t 19 1
poses, perhaps, that in our situation, thought
might " make thick our blood," a id merri
ment will rob our ambiguous voyage of some
" taste of tediousness."
We are stationed io the different corps of the
Columbian Army, in the manner of the follow
ing recapitulation, which I also place in the
margin for your inspection ;* this form I shall

* RECAPITULATION,

Engineers,

John Orford,

First Lieutenant.

Artillery.

Samuel Lowdon,

Captain.

William Hosack,

First Lieutenant.

William Lowdon,

do.

James — — ,

Second Lieutenant.

Francis Farquharson,

do.

Corps of Artificers,
David Heckle, Captain.
First Regiment Light Dragoons.
Daniel R. Durning, Captain-
Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do.
Edward Yates, Cornet.
First Regiment of Riflemen.
William Armstrong, Colonel.
 -—  Lieut. Colonel.
„  — — — — Major.
JBsrent Roorbach, Captain.

C 20 1
observe, when most convenient, with all do
cuments relating to our enterprise, which I
may think you will be interested to see, or it
may be proper to communicate.
Colonel Armstrong is appointed quarter
master-general, with two assistants (Lieute
nants  and Newton), until further orders,
Captain Roorbach, major of brigade, and Cap
tain Billop, deputy pay-master-general.
After the establishment of our rank, station,
&c. we were informed what regimental uni
forms the Commander-in-chief had adopted.
They are adapted to a warm climate, and may
answer very well for a beginning, though be-

Thomas Billop,

Captain.

Charles Johnson,

First Lieutenant.'

Miles L. Hall,

do.

Thomas Gill,

do.

First Regiment North American Infantry.

Thomas Lewis,

Colonel.

Henry Sands,

Major.

James B. Gardner,.

Captain.

Daniel 'Kemper,

First Lieutenant,

John T.O.Sullivan,

do.

Henry Newton,

Second Lieutenant.

David Burnet,

do.

John Moore,

do.

Dr. Samuel Scofield, of New York, is appointed Surgeon to
the Army.

[ 21 ]
tween you and me, the patterns, whether in*
tended for his excellency, the officers, or pri
vates, do not meet our ideas of either taste or
elegance. The order pointing out our uni
forms is thus headed. I have transcribed the
introduction, with a view of showing you to
what importance the affair of regimentals is
exalted by the sagacious author, to say nothing
of the beauty of its composition.
" G. O." " Parole, Warren. Countersign,
Bunker's Hill. As the first step towards
establishing discipline in an army> is a fixed
uniform for each corps, from which no par
tial- deviation is to be made, without the1
special permission of the Commander-in-chief;
he has, for the present, fixed the following
uniforms for.' the different corps, with .which
he hopes the different officers will provide
themselves, as soon as convenient." Then
comes a description of our particular regi
mentals. The infantry dress in blue and yel
low ; the artillery in blue and red ; the en
gineers and artificers, in blue and black vel
vet ; the riflemen in green ; and the dragoons
in yellow and blue ; but I should furnish
you with an hour's reading, were I to attempt
giving you a correct idea of all that variety of

r_ 22 3
Cut and fashion by which our corps are re
spectively designated.
We are now sailing along the south coast of
St. Domingo. The land is very mountainous,
and affords many delightful views; though
there is scarcely any cultivation on the part
now in sight, in proportion to its extent. Jac*-
quemel is the place to which we are bound,
and a day or two at farthest will bring us into
port. Here I imagine many circumstances will
occur worth relating; if so, my journal sliall
take care of them.
18th meridian. The harbour of Jacquemel
is now in sight, and we have a fine steady
breeze. Major Smith and Captain Lewis are
preparing to set off for Portau Prince, on bu-'
siness relative to the expedition. They are
going on shore in the boat before the ship an
chors, and take guides and horses at Jacque
mel to expedite their journey.
Half past 1, P. M. It is but a few mi
nutes since we recovered from a most terrify
ing accident. The jolly-boat, by the care
lessness of some of the sailors, upset in lower
ing down a-stern, the crew being in at the
same time. They were struggling in the sea
fifty minutes ; but were all fortunately saved

[ 23 ]
by the spirited exertions of three seamen, who
jumped overboard to their assistance. In this
work of humanity, Captain Gardner set the
example, by first throwing himself into the
water ; and he merits the highest praise for his
feeling and his courage, to which two of the
sailors owe their lives.

C 2* 1

LETTER IV.
Difficulty of getting into port.'— A quarrel, and
its apprehended mischiefs. — Scene on the
deck of the Leander.— Form of officers' com
missions. — A sail seen. — Complaint of the
effects of delay. — Return of Captain Lewis.
Jacquemel Harbour, Feb. 20, 1806.
We have arrived in port, but have had a
troublesome time since my last. A pilot came
on board, in the evening of the 18th, to con
duct us to anchor, which he ordered to be cast
too soon; the consequence was, we lost it, and
sixty fathoms of cable, and were obliged to
stand out to sea again.
I wish I had not to inform you of another
disagreeable occurrence; one which, I am sorry
to say, does little credit to our chief, and may
materially injure, if not ruin our enterprise.
A short time before Captain Lewis left the
ship for Jacquemel, a violent quarrel took
place between him and Colonel Armstrong,
occasioned by the latter having struck the
steward of the former, for not keeping the

C 25 ]
table furniture, or something of this kind, in
proper order. The quarter-master-general un
dertook, on deck, to punish the steward with
a hearty rope's-ending. Lewis hearing the
cries of his servant, came from below to en
quire into the cause ; and perceiving what
Armstrong was doing, ordered him to desist,
which he did, but not without strenuously
asserting his right to chastise any person in the
ship. Lewis told him that he should exercise
no such -authority in a vessel where he com
manded. Both exhibited great bitterness, and
dealt each other an' abundance of hard words.
The General took the side of Armstrong; and
Lewis, who is a man not to be intimidated by
sounding names, informed his Excellency, that
neither he, nor his quaiter-master-general, had
any thing to do with the discipline of the
ship ; and that whilst he commanded the Le
ander, he should take care not to allow Mi
randa, nor any of his officers, to assume autho
rity, which, of right, solely existed in his hands.
A great deal of indecent warmth was shewn
on all sides, but in the highest degree by the
General himself, who appeared, before the
storm was over, more fit for bedlam than for
the command of an army. An everlasting
breach, I fear, is now made between him and

C 26 ]
the captain. Among other things said in the
heat of their fury, Miranda insisted that the
ship was his property, and that the captain
was obliged to command her under his direc
tions ; whilst Lewis more than intimated, that
till she was paid for, he was to be consulted,
and had a will in the business.
It is painful, and even shocking, to discover,
that our chief is capable of so much passion,
and upon such an occasion. It is not a little
important to us, that he, who holds our for
tunes in his hands, and is to govern us, should
be able to govern himself. The conduct I
have related is equally against his dignity, and
against his prudence. We depend on the sail
ors, who are bound to us by nothing but the
ship's articles, who are nearly one hundred and
fifty, to join the army; but this cannot be
effected without the co-operation .and coun
tenance of Lewis. All of them, except about
twenty volunteers, collected from the butchers'
stalls in Bear market, to be dragoons, and ex
change the cleaver for the broad sword, have
sailed with him before, and are very much at
tached to him. When they find the authority
which, according to the usage of the sea, be
longs exclusively to the captain of the ship,
assumed by Miranda and his officers, they will

C 27 ]
certainly consider themselves injured, and will
side with the captain. If Lewis sets his face
against their inlisting, they will not listen to
the proposals of serving on land and becoming
musket men. Miranda has, therefore, every
motive of interest, if no other, to keep on
good terms with the ship master. If this
quarrel does not stop where it is, we may as
well relinquish the expedition, for it cannot
prosper under such dissensions.
February 23d. The following is the scene
now exhibited on the deck of our ship from
fun rising to sun set.
One side of the quarter-deck is occupied by
a printing press, at which several young men
of that profession are busy in striking off the
General's proclamations to the people of South
America, and setting the types for printing
our commissions. The other side is taken up
with two groupes of Mars' youngest sons, em
ployed with military books ; some studying,
some reading, and others looking at the pic
tures. His Excellency is at the head of one
of these parties, philosophizing on various sub
jects, and passing from one to another with
bis pecHliar volubility. At this moment he is
painting the dangers of a military life. He
ends every recital of hardships by telling the

[ 28 3
young gentlemen how much honour results to»
those who bear them with fortitude. Not
withstanding this encouraging conclusion, the
youngsters look rather aghast ! which he ob
serves in silence.
When the old gentleman gets upon this
topic, which he does almost daily, he never
fails to inform his pupils of his own feats and
sufferings when he was young, and in the wars.
His countenance, which is always extremely
expressive at such times, gives evidence of Hie
great pleasure he feels in dwelling on " disas;-
trous chances" and " hair-breadth 'scapes." -I
confess to you, I am sorry to find he loves
greatly to talk of himself, and likes those best
who appear most willing to hear him on this
subject ; for I believe that vanity and egotism,
which are qualities destitute of any recommen
dation whatever, are generally associated with
other traits that have no claim to approbation.
I must confess too, that he appears not a little
tinctured with pedantry ; a pardonable fauli
in an academician, but not so respectable in a
hero and statesman.
Next is seen the armourer's bench, with all
his apparatus for repairing old muskets, points
less bayonets, and rusty swords. This tinker
has his hands full, as our arms are none of the

t 29 3
best, and seem to have been already'condemned
in some other service. Whoever •purchased
them for the expedition, was either no judge
of arms, or he has been kinder to himself than
his employer.
A few feet from the place where I am now
writing, is a noisy set of animals called volun
teers, going through the manual exercise,
under the direction of a drill sergeant, who
looks as bold as a lion, and roars nearly as
loud. I hope he may feel as fierce when we
shall have something serious to do. In the
vicinity of these fellows, the regimental tailor,
and half a dozen of his cross-legged disciples
,are placed, surrounded by the materials and
implements of their trade. A little further are
several carpenters, employed in making staves
for the pikes, with which our cavalry is to be
armed. Beyond this the sailors are seen work
ing with their ropes, tar, blocks, &c. and here
my description ends.
On surveying these operations, the Ganeral
looks mightily pleased, and says, " we shall
soon be ready for the Main." Every thing
goes on merrily ; but we are not permitted to
step on shore; this is a great hardship to many;
for my part, I don't know the cause of the
prohibition, nor do I care much when it is re
moved.

C 30 3
Febtuary 2bth. I give a copy of the ctfra*
missions intended for the officers of Miranda's
army. They were finished to-day.
" Don Francisco de Miranda>
" Commander-in-chief of the Columbian Army,
" By virtue of power and authority vested
in me, I hereby constitute and appoint  -»,
in the army of Columbia, under my command ;
and all officers, his superiors and inferiors, non
commissioned officers, soldiers, and others, are
hereby required to respect and obey him as
such, agreeable to the articles of war.
(Signed) " FRAN. DE MIRANDA.
" Thomas Molini, Sec and Regt/*
Several hundred of Miranda's proclamations
are printed off. These manifestos, addressed
to the people of South America, as you would
expect, declare his views and intentions with
respect to their country. They paint, in for
cible language, the hardships and multiplied
injuries under which these people at present
labour; all of which he promises to remove;
and they also inform the inhabitants of every
description, how they are to regulate them
selves, and what they are to do when their de«
liverers arrive,

C 31 ]
This document puts an end to the imagina«
tions which some of our company entertained,
that we were destined to that part of the Spa
nish dominions which had made, or was about
to make, encroachments on Louisiana, or New
Orleans. It is also silent about the connexion
of the government of the United States with
our schemes, on which we have always relied,
at least so far as to believe that we were not
contravening the wishes, nor exposing our
selves to the displeasure of those who are at
the head of American affairs. But though this
official paper claims no countenance from the
President or Executive of our country, the
nature of Miranda's insinuations, and the cir
cumstances of our outfit, have always kept,
and do now keep us under the impression,
that all is right on this quarter; and that we
have not put ourselves out of the protection
of the United States.
Yesterday morning we saw a strange sail off
the harbour, supposed by some to be a French
privateer. I notice it creates great inquietude
in the General's mind. The appearance of a
French frigate would place us in a disagree
able situation, for we could not possibly get
put, if she were disposed to prevent it; and

t 32 3
the Leander, with his Excellency Don Frart-9
cisco de Miranda, would be deemed an object
to justify the attention and vigilance of the
Monsieurs. There are yet no signs of the Cleopatra. I
before observed, that the General said he had
received assurances of Captain Wight's co-ope
ration. Every vessel, that is descried in the
offing, excites his fears or curiosity; and he
seldom fails to request somebody, first asking
if they have good sight, to take the spy-glass,
and see if that vessel is the Cleopatra ; upon
hearing an unfavourable report from the ob
server, he says, " well, never mind, should she
not join us here, she will come to us on the
Spanish Main." All this is calculated to make
us imagine that the British interest themselves
in our success. Yet, if this be the case, there
seems to have been no plan for securing their
aid; and our hopes from them are directed to a
single ship accidentally spoken at sea. There
is a report here that the United States are fit
ting out two frigates to come in pursuit of us,
and conduct us back. We cannot trace this
story to its origin, but deem it incredible and
ridiculous. Captain Lewis and Major Smith
have been gone to Port au Prince ten days
(five longer than was expected, the distance

[ 33 ]
being about one day's journey) and not a line
has been received from them. This delay is to
be lamented. If the chances of our success
depend on surprise, they must be diminishing
every moment. We did calculate on being
in Caraccas before this. We wait the re
turn of these gentlemen with anxiety on several
accounts. I shall be uneasy till I see how Lewis
and Miranda meet one another again. It is to
be hoped they have both improved the time of
separation, in bringing their minds to rea
son, and trying to forget their resentments. If
they shall be cold and reserved, when they
come together again, I shall expect the breach
will be irreparable ; for I have often observed,
that when persons after a disagreement se
parate without an eclaircissement satisfactory
to both, and appear distant and suspicious at
their first meeting, it is tire commencement of a
durable enmity. The Captain is high spirited
and unyielding ; and the General, I am per
suaded, is a man of unruly temper, obstinate
and determined. The judicious interposition
of a third person, in such a case, will some
times be effectual ; if this shall be necessary, I
hope Major Roorbach, who is qualified for the
office, will try his influence. We look for the
return of this gentleman with solicitude on an-

[ 34 ]
other account. The General professes to be
lieve we shall be joined by the Emperor, a
noble ship now at Port au Prince, under the
command of Captain Jacob Lewis (brother of
the commander of our ship), who is a man of
resource. It is supposed our messengers are
detained at Port au Prince to attempt arrange
ments for this purpose. This ship will be a
great acquisition, and indeed will be necessary,
if much force is required for our undertaking,
and no British vessel of war, as we apprehend,
is engaged. The Black Emperor's principal officer, sta
tioned at this port, has sent a letter on board to
the commanding officer of the Leander, de
manding the reason why our ship has not en
tered at the custom-house. The true reason,
I suppose, is, that it was deemed unnecessary to
go through this form, we having no views of
trade, and nothing on board but what is in
tended for our own use. I do not know what
answer this letter received ; but the guard is
doubled, and many unusual precautions are to
be observed.
Monday, 3d March. Yesterday a letter
arrived from Captain Lewis, announcing his
intention of returning this day. He has come
accordingly, but he brings no intelligence that

[ 35 ]
is made public, nor can we judge what is the
result of his proceedings.
The meeting between him and his Excel
lency, though not the most cordial, is more
friendly than I expected, and I cannot but hope
their contention will now die. The officers
are to be permitted to go on shore to-morrow,
and some of the young men are half frantic
with the idea. One-half will be allowed to
leave the ship at one time, and all will draw
lots in the morning to determine who shall first
be let out of prison. If I get a first turn, I
shall exchange it with some one more eager
for the release than myself, that I may finish
letters to send by a vessel that will sail for the
United States in two days.

d2

[ 36 }

LETTER V.
Columbian colours displayed. — Schooner Bee
chartered. — Report from Laguira. — Aspa-
sia. — Disturbance in the Bee. — Disappoint
ment respecting the ship Emperor. — Schooner
Bacchus engaged — supposed to bring a spy.
— Treatment of a Danish vessel. March 12th, 1806.
This day the Columbian colours were dis
played on board for the first time. This en
sign is formed of the three primary colours
which predominate in the rainbow. We made
a fete on the occasion, a gun was fired, and
toasts were drank to the auspices of a standard,
which is expected to wave to the triumph of
freedom and humanity in a country long op
pressed. lith. Our attention has for several days
been attracted by the schooner mentioned be
fore. She is equipped as a privateer, and fre
quently sails backwards and forwards across
the harbour. She comes very, often within

[ 37 ]
gun shot, and remains in sight for hours; and
is probably a French privateer, or some vessel
stationed here to watch our motions. Last
night the guard was doubled again, and orders
given to keep a strict look out; under the ap
prehension that she.might send her boats in,
to cut out some vessels in port, which our Ge
neral, in the exercise of the right of the strong
est, if no other, will undoubtedly prevent,
should it be attempted.
The supercargo returned fromPortau Prince
to-day. He brings no news of interest, except
that I understand a Philadelphia schooner, call
ed the Bee, has been chartered to accompany
the Leander. Having no guns, she will not
add to our force so much as to our comfort,
by taking out some of our officers and men,
who are greatly in one another's way in this
small ship.
16*7z. An event has occurred, that excites
a suspicion in my mind that we shall not ar
rive at the Main unlooked for. A schooner
came in here yesterday, named the Bacchus,
the master of which gave the following ac
count, when hailed by the Leander, viz. that he
sailed from Philadelphia bound to Laguira, and
on his arrival there he found the place block
aded, or heard that all the vessels in port were

C 38 ]
under embargo (I don't know which), and
therefore he made the best of his way to St.
Domingo. On what account this blockade or
embargo was made he professes not to know.
This relation of the master was, and is, repre
sented to the company on board, who, you may
suppose, are naturally inquisitive on the sub
ject, as entitled to no confidence. The Gene
ral and Captain appeared peculiarly incredu
lous. But I observed it kept our chief and his
confidential officers for hours in secret con
versation. It being my turn to go on shore, I was the
more desirous to improve it, in the hope of
getting some further intelligence at the coffee
house or elsewhere ; for on board nothing is
to be learned of any material circumstance, and
our curiosity is discouraged as inconsistent
with that confidence and secrecy which is ne
cessary to be maintained by the principals in
the expedition. But I gained no satisfaction,
not meeting with any of the officers or crew of
the Bacchus. What information I received
favoured the suspicion that the vessel, perhaps
through the agency of the Spanish minister,
left Philadelphia as a spy ; or at least that she
came in that character from the Main to this
place. Notwithstanding his apparent con,-

[ 39 ]
tempt of the master's story, I find that Miranda
proposes to take measures that no persons on
board her shall make such communications as
may injure the expedition; which steps, he
says, are justified by the laws of nations, and
very probably she will not be allowed to leave
this before us.
This morning arrived here the Aspasia from
Baltimore, mounting fourteen guns, com-/
manded by Captain Bumberry. Soon after
she came in sight, she hoisted two signals and
fired two guns, and the privateer schooner,
which has appeared so often, after apparently
standing out to escape her, hove about and
came within speaking distance. Our doubts
whether the ship was a friend or enemy, oc
casioned Lewis to prepare the Leander for
defence ; and we remained at our quarters till
we saw her taking in sail and making ready
to anchor. Captain B. confirms our suspi
cions respecting the schooner.
March 18th. The Bee lies close under our
stern; last night, between eight and nine
o'clock, a voice from her called for assistance,
and at the same time the noise seemed to in
dicate a mutiny or riot. Several of the Le-
ander's principal officers, armed, hastened on
board, and soon produced silence, bringing

[ 40 ]
four or five sailors away, who were put in irons
during the night. It appears, however, that
the disturbance was nothing but the effect of
the liquor drank to the honour of St. Patrick's
day. But it seemed to give the General as
much alarm as if it had been a concerted mu
tiny. Two of our non-commissioned officers
were yesterday turned into the ranks for inso
lence to their superiors. Miranda is growing
more strict, and not without necessity, in my
opinion. Many of our people seem as if too
well instructed in the right of self-government,
to be governed by the authority, or submit to
the ordinary and indispensable restraints of
military service.
March 23d. After all our delay, we are not
to be joined by the Emperor. A week ago,
intelligence was received that she had put to
sea with the intention of joining the Leander.
A gentleman this morning from Port au Prince,
gives information that she has returned into
port. The reason is supposed to be, that the
law of Congress, prohibiting intercourse with
St. Domingo, and the news of which, had
just come, induces Captain Jacob Lewis to re^
main, in order to dose his business in the
island. The schooner Bacchus is to be taken into

r_ 41 ].
our service ; she is, or will be, purchased by a
Captain Donahue, and chartered by Miranda.
The officers and crew of this schooner have
not been on board of her for some time. They
must have been either persuaded or compelled
to disappear. That she was, from the first, re
garded with suspicion by the General, is cer*
tain. The night after the arrival of the Bac
chus, a gentleman who arrived in her came on
board our ship on the pretence of visiting an
officer of his acquaintance, and while here, I
know he learned a number of particulars re
specting our enterprise. He has not been seen
since, It is said, I believe with truth, that
Miranda considered him a spy, and has obliged
him to give security, that he will not leave
this island until we are gone, and that he
keeps himself close on bqard some vessel in
port. The captain, Donahue, of whom I have
spoken, is a seaman by profession; and was
appointed a major in the Columbian army, on
the 19th instant, and Jonathan Smith, Esq. sur
percargo, was the same day made a brevet-
major. „
This night three American vessels sailed,
homeward bound. The Leander has been tak
ing upon herself airs, that I, for one, cannot

C 43 ]
approve. But when there are no laws to be
followed, it is well understood, that those who
have the power make laws for themselves.
It being suspected that the Charleston packet
(one of the vessels just mentioned), had taken
away two of our sailors, the second mate, with
a party of armed men, was dispatched for them,
and upon search found that no man belonging
to us was in the suspected vessel. On setting
out to return, the mate ordered the muskets and
pistols of his crew to be discharged, to prevent
injury in rowing back. The flashes were seen
by us, the packet being about two miles dis
tant, and it was supposed her captain had re
fused to submit to search, and that the officer
had used force to execute his orders. Upon
this another boat with an armed crew went out,
under the command of the chief mate, and
meeting the first boat on its way back, they
went together along-side of a Danish schooner,
proposing to search her for our absent men.
The master protested against it as a usurpation,
in such language as such conduct would natu
rally provoke, but without effect. He was not
only obliged, right orwrong,to openhis hatches,
but received much personal insult and abuse
from our mates, besides getting the flat of one
of their sabres severely laid over his back.

[ 43 ]
They forced one sailor out of his bed, and ,
brought him to the Leander ; and endeavoured
to justify their proceedings by saying, that the
captain of the vessel to which he formerly be
longed had given them permission to secure
him whenever found ! Captain Lewis is now
at Port au Prince. Had he been here, I think
this would not have taken place.

[ 44 ]

LETTER VI.
Preparations for departure. — Declaration made
and sworn to by the officers. — Compensation
of the officers. March 25th, 1806.
The last three days have been particularly
employed in preparations for sea ; and I pre
sume, from the arrangements lately made, we
shall not remain here much longer. We have
accepted our commissions as officers in the
Columbian army, and made the following en
gagements and oath of fidelity to the cause.
" As law is the basis of discipline and regu
larity in an army, we, the subscribers, do
agree to accept from General Don Francisco
de Miranda, the different commissions and
ranks (as specified therein) in the army of Co
lumbia, now raising, or to be raised by him, for
the service of the free people of South AmeriV
ca, independent of Spain. And we do also
hereby solemnly promise to be governed in all
things agreeable to the articles of war of the

[ 45 ]
United States of North America; with such
alteration inform only (as have been read and
exhibited to us ) so as to adapt them to the dif
ference of government under which we^now
are, or may be; and until regularly discharged
from the said army by him, or his successors,
legally appointed by the supreme authority of
that country after the service of at least two
campaigns ; and we acknowledge to have taken
the oath hereunto annexed, as prescribed by
the third section of the articles of war, viz.
" I swear to be true and faithful to the free
people of South America, independent of Spain,
and to serve them honestly and faithfully against
all their enemies or opposers whatsoever, and
to observe and obey the orders of the supreme
government of that country legally appointed ;
and the orders of the general and officers set
over me by them. On board the Leander,
Jacquemel Harbour, 2\th day of March, 1806."
Major Sands, feeling some scruples against
subscribing to this oath, said, that he wished
to be " perfectely satisfied" that by his en
gagement in this expedition, it should not be
understood that he did in any measure abjure
his own country. Miranda observed, that in
order to put our minds at rest on this subject,
the Major, or any other gentleman who chose,

[ 46 ]
mio-ht annex to his signature of the covenant
and oath, " that they did not intend by taking
it to cancel their allegiance to the United
States." This declaration of Miranda was re
quisite to the satisfaction of the officers gene
rally, though one of the number chose to re
mark, " if your Excellency permits every per
son to make his trifling objections,' it will re
quire a long time before this well understood
business can be finished, and what can be done
on a sheet of paper will require volumes."
It was not very obvious what could prompt this
derision of the scruples of his associates, unless
that, being a lawyer, he thought the Judge-ad-
vocate-generalcy of the free people of Colum
bia would be most likely to fall upon the great
est flatterer of the commander-in-chief.
This question being settled on deck, the of
ficers were summoned into the cabin, where
Colonel Armstrong read and explained the ar
ticles of war of the United States ; and the al
terations in form, not in substance or spirit,
which were to be made in them. " Notice,
gentlemen," said the Colonel, " the object of
this change is to suit the wording of the ar
ticles to the local names and situations of the
country where they are to take effect : thus,
for the army of the United States, will be sub-

t 47 ]
stituted the army of South America ; and for
the President, or Congress of the United States,
will be used the Supreme Authority of the free
people of South America, or something of this
kind." The business being thus well under
stood, every officer, according to rank, took
the oath, and subscribed his name to the obliga
tion. You may observe there are no condi
tions as to compensation made with us by Mi
randa, except that we shall have the benefit of
the articles of war of the United States. When
we engaged at New York with his agents we
were promised pay on the most liberal scale.
The pay of a colonel was to be ten dollars per
day, a major eight, a captain six, a lieutenant
four, &c. In the general order assigning us
our commissions, you must have noticed, we
were to commence rank and pay from the be
ginning of this year.
Towards evening, Captain Lewis returned
from Port au Prince, and set about the last
preparations for our departure.

C 48 ]

LETTER VII.
Departure from Jacquemel. — Change of men
to the schooners. — Officers engaged at this
island. — A brawl. — A sail seen.
Leander at Sea, March 28th, 1806.
At length is terminated our tedious stay at
Jacquemel; and we go we trust " to  some
enterprise that hath a stomach in't." Our
naval force is the Leander, attended by two
schooners, the Bee and Bacchus. The num
ber of us all does not exceed two hundred ;
for we have not recruited our number at this
island, except with a few officers, and one man
of colour for a pilot. The men want discipline,
and the officers experience ; this appears to
you, no doubt, a miserable force. Miranda
does not pretend to turn his eyes from our
weakness, but professes to have other depend
ence. He has continually assured us that
there are good officers and good soldiers,
with an abundance of every thing, in readiness
for us, the moment we set our feet in South

[ 49 ]
America, which, to use his own words,
" ceases that instant to belong to the king of
Spain." The command of the Bacchus has
been given to Captain Gardner ; the Bee is in
charge of her original master, whose name is
Huddle. The former has proposed to mount
several short carronades, but the General in
sists that there is little danger, and as little oc
casion, to arm, and has confined him to one
gun. If we fall in with French or Spaniards
of any force, I think our case will be desperate
— and the " question of the fight" will be our
necks. The Leander being extremely full, it was
necessary to provide for a part of the troops in
the schooners. For obvious reasons, those, to
whom the proposition of going on board these
unprotected vessels, objected, as far as consist
ed with military obedience. After consider
able difficulty, seven officers and several men,
including the printers, were prevailed upon, or
rather compelled, to change their vessel. Nei
ther of the schooners, I am informed, has a
single regular paper to save her from being
captured by the cruisers or privateers, which
every where infest these waters ; all their de
pendence is keeping close to the Leander — if
E

C 50 ]
they separate, may Heaven's mei'cies be theif
protection, for they have no other.
Several gentlemen joined us just before we
left Jacquemel. You will find their names and
ranks in the general order of yesterday.* The
two first gentlemen on this list, are spoken of
in terms of high commendation, as being such
characters as we greatly need; whose junction
with us is sincerely welcomed, though I per
ceive their ranks are envied, because they are
considered as having superseded some old vo
lunteers of five weeks standing. Lieutenant-
colonel Kirkland has the reputation of being
an intrepid man, accustomed to service, pos
sessing excellent talents, a liberal education,
and considerable military knowledge.
* " Leander, off Jacquemel, March T]th, 1806.
" G. O. " Parole, Marcellus.— Countersign, Intrepidity.
*' The Commander in Chief has been pleased to make the
following appointments in the
First Regiment of (North American) Infantry.
George W. Kirkland, Esq. to beaLieut.-Colonel.
Jeremiah Powell, Esq. Major.
James F. Ledlie, Gent. Captain.
Charles Revington, Gent. First Lieutenant.
Robert Clark, Gent. Ditto.
Abraham Judah, Gent. Surgeon in the Army.
James Stedrrian, Quarter- Master, with
the rank of 2d Lieut.

C si 3
Mr. Powell, from what I am informed, is
also no small acquisition. Though not so ex
tensively versed in the military art, he has all
the requisite qualifications for becoming a good
officer, and is full of military ambition. He has
been well educated, and possesses abilities much
beyond mediocrity, with the most amiable
manners. We had expectations that a Mr. Windsor,
now at Port au Prince, and the particular friend
of these gentlemen, would have joined us; his
character would have ensured him a respectful
welcome ; but his private affairs arrested his
purpose. Of the quality and standing of the rest of our
new associates, I have heard nothing either good
or bad. If they do any thing worth recording,
you shall hear it.
Wc had not been under weigh but a little
time before the demon of contention appeared
again. The Bee, a few hours ago, run foul of
our ship, stove the small boat astern into a
thousand pieces, carried away our taff-rail, and
lost her own jib-boom. Immediately Colonel
Armstrong, with a speaking trumpet, began to
reprimand the master of the schooner, and or
dered him, at his peril, neverto approach so near
the Leander in future. Lewis instantly kindled at
e2

[ 52 ]
this interference of the Quarter-master-general
with his duty, and, without any ceremony,
commanded him not to repeat an action of the
kind. High and insulting words passed on both
sides, till Miranda thought it necessary to
take part in the affray; and, notwithstanding
his disposition to support his nearest officer, in
this instance he decided against him. He
schooled him very severely. Armstrong re
ceived these rebukes with great meekness, al
leging that his anxiety for the common good
prompted his interference ; but promising that
he would not offend again, the storm subsided ;
but grim looks are still seen in various direc
tions. I suppose the war of frowns and words
will not cease, till that of balls commences,
which, though more dangerous, is not half so
disagreeable as these eternal jarrings of discord
ant tempers. These gentlemen can never agree,
and our captain particularly appears to have an
invincible dislike to the Quarter-master-general.
March 31st. I had scarcely finished the
last paragraph, when a brig was discovered
standing towards us ; of course we were clear
ed for action, and ordered to our quarters ; but
in half an hour, finding she had no mind to
make acquaintance with us, we retired from
quarters to bed in sound skins. The General

C 53 3
is not, nor any of his followers, wholly free
from the apprehension of meeting a French or
Spanish vessel of more strength than we shall
be glad to see ; though the English cruizers
occasion the Dons and Monsieurs to be very
scarce in these seas, and the danger of being
met is not great. Should any of the latter and
we come in each other's way, we shall have but
one of two alternatives, to run as fast, or fight
as hard as we can ; and we might very possibly
not succeed in either. The last is our chief
resource, though our crew have more bravery
than skill. In sailing, most of the cruisers in
the West Indies would be an over-match for
the Leander, otherwise an excellent ship.

C 54 ]

LETTER VIII.

Another dispute. — Ship falls to the leeward. —
Chases ji vessel. — The Leander cannot use the
American Ensign. April 1st, 1806.
Surely the pope and the holy fathers have
not invoked heaven against Miranda's expedi
tion in vain. It is worse and worse. The
contest now has been between Lewis and the
General. Capt. Gardner of the Bacchus ad
dressed a line to Colonel Armstrong for some
articles for the schooner ; and for an addition of
hands, complaining that he had not men enough
to work the vessel. Lewis thought (and very
properly in my opinion) this note should have
been addressed to him, and that ii belonged to
him to give ananswer. The General thought
otherwise, and observed that Lewis had no
thing to do but to obey his orders. Lewis's
temper could not bear this, and he took his
stand. He declared the Bacchus should have
none of his men, as he wanted all for his own

C 55 ]
vessel ; and threatened that if he was overruled,
he would resign. The altercation grew more
and more violent, till Lewis resolved instantly
to leave the ship. He directed his servant to
produce his baggage, that he might go on board
the Bacchus, which had been ordered by hirh
to heave to for that purpose. The mates of
our ship seeing things going, such lengths,
swore they would follow Lewis, and had their
trunks brought on deck to be put into the boat,
then alongside. Matters having proceeded
thus far, Colonel Kirkland, who had prudentr
ly waited till Lewis's passion had a little calm
ed down, undertook the office of mediatqr^-
and by good management at length accom
plished the restoration of peace, greatly to the
satisfaction of every one. The Bacchus was
supplied, except with tlie sailors, which were
deemed unnecessary to her; and we again
made sail ; for during the dispute we had been
laying-to. It is a grievous thing that Mi
randa has not taken more pains to cement his
little band ; and not suffered the ill will and
malice which might have been checked at first,
to take such deep root in the minds of some
of his principal officers,, as to threaten deadly
effects. April 6lh. Tell me, if you can, have all the

C 56 ]
demons of ill will and contradiction taken
a stand against us, that we should fail in
almost in every thing which we set about ? At
leaving Jacquemel, it was the General's inten
tion to anchor at Bonair, a small island near
that part of the Spanish Main where it is
supposed we are to land. After being ten
days at sea, we have the mortification to find
ourselves, through the ignorance of our pilot,
carri'ed'almost to the bottom of the Gulf of
Venezuela. We are seventy miles dead to
leeward of Bonair. What with the trade winds
and the current, which is common here, and
may happen to set against us, and most likely
does at this very moment, we may be two
weeks or twenty days in this gulf. We chased
a small vessel this morning, supposing her
to>be Spanish ; but she gave, us .the slip by
running into a river on the north side of the
gulf; however, had we caught her, we could
have done ^nothing, unless it had been under
Columbian colours; and then the capture would
have been at our peril: It is not long since
the General said he did not intend to hoist his
new flag on board the ship till it was first vic
toriously displayed in, his native land; and
that he had no right to use the American en
sign, i. The latter conversation convinces mc of

C 57 3
what I have long suspected, that he never had
any official encouragement from our govern
ment ; though, as I have before remarked, he
frequently insinuated that the President had
given more than a tacit sanction to his enter
prise.

[ 58 ]

LETTER IX.

Arrival at Aruba. — Manoeuvring the troops.- —
Remarks.
Leander, at Aruba, April 1 1th, 1806.
We have just anchored at this inland, after
a much quicker passage from the gulf of Ven-
zuela than we had reason to expect. We had
trouble in anchoring through the violent wind
and bad holding ground. We find two ves
sels here, a brig and schooner, armed smug
glers employed in the trade between the In
dian coast on the Main and Jamaica ; which
at first fired at us, supposing we were Spani
ards, till we made them understand we were
friends. The General and several officers have taken
quarters on shore, and I understood our troops
are to be paraded and exercised here. Hav
ing performed* this work, and got a few sup
plies which we need, we shall proceed imme
diately to the land of promise.
April lblh. Our troops have been con-

[ 59 3
stantly exercising under the direction and in
struction of Colonel Kirkland, who has brought
them forward wonderfully for the short time
he has had them in hand. He has a grreat
spirit of command, and seems already to have
communicated to these troops a good degree of
martial port and feeling. They were reviewed
yesterday by the General ; he was highly
pleased with their progress, and the method of
training and discipline pursued by their com
manding officer. The envy that follows me
rit, in this, as in any other service, is one dis
couragement from being conspicuously useful,
or earning distinction from the chief. His fa
vour is expected to be a passport to fortune ;
and to have much of it is of course no recom
mendation to the good will of those, viho are
competitors for the same boon without the
qualifications necessary to obtain it by direct
means. Hence it would not surprise you to
know that there are those among us who rely
for favour on flattery and intrigue, rather than
on their own desert; and, of consequence, look
with an evil eye upon those, who are not oblig
ed or inclined to pay the same price for influ
ence. In this small society, as a sprightly au
thor observes of a great one, that of the city of

C 60 3
London, " there is a market for cunning," and
I hope also, " an emporium for honesty," but
here, as there,
'.' Honest men
Are the soft, easy cushions, on which knaves
Repose and fatten."

E 61 ]

LETTER X.

Departure from Aruba.— ^Events till the arrival
on the coast. — Singular order.— A great dis
pute. — Resignation of Lewis. — The Main
land in sight. — Sailors enlisted as soldiers.
Ready to land. April 16th, 180S.
We embarked last evening and sailed this
morning at day light, having in company an
English schooner mounting six guns, com
manded by Captain Phillips, who, the General
says, will afford his assistance. To this person
he has given written orders, sealed, to be open
ed at a suitable time, a mark of confidence to a
stranger which seems a little extraordinary. A
man said to be a skilful pilot to the Main, was
engaged in that capacity at Aruba.
17th. The following extraordinary com
mand was this day given out.
" G. O. Parole, Nelson. Countersign,
Trafalgar. One subaltern with side arms, to
mount every morning at 1 1 o'clock, whose duty

[ 62 ]
it will be to remain on deck, where he is to
notice, and report immediately to the com
mander in chief, any thing remarkable that
may take place during the day. At day light
in the morning he is to call upon Lieutenant-
colonel Smith, his aide-de-camp, and report to
him whether any land or vessels are in sight,
the situation of the vessels which accompany
the Leander ; and should any officer have any
communication of consequence to make during
the time he may be asleep, he begs it may be
immediatelycommunicated tohis aide-de-camp,
who has directions to call upon him, at all
times, when duty requires it."
The original order made it the duty of the-
subaltern " to observe the courses and dis
tances of the ship throughout the twenty-four
.hours ; the direction of the wind ; and to no
tice the working of the vessel, &c." This
Lewis ridiculed, and declared it should not be
put in force, which led the General to direct it
to be modified as above. I thought there
would be another clashing of jurisdictions, and
that we should see another battle.
Tliere is, to be sure, no more occasion for
such an order as this, than there is to station a
catholic altar on the mast head ; and it will
do as much good. With two or three excep-

C 63 3
tioris, none of the subalterns know a single
point of the compass, still less do they under
stand the management of a ship. It is the
custom now, in consequence of this new regu
lation, to see one of our redoubtable subalterns
approaching from the cabin equipped in full
uniform, armed with a long rusty dragoon sa
bre, with a roll of paper in one hand and a
pencil in the other, to minute down the occur
rences of the day, amidst the pointed ridicule
of Lewis and his mates; and the stifled laughter
of the whole ship's crew. Still, however, the
Quarter-master-general persists in requiring
this unnecessary and ludicrous duty.
April 2lst, 11 o'clock at night. An adverse
star sheds its malignant influence over our ex
pedition ; or, in plain language, we have no
principle of union. More rage, thunder, and
fury, broke out this morning between the old
disputants, Lewis and the General. The very
ship herself trembled at the uproar ; conster
nation, dread, and dismay, reigned in every
countenance within her sides. We are quiet
at this moment ; but Heaven only knows how
long harmony, or rather smothered vengeance,
is to have its duration. The General is pos
sessed with an idea that the ship has not been
managed to the best advantage by Lewis and

[ 64 }
bis officers, since we last put to sea. He has
several times expressed his doubts to persons
most acquainted with seamanship on board ;
who have, I believe, treated them generally as
groundless. But whenever his Excellency has
persuaded himself into an opinion, he is like a
stream which will not roll back. Reasoning
and facts are but vain breath. He has taken it
into his head, that he is a sailor as well as a
general and philosopher; and he seems to
think that a ship may be forced to make head
way in a calm, or beat to windward with the
greatest facility, against strong currents and
light winds; and because the Leander ridi
cules his new hypothesis in not doing either of
these impossibilities, he has become impatient,
ill tempered, and abusive, scolding from morn
ing till night at the poor navigators, for what
he calls their inattention, neglect, and disaffec
tion. In vaia do they urge that the moon Or
trade winds impel the waters to the westward ;
his Excellency is in a hurry to sail in an opposite
course, and blames the captain and mates be
cause we do not advance in that direction ;
and because they do not understand the art of
obliging the wind to blow fresh in a season of
the year when calms are common and to be
expected.

C 65 3
Two days ago in the afternoon wc were sit
no great distance from Curacoa, and expected
to reach Bonair in a short time; however, that
ill luck which seems always to be at our elbow,
brought on a stormy night, and we were fre
quently obliged to shorten sail ; the ship was
labouring twelve hours in a heavy sea, with a
strong current setting against her. Under these
circumstances nothing could be expected but
that the ship would drift to leeward. The next
morning this was found to have been the case;
in consequence of which the General this day
called a council of war to inquire into the
affair. The pilot, whom we engaged at Aruba,
was examined, and the opinions of Major
Powell and Major Donahue and others were
taken ; and a report was made unfavourable to
Lewis. I have no doubt that a majority of the
council gave their sincere opinions, and gave
them with delicacy and candour. I will an^-
swer for several of them, that they are superior
to malice against the Captain ; and are incapable
of seeking the General's favour by doing an in
jury to another. But, in my apprehension, tlieir
anxiety to reach the scene of operation, and their
uncomfortable situation in a crowded ship, dis
posing them to be impatient at any thing hav
ing the appearance of intentional neglect or
r

[ 66 3
delay, has warped their better judgment, and
made them censure where they should have ac
quitted. The only important fact in support
of tlieir sentence is, that the third mate was
asleep on Saturday night, when a heavy squall
struck the ship, and compelled her to bear
away almost before the wind till the topsails
could be clewed down and reefed ; but during
this time, she codld not -at the utmost have
fallen to leeward more than a league. The
blame here belongs to the subordinate, not to
the principal officer ; and it would have been
very right to punish the offender severely.
The current, heavy swell and the impossibility
of carrying sail with safety in bad weather on,
a ship whose rigging is bad enough for con
demnation, are sufficient to account for our
slow progress. An unprejudiced person, versed
in navigating a vessel, would be satisfied, I
think, that Captain Lewis has done his best.
As soon as our captain was informed what
the General and council of war had been about
in the cabin, he flew into a rage not far re
moved from madness ; and poured out his sen
timents to Miranda in the most plain and une
quivocal terms, though I do not remember to
have heard him make use of any ungentlemanly
expression. Miranda's temper, not less vio-

t 67 3
lent than the other's, took fire, and for sonis
miuutes it was a difficult matter to hear the
sound of one's own voice. Colonel Armstrong
endeavoured several times, and resorted to many
expedients, to produce a reconciliation; but,
as happened before, had the misfortune to in
volve himself still more deeply in the displea
sure of both parties. In his resentment Lewis
resigned his military commission; and has
ceased to be any longer a colonel in Mi
randa's service, with which he declares he is
sincerely sorry he ever had any concern; and
that in future he will have nothing further to
do with his Excellency or his enterprise, more
than to secure the interest of Mr. Ogden.
What will be the final consequence of this
affair, cannot be foreseen. If Lewis chooses
to revenge himself, he can do it in a sovereign
degree, by objecting to the sailors leaving the
ship to become soldiers, when we reach the
place of destination ; for not a man of them
will stir without his consent. But I believe he
will not take such a step, however he may
think himself injured.
April 22d, 9 o'clock, P. ill, The Bee has had
the misfortune to spring her main-mast ; but it
was repaired immediately by the carpenters of
our ship. Had the weather been boisterous; i£

v2

I 68 ]
is likely we should have added the loss of this
vessel to our other troubles. Major Donahue
was sent on board the Bacchus this, morning,
and ordered to hasten with all dispatch to the
island of Bonair, with a mission from the Ge
neral relating, to the expedition. His object,
no doubt, is to obtain intelligence, and parti
cularly to see whether there are any vessels at
that island, as his Excellency has said that he
expected one or more British frigates, or a vessel
of less force there, which would attend him to
the Spanish Main.
Wednesday, April 23d, 5 o'clock, P. M. We
are now laying to, off the principal town of
Bonair, waiting to be joined by the Bacchus.
She is coming out, and we shall hear the news
in the course of an hour.
Six o'clock. The Major has just this instant
returned on board. There are no British ves
sels in this port ; and I believe he brings no
important intelligence.
April 2kth, 10 o'clock, A. M. Curafoa. Little
Curacoa, Bonair, and the Main land, are all in
sight, the weather is charming — the wind just
as it ought to be for our purpose ; and we
are all animation, full of business and bustle,
making ready to land among the Spaniards^
whom we have so long promised to visit. We
have shaped our course for Ocumary, and are

[ 69 3
standing towards our destined port under easy
sail. The English schooner which joined us
at Aruba, finding that we did not proceed to
the Main as soon as we expected, has left us.
The General says, that Captain Phillips had
only consented to accompany him on condi
tion that we should make an attempt to land in
eight days from our leaving Arwba.
April 25th. I have before observed to you,
that the men arc greatly attached to Lewis, and,
if required, would obey no authority but his.
Though they have submitted to be drilled as
soldiers, and have heretofore probably expect
ed to bear arms on shore, yet they were never
absolutely engaged for that purpose. The
principal officers thought it necessary, before
coming to land, to propose to these men to
enlist; but they declined, alleging that they
were not bound by any thing but the ship's ar
ticles. The disputes that have arisen between
Lewis and the General had created in their
mirfds a suspicion and dislike of the latter ; and
the many delays and disappointments we have
experienced had depressed their spirits, and
made them indisposed or averse to enrolling
themselves in Miranda's service. It seemed
left to the officers to devise a method of over
coming this backwardness of the sailors, and
use their personal influence with them to con-

C TO ]
cur, for Miranda could not, or would not, move
first in the business, though it was so indis
pensable, and certainly would not take care of
itself. He had the folly, I may almost say ef
frontery, to maintain, that there was no occa
sion to consult the sailors, and that they might
be compelled to serve on shore; this was saying,
that they might be compelled without the right
or power to compel, or that the officers might first
Jight the sailors, and with them, when subdued,
fight the Spaniards ! Major Powell suggested
the plan of making the offers contained in the
following proclamation, which he drew up, and
which, after finding that the tars would not risk
their necks and the loss of their wages, as sea
men of the Leander, for nothing, the General
condescended to sign. In the mean rime Cap
tain Lewis was consulted, to know whether he
would encourage the sailors to join the army,
as it had been whispered that one of the mates,
had declared, that not a man would leave the
ship except Lewis commanded the landing.
In this affair, however, he acted with perfect
fairness and good nature ; and not only gave a,
promise to use his influence with the crew in
favour of the proposals, butperformed.it with
more zeal than from previous events might
have been expected.

C 71 ]
" PROCLAMATION.
" General Miranda, Commanderrin-chief of
the army of Columbia, wishing to encourage
the services and zeal of those of the crew of the
Leander, who volunteer for the land service,
engages to give the following bounty and re
ward to every man who manifests spirit and
promptitude in landing and forming himself
under the standard of Columbia on shore.
" 1st. Thirty dollars per month as pay from
the day of enrolment.
" 2d. A bounty of fifty dollars per month to
all those who, at the close of the campaign, shall
receive from his commanding officer a certifi
cate of his having distinguished himself in the
service. " 3d. And the non-commissioned officers an
additional pay and bounty in proportion.
" 4th. And moreover desirous to provide for
the continual prosperity and happiness of all
those who shall distinguish themselves; to
every man who wishes to return to his family,
a gratuity proportioned to the fidelity and cou
rage he shall have testified.
(Signed) "-Fran, de Miranda.
" On board the Leander, at sea,
the 25th of April, 1806."

[ 73 3
When this paper had been prepared in the
cabin, it was handed to Captain Lewis on deck,
who read and explained it to the crew ; how-
ver, they still held back. The officer, then,
commanding the regiment in which they were
to be placed, and in whose favour they were
very much prepossessed, addressed them in
language adapted to their capacities. He stated
the favourable chances and prospects of the
service for which they were required, and as
sured them that he would accept no compen
sation for his own services, until he first saw
all the promises contained in the proclamation
just read to them fulfilled. By this time they
were generally prepared to accept the offers
made to them. Their names were successively
taken down ; many of them immediately sub
scribed to the oath of fidelity, and the rest fol
lowed in the course of the day. Seventeen
only, including officers, remained to manage
the ship. This number, deducted from that of
our crew, and added to those before attached
to the army, makes our efficient force consist
of about one hundred and eighty-three souls,
including persons of every description.
Not much now remains to be done, before
we shall be entirely prepared to attempt our
long-projected landing.

C 73 3
Six miles from the shore of Ocumara, six
o'clock, P. M. The following order is just
issued. We are in high spirits ; we shall land
this night, and enter upon our new destinies.
" G. O. The officers and soldiers of the
Columbian army are to hold themselves in rea
diness to land at a moment's warning, on the
ship's arrival in port, which is expected to be
this evening. ( Signed ) " B. Roorbach,
" Major of Brigade.
u ByVrder of the Commander-in-chief"

C 74 3

LETTER XI.
The Leander attacked by two Spanish Guarda
Costas. — the schooners Bee and Bacchus cap
tured. — Rencounter with them. — Lewis not to
blame for the loss of the schooners. — Names
of the officers and men captured — Discovery
of the want of water. — Shape our course for
the island of Bonair —The officers entertain
suspicions of their Chief. — They have private
consultations.— Conduct of the General in the
action and subsequent council of war, and
their determination. — Reflections, #r.
Leander, at Sea, May 6lh, 1 806.
We are ruined. We have been obliged to
leave the Main without landing; and what
is infinitely worse, to leave a large part of our
people and associates in the hands of the Spa
niards. Our motions were watched by two
Spanish guarda costas, who gave us battle, and
have succeeded in capturing our schooners,
with nearly sixty of our men and officers,
and a large quantity of arms and ammunition,

[ 75 3
Thus are we involved in disgrace and defeat,
attended with the keenest aggravations. Well
may the Spaniards triumph over us, baffled and
confounded as we have been in the very out
set. Miserable infatuation ! that brought us
here to prove our improvidence and weakness.
God have mercy on our captured friends, be
guiled by misplaced confidence to their ruin,
destined probably to drag out a wretched ex
istence in slavery, or meet an ignominious
death. I could not write before; this dreadful af
fair has kept me silent ; I will now endeavour
to give you a relation of our misfortune.
At six o'clock in the morning, on the 27th
of last month, we saw two strange vessel*
standing along the land. The General thought
proper to give them chace ; as soon as they
discovered us making after them, they crowd
ed sail, and run for the shore. At ten o'clock
A. M. we gave over the chace, hauled close to
the wind, and stood off from the land; at this
time we were about twenty miles distant from
Porto Cabello. Regardless of those two ves
sels, which were a brig and schooner, we began
at meridian to make the necessary preparations
for landing at night. The Bee and Bacchus
were both lying-to, with their boats out, for

C 76 3
the purpose of conveying the troops, arms, &c.
onboard. These small vessels, on account of
their little draught of water, were to be em
ployed to land the detachment. While we were
thus busied, the two vessels before mentioned,
and which we found to be guarda costas, about
two leagues and a half distant, were seen, en
deavouring apparently to get up with us ; this
was at three o'clock in the afternoon. Our
boat, which had been carrying arms to the
schooners, was instantly hoisted in ; the other
boats ordered back to their respective vessels,
and the ship cleared for action. Though some
doubts had been started, it was the general opi
nion that these vessels were Spaniards ; and
that they could, if disposed, get within gun
shot of us, in the course of the night. But the
General continued in the resolution of effecting
an immediate landing if possible. To this end,
after sun-set, we stood in for the place at which
the debarkation was to have been made, at no
great distance from Porto Cabello ; but our de
sign was frustrated by the pilot. He mistook
the intended spot, owing to the darkness of the
night, and the similitude of the mountains and
land marks along the coast. At the discovery
of this mistake, Major Powell and Major Don
ahue went on board of the Bacchus, in order

[ 77 3
to reconnoitre the shore, and to find the place
proposed for landing the troops. Whether
they were ordered on this duty by the General,
or volunteered their services, I know not ; but
certain it is, that the affair terminated very dif
ferently from ourexpectations. It was supposed
that they could soon find the spot, or discover
the pursuit to be vain ; and that they would
not be more than an hour or two absent. At
the expiration of this time, signals of recall
were made, and frequently repeated through
the night ; but, unfortunately, they were either
not seen or not attended to.
About midnight the Spaniards were again
seen ; and signals were perceived passing be
tween them and the fort of Porto Cabello.
Our crew were kept at quarters all night, and
ready for action in the morning. Before sun
rise our enemies hoisted Spanish colours;—
we hoisted none — however, the American jack
was flying as a signal for the two schooners to
keep close to the Leander. At a quarter past
eight, A. M. one of the Spaniards, (the brig)
opened a fire upon the Bacchus, then close in
shore under a heavy press of sail, which soon
afterwards she took in, and anchored. This
was a matter of surprise to every body — but
particularly to Lewis, who could not ima-

C 78 3
gine the meaning of so strange conduct at such
a time. At 11, A. M. the sea breeze favouring us,
we bore down on the enemy, and commenced
firing from our starboard guns. Both vessels
instantly opened upon us ; but we were too
far apart, either to receive or do any material
damage. The action, or rather skirmish, lasted
only thirty-four minutes. Our men were spi
rited, and gave three cheers, on being told by
Lewis, that the General would give them the
enemy's vessels, if they acted like brave fel
lows ; meaning that none of the officers should
share in the prize-money. We sustained but
little injury from the fire of the guarda costas.
The enemy endeavoured to avoid close action ;
had they shortened sail to let us come up, it
was Captain Lewis's intention to board the
moment a chance offered ; but neither of them
would show an opportunity. This induced
him to stand off from them, with the appear
ance of running, supposing that they would
follow us, and as they would probably have se
parated in the chase, it would have given us the
advantage of engaging singly; but they per
ceived our design, and instead of pursuing us,
they made for our schooners, then at too great
a distance, as they had borne away to escape^

[ 79 3
to be protected by the Leander ; and we were
doomed to the inexpressible anguish of seeing
our friends fall captive into the hands of ene
mies, from whom they could hope for no mer
cy;, and ourselves, though ready to encounter
every risk, deprived of all power to afford them
relief, or attempt their rescue.
Perplexity and distress ensued in our ship.
What shall be done was the question ? —
" What say you, Captain ? — what say you, Ge
neral?" — Various persons were consulted, and
it was soon determined to stand off, and I be
lieve for good reasons ; if it was any object to
save ourselves. No doubt this conduct will
be pronounced cowardly ; but hardiness is not
courage. Had we pursued the Spanish vessels,
sailing much faster than we, they would un
doubtedly have run into port, where we could
not follow them without being cut to pieces
by the guns of the fort. If it was proper for
us to engage them, double in force to us as
they were, still we could not do it without their
consent, and this they had evinced, by their
making off, that they would not give. They
were content with capturing our schooners, on
board of which, they had seen many of our
men and arms carried, supposing that, in ac
complishing this, they could entirely frustrate

C 80 ]¦
our design, without risking an encounter with
the Leander. The misfortune is to be ascribed
to the commanders of the schooners not ob
serving, or not obeying, the signals made for
their government. They were ordered to
stay by the Leander ; had they done so, she
would have been victorious, or would have
shared their fate, whatever it might have
been. As the landing did not take place, it is im
possible to say what would have been the re
sult; judging from all circumstances, I appre
hend it would have been disastrous. The
plan of our operations, as explained to mc,*was,
that a detachment of a hundred men, or more,
under Majors Roorbach and Powell should
first go on shore ; and the General and remain
der of the force should stay on board, till the
fate of the first party should be known. The
precise place fixed upon for landing was not
pointed out to any but the commanders ; but it
was said to be one side of a fort near Porto Ca
bello, which our troops were to attempt to
take on the land side, if found vulnerable there;
but if this would not do, they were to leave the
fortress, and make for the interior, in expecta
tion ©f being joined by the inhabitants, or reach
ing ,the patriots, always declared by the Gene-

r si 3
ral to be embodied under Don Pedro Minto.
You have below* alist of the names of the of
ficers and men captured in the schooners, and
probably you may know some of these unfor-

* OFFICERS.

Majors Powell

Capts. Gardner

Donahue

Burgudd

Capts. Durning

Hedkle

Billop

Huddle

.Mr. Lippencott

Lieuts. Johnson

Lieuts. Farquharson

Ferris

Moore

Kemper

Sullivan

George

Mr. Negus

Ingersoll

Lieuts, Shannon

Gill

Hall

Saunders

PRIVATES.

Benjamin Nicholson

William Burnside

Robert Rains

John Pompey

John Hays

William Pride

George Ferguson

James Grant

William Long

Thomas Burlingham

F. Riggers

Robert Stephens

Elisha King

John Scott

Samuel Price

David Shenton

John Burk

Alexander Buchannan

F. W. Raymond

Matthew Buchannan

Joseph Bennet

Benjamin Davis

Daniel M'Key

John Parsells

M. Smith

Stephen Burtii

Henry Sperry

Peter Naulty

John Edsell

C 82 3
tunate victims of this ill-fated expedition.
There were about seven privates, whose names
I do not know. A son of Capt. Heckle, twelve
years of age, was in the same vessel with his
father. Huddle, Lip pencott, and Negus, belong
ed to the Bee, captain, supercargo, and mate.
The thought of these men, in spite of at
tempts to appear at ease, lies heavy on my spi
rits. I revolve the fate of Major Powell par
ticularly with grief. He was one of the most
amiable of men; by heart, mind, and manners,
qualified to be loved and esteemed. Amidst
all the scandal and ill-will among us, I never
heard a mouth Open against him. What sad
intelligence awaits his friends and relatives at
home ? There is no peril which we would not
encounter to rescue our comrades ; but what
can we do ?
The day after the encounter ( April 29tb, ) it
appeared that we Were exposed to a new and
unexpected evil. There was but a single cask
of water on board, and we were reduced to an
allowance of a pint per man.*
It was necessary to seek a port for a fresh
supply, and we steered for Bonair ; where, hav-
* It was not till the time of the action that we discovered
our water was so nearly exhausted,

[ 83 3
ing a good wind, we fortunately arrived that
very night, or we should soon have found our
selves escaped from the sword to perish by
thirst. Having remained at Bonair a short time to
get a few necessaries, we set sail, and have been
at sea since the first of this month, aiming for
the island of Trinidad.
Whilst we lay at Bonair, the officers had
much private consultation with one another
concerning what could or should be done.
Almost every individual seemed impressed with
an idea that our leader had deceived us,, as well
as himself; I have no doubt but some thought
of refusing submission, and putting themselves
and the ship under some other command ; but
the hazards of the attempt appeared too serious.
We could not but feel disgusted and incensed
that Miranda should lead us headlong into
danger and destruction, which he ought to have
foreseen or known. There could be no doubt
in his mind, before we left St. Domingo, that
the Spaniards were apprised of our design, and
were prepared to give us a warm recaption.
He was disappointed in not having the Empe
ror. If she was necessary, why did he not give
up his plan, and make some definitive arrange
ments for that British assistance which he said
g2

[ 84 3
he could have, and, indeed, which he always pro
fessed, insincerely I now believe, to expect?
During our skirmish, the General behaved
with great coolness ; and when entreated by his
officers to go below, as on his life every thing
depended, derided their fears, and kept his
place on deck. After our discomfiture and re
treat he was in great turmoil. — Sometimes ab
sorbed, sometimes venting himself in bursts of
execration against the captain of the Emperor
—in complaint at the English for not coming to
our help, and sometimes dejected. But he
seemed inclined to see us as little as possible ;
and did not try to explain or vindicate his con
duct, or enable us to understand why his
schemes had been thus blasted in the bud. It
gave him evident uneasiness and displeasure
when any of us intimated a wish to hear a plau
sible account of our disaster. He has now re
sumed a collected and decided manner ; and
speaks as though the design was still perfectly
practicable, and the resources for it abundant;
but it had received the late check from a casu
alty not to be expected again. To shew his
confident manner, which came to him on a sud
den, speaking of one of bis field officers, he
aays, "I hope in two months to see him at the
head of ten thousand men." This undiscou-

[ 85 3
raged air of the General serves to keep alive the
hopes of the reflecting part of our little band,
that he has means to effect his object.
Two days after we sailed from Bonair, the
General, who had still an idea of landing on the
Main, without being' reinforced, called a coun
cil of war, at which were present all the officers
in his service. When they were convened, he
proposed two plans for their consideration.
The first was to proceed to Trinidad for the
purpose of obtaining military and naval suc
cours ; which, he stated, would certainly be fur
nished by the British to facilitate his enterprise ;
and also, to procure further information respect
ing South America.
The second proposition was to attempt an
immediate landing at Coro.
The council unanimously agreed, that we
should proceed on our course to Trinidad,
where, from the information of the General, they
supposed that we should certainly obtain all
the assistance necessary to effect the grand ob
ject, on which the greater part are bent. The
plan of going to Coro was rejected, because it
appeared probable to the council that we should
again be attacked by the guarda costas, which it
seemed likely would repair to the Gulf of Coro,
under the supposition that wc would attempt

[ 86 3
a landing at that place. Besides, we are so
weakened hy our loss, that without a reinforce
ment we cannot attempt any thing with the
slightest prospect of success.
Until we reach our destined port, we must
patiently bear a number of privations and in
conveniences. We have no great supply of
water, nor is that little good ; we are allow
anced at three pints per day each man, which
at this rate will last about twenty days. Our
bread, pork, and beef are scarce, and by no
means the best. Thus situated, you may see
that we have but a gloomy prospect in view,
when you add that we have to beat against
head winds and contrary currents every mile
of the distance to Trinidad.

£ 87 J

LETTER XII.

Undignified conduct of his Excellency to one of
his Officers, l$c. MayQth, 1806.
It belongs to my story to relate an instance
Of the General's violence, that made me blush
for the honour of grey hairs, learning, and ex
perience. It happened on the quarter-deck, in
the presence of all the officers and the whole
ship's crew, at Bonair, two or three days after
our misfortune. Stung as he is with disap
pointment, he might plead Orlando's excuse
for something uncourteous ;

-" The thorny point

" Of bare distress hath ta'en from me the shew
" Of smooth civility."
But what I am going to relate was outrageous
passion. One of the engineer officers having got
into some embarrassment on shore, through
want of money, on his return to the ship was
mentioning* the circumstance to one of his

C 88 3
companions, loud enough to be heard by the
General, who was sitting near, and probably
ruminating on his disaster. In the course of
the conversation, this officer had the impru
dence to utter something about, ^ months pay,"
" can't serve for nothing ;" with other treason
able expressions ; upon which Miranda order
ed him to be silent ; and not being instantly
obeyed, seized him by the throat, and threw
him off the ship's gunnel, where he had been
sitting, on one of the guns, and after repeated
twirls, shakes, and twists, dashed him slap on
the deck. The engineer, when a little reco
vered from his fright, opened his mouth to this
effect; " You don't mean to strike me again, I
hope. General ?" " Strike you again !" quoth
the General, "Yes; by G — d I'll exterminate
you. Where is your respect for your Gene
ral ?" " I have always respected you, and
done my duty, Sir," answered the trembling
officer. " You have not," replied the chief,
" so silent this moment, Sir." " I am not to
be treated in this manner, General : to avoid it,
I will thank you for my discharge, and I'll go
on shore at this island." " Sirrah !" exclaimed
Miranda in a rage, " you shall be dismissed
when I think proper, and not when you please ;
you are at my disposal, and I shall retain, or

[ 89 3
send you away, as it best suits my purpose/'
" But I have a right to leave your service,"
urged the engineer. " Hold your tongue, Sir ;
you have no rights here but obedience," retort
ed his Excellency. The officer, however, in-.
sisted on his right to leave a service in which
he was ill-treated, and not paid ; at which the
General could no longer restrain his passion :
and this shameful and ridiculous affair con
cluded by a severe rub of his knuckles over
the ridge of the engineer's nose, not a little to
the annoyance of his under lip and chin.
Though I felt the utmost indignation at the
sight of this outrage, yet it had so much of the
ludicrous, that I could not help laughing. Ima
gine a short, plump, toad-fashioned man (for
such was the lieutenant of engineers ) tumbled
head over heels, and vice versa, and making as
many grimaces, expressive of fear and anger, as
a baboon thrown into the air ; and you will ad
mit, if he was not exposed to be seriouslv hurt,
there was so much more of the comic than tra
gical in the exhibition, as to provoke our ri-
sibles. But neither I, nor any other, could
suppress a feeling of disgust and abhorrence at
the want of self-command and of dignity in the
Commander-in-chief. He had cause, undoubt
edly, to resent the language of the engineer,

I 90 3
who was a little excited with liquor ; yet the
proper course would have been to put him un
der arrest for trial. What security has any of
us under the command of a man who can be
carried away by brutal fury ? God grant we
may not find ourselves at the mercy of a tyrant.
If this be a specimen of his administration
among the free people of Columbia, I think we
shall have rights on paper, and wrongs in fact.

C 91 ]

LETTER XIII.
Off Margaritta. — Leander endeavours lo avoid
every strange sail. — Crew on short allow
ance. — Hardships. ¦ — Religious service on
board, and Miranda's conduct respecting it.
Leander, at Sea, May 14th, 1806.
We begin seriously to feel the want of
water and provisions, and we are obliged to Use
the strictest economy in the expenditure of
both ; so much so, that we commonly go to
bed parched with thirst, and gnawed by hun
ger. The island of Margaritta is now in sight ;
but the current is setting so strong against us,
and the wind so unfavourable, that we shall not
be able to get up with it for some time ; most
probably, not until we are reduced to four
ounces of bread anda pint of water, if not less,
or even none.
There is a ship in sight to leeward that ap
pears to be chasing us. According to custom,
we are crowding sail to get out of her reach.
There can be no question but that the General

[ 92 3
is much afraid of the ships of his countrymen
and their allies. We may indeed expect the
worst, in the event of capture. Yet I would
rather contend with double our own force, espe
cially if the vessel were Spanish, than to be for
ever running away. There is no merit in the
choice of this alternative; for we shall famish
on the high seas if we continue to show our
heels to every thing we see floating. We have
lost more distance in trying to save ourselves
from vessels seen fifteen miles to leeward, than
we can gain in beating a month. The other
day, ( on the 7th I believe ) we saw a strange
sail a long way a-stern ; and in an hour after
wards perceived she was a ship. I heard the
General consulting about the propriety of a
scamper; and he appealed to one of the offi
cers, who had been accustomed to the sea, to
know what he thought of the matter. " With
due respect to your Excellency's opinion," said
he, " we had better lay to till the vessel comes
up, and we may find her a friend ; most likely
she is a British cruiser, for there are so many
of them in these seas, and they handle the
French and Spaniards so roughly, that the latter
seldom venture out. If she should turn out to
be an enemy, we must fight, or do the best we
can." "Ah!" said the General. " And

[ 93 3
would you have us risk every thing— the life of
our General — ourselves — the troops — and all,
by such a rash step?" inquired a very prudent
officer, present at that time ; to whom the other
replied, " That he magnified the danger," and
added, " Would you have us risk the starving
of our General — ourselves — our troops — and
finally, lose our ship by drifting on the Spanish
Main ; which must be the case, if we make a
practice of scudding to leeward every time we
see a fishing boat or launch?" Lewis hates
running, and gave a look of approbation to the
last speaker. However, it was determined to
get out of the way ; and the Captain must obey
when his Excellency thinks proper to order a
race ; accordingly, that night we run twenty
miles to leeward, to get out of the track of a
ship, which in all probability was an English
cruiser, or some inoffensive trader.
May 15th. Our good ship is like a thief,
who apprehends every person he sees may de
tect him. Had you been here, you would both
have laughed and fretted with me, at the quan
dary our chief was in to-day. The ship we
saw yesterday pursued us several hours, fired
three or four shot, and hoisted several signals.
All we did was to hoist the American ensign
at the mast-head, and run as fast as possible.
a 13

C M ]
Lewis would have shortened sail to let the
stranger come up; but he was overruled by
the General and his advisers ; however, he put
off running till the last moment ; and, to satis
fy the prudence of all parties, towards eight
o'clock in the evening, he threw overboard a
decoying light, and altered the course of the
ship. This decoying light is made of a large
lanthorn, lighted with wax candles, fixed per
pendicularly upon a kind of triangle nailed to
the upper edge of an half puncheon, well bal
lasted ; and in that situation committed to the
waves. Should this stratagem succeed in the
present instance, the ship that was chasing us
will be liable to find herself in the midst of the
Seven Brothers, a cluster of rocks and small*
islands, now about twelve miles distant. Grant
that we are not absolutely ruined by this run
ning, it will make our passage a very long
one ; but we are now used to disappointments
and hardships, and almost prepared for the
worst. Added to hunger and thirst, we are
distressed by day with extreme heat, and
by continual calms, and the sight of land
seen a week ago, from which we cannot move
a mile ; and by night, tormented with flies,
cockroaches, and rats, of which the ship
is full, I endeavour sometimes to divest my

[ 95 3
sufferings by recounting our plagues to you,
I have an example of composure and applica
tion, in the midst of vexations and uncertain
ties, in Colonel K. who sits down calmly to liis
studies at eight in the morning, and continues
closely engaged till midnight, or even later.
The General also, at present, exhibits great pa
tience and tranquillity. His temperate habits
render privations of this kind less irksome to
him than they are to most people.
It is in courts and palaces, among those who
are surfeited with the gifts of Heaven, that God
is denied or forgotten. From the lap of plen-
teousncss and pleasure the voice of murmur
ing arises. The toiling, suffering mariner ac
knowledges a Supreme Being. The pilgrim*
whose feet are scorched with the burning sand
of the desert, and whose head throbs undei
the fierce beams of a vertical sun, offers prayer
and praise to the benevolent Author of his
existence ; whilst the philosopher, in his easy
chair, and in the abundance of a luxurious ca
pital, refuses his homage to his Maker, or
doubts the goodness of his superintending pro
vidence. A desire to sustain our fortitude, or piety,
quickened by distress, has led our Captain late
ly to revive a custom which he has always ob-

[ M ]
served in former voyages, of having prayers
read to his ship's Company on Sundays. This
service is performed by a sedate young officer
on board. The General does not appear to
relish this grave work. The moment the ser
vice begins, Miranda leaves the deck, and when
it is ended, reappears. Two or three officers
have followed his example. Does he mean to
have us understand that he has no religious
faith ? Does he mean by his actions to deride
a 'disposition in his followers to worship the Su
preme Being ? I have been told, that to some
people he has ridiculed these things, though he
"has never dbrie it in my hearing. If, as a phi
losopher, he deems religion false, as a politician
he should allow it to be useful. Perhaps Tie
'thinks we are too wicked, or engaged in too
doubtful a cause to have a right to pray ! or he
may suppose a religious sense will not tend to
fit us for his purposes. This part of his con
duct strikes me Unfavourably.

C 97 }

LETTER XIV-
Arrival at Grenada. — Refresh, and sail for
Barbadoes. Grenada, May 28th, 1806,
On the 24th, at evening, we saw two ves
sels, one a large ship, which we endeavoured
to avoid by tacking ; but the next morning
the same ship being found in chase of us, it was
resolved to run no more. It was at length ad
mitted, that we might as well die by sword as
famine. When the ship had got nearly with
in gun shot, we being to windward did not
bear down, and she fired upon us, but without
her shot reaching us. Lewis, being persuaded
she was English, hove to, and she came up.
Seeing a French distinguishing vane at her
mast head, we began to flutter. But, on speak
ing us, she proved to be H. B. M.'s sloop of
war, Lily, who had been for some time search
ing for the Leander. The commander, Cap
tain Campbell, came on board to pay his com
pliments to General Miranda, and, on return-
H

[ 98 ]
inw to his vessel, sent us some most necessary
to
and most welcome supplies. It was determined
that we should put into this island, where we
arrived the next day. The General and suite
disembarked the moment the ship anchored;
and several officers are allowed to step on terra
firma, and partake the comforts of the shore.
You will conceive what a treat this must be,
after such a dreadful month as we have passed.
From the hour we left Bonair, until we were
spoken by the Lily, we experienced a conti
nued series of mortifications, apprehensions,
and disappointments. The weather was al
ways exceedingly hot, with light winds or
ealms, a current commonl}r setting against us ;
and perpetual tacking to get out of the way of
strange sails. In addition to this, we were al
most in despair for the want of provisions and
water. In this situation, it pleased Heaven to
send the Lily to our assistance, at the instant
when we had broached our only remaining
cask of water, and last barrel of bread.
The governor of this island, Maitland, has
received our chief with great politeness and
hospitality, and given him encouragement to
expect important assistance from the British in
a second attempt upon the Spanish Main. As
an earnest, he is answerable for our supplies.

C 99 ]
These circumstances a little revive the spirits
of our volunteers, who had become rather sick
of their undertaking, and disposed to abandon
Miranda. Leander, at sea, May 30th. Having pro
cured supplies, we sailed from Grenada for
Barbadoes. There we are told the General ex
pects to revive his expedition and obtain funds.
Several officers, whose purses through empti
ness have grievously collapsed, have applied
for pay, and are informed that they shall be re
membered at Barbadoes. — We are under con
voy of the Lily, an officer of which, Lieute
nant Barclay, has come on board to pilot us
into Bridgetown.

u2

£ 100 3

LETTER XV.

At Bridgetown. — Leander libelled and released-,
Arrangements with Admiral Cochrane. —
Lewis resigns. — Vanity and philosophy of
Miranda. Bridgetown, Barbadoes, June 9th, 1 8O6.
We arrived here the 6th. The rumour
among us is such, as to make us suppose the
expedition is to raise its head again. Admiral
Cochrane, who is on thi? station with three
ships of the line and several frigates, intends to
further it, by putting some of his smaller ves
sels under the orders of Miranda. No regu
lar troops, and but few volunteers, will be join
ed to it here ; but it is said they will be ob
tained at Trinidad.
lbth. It is reported, that though Admiral
Cochrane is favourable, Lord Seaforth, gover
nor of this island, and General Bowyer, com
mander-in-chief of the West India troops, are
not at all inclined to take up our enterprise.
Twenty-five or thirty volunteers have joined

C 101 ]
us here. In this number there certainly are
some gentlemen ; the rest, I fear, must pass for
— no great things,
ISth. Miranda has lately had another dif
ference with Lewis. A few days ago, he pre
tended to have fears for the fidelity of the Le-
ander's officers and crew ; suspecting them o£
a design to leave port clandestinely. To guard
against this danger, an officer of the army and
a lieutenant of the Lily were sent on board to
take necessary measures of precaution. The sails
of the Leander were unbent and stowed away —
her lower-yards and top-gallant-masts struck,
and thirteen sailors, shipped at New York,
transferred to the Lily, till we should sail for
Trinidad. At present this poor ship seems
threatened with another more serious peril.
Her innocence is brought into question, and
she is libelled in the custom-house. She stands
accused of having been a long time engaged in
an illegitimate contraband trade — meaning the
St. Domingo trade ; and since she became the
reputed property of Don Francisco de Miran
da, she is charged with mal-practices in carry
ing arms, ammunition, naval stores, and troops
to the enemies of the King of England, " un
der unacknowledged colours," thus setting a
bad example to other private vessels. On these

C 102 3
accounts, the officers of the customs appear to
think they ought to take her out of our pos
session ; but whether she will be seized or not
is uncertain. 19th. By good luck, or good management
the General has rescued his ship from the dan
ger which hung over her. He has satisfied
those concerned that he ought not to be con
sidered as giving aid to their enemies, though
he professes to be the friend of the subjects of
Spain. This is the second narrow escape of
the kind, which the Leander has experienced.
It seems to me that Miranda has not made very
good arrangements, or he would not appear in
so ambiguous a character to those on whom he
relies for co-operation.
Leander, at sea, June2\st. Yesterday af
ternoon we weighed anchor, and sailed from
Carlisle bay, in company with the Lily and
H. B. M's. brig Express, and a merchant
schooner called the Trimmer.
An officer who stands high in the confidence
of Miranda informs me that, previous to leav
ing Barbadoes, a contract was entered into be
tween General Miranda, for the free people of
South America, and Admiral Cochrane, as
agent for his Britannic Majesty; the' basis of
which stipulates, that Admiral C. shall assist

[ 103 ]
General M. with a certain number of vessels of
war immediately, and that he shall hereafter
forward such reinforcements as he might have
in his power to furnish, in case they should be
wanted by Miranda ; and that in the event of
our succeeding, Great Britain shall always be
held by General M., and the government which
he may establish, on the footing of the most fa
voured nations ; that importations in British
bottoms shall receive a deduction of ten p<jr
cent, upon duties paid by all other friendly na
tions. The United States of North America
are to be allowed the same terms as those of
fered to England.
If General Miranda has his wishes complied
with, this provisional agreement will be sent to
England for the approbation of his Majesty and
Council, and if they see fit, and agree to it, the
future operations of our expedition will, no
doubt, be carried on with the concurrence and
counsel of the British Cabinet. How this will
be received at the Court of St. James's, it is
impossible for me to say ; it appears, however,
that no definitive arrangements had been set
tled between them and our Commander before,
as we had once imagined and hoped. In this
contract, Miranda omitted to mention the
United States, notwithstanding the warm af*

[ 104 *\
fection which he professes to our country, un
til the impolicy of excluding her from the mer
cantile advantages, which he might have the
power to confer, was stated to him by one of his
American officers.
Further disagreements taking place between
Miranda and Captain Lewis, the latter resigned
the command of the Leander a day or two pre
ceding our departure from Carlisle Bay. All
the mates, the boatswain and gunner, and nearly
forty of the crew, left her at the same time,
though not persuaded to do so by their cap
tain. The ship is now trusted to the manage
ment of a very inexperienced young man,
whose only recommendation to such a place is
his popularity with the remaining sailors. An
officer, (Mr. Waldegrave) however, from the
Lily, is with us, to supply the want of our new
commander's naval knowledge.
Leander, near Tobago, June 23d. As the
cloud that hung over the expedition begins to
break away, and the fortunes of the chieftain
become more promising, the expectations of his
officers awake, and their solicitude about the
possession of his favour appear. He makes a
point of saying frequently, that the chance of
promotion in his service depends on merit.
But he is not entirely singular among men, if

[ 105 ]
he allows it a great merit to be disposed to
please hini on any terms, and be willing to
concur in his fondness of himself. Flattery
and obsequiousness, with all his philosophy,
can procure a passage to his heart. When I
tell him he hates flatterers ; he says he does ;
being then the most flattered. Some of the
most shallow, and least worthy of our company,
have purchased marks of the General's regard,
by supplying the cordial of adulation, for which
he has no measured thirst. " He that will ab
solutely confine his patron to hear only the com
mendations which he deserves, will soon be
forced to give way to others that regale him
with more compass of music." On this ac
count I have less confidence in his promises ;
for promises at present are all he gives, or, I
suppose, has to give. But w hen the time to re
member and perform shall come, and rival
claims to place shall be set up, he may be ex
pected to decide in favour of those, who have
soothed his vanity. At the same time, he is a
great moralist, or moralizer. Vice and mean
ness, in every degree and shape, are, according to
his own declarations, entirely against his taste
and judgment. If you take his word for it, he
is a lover of virtue, even to enthusiasm. He is
always inveighing against dissimulation and

C 106 3
injustice, and extolling sincerity and disinter
estedness. All the virtues are the themes of
his encomiums. To use his own language, he
abominates tyranny — hates fools — abhors flat
terers — detests pride — and laments the diabo
lical corruptness of modern days. He loves
freedom ; admires candour; esteems wise men;
respects humility ; and delights in that noble
and heautiful integrity and good faith which
distinguished the golden times of antiquity.
He speaks with great freedom and asperity of
the faults of the different learned professions.
According to him, priests are hypocrites ;
lawyers sophisters; and doctors, pretenders;
and virtue has fled this detestable world; he
would lay down a refined philosophy, which
should have for its object the reformation of
abuses ; and, finally, he would renovate the
perverted minds of mankind, restore the ancient
beatitude, when every excellence and virtue
prevailed among men, for the happiness of the
present race, and the perpetual prosperity of
future generations. All this is to be realized
in South America.
Miranda is no doubt sincere in these notions
of perfectibility. Yet one would think the
French experiment should -make a wise man
pause. This seems to be no other than the

[ 107 ]
wild philosophy, which erected the reign of
blood and terror on the ruins of monarchy, and
supplied the thirsty guillotine, and more thirsty
sword, with innocent victims. If such scenes
are to be acted in South America, I shall have
done with this revolutionizing philosopher.
The engagements, by which we are bound to
him, make it, at present, next to impossible to
get away ; and the cause has acquired so much
appearance of respectability, and such means of
success, by the juncture of British force, that I
resolve to continue, though I cannot say with
out some reluctance.

I 108 3

LETTER XVI.

Ai Trinidad. — Officers and men engaged there.— >
General order. — Captain Johnson;— Foolish
handbill. — Departure.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, July 14th, 1806.
On the 24th of last month we arrived at
this island. The affairs of the expedition are
in such train that it will undoubtedly proceed.
It is to be assisted by English supplies and na
val force, though by no regular troops. The
British authority here have perhaps not suffi
cient confidence in the plan to give it this aid;
and if they were disposed, could not do it
without disobliging extremely the French and
S, anish party here, which is numerous and in
fluential. The inhabitants, being chiefly of
these nations, it is not easy to get men to en
list. Notwithstanding this, seventy or eighty
volunteers have beenrrecruited ; and during
the week to come, which is to be spent here,
this number may probably be doubled. Be
tween twenty and thirty persons have beep

[ 109 ]
added to the service as officers. A few of them
are respectable men ; but the greater part are
*uch as, I think, Miranda's dear countrymen
will not be likely to deem an acquisition. The
principal aud most respectable persons are Col.
Downie, chief of the Trinidad light infantry, W.
Gage Hall, Esq. with the rank of colonel of en
gineers; Count de Rouvray, colonel ; Chevalier
Loppenot, captain of horse ; James Adrien,
Esq. interpreter and officer of engineers ; and
two Spaniards, ranking as colonels ; M. T. de
B*****, chief de escadron; Phillip Nihil, first
lieutenant, Alexander Bruce, do. Samuel W.
Walcott, do. Charles Carrington, do. Isaac
Robinson, do. Le Frecier Loppenot, aide-de
camp to the Chief, Daniel Crone, first lieute
nant. Dessein, do. Robert Roscow, do. Ho
race Hathaway, second lieutenant of artificers,
and Robert M'Cullagh, do. in the rifle corps.
July 11th. The generaL order of this day
contained the following gracious words:
" Whilst the Commander-in-chief sees with
regret the inconveniences the officers and sol
diers suffer by being so much longer confined
on board ship, than could possibly have, been
expected, he begs leave to remind them, that
one of the first qualities of a soldier is to bear
with patience the unavoidable deprivations to
which a military life is subject; and at the

t no 1
same time, assures them that he will always
bear in mind what they have suffered, and, as
far as in his power, study to relieve them."
Though this condolent address was put in
the orderly books, I suppose not ten of Mi
randa's followers heard of it. As the first ex
pression of his regard, since our misfortune,
it deserves to be noticed. Were it, however,
known to all, it would not do much to re
instate him in the affections of his volunteers,
especially those who left New-York with him.
They think him a hard and unfeeling master.
I do not remember that he has ever made a
personal address to them, even when in the
most trying circumstances. He has appeared
insensible to their sufferings, and careless of
their wants. If he could not give them good
fare, they would naturally expect good words;
or some attempt to soothe and encourage their
disappointed and dejected minds. They know
and feel that he has been false ; though all of
us, who reflect, are sensible that his sanguine
temper has deceived him. We are just on the
point of sailing for the land of promise ; yet
many of us, I am persuaded, would be glad to
wash our hands of this business. But we are
among strangers without resources. We have
engaged ourselves to Miranda for two cam-

C in 1
paigns, let what will happen ; we are not per
mitted to resign, though really we are ab
solved by his neglect to fulfil his part of the
contract. The young man, who I some time ago told
you commanded the Leander, has been remov
ed ; and is succeeded by a Captain Johnson,
who came to this island from Barbadoes, on
purpose to obtain the place he now holds. This
man was exceedingly ambitious of his present
situation. He expressed a willingness to ha
zard some of his cash to aid the enterprise, if it
would procure him a command. By some
means these glad tidings came to the General,
whose funds are quite low, and Johnson did
not long wait for the appointment, to which
he aspired.
July 21 st. With a view to induce people to
join us, the General, or some one about him,
has issued the following curious and foolish
hand bill, which has been circulated through
the town, and stuck up in all public places.
It purports to be an address from Miranda to
the Spanish people here.
" Friends and countrymen.
" The glorious opportunity now presents it
self, of relieving from oppression, and arbitrary

[ 112 J
government, a people who are worthy of-»
better fate ; who ought to enjoy the blessing*
of the finest country in the universe, which
bountiful Providence has given them ; but who-
are shackled by a despotism, too cruel for hu
man nature longer to endure. Groaning un
der their present afflictions, they hail with
extended armsthe noble cause of freedom and
independence, and call upon you to share with
them in the god-like action of relieving your
distressed fellow-creatures. Hasten, then, to
join the standard of one, who has the happiness
to call himself your countryman, and is de
termined to rescue his country, and to shed the
last drop of his blood in promoting its hap
piness : an object, of which he has never lost-
sight for a moment of his life.
" There will be made a liberal distribution
of land at the expiration of a twelve-month,
according to rank ; and privates, from the in
stant of enrolment, will be entitled to provi
sion and clothing, with a quarter dollar per day
as pay, not subject to any deductions.
" And you, brave volunteers of the island,
who have nobly come forward to partake with
us our honours, and to share with us our pros
perity, hasten to follow those officers, under
whose care you have been already trained, and

£ 113 3
Who are impatient to lead you on to victory and
wealth. " The gulf that Columbus first discovered
and honoured with his presence, will now
witness the illustrious actions of your gallant
efforts." This thing excites nothing but ridicule, and
the officers are disgusted with it. The General
disowns the sublime production. There can
be no doubt, I think, it was issued with his
knowledge and sanction. He recollects, per
haps, that he has already promised the men in
the service thirty dollars per month, which is
four times more than is now offered to new re
cruits, except the " distribution of land" after
"twelve months." He reflects also that it is
no proof of his caution, to point out the place
of his intended landing in an island, where
there is a constant communication with the
Spanish Main.
July 25th. At length we have weighed an
chor and bent our course for the land we are
to deliver. We are in the gulf of Paria, about
fifteen miles from the port of Spain, becalmed.
With the first fair wind we sliall run through
the Bocas, The maledictions of many, and the
blessings of few attend us from Trinidad, where
we were far from being popular ; though indi-
i

[ 114 ]
"Victuals of us experienced great hospitality and
kindness from some of the inhabitants. The
troops in general are in full hopes of success.
Miranda, says again, excepting the dangers
of the sea, it is infallible. From the small-
ness of the force with which he proposes to'
enter the country, it is evident he must have
great dependence on the readiness and the
ability of the inhabitants to join his standard.
The number of our force, including the officers
and sailors who will land from the ships, does
not exceed four hundred. The squadron con
sists of the Leander, 16 guris, Lily, twenty-
four, Express, twelve, Attentive, fourteen,
Provost, ten; Bull-dog, Dispatch, Mastiff,
gun-boats of two and three guns ; Trimmer
and Commodore Barry, unarmed merchant
men. The General with his suite, &c. sails in the
Lily. He has taken another secretary, called
private secretary, by name Fitzwrlliam, who is
said to be a man of talents and information.
There are but few who know to what port
we are destined, or I suppose will know till we
are near it. I shall probably write no more till
there is some crisis in our affairs. •

[ 115 ]

LETTER XVlt

Leander On the Main, — Result.
Leander at sea; August 14th, 1806.
We are again disappointed and confounded.
The dream called an expedition has vanish
ed ; all our anxiety, trouble, and enterprise
have come to nothing ; our big expectations
and lofty hopes have fallen to the ground. We
have visited the Spanish Main, had possession
bf La Vela de Coro, the city of Coro, and other
places; all Of which we have just evacuated.
The Spaniards would have nothing to say to
us. They had no thoughts of accepting our
proffer of liberty; and we could npt oblige
them to take it. Miranda, so long the idol of
his foolish followers, is not known by them.
They wondered who he was ; and what brought
him in such guise into their country: They
viewed him as a marauder whom they were to
fly from, or destroy, instead of a deliverer to be
made welcome. There was no sign of any
partisans of his in force, or likel v to be so ; and
i 2

[ 116 ]
not a shadow of probability that any one of the
leading officers of government, civil or military,
had thought, or would think, of adopting his
plans or joining his standard. Having left the
country, we are going, I know not whither ;
but wherever the prince of visionary schemers
chooses to say. You will imagine my disgust
and mortification ; perhaps repentance. For
I assure you, it is not without compunction
that I reflect how we have terrified and harass
ed the unoffending people of this region, as the
event has proved, without sufficient pretence,
and to no good purpose, I should pity our
fanatical leader more than all, but he has an ad
mirable constitution for bearing mortifications.
His blunders do by no means put him out of
countenance. I dare say he will soon talk of
beginning again without any confusion of face.
Indeed he has reason to believe he may go any
length in amusing our expectations, consider
ing how fond of being deceived we have ap
peared. * It is said we are going to the island
of Aruba. Under the next date,, you shall
have the history of our recent performances
and mishaps.

t in ]

LETTER XVIII.
At Aruba. — Events after leaving Trinidad.^-
Army disembark. — Gain La Vela de Coro.—
March to Coro.- — Disaster at that place. —
Return, and evacuation of the Main.
Aruba, August 15th, 1806.
We anchored at this place yesterday ; and
I now proceed to the relation of what has hap
pened from the time of leaving Trinidad.
On the 23d and 24th of July, all the officers
and men belonging to the Columbian army
embarked on board the vessels mentioned be
fore. The Sunday following passing by the
island of Margaritta, the people forsook the
church, and manning the batteries of the place,
discharged several shots at our squadron with
out injury. We anchored, and went ashore at
the island of Coche, where we remained one
night. At day light, on the 2d of August,
through a mistake of the pilot, we anchored
within nine miles of La Vela de Coro, on the

C 118 ]
west side of the bay, instead of anchoring withr
in reach of the batteries, as was intended.
Pursuant to the following general order,* the
first division, under the command of Colonel
* The right hand cypher, in the following estimate of
numbers was added to deceive the enemy, in cas.e they
should ever see tlie order. Our force is what remains,
when the cypher is cut off, viz. two hundred and ninety-
one. " On board of the Li\y> August 1st, 1806-
" G. O. As it is intended that the army shall disembark
in the course of this night, the following order is to be at
tended to.
" 1st division, under the command of Colonel Compte de
Rouvray, Hulans, 350
Guides with Captain Sanchez and Cayetana, 150
Detachment of the royal navy under Lieutenant Bedding-
field, 810
Trinidad volunteers under Colonel Downie, 320
Spaniards and Indians in the gun-boats, 300
2d division under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Kirkland.
1st regiment of North American volunteers, 660
Engineers under Captain Allison, 100
Artillery under Captain Lowdon, 270
" Captain Campbell, of his Majesty's ship Lily, will give
the necessary orders for the distribution of the boats; and
the commanding officer of each detachment will take car^:
that a proper proportion of officers is sent in each boat."
This order of debarkation was accompanied by the fol
lowing instructions : ¦

[ 119 ]
Count de Rouvray, disembarked from the squa
dron in the boats, with a view to effect an imr
," G. O. Parole, Columbia. Countersign, Victory.
" Order of Attack.
" As soon as the first division, under the command of
Col. Compte de Rouvray, has disembarked a sufficient num
ber of troops, he will attack the battery of the punta, in
conjunction with the detachment from the* navy. Having
carried that, he will leave it in possession of a detachment of
the navy; and then proceed with the rest of the troops, and
take possession of the custom-house and enemy's artillery
near it, where he will leave the remainder of the naval de
tachment ; and then proceed on the road leading to the town
of Coro, where he will halt until informed of the landing of
the. 2d division.
" After receiving this information, he will proceed and
take possession of the town of Coro, on the supposition that
he will be supported by the 2d division.
" The' naval detachment, charged with the care of the
battery and town of Vela de Coro, will take care to send
piquets on the roads leading into loan, with orders not to
allow any person to go out without a pass from the com
manding officer ; and any person coming in, to be strictly
examined and acknowledged as a friend.
.' A picket of Indians, under the command of Capt. Leon,
is to be posted on the road leading to Paraquana. Every
species of plundering is. in the most positive terms pro
hibited; and the General expects, that every person com
posing this army will conduct himself to all such of the
inhabitants as appear friendly, in such a manner as will
conciliate their affections ; and only treat as enemies all suc!j
as appear in arms, and make resistance.

[ 120 ]
mediate landing; but a gale of wind set in near
ly as soon as all the necessary preparations were
made, and obliged the row-boats and barges
to be taken in tow by the gun-boats, in which •
situation they remained the whole day, unable
to gain the point of attack on account of the
roughness of the sea, and the violence of the
wind. The principal part of the second divi
sion, under Kirkland, were at this time on board
the Leander, as the boats of the squadron were
not sufficient to disembark both divisions at
" The proclamation and pamphlets attached to them to
be placed and distributed in every conspicuous place, by
the commanding officers of the different detachments,
agreeable to the ninth article of the same. All reports to be
forwarded to the head-quarters of the army 'at La Vela de
Coro. As it will in the course of a day or two be easy to
get any thing that may be wanted from on board the fleet,
no baggage of any kind is to be carried on shore at the time
of debarkation. Each man may carry on shore with him
two or three biscuits.
" Lieutenant-Colonel Roorbach is to join the detachment
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Kirkland, and
to do duty with it until further orders.
(Signed) WM. ARMSTRONG, Q. M. General.
*** This order of attack is to be executed, as nigh as
possible, conformable to the preceding mode laid down j
should circumstances oblige any officer lo deviate from it,
he is to do it with the utmost circumspection and caution."

C 120 ]
once. This occasioned a transfer of his troo ps
to his Majesty's ship Bacchante (Captain Da-
cres) where they remained until daylight the
next morning. The Bacchante got under
weigh, and beat up nearly abreast the strongest
fort of La Vela de Coro during the night; the
brigs Attentive and Express,and the gun-boats,
also stationed themselves within point blank
shot of the same place.
On the morning of the 3d, the first divi
sion landed, and were soon followed by the se
cond, which would have arrived at the same
time, had not the want of boats rendered it im
possible. Whilst the troops were advancing
in the boats, they were covered by a warm fire
from the armed vessels of our squadron against
the forts, which the latter promptly returned,
but without effecting any considerable injury.
As they approached the land, the Spaniards
began a smart, though ill-directed fire of mus
ketry from the bushes, which lined the whole
extent of the beach. As the troops leaped
from the boats, the Spaniards retreated farther
into the bushes, where they were closely pur
sued by a party of our men, with whom, for a
few moments, they maintained a scattering fire.
While this party engaged these fugitives, who
soon dispersed, another party pressed on to the

C 122 ]
nearest forest, which stands upon the margin of
the bay. This was entered by the hulans and
marines, sword in hand, the* Spaniards leaping
the walls on the opposite side, and flying in all
directions. The guns of this fortification, on
coming into our possession, were immediately
pointed against the town, custom-house, and
magazine, distant about a quarter of ^ mile,
where the main body of the Spanish force was
stationed with nine or ten pieces of artillery
(4 and 6 pounders.) They were, however,
soon compelled to retreat, and in such precipir
tation and confusion, that they spiked but few
of their cannon, and even left two of them
loaded. So far we had none killed, and only
three wounded, one of whicli only is considered
in danger.
•Thus, on the third day of August, the ris
ing- sun witnessed a display of the Columbian
colours on the staff, which the Spanish royal
standard had so long occupied. The inhabit
ants of all descriptions had fled principally the
day before, taking with them the greater part
of their moveables. Our delay of the attack,
in consequence of anchoring in the wrong-
place, gave them time. Flags of truce, with
messages of peace, and assurances of protec
tion, both to person and property, were immc,T

[ 123 }
diately dispatched about the town and its en
virons, soliciting the fugitive inhabitants to re
turn to their homes; but either through the
order of government, or affright, some old wo
men only, and a few men, could be induced to
accept the invitation.
Gen. Miranda reached the shore at half past
eleven in the morning. His arrival was retarded
by the circumstance of the Lily having an
chored nine miles to 'leeward of the town,
which prevented both her and the Leander
from sharing in the attack. Between nine and
ten at night, our force, headed by the General,
began to march for the town of Coro, which
lies about twelve miles to the westward of La
Vela ; and arrived tliere aq hour before day
dawn on the fourth. The march was conduct
ed with so much order and si]ence, that the
footsteps of the troops were scarcely heard.
The morning was unusually serene and pleas
ant. A most solemn, or rather dreadful still
ness pervaded the whole place. The city, as
we soon found, was entirely evacuated, except
by a few women, superannuated devotees,
and perhaps a small body of armed men, left
to guard the jail ; for it remains in some
doubt whether there was this force. If they
were there, they escaped, for we took no pri-

[ 124 ]
soners under arms. Having passed through
several streets, we arrived at the public square.
On one side of this square, in front of the
troops as they marched in, are the jail and
council house; opposite to these is a large
church. The other sides are occupied by
public buildings of different descriptions.
When the head of the column entered the
public square, General Miranda, preceding
the right of the first division, attended by some
of his principal officers, advanced to the grand
avenue leading to the jail and council house.
In the mean time the second division had
chiefly gained the opposite side, and were
forming in front of the church. At this mo
ment a tumultuous and disorderly fire com
menced from the first division. Most of the
officers assert, that some guns were first dis
charged from the windows of the jail, but in
this they are not unanimous. It is admitted
by all, that the hulans and marines, who
were in advance of the other troops, and by
this time, at halt, near the prison, fired, not
only towards the prison, but also on the in
fantry and artillery who were posted behind
them, before and near the church. The latter
presumed they could receive such a salutation
from none but Spaniards, and took the firing

[ 125 J
for a commencement of the enemy's attack,
imagining that the jail was a barrack, for
which, in the dark it might be mistaken, and
that the enemy was assaulting them from
within and behind this building. Without
waiting for orders, upon perceiving the fire
form that quarter, the infantry returned it
with vigor. The clamour of fifty voices was-
instantly raised, commanding the men to cease
firing. This clamour, with the cries of the
wounded, the flight of the Indians^ who had
joined us at La Vela de Coro ; the breaking
of ranks, &c. made a scene of confusion and
tumult not to be described. After a few mi
nutes the firing was silenced ; but not until
Colonel Kirland, (whose utmost exertions ta
prevent this confusion from extending to his
division had proved ineffectual) the General's
private secretary and five men were wounded
and one man was killed. No one seems able
to give a satisfactory account of this miserable
affair. It appears in the garb of a shameful
and sorrowful blunder of somebody; but the
responsibility cannot he charged upon any
particular individual. The General and the
officers under whose eye the firing began, give
no account of the matter, as far as I can les.ni,,
either because they cannot, or will not ex-

[ 126 1
plain it, Indeed they observe a silence U'pori
the subject that seems almost studied. One'
solution is, that there was a small guard of
Spaniards, who discharged tlieir muskets uport
us from the jail windows; and that the hulans
and marines, upon the report of these pieces';
through agitation and surprize, fired in differ
ent directions. But the jailor steadfastly de
nied that he had any guard. If tliere was
one it escaped, for, as it has been already
observed no Spanish soldiers fell into our
hands. * The other explanation is more pro
bable. Many of the men in the advanced
guard assert that they were ordered to fire by
Miranda. They say that the General, exult
ing in his easy possession of the city, wished
tfi regale his ears with the military sound of a
feu dejoie ; and consequently ordered the men
nearest him to commence the music. Our
troops, being composed of men of various na
tions and languages, the command was not
perfectly understood by all. Hence some,
thinking the firing was intended to be serious1,

* The opinion that the firing began with 6ne of our
men shooting down another, said to be at the prison door,
is certainly incorrect. The first report was of many pieces';
mot a tingle one.

[ 127 ]
and not sportive, discharged in a horizontal
direction, aiming at those, who might be their
enemies, whilst those who comprehended th©
order, pointed their guns in the air.
When Miranda appeared before the prison
gate, it was opened to him. He entered un
armed, and received the keys from the keeper,
who, at the same time informed him, that the
constituted authorities had obliged all the in
habitants to abandon the town. Upon this,
while standing in the jail entry, he proclaimed
to the jailor, his attendants, and the prisoners,
that they were free, the latter shouted Vive
Miranda ! at the same moment it is said the
General directed the troops near him to let
off the feu dejoie that proved so unseasonable
and so fatal.
Agreeably to this proclamation of liberty,
all the debtors were immediately liberated
from their confinement. The criminals, who
had considered themselves included in the
annunciation of freedom, wished to know why
their fetters were not taken off, and tlieir doors
unbolted. Miranda replied, that he came not
to break but. to maintain their laws under a
more equitable and rational government : this
answer, no doubt unexpected, was more just
than satisfactory to the felons.

C 128 ]
Colonel Kirkland received two muskets balls
through the left thigh, just below the femoral
artery, at the instant he was forming his divi
sion in front of the jail. The misfortune of
this gallant officer was lamented by the army in
general ; and especially by the troops under
his immediate command, who regard him with
the highest confidence and affection, and would
follow him into any peril. Much was expected
from his activity and military talents in the late
critical posture of our affairs. The wound,
which he bore with fortitude and cheerfulness,
is dangerous, though we hope not mortal. Mr.
Fitzwilliam was wounded in the arm near the
shoulder, and though in'great pain will pro
bably recover. The man killed was a black,
born in New- York, who [had been cook of the
ship. This unfortunate fellow, was with diffi
culty persuaded to engage in the land service ;
he predicted his fate, by saying as he left the
ship, " I know I shall get killed if I go."
We remained five days in the city of CorO.
In this interval, the same means that had been
used at La Vela, to bring in the inhabitants
were again employed; but with as little suc
cess. The people had been compelled to
abandon their homes by the positive orders of
the commandant, who threatened to make se-

[ 129 ]
vere examples of those who remained behind,
if they ever fell into his hands again. The
priests too instructed the inhabitants of this
province, that it had been invaded by a band
of lawless heretics and infidels, who came not
only to rob them of their property, but also to
deprive their souls of salvation, by spreading
damnable tenets and principles among the fa
vourites of the Holy Virgin. Whilst remain
ing here, we frequently beat to arms upon an
alarm of an approaching enemy, and marched
out with our artillery among the prickly pears
and bushes which surrounded the place ; but
returned as safe as we went out.
On the night of the 9th we took up our
march, it being reported that we were going
to attack Bona Vista ; and in the morning
found ourselves again in La Vela de Coro. In
the preceding operations, the forts were first
attacked by less than ninety men ; and we were
only two hundred and sixty-four strong, all
included, when we entered the city of Coro.
From the best information we could get, the
number of Spanish forces at Vela de Coro at the
time of our attack was from five to six hun
dred, and about fifteen pieces of ordnance were
on the several batteries. The vigour of our
assault in some measure confounded the enemy.

[ 130 ]
Our fatigue prevented any pursuit ; and conse
quently we obtained no prisoners.
The following is a translation of the procla
mation alluded to in the general order of de
barkation. PROCLAMATION.
Don Francisco de Miranda, Commander-in-
chief of the army of Columbia, to the inhabit
ants of Columbian America : — Brave country
men and friends, obedient to your wishes,
and to the repeated requests and calls of the
Country, to whose service we have cheerfully
eonsecrated the greater part^of our lives ; we
have disembarked in this province of Caraccas.
The opportunity and time appear to us highly
favourable for the completion of our designs ;
and all persons composing this army are your
friends or countrymen; all resolved to sacrifice
their lives, if necessary, for your liberty and
independence; under the auspices and protec
tion of the British navy. With these auxilia
ries, we can safely say, that the day will come,
when our America, recovering her sovereign
independence, her sons will be able freely to
Shew to the universe their exalted spirit. The
oppressive, unfeeling government, which has
obscured our finer qualities, and blackened

C 131 ]
with calumnies our deference and character,
managed also to maintain her abominable sj's-
tein of administration for three successive cen
turies ; but was never able to eradicate from
our hearts those moral and civil virtues, which
a holy religion and a regular code of laws in
corporated with our customs, and led to an
honest and natural course of action. Let us
be worthy then of those admirable qualities,
that the mean and odious agents of the court
of Madrid being expelled, we may be able
quietly to establish the civil order necessary to
the completion of so honourable an undertak
ing. The recovery of our rights as citizens,
and of our national glory as Columbian Ame
ricans, will be among the least benefits we
shall derive from that so just and necessary de
termination. The innocent Indians and all
other men will consider us all as brother citi
zens, and that precedency belongs only to
merit and virtue; in which belief they will
primarily obtain, most certainly military and
civil recompences, the reward of merit alone.
If the Dutch and Portuguese were able in
former times to throw off the yoke of Spanish
oppression; if the Swiss, and North Ameri
cans, our neighbours, have equally succeeded
to establish their liberty and independence,
k2

[ 133 ]
with the general applause of the world, and to
the benefit of their inhabitants, when each of
them, separately, scarcely contained .'wo or
three millions of people; why then si nil
we, who are at least sixteen millions, not be
able as easily to extricate ourselves ? Possess
ing besides, over and above these considerations,
the most fertile, inexhaustible, and iic:li con
tinent in the known world ! The act is, it de
pends solely upon our own will ; and that will,
progressing to our independence, union must
assure to us permanent and perpetual happi
ness. The Divine Providence ordaiiis it, to
alleviate the miseries of our unhappy country
men, and for the protection and benefit of the
whole human species. Those people who are
timorous, or less instructed, and who wish to
inform themselves of the ground work, of the
justice and equity which these proceedings
require, joined to the historical truths that
prove the inconceivable ingratitude, unheard-
of cruelties, and atrocious persecutions of the
Spanish government towards the innocent and
unhappy inhabitants of the New World, almost
from the moment of its discovery, will read the
subjoined address of Don Juan Viscardo, of the
order of Jesus, directed to his countrymen, and
they will find in it irrefragable proofs and solid

[ 133 J
arguments in favour of our cause, dictated by
a holy man, at a time when he was about taking
his, leave of this world, to appear before the
Creator of the universe. To carry this plan
into its due effect, with security and success,
the citizens will be obliged, without distinc
tion of classes or station (ecclesiastics only
excepted, in the parts where they may be ap
pointed ) to conform themselves strictly to the
following articles : viz.
I. Every person, military, judicial, civil, or
ecclesiastic, who exercises any authority grant
ed by the court of Madrid, shall suspend, pro
facto, their functions ; and those who continue
after the present publication, as well as those
who obey such persons, shall be severely pu
nished, II. The ecclesiastical courts, and the courts
of justice, in all cities, towns and places, shall
exercise, ad interim, all the functions of go
vernment, civil, administrative, and judicial,
with personal responsibility, and regulated by
the laws of the country ; and the curates of
parishes and missionaries, shall remain in their
respective churches and parishes, without altera
ing the exercise of their sacred functions.
III. All the ecclesiastical courts and the
courts of justice shall send one or two de-»

[ 134 1
puties to the head-quarters of the army, in or
der that they may unite themselves into a
general assembly on our arrival in the capital ;
and to form there a provincial government,
whicli may lead in due time to another govern
ment general, and permanent, with the con
sent of the whole nation.
IV Every citizen from the age of sixteen-
to fifty-five shall repair without fail to the
army, bringing with him such arms as he may
be able to procure ; and if they have none,
they shall receive them from the military de~
pots of the army.
V. The citizen who may have the baseness
to make common cause with thcagents of the
Spanish government; or who may be found
with arms, encamped in any garrison, or place
of strength for the said government, shall be
treated as a traitor to this country. If any
persons actually in the service of Spain shall
be so pusillanimous as to believe, that they are
in honour bound to serve against the independ
ence of their countrymen, they shall be for ever
banished from the country.
VI. On the contrary, all those who are ex
ercising any military, civil, or whatever other
employments, who join with promptitude the
atandard of the country, shall receive honours

C 135 ]
and employments proportioned to the zeal and
love of their country, which they shall have
manifested in such an important conjuncture.
Soldiers and sailors shall be equally rewarded,,
according to their capacity and zeal.
VII. The treasurers of the public money
shall immediately deposit the same with the
administrators, civil and ecclesiastic, who shall
nominate persons capable of managing the
same, and for the supply of the Columbian
army, with whatever may be necessary to its
maintenance and operations ; not only in mo
ney, but also provisions, clothing, vegetables,-
carriages, horses, and mules.
VIII. In order to prevent any kind of in
sult or aggression on the part of the soldiers
or advanced posts of the army, the magistrates
and parish priests of the cities, towns and vil
lages (under their personal responsibility ), shall
cause the colours or ensign of the national in
dependence to be fixed on the highest and
most conspicuous parts of the churches; and
the citizens shall also wear in their hats the
cockade which denotes them to be friends to
our just cause; for without these they would
not be respected and protected as brothers.
IX. This proclamation shall be fixed by the
priest and magistrates on the doors of the pa-

[ 136 ]
rish churches and all public buildings, in or
der that it may be speedily notified to all
the inhabitants. They shall also read in the
churches and all the civil courts, once a day
at least, the pamphlet formerly mentioned,
written by J. Viscardo, which accompanies
this edict.
X. Whoever shall hinder, retard, or neglect
the observance of the nine preceding articles,
shall be considered a public offender, and
punished immediately with exemplary severi
ty. The public good is the supreme law.
Done at Head Quarters at
Coro, 3d of August, 1806,
(Signed) Fran, de Miranda.
Thomas Molini, Secretary.
The pamphlet alluded to was in Spanish,
written twelve years ago, answering to the
character given to it in the proclamation. It
was designed to enlighten the people and to in-
, spire with them a hatred of kings and love of
liberty. It attempts to show how happy other
countries were in self-government, and how
easily the South Americans might possess
themselves of this same blessing.

C 137 I

LETTER XIX.
Other events previous lo the evacuation of the
Main. — Colonel Hall's embarrassment. —
Threat of M. concerning his wounded men.
— Captain Johnson's misfortune.
Aruba, August 17th, 1806.
Immediately on our return to La Vela de
Coro, I learned what had happened there dur
ing our absence. No advices were sent to the
commanding officer of La Vela, to acquaint
him and the squadron of our having taken pos
session of the city, or apprise him of our situa
tion. They were four days in a state of anxious
suspense, without hearing a syllable of our fate.
At the same time they were in constant appre
hension of an nttack from the Spaniards, who
were assembled in large bodies within a short
distance of the town. Whether this neglect in
Miranda, so vexatious to the detachment left
in the rear, be military or not, let military men
decide. Colonel Hall, who commanded at La Vela,

[ 13S ]
grew impatient to hear from the army which
had gone to Coro, and to put an end to his
doubts, was at last obliged to send a messenger
to bis Excellency. It was with the greatest
difficulty, and not without ample pecuniary
promises, that a native could be found who
would undertake the office. For some strange
reason, Miranda detained this messenger so
long after he was prepared to return with an
answer to Colonel Hall, that the latter, with the
remnant of our troops guarding La Vela, con
cluded that we were all taken prisoners, or had
been put to the sword by the Spaniards. Un
der this impression, Colonel Hall thought it
expedient, for the time being, to plant several
pieces of cannon round the house in which he
resided ; and took the precaution of having
boats in waiting on shore every night, to carry
himself and the guard, consisting of twenty-
five men, off to the squadron, in case they
should be under the necessity of flying.
Colonel Hall, who had it in charge from
Miranda to entice his countrymen back to
their homes, finding his personal efforts inef
fectual, addressed the following letter to the
priest of that district, in hopes, by gaining the
pastor to gain his flock.

C 139 ]
" Reverend Father,
" I take the liberty to enclose you one of
General Miranda's proclamations and pamph
lets, and to inform you, that I intended my
self the honour of waiting on you to-morrow,
to request that you will be so good as to come
into town on Sunday next to celebrate mass.
You may rely on the assurance Of not being
disturbed in any manner in the exercise of your
holy functions. In the interval, I beg God to
grant you long life and health. I kiss your
hands." This letter was written in Spanish, by Lieute
nant Adrien, the Colonel's secretary. The day
after it was delivered, this officer, accompanied
by Lieutenant Spearing and Doctor Davie, both
of the British navy, waited on the curate. He
replied in answer to the letter, that he could
not officiate out of the district to which he be
longed ; but his conduct and manners proved
that this was only an excuse. He was sur
rounded by a multitude of people, who testified
no inconsiderable alarm at the presence of our
ambassadors; and hovered under the wings of
his reverence, as their only safeguard from
heretical contamination. The truth was, that
the priest wished to have no communication
with any of Miranda's followers; he knew, if

[ 140 J
he came into town, that he should be followed
by his flock ; and he therefore declined the in
vitation, with a plausible excuse, lest the people
should attach themselves to Miranda when
they had more thoroughly discovered his in
tentions with respect to their country. It is
very evident from this, and other circumstances,
that the inhabitants of this country will never
listen to the proposals of our Commander-in-
chief, unless they are led on and countenanced
by their priests; and without the concurrence
of the priests his cause could not succeed.
These ecclesiastics have too much wisdom to
give up a certainty for an uncertainty; to
espouse an adventurer and revolutionist against
the reigning government, which protects their
endowments and immunities, and builds up
their influence ; and they have probably as a
body too much loyalty of feeling and principle
to be seduced by ordinary prospects into a re
nunciation of th&ir allegiance.
Aruba, August 20th, 1806. Before we pro
ceed to speak of our situation and prospects, I
will fin i nil the narrative of events previous to
our final evacuation of the Main, which took
place on the ni-ht of the 13th of this month..
Before we occupied La Vela de Coro, it was
understood that Colonel Hall was to be Com-

C 141 ]
mandant of that place, when it should come
into our possession ; but it was not officially
known until the following general order * in
formed us of the Colonel's promotion.
On our march from the city of Coro, our
Chief exhibited conduct that left a strong im
pression of his inhumanity upon our minds.
Desperate ends require desperate means. Sii3.ll
the maker of a revolution and the deliverer
of a country, restrict himself to the rules,
" La Vela, 10th August, 1806.
" G. O. Parole  , Countersign,  ,

Colonel William Gage Hall, was, on taking possession of this
place, appointed commandant, but owing to the movement
of the troops, could not before this be put in orders. He
is now to be respected as such, and all rules and regula
tions made by him, for the interior economy of the garrison,
are to be strictly obeyed and respected."
The conclusion of this order will appear to you suffi
ciently pompous, when you recollect that it was addressed co
no more than about thirty officers, and less than three hun
dred men • who composed a mixture of every age, shape,
condition, size, and language.
" A gun will fire, as usual at day light, when the re
veille is to beat, bugle to sound, and colours to be hoisted.
Troop to beat at eight o'clock, when the regiments and
corps are to parade ; arms to be examined and guards to
mount. An evening gun will fire at sunset, when the
troops are to parade ; piquets, and the field officer of the day
to commence duty."

I 143 ]
• or yield to the visitings of humanity? Be
assured such an enterprise supposes in him
who conducts it, a singleness of view that can
sacrifice the right to the expedient, and the
parts to the whole. The wounded of our
troops were carried in litters upon the shoul
ders of the men, and much thej' suffered in
mind and body in this dreary and fearful march.
Owing to the weight of the litters and the
offensiveness of the wounds of some of the per
sons in them, the soldiers and sailors who were
willing to do their utmost to help and convey
off their distressed companions, but who were
weakened by fatigue and hunger, could not
support their burden for any length of time,
and were obliged frequently to stop and
change. Whenever this took place, Miranda
flew into a violent rage, pretending it was an
unnecessary delay. At length, he declared,
that if the wounded retarded the march of the
Column, they should be put aside, and left on
the road ! This he said in hearing of the
wounded, who expected the barbarous threat
would be executed, and they should be left to
perish without assistance,, or to be cut in
pieces by the Spaniards. One of the men at
tached to a litter, conveying an officer, declar
ing that he was so much spent he could go

[ 143 ]
no farther, unless he was relieved; the Ge*
rieral 9aid to the soldier: — " Go on, sir, I know
what you can do;" — then turning to the
officer, directing the order of march, " suffer
no complaint, shoot that man — s;ive me a
pistol here ; let me do it." This officer, Lieu
tenant-colonel Roorbach, in a very spirited
and becoming manner, remonstrated with Mi
randa upon this conduct; endeavoured to
check the torrent of curses he was venting
against the men; and begged him to have
some consideration for the wounded and those
who carried them. The moment the General
threatened to leave the wounded on the road,
an officer went to the rear of the column, and
informed the captain of artillery and several
of his companions what might take place.
About twelve in number determined, if such
an attempt was made, to protest against it; if
that did not produce the desired effect, they
resolved to resist the order at the point of their
swords, being assured of the assistance of the
men under their command, to whom they had
already stated the barbarity of such a proceed
ing; and who were not less indignant on
the occasion than their commanders. This
threat of Miranda is perhaps to be attribut
ed to his ungoverned fear of being atiacked

[ 144 ]
by the Spaniards, and falling alive into their
hands. This fear he may be supposed to have
had, and yet not be a coward. I do not deny
that he would meet the perils of ordinary
battle with real courage. I am persuaded
he would rather fall into the hands of his
countrymen dead 'than alive. Armed horse
men were seen hovering upon the flanks and
rear of our column; but they never came with
in reach of musketry. Midway between La
Vela and the city, we forded a river, the banks
of which were exceedingly steep; here all
thought it probable we should be attacked,
and it was near this place, that the General
made the threat of abandoning his wounded
to the mercy of fate. But admitting he was
not seriously determined to do so, tlie event
proved that he had no occasion to resort to
an expedient of so abominable a complexion
to hasten the march, as the Spaniards allowed
us to pass the river unmolested. They no
doubt over-rated our strength, whilst Mi
randa, in this instance, preferred acting on the
defensive, as well from an apprehension of
their superior force, as to prove the sincerity
of his professions of tender regard towards
the people of South America !
In the course of the morning before our

[ H5 ]
march to the city of Coro, about twenty-five
or thirty Indians were captured. They were, a?
is customary in this country, armed with bows
and arrows. They preferred joining our stan
dard to being kept as prisoners. As we enter
ed the city they formed part of the advanced
guard ; but the moment the firing took place,
they fled precipitately, leaving their bows
and arrows on the ground. It has been re
ported, that when they saw our men firing
on each other, they supposed it was through
animosity; and observed, that if Miranda's
men fired at each other, they thought their
turn would soon come; and therefore, they
had better seek safety in flight. Whatever
might have been the motive which drove them
off, they took good care never to make their
appearance afterwards.
Two days previous to our evacuation, Cap*
tain Johnson, who commanded the Leander,
with a party of fifteen men, was taken by the
Spaniards, which makes nearly eighty men
and officers who have, at different times, fallen
into the hands of the enemy. The circum
stances of this unhappy event are the fol
lowing: The Spaniards had for several days previous
to that on which Johnson was taken, harassed

[ 14G J
the watering parties, that were sent from the
squadron to a river about three or four miles
distant from the anchorage, and nearly the
same distance from the batteries and town then
occupied hy the troops. This was the only
place where a sufficient supply of water could
be procured ; and the enemy's cavalry were
always on the look out, to drivetbe sailors off,
which sometimes happened with the loss of
their water-casks. Captain Johnson being in
formed of this circumstance, and wanting wa
ter for his crew, obtained permission from the
General to arm as many as could be spared
from the Leander, and set out at day-light for
the river, intending to procure water at all
risks, and to rout the Spaniards, who at that
post were thought to be but few in number :
but the night before he put his plan in execu
tion, a reinforcement, composed of horsemen,
infantry, and Indians, in number perhaps two
hundred and fifty, had been stationed under
cover of the numerous sand-hills, which form
ed the margin of the stream. The moment
Johnson landed from his boat, and had drawn
up his men, a part of the enemy rushed upon
him from their concealment, with a heavy fire
of arrows and musketry, and soon overpower
ed him and his party. Several were killed or|

[ 14? ]
the spot, and the survivors, after an obstinate
resistance, and receiving many wounds, were
made prisoners, excepting one, who reached
the ship by swimming, and one drowned in a
similar attempt. This was at the dawn of
day; the firing being perceived from the Lily,
a party of thirty men, under command of Lieu
tenant Barclay, were sent to support Johnson ;
but they were too.late, to be of any other ser
vice, than that of killing and wounding about
twenty Spaniards. Lieutenant Barclay return*
ed to town with his party, and gave informa
tion of the fate of Johnson and his comrades,
requesting at the same time, that a detachment
of our soldiers might be immediately sent> in
conjunction with his own men, to rescue tho
captives ; however, owing to some cause, neve*
explained, probably because it would not bear
an explanation, none of our troops, though
they were instantly under arms, received orders
to march to their succour until near eight
o'clock, at least two hours after the report
had reached head-quarters ; and it is more
than probable, that Johnson, if taken alive,
was, with the remnant of his men, then on his
way to the city of Coro, or already there, at
which place the Spaniards would imprison
him until they received orders from Caraccas,
l2

[ 14S ]
The reports concerning the real condition of
this ill-fated man, have been various and con
tradictory. Some assert that he was instantly
killed; others, that he was only slightly wound
ed. Again, we are told that he was despe
rately mangled in the contest, and was carried
in that situation to prison, where he languish
ed several days in misery, and expired. Others
again tell us, that he is still living, and is re
served for trial. * It is difficult to know which
to believe; but if the last be true, it gives
some reason to hope that he will not be exe
cuted, or even sentenced to death, as he is a
British subject, and therefore had a right dur
ing the war, and agreeable to the law of na
tions to engage in any expedition against the
enemies of that country. The charge of the
Leander has fallen into the hands of young
Waldegrave. i
Men versed in the science and practice of
war, will inquire with wonder and astonish
ment for the reason, why this spirited officer
was suffered (or rather not forbidden to go
on a watering party, with an inferior force to
that which had been already repulsed, with
out a support by land detached from the in*
• * The same uncertainty respecting Johnson, still exists.

C 149 ]
fantry and artillery then in the town. One
or two gun-boats might also have been moor
ed in a situation to act with efficiency in
covering their landing. This precautionary
measure, strongly enforced by prudence as
well as humanity, would have saved Johnson
and his party ; and enabled them to have pro
cured the water so much wanted. In addi
tion to these important advantages, would
have followed the dispersion of the whole, if
not the capture of a large portion of the as
sailants. Our astonishment increases when we are in
formed that the troops who volunteered with
promptitude and cheerfulness to retrieve this
disaster, which ought to have been prevented,
were not ordered to march till the expiration
of two hours or more, after the intelligence
of Johnson's fate had been announced by
Lieutenant Barclay. Shall we attribute this
omission and delay to that want of decision
and prospective comprehension, so discernible
in all the transactions of Miranda, or to that
nonchalance as regards the feelings, wants,
and sufferings of others, which constitutes one
of the most prominent features in his cha
racter ?
Captain Johnson manifested much zeal in

C 150 3
Miranda's cause; it even extended to the loan
Of a considerable sum of money. He held the
General's note at ninety days, as security for
three thousand dollars ; besides other advances
and disbursements for the ship, which were
drawn from his purse at Trinidad.
This paper is in the hands of Johnson's ex
ecutor, Captain Hancock. Much good may
it do him, or his heiiV if it is ever recovered ;
for Miranda is very unwilling to pay those
debts which were contracted in consequence of
this enterprise. He seems to imagine that it
was doing a favour to individuals to allow them
to make him large donations of cash and ser
vices, the one never to be paid, and the other
never to be rewarded, unless he succeeded in
establishing a free republic in South America.
It ii a satisfaction to reflect, that the pro
perty of the inhabitants of La Vela de Coro
and the city was respected amidst all our wants ;
except instances of rapacity in individuals, of
a description always to be found in an assem- ,
Wage of men under arms, and the necessaries
taken for our subsistence.
The property found in the king's stores
being considered as belonging to the free peo
ple of South America, was taken in charge for
their benefit, by order of the Commander-in-

t 151 ]
chief. The whole value of this did not exceed
fifteen hundred dollars, which is to be divided
among the troops.* What provisions we found
in the deserted houses, stores, and gardens of
the Spaniards, our hunger obliged us to apply
to our own use; had they chosen to stay, it
would have been our General's policy to pay
in proportion to his ability, for what we want
ed. I presume, their persons and property
would have been inviolate, at least, so far as
they had discovered a willingness to be free,
and to take our visit in good part. Though
we were thus scrupulous in this respect, we pro
bably shall not have the reputation of our for
bearance. It is said, no doubt, with truth, that
in several instances those inhabitants, who first
came into the town after our evacuation, plun
dered the houses and stores of those who had
not yet returned, and gave out that we were the
robbers. Our care in this respect affords almost
the only consoling reflection, to be gleaned
from a review of our works on the Spanish
Main. As I before observed, nearly all the
inhabitants, rich and poor, male and female,
* It consisted chiefly of coarse linens, and furnished one
shirt and a pair of pantaloons to each non-commissioned.
officer and private soldier.

[ 152 ]
the sick and the old, as well as the healthy
and young, had disappeared, having fled to
other places, and to the woods. What a horrid
panic must have seized these inoffensive people,
to have driven them to measures so extreme ;
and what a scene of distress must their flight
have exhibited. It was not, however, in all
cases, their own terror that prompted them to
quit their homes; but many, who would rather
have encountered infidels than become the com
panions of wild beasts, were coerced to depart
by the Spanish government. The Governor
drove the multitude out before him like cattle,
and would listen to no entreaties from those who
desired to stay. Many, doubtless, thought,
they might as well perish by the sword as
famine ; and that they stood at least as good a
chance from the clemency of the invaders, as
was offered by a retreat into the forests. My
heart is wrung to think of the domestic misery
that must have been occasioned by this de
testable business. Some of it I saw, and heard
of more ; and have no doubt there existed hun
dreds of instances of extreme suffering, which
we could not know. One morning whilst we
were at Coro, a young officer informed me, he
had accidentally seen a sick and helpless old
man, who was near dying from want, having

[ 153 ]
had nothing to eat for the last two days. I
proposed to take him some of our provisions
before we dined. We accordingly proceeded
to his apartment with such sustenance and re
freshments as we had. At this unexpected
relief, his gratitude and joy were more than
he could express. He uttered short thanks in
Spanish, for he could speak no English ; but
his face said a thousand grateful things that no
language could convey. By a gentleman who
accompanied us, who understood Spanish, we
learned that the old man's family and servaut
had left him, taking with them all the provi
sions in the house, the moment that the firing
of our cannon at La Vela was heard. He
had been long confined by sickness, and was
only strong enough to sit in bed ; but not to
reach his crucifix and prayer book, which were
on the window board some paces from his
bed side. In this situation he must have expir
ed had we not come to his relief. Before our
departure from Coro, he and other suffering
inhabitants whom we knew, Were supplied as
far as in our power with a stock of provisions,
to serve them till their affrighted friends re
turned Upon taking my departure from the Main,
it is due to gratitude, that I mention the af-

C 154 ]
fecting kindness of a Roman priest at Coro, to
our sick and wounded. He discovered a most
amiable solicitude, both for the comfort of
their bodies, and the future welfare of their
souls. Towards Colonel Kirkland, for whose
life we entertained serious apprehensions, he
exercised the benevolence of a Christian, and
the tenderness of a father. He provided for
him not only a comfortable but elegant apart
ment, with several attendants, and every neces
sary which his situation required. He is held
in the most grateful remembrance by that
officer. When we considered that this good
catloac must have regarded us as enemies to
his religion, his king and country, and pro
bably to mankind, his benevolence touched
our feelings with peculiar force, and con
tributed to sharpen the regret we could not
but feel at the terror and distress we oc
casioned. Though we evacuated the place, it was not
from any apprehension of danger to our per
sons. Whilst there we had several alarms ;
but none, I believe, more terrific than the fol
lowing :
On the day of our re-embarkation from La
Vela, intelligence was announced at head-quar
ters, that a corps of Spanish cavalry was ad-

C 155 ]
vancing against us. A detachment of in
fantry, with a piece of artillery, was put under
march, with a view to prevent their entrance
into the town. The Commander-in-chief soon
followed; near the environs of the village he
found the lieutenant halted, with a cluster of
bushes in front. It was then raining in tor
rents. Miranda supposed this time and place
propej for surprising the enemy, then believed
to be advancing, by a well-directed fire from
the ambush. The General, puffing and fum
ing as he approached, said ""why don't you
fire, Lieutenant ? why don't you fire, Sir ?" " I
see nothing to fire at, General;" replied the
Lieutenant. " Fire at those bushes, then. Sir,"
rejoined the General; " Fire, Sir, and let them
know we have got guns !" The officer blazed
away according to order. What havock was
made among the bushes we know not, as no
return of the killed and wounded has ever
been made. The truth is, the Spaniards never
approached nearer than within three or four
miles of the town and batteries; nor was there
any appearance of their force at eleven o'clock
the day after, when we weighed anchor, bound
to Aruba.

[ 156 ]

LETTER XX.

M. takes possession of Aruba .by proclamation.
— Sickness of the men. — Courts Martial,
Aruba, August 22d, 1 806.
Miranda has taken formal possession of this
island ; and announces it to the constituted auT
thorities of the place in the following procla
mation, which is written in Spanish, and post
ed up at all the public places.
" proclamation.
"' Inhabitants of Aruba, circumstances force
us to take possession of your island ; but rest
assured, that your religion and commerce shall
remain unmolested ; and the execution of your
Jaws shall continue in the hands of your pre
sent magistrates : conscious that from a virtu
ous people like you, nothing is to be appre
hended. Our object is to emancipate a peo
ple, who have long suffered under the rod of
tyranny ; and who have invited us to give them
a more equitable government. The Governor
of Caraccas has offered a reward of thirty thou-

[ 15? 3
sand dollars for the head of a citizen, whose
life lias been from its earliest period devoted
to the good of his countrymen, and who will
shed the last drop of his blood in endeavouring
to effect in South America, what Washington
has done in the United States ; what Dion and
Pelopidas did in Greece; and the Prince of
Orange in Holland ! Ask the wretch, by what
laws, human or divine, he is authorized to de
stroy me ? except that he wishes to renew in
these days, among the South Americans, the
cruelties and infamies of the government of
Philip II. in Holland, which have disgraced
his name for ever, and blasted the character of
the nation that permitted them.
(Signed) " MIRANDA.
( Signed )
" Thomas Molini, Sect. & Regst."
Let no one impute a want of modesty to this
philosophical, cosmopolitan, patriotic perform
ance. The assertion that the South Americans
have invited us to give them a more equitable
government, is not supported by any evidence
which has come to our knowledge.
Our General professes to expect to " keep
moving," and accomplish his great design. He
looks for a considerable reinforcement to be
l13

C 158 3
&ent to this island by the British. Then he
means to try another descent on the Main.
Whether either of these events will take place
Under the auspices of our chief, is now a mat
ter of serious doubt in the minds of the intel
ligent part of his followers; and, in my opinion,
in his own mind too, though he does not think
proper to own it at this moment. The Bri
tish officers employed in the expedition, I am
persuaded, think it hopeless, at least, under the
conduct of our leader, and are heartily tired of
such a bagatelle service. In pursuance, how
ever, of his original plan, the General, on the
9th, sent an officer with dispatches to the
Governor of Jamaica, and to Admiral Dacres,
the purport of which was to inform them of
our partial success on the Main ; and to soli
cit a sufficient number of troops to enable him
to regain the country, and to keep possession
of it, till he can collect a force among the inha
bitants, to march to the interior to stronger
holds, and more important places than La Vela
or Coro. Whether the messenger is the best
which might have been selected, is not for me to
determine. But there is no reason to think that,
if the errand was done ever so well, it would
issue in success. There are few British troops
in the West Indies; and after what has taken

[ 159 ]..
place, none to spare for General Miranda, ft
is pretty certain.
The Bacchante sloop of war has arrived here
since we anchored ; but has no orders to join
us. The commander of this ship is entitled to the
warmest thanks of our second division, for his
attention and kindness to them during the af
ternoon and night they were on board of his
vessel. The officers, in particular, are under
great obligations to him for his civility and
politeness to them on that occasion. His ship
was in the highest order "imaginable, and ex
tremely commodious; he is an excellent seaman,
and manages her in a masterly manner, with a
crew under the most complete discipline. You
will be surprised in hearing that Captain Da-
cres, her commander, is but eighteen years of
age. He is a son of the Admiral of that name,
and is not only the pride of his father, but will,
if he lives, one day be a shining ornament in
the British navy.
Our troops have been kept together in a
camp formed on the sandy beach of this bar
ren island, where they are exercised morning
and evening, under the command of an officer
who, though qualified by the head, is not so
by the heart, to exercise authority over human

[ 160 3
beings ; but whom obsequiousness and de^ef-'
ence have made very acceptable to the Com
mander-in-chief. It is not enough that the poor slaves, called
volunteers, are neither clothed, fed, nor paid,
and exhausted with the fatigues of our late cam
paign ; they must also be subjected to the
strict regulations, and rigid discipline, required
in an army in the field ; and all this adminis
tered by officers whom they heartily dislike,
and who have as little consideration for the
feelings of their fellows, as any men whom God
ever suffered to be dressed in authority. But
" patience and fortitude are the virtues of sol
diers ;" and in so good a cause, and in the ser
vice of the renowned Miranda, who shall not
be happy to bear privations ?
The goats of the island are laid under con
tribution for our use. The rank flesh of these
animals, loathsome beyond description, with
half a ration of bread, and a little sour wine,
constitutes all our sustenance.
Distressing sickness has spread among the
troops. For the two nights and the day im
mediately before our evacuation of La Vela de
Coro, there was a continual and excessive
rain, to which our men were exposed. Af
ter fretting on board, they were obliged, in

C 161 ]
general, to keep on their wet clothes, for want
of changes of garments. This circumstance,
joined to their previous fatigues, and to the
want of comforts on their arrival here, brought
on an inflammatory fever, which has raged with
great violence, and proved fatal to several,
though not to so many as might be expected.
About forty men and eight or ten officers have
been confined in miserable hovels, called hos
pitals, under every circumstance df distress and
poverty. Our diet is bad enough to make the
well sick, and to the sick it is insupportable.
Besides, our poor invalids have little or no at
tendance: Many of them are without shirts to
their backs, or any other sufficient clothing,
and without beds, stretched on the floor. Mr.
Waldegrave is among the sick. Miranda views
all this suffering of his followers with a peculiar
sangfroid. It is worthy of a philosopher, no
doubt, to bear the calamities of others with re
signation. It becomes the firmness of a great
captain not to be too much affected with those
hardships of his soldiers, which he is unable to
remedy or alleviate ; but in this case the con
dolence of the chief would do the wretches some
good ; and, if he chose, he might, one would
think, see them provided with more comforts
Instead of visiting the hospitals, or interesting
M

C 162 3
himself in their management, he sits the whole
da}' at his quarters, the best house in town for
good living and convenience, picking his teeth
in silence, or talking to some of his staff; who,
with a few exceptions, areas negligent and un
concerned as himself. Among the exceptions
is the General's aide-de-camp, Mr. Smith, who
does all in his power to alleviate the condition
of the invalids. Lieutenant-colonel Roorbach
has a right to a place among the exception^ ;
he always sought occasions to relieve the suffer
ings of our poor men, and shared with them his
limited means of comfort and convenience.
Sept. 20th. For want of something else to do,
or to gratify the piques of the chief, rather than
from any serious occasion or just pretence, se
veral courts-martial have been instituted in
form ; several officers arrested, and one tried,
and sentenced to the cruel punishment of being
dismissed from this honourable and inviting
service. It may afford you some amusement, as
well as enlighten you on the nature of our so
cial compact, to see a history of these mock
tribunals in their chronological order. The
first was created at Port of Spain, in July, with
the same formality, as if we had been an ac
knowledged army, as you will perceive by
the following general order :

C 163 ]
"Leander, 19th July, 1806.
" G. O." A general court-martial, consist
ing of one field officer and four captains, to as
semble on Monday morning, at 10 o'clock, on
board of this ship, for the trial of such prison
ers as shall be brought before them.
«
Major Sands, President.
Capt. Loudon, Capt. Allison,
Capt. Ledlie, Capt. Rankin.
Lieut. Hosack is appointed to act as Judg&
Advocate, to whom Lieutenant-colonel Roor-
bachwill send the names of the prisoners, and
alleged crimes, and cause witnesses to attend."
The business of this court-martial was to try
a Columbian lieutenant and surgeon, who had
offended Captain Campbell. They came on
board of the Leander one night, somewhat ex
hilarated, in consequence of having fallen into
hospitable company. Here they made a noise
so loud, that the captain of the Lily, who lay
near, apprehended there was a general riot, the
gun of a sentinel on board going off just at that
instant, as appeared afterwards, by accident,
He accordingly dispatched a boat for the Mi-
randonians concerned, with orders to bring
them, dead or alive, into his ship. The lieute
nant resisted at first ; but being overpowered,
M.2

[ 164 3
Was brought, witn the surgeon, on board the
Lily. He seemed to think this exercise of au
thority a violation of his rights, and an indig
nity to his person- — an indignity, presuming
that he was not accountable to him for his con
duct on board the Leander ; and that it was
nothing to Captain Campbell, whether the Mi-
randonians were drunk or sober, vociferous or
mute. He and his comrade were, however,
kept in close arrest for trial. The court made
several ineffectual attempts to proceed to busi
ness. The members were so indisposed to
their office, that they could not be all got to
gether. One of them, lately from Scotland,
learning that he was to be summoned to figure
at the martial board, betook himself into the
country to be out of the way, alleging that he
was not well enough acquainted with the Ame
rican articles of war to sit in judgment on the
conduct of Columbian culprits. When a.
board was formed, they could not lengthen
their faces to the solemnity of the occasion,
amidst the arch looks and indirect ridicule of the
officers who were spectators ; and on different
pretexts delayed entering upon their functions,
which they felt were only a caricature of au
thority Finding the business was all a farce,
Miranda dissolved the court-martial ; but to

[ 165 3
preserve the semblance of power, alleged as
a reason, that he had condescended, in conse
quence of the intercession of Captain Campbell
and some other officers, to pardon the offend
ers, hoping this goodness would have the best
effect upon their conduct. I have seen the de
fence that the lieutenant intended to make, if
he was arraigned, in which, besides objecting
to the constitution of the court, alleging, that
one member had given his opinion, — that ano
ther was his personal enemy, &c. he pleads
against the right of jurisdiction : the purport
of this plea was, " I have sworn to serve the
free people of South America, or the govern
ment which they may establish, in my military
conduct, having the benefit of the articles of
war of the United States. Are you, gentlemen,
the people of South America, or is your autho
rity derived from the government which they
have established ? General Miranda, all his vo
lunteers, as well as his ship, are here by courte
sy; they and myself are amenable to the civil
authority of this island, and no other. How can
you try me by the American arficles of war,
with the British ensign flying oyer your heads ?"
for at that time the Leander, on board of which
the court assembled, was under British colours.
During the space of some months there was

[ 166 3
hardly a week when thys questionable ship
y/ore the same ensign. Sometimes the Colum
bian flag was hoisted ; sometimes the Ameri
can ; at others the British ; and frequently
ftone whatever. He concluded with saying,
'" you have no right to arraign my conduct ;
and if you do me any injury, I shall apply to
the laws of this colony for redress." Whe
ther this plea would have been admitted is un
certain ; but it agrees with the opinion which
the officers generally had of their rights and
obligations. Under this impression it is, per
haps, remarkable, that they behaved so Well.
An honest man is very properly said to be
more honest on account of the law; and the
licentious may be expected to exemplify the
necessity of law on many occasions. From
the nature of the thing, however, the will of the
Commander-in-chief seems to be an authority
fr6m which there is no appeal. About the
same time he chose to exert it in turning out
of the army a young man without asking the
opinion of any court-martial.
Though we have stipulated for the benefit
of the articles Of war of the United States, it
would seem from this instance, that he consi
ders we hold our places not during good beha
viour, but during his pleasure. This person

[ 167 3
was a Mr. Alexander B***e, of Barbadoes, of
good education and respectable family. His real
offence undoubtedly was, that he allowed him
self to laugh at some of the absurdities relating to
the expedition that were daily practised under
the eye of our chief. Miranda, not satisfied with
dismissing him from the army, aimed to dis
grace him in the view of his comrades, by mak
ing the act a part of general orders ; charg
ing him with conducting himself improperly in
various ways, and in disobedience of orders ;
and observing, " that he begs to be understood
by all going upon the expedition, that while
he will pay every attention and respect to the
meritorious and deserving officer ai\A soldier,
he will not allow any person that acts impro
perly to go unpuuished." B***e being left
destitute in a strange place, thought proper to
proceed with the expedition unknown to Mi
randa. He wished to surprise him by his va
lour and usefulness at the landing ; and to con
vince the General that he had done him injus
tice. Accordingly B***e was extremely service
able at the attack on La Vela de Coro, at which
time and afterwards he proved* himself to be
possessed of a degree of military skill and in
vincible courage; but though Miranda was
assured of this, and acknowledged him to be

C les 3
a " man of merit and perseverance," his en-»
mity was not to be appeased, and he would
not reinstate him, nor allow him to he consi
dered any thing but an uncommissioned volun
teer, in which capacity he remained until the
abandonment of the enterprise, and then re
turned to his native island.
The second of these courts was instituted
with a view of trying some young men, charged
with trivial offences, which, in any regular
army, would have passed with a moderate re
primand. But in these cases, the persons ar
raigned were those not belonging to the coterie
profoundly attached to Miranda, and who gave
their tongues some greater latitude concerning
his affairs, than he approved. He thought it
necessary to check the evil, which he appre
hended might spread, and thus deter others
from the profaneness of judging and condemn
ing his notions and movements. The difficulty
of organizing the court prevented their pror
ceeding, and thus deprived us of the benefit
of witnessing what Miranda was wont to term,
" salutary examples of correct discipline."
The young men were liberated from arrest
after ten or twelve days, and ordered to return
to duty. The third court was called in conse
quence of a dissolution of the former; and after

[ 169 3
much exertion entered upon business. The
adjutant of the North American infantry was
arraigned ; but it was thought best to let him
go. The principal offence laid to his charge
was disputing and countermanding the orders
of his superior officer, in not delivering a cam
boose to the hulans. The adjutant did certainly
subject himself to a suspicion of contumacy by
this refusal, but his conduct admitted of so
much apology, that proceedings against him
were dropped. He received an order from
the Quarter-master-general to take this most
necessary article from the Leander, for the pur
pose of cooking the goat -flesh rations of the
North American infantry, who were under the
particular care of this adjutant. Accordingly
the camboose had been daily applied to the
preparation of the meals for the infantry, and
lent occasionally to some other corps. At one
unlucky time, when this machine was filled
with the dinner for his men, which was about
half through the process of boiling, and when
it was engaged after he had done with it, to be
lent to the Indian volunteers, whom the General
calls " my peoples," and who were encamped
near him, there came a subaltern with an order
from a major, instantly to deli^rr up the cam
boose, malgre the necessities of the hungry

[ 170 3
infantry, and those who expected their next
turn. The adjutant's blood was a little too
much roused by this apparent contempt of the
wants of himself and his men ; and he made
a resolute, though an ineffectual, stand against
the demand, conceiving, very naturally, that
neither he nor his people could with any rea
son be expected, at so short a warning, to re
nounce the custom of eating their dinner, such
as it was.
The Chev. de B. was charged with a usur
pation of authority, and with cruelty, and un-
gentlemanlike conduct. But the most serious
accusation was that of " contempt and disre
spect to the Commander-in-chief, in writing
and sending to him a contemptuous aud dis
respectful letter, containing false assertions and
reflections on the characters of his superior
officers, and those officers composing the ge
neral court martial, ordered to assemble on the
9th." The court did him the justice to acquit
him of the charge of cruelty and ungentleman-
like behaviour ; but found him guilty of the
last charge, and sentenced him to be dismissed
from the service. Without doubt the letter
was lofty, indignant, and sarcastic, and all
this it might be, and contain no falsehood. In
Jaw it is a well known maxim, in some in--

[ 171 3
stances, the greater the truth, the greater the
libel; and surely it became the court to r>ro-
nounce censures upon themselves, and our chief
to be false. Notwithstanding this sentence, I
believe it is the opinion of all who know De
B., and probably of his judges, that he is still
entitled to the character of a gentleman, a good
officer, and a man of honour, as far as came to
our knowledge.
Iu two instances at Aruba, the differences
between officers required the " amende ho
norable," and the parties went out to fight
duels ; but through the prudence of the seconds
in one case, a reconciliation took place on the
ground ; and from the same cause probably in
another, two exchanges of shot left the com
batants with a sound skin ; and the challenger
said he was satisfied.
The services of the judge advocate in the
court martial, gained him the honour of pro
motion, and he was raised from the rank of
lieutenant to a captaincy of artillery. This
kind of paper reward has on various occasions
•been vouchsafed, as the uneasiness of an indi
vidual with his grade, the necessity of answer
ing his call for pay, or the policy of our chief
to appear to have something to give, and to
countenance merit, seemed to require.

C na 3
- During his arrest, Chevalier de B. was treat
ed with as much severity, as if he had been a
conspirator or felon. He was obliged, by order
of the General, to confine himself onboard of
a small transport schooner, where he almost
Wanted necessaries ; and when he came on
shore to trial, was escorted by two or three
soldiers with fixed bayonets. It is very proba
ble that he will not hang himself of chagrin for
not deserving the good will of the adventurer
and his court martial ; though he, like some
others of us, may not be able to think with
much patience of the ill stars that brought him
¦into the power of such a man. As to the sen
tence of dismissal, he is very possibly so un
wise, as to imagine, tant pis, tant mieux* I
believe many besides him would be very willing
to earn a similar sentence, if they were certain
the doing it would not expose them to some
thing more. But the spirit of Miranda is
chafed, and the consciousness of being disliked
and distrusted, makes him suspicious and re
vengeful. He has some degree of that species
of cowardice which resents the pang it feels ;
and the animosities among some of the officers
are rancorous. It would not be surprising, if
* So much the worse, so much the better.

[ 173 3
a man were to avow his disgust with the ser
vice, or his want of respect for its leader, that
the latter should pack a court, who, being go
verned by his will, instead of contenting them
selves with taking away the offender's commis
sion, should make him feel concern for his
liberty, or even life. The apprehension of be
coming victims to malice is enough to make
the officers guarded in tlieir conversation, ex
cept among those who are confidential.

t H4 J

LETTER XXL

Animadversions of Officers on the Expedition-^-
Curafoa scheme.
Aruba, September, 21st, 1800*.
You will naturally ask, what is the purport
of the conversations which these persons hold?
They express their sense of disappointment in
all their expectations concerning Miranda and
his schemes. " He lured us," say they, " from
our country and homes, by promises and de
clarations entirely unfounded. Why did he
not tell us of the chances against his success,
which he must have known to exist, instead of
saying, that this adventure was infallible, set
ting aside the dangers of the seas. Through
his delusive representations, seventy of our
countrymen are dragging out their miserable
existence in the Spanish mines ; and ten are
reported to have come to an ignominious end
on the scaffold. The groans and tears of their
widows, children, brothers, sisters, and friends,

[ 175 J"
accuse him before high heaven as the im
mediate author of their afflictions."
On the subject of the loss of our schooners,
the following is extracted from the journal of
one of our principal officers, whose station ne
cessarily gave him frequent access to the Ge
neral; though it differs, in some respects, from
the account given in my letter of May 6th, I
think it proper to be communicated in this
place. His remarks are couched in these
terms: — ,c When the Leander bore away from
the land to avoid falling between the two
Spanish vessels, which appeared to be the
object of their commanders, the brig being
upon the larboard, and the schooner on the
starboard quarter, the Bee came within hail of
the Leander ; Captain Huddle informed Captain
Lewis from his speaking trumpet, that he was
out of ammunition. Lewis replied, that he
could not then send the boat with a supply,
but he must keep near the Leander and be
ready to board. This undoubtedly prevented
the Captain of the Bee from pressing sail as
he otherwise would have done. The Leander,
however, receded from the guarda costas,
while the latter gained upon our schooners.
At length the Bacchus bore away wiag and
wing before the wind. The Spanish brig in-

[ 176 3
srtstntly pursued. Previous to this Miranda had:
gone below, and had sent for Captain Lewis;
what passed between them we shall never
learn, except from their own declarations; for
in this case, as in all others of importance, Mi
randa did not permit a third person to be pre
sent. When Lewis came upon deck, it wag
supposed we should, if possible, engage the
Spanish schooner, still in pursuit of us, and
hearing ort our starboard quarter, the Bee
having fallen on our larboard, No orders to
this effect were however given. Lewis told
me that the General wished to see me below.
When I, entered his state room, I found the
General with a chart in his hand, and pointing
to the islands of Trinidad and Margaritta, he
said, " we must go first to the island of Aves
or Bonair for water, and I think we had then
best shape our course for Trindad, where I
have resources, and shall receive assistance from
the English; here is Margaritta, which we can
take, if we think proper, with the force we now
have; the pilot tells me we can beat up in ten
or fifteen days. — What is your opinion ?" I
said, in reply, " I concurred with him both in
the feasibility and expediency of this measure ;"
but added, " let us endeavour to save our
schooners, General. The Bacchus has borne

[ 177 3
away before the wind, and is pursued by the
Spanish brig ; I believe it is the opinion of
those who are skilled in naval taetics, that we
can now put about, engage, and carry the
Spanish schooner, unless she outsails us; by
this attempt we shall probably divert the brig
from chasing the Bacchus, as she will be under
apprehensions for her consort, and the Bee
will be again protected by our ship and ready
to assist in boarding. At all events, Sir, and
upon every calculation we shall save our com
rades. It is the desire of us all upon deck,
General, to perish with our companions rather
than become eye-witnesses to their capture."
" Well, then," — was Miranda's reply to thia
representation; the meaning of which I thus
interpreted  if you will make the attempt,
I shall not nor will not, or mostly likely can
not prevent you; but I have given my pri
vate orders to Captain Lewis. For Lewis de
clared the next day and always afterwards,
" that Miranda had ordered him to bear away
and escape." This the General never denied:
but said in a conversation with me the follow
ing mori ing, that " Lewis undoubtedly would
endeavour to throw all the blame upon him,"
thus intimating a consciousness that he was
responsible. Every circumstance^ attending
N

[ 178 3
this affair tallies with the foregoing remarks^
whatever Miranda may choose to say to the
contrary. Before he went below, he asked the
officer who acted as aid to Lewis, " what shall
we do to save our schooners ?" " Fight Sir !"
was the answer. I shall not say what motive
induced him to order the flight of the Leander.
A desire to save his own person is the most
probable solution ; yet while on deck he ap
peared cool and collected. When he first
came up in the morniHg, he looked rather big
and full of fight. After viewing the Spanish
vessels with his poeket glass,, he observed to
me, "Well, Sir, ean't we burn and destroy these
rascals." " We must try, General '." said I, " if
We do not burn them, they will certainly burn
us." Whatever he would or would not have
done, it is now to no purpose to inquire. Our
associates are in captivity; if their lives are
spared, their miseries and sufferings will be
worse than death; and we are left to reflect^
with grief and indignation that we were not
permitted, though every heart burned with im
patience for the conflict, to make an effort for
their salvation.
The conduct of their chief, in other par
ticulars, his officers arraign on various grounds,
"" At Barbadoes and Trinidad," say they, " lie

C 179 J
Wa« near defeating the disposition in British
governors and commanders to assist him, and
did do it in a considerable degree, by the ex
travagance of his expectations and claims.
It is certain," they observe, " that before he
sailed for the Main, he might have obtained
funds for his purposes by only promising to
capitalists commercial privileges, which it was
in his power to promise and might have been
to perform. Though his poverty paralized all
his operations, he did not avail himself of this
resource, alleging that his " people" would
supply him with all he wanted. By force he
took possession of one of their strong holds,
and a chief city; yet when he had obtained
these advantages, he professed to have scruples
about using this same force to secure what he
had gained. What business had he at all in
that country in arms, if he did not mean to-
exert power when persuasion failed? He
contented himself with sending out proclama
tions and pamphlets, instead of demanding the
king's treasure, or levying contributions or re
sorting to any of those expedients which belong
to usages of warfare. He might have main
tained himself in La Vela for a length of time;
and had he continued there, he would undoubt
edly have been reinforced from different quar-
nS

C 18(5 3
ters. If lie had friends and adherents in that
country, as he always declared, his stay would
have brought them to rally round him. His
continuance would have accorded with the
intentions and expectations of the British ad
miral, who had assisted him so far. Admiral
Cochrane undoubtedly intended to give him
all the chance that a sufficient naval force
could supply. In proof of this, several armed
vessels, including one seventy-four, were sent
to support the squadron first put under his
orders, and supposed to be at Coro, with direc
tions to land a number of men, as they might
be found necessary and useful ; but finding
we had departed in an unaccountable manner,
fhey have naturally concluded that he is un
equal to his enterprize and is not worth sup
porting. It is not surprizing that their orders
should not extend to conducting him from one
part to another of the Caribbean Seas or to
assist in a second attempt on the Main, when
he had made such a faux pas in the first.
Undoubtedly they are ready to seize the pre
text which they now have for dissolving a con
nexion attended with expense to the govern
ment, and mortification to its patrons ; satis
fied that they do more than justice to his
claims, in conveying him to a place of safety.

[ 181 3
Had he displayed the energy which became
his pretensions and means, there is reason to
believe he would have become so powerful as
to afford protection to those who should choose
to join his standard, or at least make terms for
his captive followers, whose relief was a pri
mary motive with many of us for going a se
cond time on the expedition. What has he
done to rescue these unfortunate men ? Hav
ing determined to evacuate the Main, he
might have made the liberation of the prisoners
a condition of his departure. The government
there would not have thought the surrender of
the prisoners too great a price for even the
temporary riddance of so troublesome a visitor.
If this be supposed impracticable, why has he
never made an effort with the English com
manders to have them put on the footing of
prisoners of war ? In short, that this man is
able to do evil is certain, but to do good,
where is his skill or force? He was an object
of abhorrence to his countrymen before; he
is now regarded with contempt." How far
these complaints and charges are true, let facts
decide. To these causes of uneasiness is to
be added, the dissatisfaction of the American
officers at being superseded in their grade by
those who embarked in the cause more re-

[ 182 ]
cently. From the information we have re
ceived, we think a war between the United
States and Spain almost certain. In this case,
Miranda might get resources from our country.
But the Leander concern have been such suf
ferers, and the American officers and soldiers
are so much disgusted, the General would
probably be disappointed in his expectation of
further support from individuals of the United
States. I see no probability that the English
will do any thing more. You will now in
quire, what do we propose ? As I have ob
served, we are in the power of this man : and
have good reasons to apprehend serious col
lisions, if we take any steps to get rid of his
authority. If we were of one sentiment and
party, it would certainly be easy to prescribe
our terms, and to require him to command as
we please ; to take the commaiui ourselves, or
to abandon him altogether. Our proper course
would undoubtedly be to release ourselves
from his service, or to compel him to give us
the direction of the Leander, and all the men,'
over whom the British have no absolute au-.
thority. But an attempt of this kind might
not succeed without bloodshed, as he has a
few sycophants and gasconades, strengthened
by their adherents^ still about his person, who

[ 1S3 ]
might oppose it. We prefer more suffering,
rather than increase the contempt and ridicule
of our enemies and the world, by cutting one
another's throats. Miranda is perhaps indebt
ed to our pride more than our affection for the
continuance of his authority, if not fox the
safety of his head.
As a proof of the discontent {hat prevails
among the troops, the Indians and Spanish
people of colour have already threatened te
desert into the woods if they are not soon
better treated; they complain of seeing no
omen of happier times; of tlie tyranny of the
officers who are set over them in the camp ;
and of the want of food and apparel. We are
very short of provisions and ill accommodated
in every respect ; it is therefore not surprizing
that the Indians, though used to exercise pa
tience under sufferings, should despond and
hold this language.
The only officer of rank and influence, who
feels for their situation, and in whose sincerity
and friendship they have confidence, is still
confined with his wounds, at his quarters some
distance from town. They are, therefore, de
prived of his personal interposition. This dis
content extends to the Spanish officers also.
Their displeasure is often expressed in the

[ 184 3
strongest terms against our chief. To one of
these gentlemen, an American officer observed,
that " he believed the expedition would never
succeed under Miranda." " Yes," replied the
Spaniard, " his indecision, caprice, petulance,
and duplicity render him unfit for conducting
any enterprize of magnitude."
Their tempers have been soured by their re
cent disappointment on the Main ; and not
theirs alone ; there are, few indeed, who do not
sincerely lament ever having had any thing to
do with our humbug expedition, as it is now
very properly called. You can have no idea
to what a distressing situation we are reduced.
Our stores can only hold out, even with the
strictest economy, but a short period ; the
island affords but little water, and few supplies
of any kind ; we suffer the want, in a great
measure, of almost every necessary ; and what
renders it still worse, the moment must soon
arrive, when this miserable island, drained by
its hungry intruders of its present scanty stock,
can supply no relief, even if Miranda had the
means and inclination to make us comfortable.
Of the former, he pretends to be destitute;
and I much doubt whether he possesses the
latter. He is at present certainly no example
¦ of the softening influence of adversity; I be-*

C 185 3
lieve rather, a black chagrin has destroyed his
sympathies with his followers. So that we
exist, execute his orders, and form a guard to
protect him from the vengeance of the in
censed Spaniards, no matter what we undergo;
we answer all that this reonwned Miranda re
quires. His Majesty's brig Ferret arrived here on
the 13th, from Jamaica, and landed the Gene
ral's messenger. The result of the mission,
though not publicly known, is, as we expected,
unfavourable. Admiral Dacres and the Go
vernor of Jamaica, replied to the application
of Miranda, that they knew nothing more of
his expedition than what they learned from ru
mour and the public prints ; that they had re
ceived no orders from administration to afford
it any aid, and had nothing more to give him ;
but wishes of such success as his design me
rited. The English ship Elephant, of 74 guns, is
now at anchor here ; it has been said that she
is to join us ; but this is all a puff; such as we
are used to feed upon. The frigate Galatea
and brig Express, both of which have been lay
ing here some time, sailed on the 19th, and
we shall probably not see theti again. The
British officers are very averse to Veing attach-

[ 186 ]
«d to his Excellency Don Francisco. They do
not appear to think they shall earn laurels or
riches in his cause. The Elephant sailed
yesterday for Jamaica, and the schooner Pickle,
lately arrived here, has sailed for England.
By her the General has sent dispatches ; and a
number of intercepted letters, written by offi
cers of the Spanish government, describing
the apprehensions of the government of Ca
raccas respecting Miranda, They were taken
by the English sloop of war Osprey, whilst we
were in possession of Coro, from the Spanish
mail-boat on her passage from La Guira to
Cumana and Margaritta.
It is reported that we are soon to quit this
island. Wherever we go, we shall hardly
change for the worse. The inhabitants of this
wretched place, to whom we have been a heavy
burden will no doubt celebrate the day of our
departure. Sept. 26th. I have seen our General for the
first time these three weeks. Like the Grand
Lama, he is seldom visible, but to those select
few who are so advanced in purity and- wisdom
as to be worthy to approach his august pre
sence. There was once a time when he was
yery accessible, but that time has passed away;
$qd it is not wonderful, since he would see

[ 187 3
many an anxious and perturbed countenance,
and hear perhaps too many complaints, if he
allowed himself to be easily visited by his offi
cers. But though he may resemble the Grand
Lama in being invisible to vulgar eyes, he does
not resemble him in that divine tranquillity
and repose of soul, which distinguishes the
Thibetian object of worship. Of late, as you
may think natural, he has commonly appeared
very much occupied with unquiet thoughts.
To day his aspect is unusually severe, heavy,
and desponding, as though he was " revolving
the various fates of men below," The other
officers around him, seem to have received a
stimulus, not of the agreeable kind, Arm
strong's brows are knit together, as if he ap
prehended dismissal, or had heard extremely
bad news-*— or it may be owing to the unruly
workings of the bile, which his system gene
rates in dangerous abundance. Count de Rou
vray takes shorter steps than he is wont, and in
a right line, backwards and forwards, neither
looking to the right nor left, paying no atten
tion to any who pass by him ; he appears enT
tirely abstracted. Unless I am deceived, he is
digging out of his brains some " effectual exr
pedients," to be formed by his Excellency into
iC practicable plans," The forge in which oug

C 188 3
councils and measures are produced, is a com
plete manufactory of these articles. Count de
Rouvray furnishes crude ore called " expe
dients," extracted from the deep cogitations of
his mind. This is put into the General's smelt
ing furnace, which is always kept hot and in
readiness to bring on & fusion. The Quarter
master-general blows the bellows of adulation,
whilst the Colonel of engineers, by opposition,
sometimes furnishes coals in abundance to keep
up the flame ; and again, by the cold water of
objections, damps, and almost extinguishes the
fire. There are subordinate characters, whose
business it is to do little jobs about the forge,
as "every individual in our army is rated ac
cording to his merits and talents." I have
observed that those who have neither are best
off, if they did but know >it ; never being called
upon in affairs of consequence, they are not in
danger of his Excellency's terrible frowns, nor
liable to be intoxicated by his approbation.
They have nothing to do, but to bite tlieir nails,
and lament their insignificance in obscurity.
Colonel Roorbach, who has more spirits, youth,
and vivacity than any man of his years in
Christendom, appears in tolerable good hu
mour ; but still it is evident that all is not well
within. There seems to be a general inqui-

[ 189 3
etude from his Excellency to his most devot
ed valet. Those who have no state affairs
to disturb their minds, have something else,
equally important to them ; such as reflecting
how they shall pay their bills in this place. I
have seen but two landlords to day, who both
look thoughtful and dull, undoubtedly from
calculating profit and loss. You will now
ask, what can occasion this extraordinary per
turbation of your cabinet ? I know not, unless
it be the failure of a thing called the Curacoa
scheme. Miranda has been trying to intrigue
that island into his possession. An ambas
sador, by the name of P****e, who was sent
there, has lately returned, after an unsuccess
ful negotiation. The Governor of Curacoa
" kuoxvs no such man as General Miranda."
What an ignorant man this Governor must
be ! Surely our Commander-in-chief is known
from one end of the earth to the other ! The
Governor above alluded to, has the cruelty to
declare that he cannot spare the island yet,
that General Miranda must call again. What
impudence to refuse so modest a request as
our Chief condescended to make, only to be
admitted into the quiet possession of the island
of Curacoa, and to take all the Spanish pro
perty as a reward for going there! About

[ 190 3
six weeks ago his Excellency commenced ope
rating upon a scheme, which he has had long in
contemplation of possessing himself of Cura
coa. To bring this desirable object about, as
he had not a sufficient force of his own, and as
the English ships then at his disposal, were
either not able or not willing to attempt an at
tack on that island, he resolved to try what di
plomatic skill would do? For this purpose
he employed a resident of Aruba, giving him
instructions to wait on the governor of Cura
coa and to inform that he should find his ad
vantage in surrendering the* island on the ap
pearance before it of a small English squa
dron, which should be forthcoming as soon
as he agreed to the terms stipulated in the in
structions of Miranda's ambassador, of which
the following is the tenor : viz. that in the
event of a surrender, all the Spanish property
should on the Governor's receiving his dou-
ceitr be put into the hands of Don Francisco ;
and the Dutch property to be put in possession
of the British, who should conduct him to
his new dominions. p****e, after being ab
sent five weeks, and creating much anxiety
hy his delay, returned with an answer that the
governor of Curacoa knew no such man as
Don Francisco de Miranda, Commander-in-

[ 191 3
rhief of the Columbian army ; and could
therefore enter into no negotiation on the sub
ject of selling his master's property and his
own government. It is also reported, and ge
nerally credited that P****e was prevailed upon
to sell Miranda ; and that he went to La Guira
where he made known the Don's intentions with
regard to Curacoa and his future designs re
specting the Spanish Main, To counteract tlie
effects of this report however, the ambassador
asserts that he was arrested the moment of his
arrival in the island, and remained in duresse
until just before his departure. Whether this
be true, or whether the charge of betraying
his Excellency be also true, certain it is that
P****e divulged his instructions on the very
day he received them. He had two letters in
his hands relative to this business; one written
in French, signed de Miranda, and the other
in English, signed by his Columbian Majesty's
private secretary. The first contained his
powers and instructions. The second was ad
dressed to a merchant of Curacoa, who was
honoured with an invitation to assist P****e, if
necessary, in his negotiations, when he could
bring matters to bear. Both of these letters
he exposed before he took passage for the exe
cution of his mission. p****e brought intelli-

[ 192 3
gence, on his return, that a number of Spa
niards had crossed over from Curacoa to Aruba,
with a design on the neck of our chief. One
or two of the " virtuous people" of this place
were put in irons, and closely imprisoned on
suspicion of being privy to this black intent.
A boat did actually come from the Main, with
several armed men on board ; but a know
ledge of it reaching head- quarters in good
season, they were pursued, after a few had
landed, and fled without being overtaken.

t 193 3

LETTER XXtl.
'New Captain appointed to the Leander — His ill-
conduct and cruelty to the sailors — Condition
of the sick on board — Miranda's treatment of
Capt. Meade, Commander of the brig Com
modore Barry — Soliloquy. Aruba, Sept. 25th, 1806.
Though our situation is necessarily bad, it
is rendered worse than it need be by the ill ma
nagement of Miranda, and others to whom he
delegates his power. In many concerns that
relate to our enterprise, they appear to do every
thing but that which should be done. Indeed,
so accustomed are we to their perverse and im
politic proceedings, that we are disappointed
when they do any thing that is not prepos
terous, or is in a tolerable degree considerate.
The commander of the Leander, Waldegrave,
as I told you, having become sick, and removed
to the hospital, it was necessary his place should
be supplied. As though we had not enough of
unavoidable ills, without some voluntary addi^

I 194 3
tions, who should be selected for this place,
but a man as unfit as can be conceived, neither
soldier, sailor, nor gentleman. Puffed Up with
his little brief authority, he employs it iu a
manner precisely the most offensive and tyran
nical. The officers on board have been re
peatedly the objects of his insolence, and the
men of his wanton cruelty. The former are so
much tamed by their adversities, that they do
not think of repelling his encroachments ; and
the poor sailors, what can they do, but bend in
silence under the lash of the low-bred tyrant ?
A few days ago he had a man tied to the gang
way, ordering the boatswain's mate to give him
forty lashes ; a liberty with the rights of an
individual, and the rules of military and naval
discipline, for which, as you recollectyDe B. was
brought to answer before a court-martial. An
officer who happened to be on board from the
island, whilst this brute was gratifying his ear*
with the cries of the sailor under punishment,
drew his sword, and ordered the boatswain'*
mate to desist. This timely interference saved
four or five more from the lash, who had been
sentenced that morning to the gangway by
this vile upstart. A number of the sick troops
were some days ago put on board the Leander,
now laying about two miles from town. To

C 195 3
Hhese distressed creatures, this man shewed an
inhumanity, which we should wonder to find
in a cannibal. Judge you of their condition,
to be at the mercy of a wretch who could an
swer the calls for relief, from those who were
lingering under disease and want, frequently
with curses ; and even refuse them wholesome
water to allay their thirst when burning with
fever. Instead of sending on shore once a day
for a sufficient quantity of fresh water for the
whole ship's company, including the sick, he
procured only a partial supply, and this he
husbanded and confined to the use of himself,
his dog, and a portion of the sailors with whom
he was making a party, whilst he caused the
sick to be served with water that had been for
some time on board, which was stale, and some
times putrified; giving this brutal reason, "that
the well should be his care, in order to keep
them so, as it was uncertain whether the sick
would live or die ; and if the latter happened,
attention would be lost upon them." This
Conduct was well known at head-quarters; yet
the wretch, who was guilty of it, was con
tinued in a situation where he had both an op
portunity to inflict gratuitous misery, and an
inclination to use it that would disgrace a sa
vage. Complaints after complaints, and repre-
q2

[ 196 3
sentation after representation, respecting the
behaviour of this fellow, have been sent to Mi
randa without procuring redress^ and indeed
without obtaining notice. Being placed in
command at the instance of the Quarter-master-
general, and approved of by the General, he
has no occasion to be scrupulous about his
duty, his treatment of others, nor his manners.
What motive is there to pay court to our su
periors, if they will not bear us out in our vil-
lanies, and we must behave as well as if we
rested on our character ? Become a favourite
if you wish the liberty of being a domineering
poltroon with impunity !
You will remember mention has been made
of our being attended to the Spanish Main by
two merchant vessels ; the brig Commodore
Barry, and the schooner Trimmer. Captain
Edward Meade commanded the first, and Capt.
Hancock the last. It is proper, in this place, to
relate the conduct of Miranda towards the
commander of the brig/ I shall take some
other opportunity to speak of Capt. Hancock's
affair. Capt. Meade arrived from Philadelphia
at Port of Spain with a cargo . of flour some
time before we sailed. . The market being
very low, he was tempted to listen to proposals
for trying his chance on the Main, under the

[ 197 3
auspices of Miranda, with whom he made the
following contract, signed by his Quarter-mas
ter-general. Trinidad, July 23d, 1806.
Don Francisco de Miranda, Commander-in-
ehief of the Columbian army : — I have this
day agreed with, and given permission to Cap
tain Edward Meade, of the city of Philadel
phia, commanding the brig Commodore Bar
ry, to sail with, and under the protection of
the naval force, engaged in my expedition to
South America, on the following terms, viz.
Captain Meade shall sail with the expedition,
and shall not leave the squadron without my
permission, till a landing is effected in some
part of South America. He shall then be per
mitted to sell his cargo to the people of the
country at the highest prices he can obtain,
free of duty. It is understood that the Com
mander-in-chief, or the government of the coun
try, shall have a preference of purchase, upon
their allowing the same prices as can be ob
tained from individuals. It is also agreed that
Captain Meade shall have liberty to proceed to
another market ( not an enemy's port ) provided
the first attempt to effect a landing is not ac-

[ 198 3
complished within six days* after the arrival
of the squadron at the place of destination. It
is understood that Captain Meade shall have
good dispatch in the disposal of his cargo ; and
upon his embarkation for North America, he
shall take an officer on board of his brig, bear
ing dispatches for the Commander-in-chief, free
of all expence and charges."
Although the landing was effected, there was
no government and no people to be customers
of Captain Meade; and he, finding that our ex
pedition did not succeed, and that it was use
less for him to remain there, requested the Ge
neral to allow him to proceed, according to
agreement, to another port. Miranda, after
many importunities, once answered, that he
might go where he pleased. But when, on our
evacuating La Vela de Coro, Meade shaped his
course for Curacoa, one of the men of war
brigs fired several shot at him, and compelled
the Commodore Barry to join the squadron
* The General extended this term to ten days, before the
contract was signed by his Quarter-master-general ; and
though Miranda dictated the contract himself, he refused to
place his own signature to it. Whether it was a motive of
h>:> prudence, or the effect of accident, is not easily deter
mined; but Miranda never used his own name, when that
of another person would answer bis purpose.

[ 199 3
again. This compulsory measure was known to
fiave resulted from the instructions of our chief,
which were given previous to our departure
from La Vela de Coro, otherwise the Ameri
can brig wo^fld not have been molested. She
was tweed to accompany us to Aruba, and
here has been embargoed duringthe whole time
we have had possession of this island. When
Meade expostulated against these proceedings,
the General said, " the law of nations justified
<he detention." The law of necessity, perhaps,
he might have said with more exactness. At
the time Meade was embargoed, there was an
apprehension that the English ships mightaban-
don us, on account of a disagreement between
Miranda and the British officers. In this case
we should have stood in peculiar need of the
Commodore Barry's cargo of flour and provi
sions, as our supplies were nearly out. In
deed, from the time we fell in with the Lily,
after our defeat at Porto Cabello, to the present
time, the English vessels attached to the enter
prise have furnished almost all our supplies,
with the exception of the quantity of wine and
flour supplied by individuals of Trinidad, who
were so wise as to think a commission in the
•emancipator's army, a ticket in fortune's lot
tery worth the risk of their property.

C aoo j
Our parting from Aruba is considered as an
abandonment of the expedition. One of our
wits, acquainted with scripture, has given me
the following soliloquy, which may well be
said to breathe the sorrow and indignation of
the defeated enthusiast, or ci-devant deliverer
of South America.
" Verily, verily I say unto you, inasmuch
as ye have not hearkened unto my sayings, and
have been heedless of my revolutionary doc
trines, and have disregarded my proclamations,
I will go out from among a corrupt nation and
a perverse people. — The time is nigh at hand
when ye shall fall by the kings of your own
choice, and the idols whom ye have set up un
to yourselves ; nor will I rescue you from the
bondage of your forefathers; ye shall continue
under the yoke of the French and the Span
iards, unless the English deliver you ; and I
will strive to harden the hearts of the English
against you, that they may not listen to you in
the day of your great calamity and tribulation :
I will mock you when your affliction cometh.
Your enemies shall feed on the harvest of your
fields they shall riot in your dwellings, and enjoy
the labours of your hands. All this shall come
upon you, because ye have not known me, and
because ye have not followed my precepts. Had

[ 201 3
ye not turned your backs upon me, I would
have been your deliverance ; ye should have
possessed an inheritance of democracy, which
should have lasted till time was grey with years ;
ye should have been my people, and I would
have lived among you, and been your head to
instruct and govern you in all things accord
ing to my own exalted principles of govern
ment, and your arm to defend you against every
foe ; but ye have not known me, even so I have
renounced you."

r_ 2m 3

LETTER XXIII.

Departure from Aruba — Miranda and suit?
embark in the Seine frigate. — Lieut. Dwyer,
an English Officer, takes command of the
Leander. — Events during the passage. — Ar
rival at Grenada. Leander, at Sea, Sept. 28th, 1800.
On the morning of the 27th, we left Aru-«
ba under convoy of his Majesty's ship La Seine,
commanded by Capt. Atkins. We are bound
to Trinidad, Grenada, or Barbadoes, but which
is not told. The Lily, Attentive, and our gun
boats, got under weigh the day before, mean
ing to beat up along the Main to Trinidad,
while we stand to the northward, for one of
^he islands mentioned. Our officers and troops
are distributed among the vessels lately em
ployed in Miranda's enterprise. This disposi
tion of his forces confirms the supposition that
he has given up his design. The Genera],
Molini his public secretary, Mr. Smith his
aide-de-camp, and some other officers, take their

[ 2,03 ]
passage in the Seine. Miranda very wisely se
lects a stronger and swifter vessel than tlie
Leander. He has never sailed in her since we
left Trinidad in July ; for she is obliged fre->
quently to be taken in tow, and in case she
should be abandoned to her chance, she might
before long be found with the Don in Guada-
loupe or La Guira. Captain Atkins, hearing
that the man appointed to command the Lean
der was not fitted for the post, sent Lieutenant
Dwyer of the British navy to supersede him;
and our captain has dropped into the capacity
of mate. The lieutenant soon grew impatient
of him in this station ; for he had not been with
us an hour before he discovered that the mate,
formerly captain, professed to be a seaman
without any knowledge of seamanship ; — yon
know that true sailors are not very patient of
those whom they imagine intrude upon their
calling. Dwyer soon availed himself of a cir
cumstance by which he got rid of his mate.
Having given orders, according to custom in
armed vessels, that the crew should be called to
quarters at a particular hour ; the mate, at 4
o'clock, the appointed time, ordered the drum
to beat for this purpose. Either from ignorance
or contumacy, he had not first observed the
punctilio of reporting the hour, and hearing

[ 204 3
the pleasure of the commander of the ship, whq
was then in the cabin. Dwyer, on hearing the
signal, asked the mate why he had ordered the
drum fo beat without notifying the hour to
him ? He replied, he was calling the men to
quarters ; but after several interlocutions, the
commander took fire at the insolence of his
mien or language, and made it a very serious
business, called for his dirk, and threatened to
hew him down if he uttered another word.
Col. A. entered into a warm discussion with
Dwyer upon this exercise of power. The lat
ter, however, ordered the English ensign to be
hoisted union downwards, as a signal for mu
tiny. An officer was sent from the Seine, and
the refractory mate conveyed on board. You
may be sure we were not displeased to find
impudence and ignorance deservedly punished.
October 13th. When will this intolerable
voyage come to an end ? How long before we
shall have paid the forfeiture of our civisra ?
Our ship is so much crowded, there is scarcely
room on deck to manage the vessel. Our pro
visions consist of some bad flour, which is
chiefly used for making a clammy preparation,
from its shape called a pudding, which, taste
less as it is, is swallowed with avidity, as it
serves to fill the " aching void" of hungry

[ 205 3
stomachs ; add to this, a small supply of refuse
beef and damaged bread. Through the im
providence of our ci-devant captain, previous
to sailing, the water is short, and what we
have bad, and the rum worse. In provisions
and rum, the crew are allowanced six to four,
that is, the quantity usually given to four is
divided among six. Water is served out iu
less proportion. It is a common thing towards
night to hear fifty persons complaining bitter
ly of thirst, and wishing in vain that they
could yet a full draught of water, at the price
of any thing in their possession. This ship
has never, since the early times of the expedi
tion, abounded in conveniences, and by waste,
wear and tear, the few it had are extremely re
duced in number.
The sick and wounded that were removed
on board from the hospitals at Aruba, a few
days before our departure, are the greatest suf
ferers by our want of necessaries, and our bad
accommodation. We are particularly inter
ested for two young men, in the height of vio
lent fever, for whom we have no cordials, nor
scarcely medicines. One of them, about nine
teen years of age, and very amiable, is a Mr.
Burnett, who joined the enterprise at New
York, and has always kept free from the low

[ 206 j
excesses- and dissipations that have marked tlni
conduct of too many of our. company, wheri
the opportunities of indulgence were afforded.
We bad little hope of his recovery, but appear
ances are now more favourable.
. A voyage at the best is a severe trial of tem
pers. The monotony of the greatest part of the
days, the want of incident and occupation, and
the necessity of being always together, dispose
passengers, who have no stated duty on board, to
be tired of themselves, and each Other, and to
abound in spleen. la our circumstances, the
common causes of uneasiness are aggravated
by peculiar irritations. Hunger and thirst are
no promoters of patience and good nature, even
in philosophers and gentlemen ; still less in
such an ignorant and undisciplined mob as we
have to manage. CoL Armstrong, who com
mands the land department, has enough to eld
to keep his people quiet. The great subject
of contention ; nd trouble is the eating and
drinking ; he has issued several orders, making
arrangements in this important business — -ow
ing to the smallness of our cabin, and the great
number of officers on board, the latter are di
vided into three messes, who take possession of
the table in succession.
By this distribution, the company is better

t 207 J
assorted than it would be, it the cabin were
large enough to admit the whole to sit at the
same time. But, notwithstanding all the efforts
of the Quarter-master-general and his assistants,
there is much discontent and confusion . Hard
ly a day passes that does not witness disputes
and scoldings, which often terminate in arrests.
and confinements. The hungry dogs, who
cannot help complaining, wear out the patience
of their officer, of which he has indeed but a
small stock ; and he gives them passionate
peprimandsj or sends them off deck under a
shower of what, in any other case, would be
called abuse, with orders not to shew them
selves there again. Much precaution has been
used against uncleanliness and disease. The
Indians, who are naturally inert, and, if they
were not molested, would be stretched on the
deck for hours, basking in the sun, are soused
over head and ears in a tub of water every day,
by way of stimulus and lavement, under the eye
and direction of our infantry adjutant. I do
not know that any of the crawling tribe have
strayed so far from home as to be found on the
dinner plate of the Quarter-master-general,
like the temerarious little beast, whose imper
tinent visit is so irreverently sung and celebrat-

C 208 3
ed by that wicked satirist, Peter Pindar. Bui
an apprehension of a similar or worse disaster,
I presume, has led this officer to proclaim war
upon all the locks and curls of our non-com
missioned officers and privates. The order of
the 3d instant, directed that their "hair" should
be " cut uniformly short all round, i, e. so short
that a comb will lay between the head and scis-
sars," which has accordingly been done ; and
every man's head resembles a scrubbing brush.
It went much against the feelings of many of
them to be shaved in this manner, as they va
lued their flowing hair ; but they could get no
exemption from this indispensable regulation ;
indeed, the Quarter-master-gerteral thought it
merciful not to behead his redoubtables. Capt.
Atkins has just afforded us a supply of provi
sions, our exigencies obliging us to become pe
titioners. Col. Smith has sent some refresh
ments for the sick ; so that we have fewer wry
faces. The frigate Seine has had us in tow al
most every hour since we left Aruba ; and as
she is a fast-sailing ship, we have the hope of
anchoring some where before long.
Gi^enada, October 21st: After a passage of
twenty-five days, we have reached this island;
where we only stay to take in water and pro-

[ 209 3
•visions, if the low credit of our General and
his expedition do not prevent, and then sail
for Trinidad.
October 22d. We have been more fortunate
in getting supplies than we expected ; though
we could only procure enough to last us to
Port of Spain, Trinidad. The Seine sailed
early this morning for Barbadoes, with General
Miranda, and most of his suite, on board. Be
fore they left the harbour, our ship fired a sa
lute in compliment to Captain Atkins, for his
kind and careful attention to us. Our salute
was duly honoured by the Seine.
Lieutenant Dwyer quitted the Leander the
moment she cast anchor, declaring he was
never so " tired of a ship in his life;" and no
wonder, for his command was a perpetual
vexation. During the passage he had several
quarrels with the Quarter-master-general, who,
he conceived, interfered with his duty. In
these cases Dwyer treated this lordly personage
tvith very little ceremony, and obliged him to
succumb not only to his reasonable claims, but
I think, sometimes, to his whims and caprices.
When Dwyer was no1 employed in settling his
own disputes with the Colonel, he was defend
ing some of the officers or men from his rude
ness and violence. Mr. Armstrong's tyranny
p

C 210 3
was enough, in many instances, to raise the in
dignation of the most indifferent by-stander.
He obliged three officers, on very slight pro
vocation, to remain upwards of two weeks of
our last passage, on the ship's forecastle, deny
ing them the liberty of walking on the quarter
deck, or entering the cabin. Probably a num
ber more would have been put under the like
sort of interdict, had not the British Lieute
nant used his ascendancy to prevent such an
unauthorised and irregular use of power. As
soon as this officer gave up his place, the mate
mentioned before took the command, under the
patronage of his old friend A., and we are now
at sea under convoy of his Majesty's brig Gre
nada, affording the officers and crew of that
vessel a perpetual source of diversion, by the
ridiculous manner in which this lubberly cap
tain manages the ship.
Colonel Kirkland, who has nearly recovered
Of his wounds, and Captain Hancock, are now
at St. George's (Grenada) waiting for a pas
sage in a neutral vessel to Barbadoes. The
former, as agent for Miranda, and by his ex
press direction, chartered the schooner Trimmer
of the latter, to accompany us in our expedi
tion. Hancock called upon the General the
day before yesterday, to inquire whether he

[ 211 3
should be discharged and paid, agreeable to
the stipulations of the charterparty. His Ex
cellency professed to know nothing about the
business; and with a rudeness of which he is
very capable, refused; both to the agent and
owner, either to discharge the vessel or pay the
hire. This induced the parties concerned to
follow him to Barbadoes, with a view to bring
him to a settlement, lest (in his mind) some
important object should call him suddenly to
England, leaving them in the lurch.
It should appear that Miranda is convinced
of the death of his schemes; and that he will
be no longer assisted by Admiral Cochrane.
Captain Atkins is, I presume, instructed to take
his charge to a place of safety, and there leave
him to himself.

f2

[ 212 3

LETTER XXIV.
Arrival at Trinidad. — Trimmer concern.— Re
ception of Miranda and his followers at
Port of Spain. — Straits of the people.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, October 29, 1S06.
Latjs Deo ! my good friend, my feet are
once more on land; we arrived here yester
day evening. On the passage we were in a
constant state of apprehension, lest some acci
dent should befal the ship from the ignorance
of the man who had her in charge. His per
tinacious patron now finds, and acknowledges,
his favourite is no sailor. We were several
times in imminent danger of losing our masts ;
and nigh falling to leeward of our port.
After a heavy squall, in which there was much
mismanagement and confusion, the Quarter
master-general, in a fit of passion and distress,
( for he was alarmed lest the ship should upset, )
declared that he would " shoot the first man
or officer, be he whom he might, that did not
perform his duty with promptness and dis-

[ 213 3
patch !" and that in future he " would carry
a brace of charged pistols for that express pur
posed' But, notwithstanding all this, and his
own admission of the inability of his favourite,
he still continues him in office ; for what rea
son heaven and himself only know ; for I do
not believe our blundering captain is as yet let
into the secret.
I, with several others, have left the ship,
and sincerely hope, never to put my foot on
her decks again ; at least, I am resolved not
to reside on board while she is in port, as
many other officers are required to do. They
are fools enough to submit to such an order,
though the Quarter-master-general, in the pre
sent state of our affairs, has no more real
authority over them, than I have over the
clouds. Neither the Lily nor any of the vessels
which accompanied us to the Main have ar
rived ; nor have they been heard of.
Nov. 8th. One of his Britannic Majesty's
mail-boats arrived last evening from Barba-
dees, on board of which, as passengers, were
Colonel Kirkland and Captain Hancock, who
mention, that " Miranda may be expected to
morrow, as he left Carlisle Bay in the English
sloop of war Melville, the day before the mail-

[ 214 3
boat." Their object in going to Barbadoes,
as I mentioned in my last, was to effect a set
tlement of Hancock's demand for the services
of the schooner Trimmer. They arrived at
Bridgetown on the morning of Saturday, the
2d of November. The Seine, on board of
which was the General, had anchored in the
harbour the previous evening. Miranda's se
cretary had engaged lodgings on shore at the
public house which his Excellency had oc
cupied when at Barbadoes, in June last; but
hearing that Hancock had arrived, he altered
his plan, and sought shelter and protection in
the Admiral's ship, the Northumberland. The
attorne}r-general of the colony was consulted
by the owner and the captain. He gave his
opinion, that the amount expressed in the
charterparty was recoverable against Miranda
and the agent also, unless the latter could prove
that he acted in the transaction by a delegated
authority, which Miranda had denied; intend
ing by this artifice and evasion to elude pay
ment. Every reasonable measure was attempt
ed to bring about an adjustment. The agent
requested Miranda's private secretary to in
terpose; he declined, saying, "that the Ge
neral was already so much soured upon this
and other affairs, that he feared to address him

[ 215 3
on the subject." The joint owner with Han
cock, Mr. R. T  , applied to Admiral
Cochrane, for liberty to send a sheriff's officer
on board to seize the body of Don Francisco.
This being repugnant to the principles of hos
pitality, could not be granted by the Admiral,
while Miranda was a guest on board his ship.
It appeared, however, that the laws of the
colony would not permit the service of a writ
on the body of any person not on shore. The
sheriff was not vested, as in the city of London,
with the silver oar, by the magic or real
power of which he is enabled to seize the
body of any person on ship-board, or on the
water. The agent wrote several letters to Ge
neral Miranda, urging the necessity of making
terms with these creditors, that disgrace and
mischief would follow neglect and inattention,
that they had a right to civil treatment at
least; but to be told, when their vessel had
been four months in actual service, and obe
dient to every command of the General, that
" he knew nothing of the captain's schooner or
agent," was closing the door of amicable ad
justment, and an extension of time for pay
ment to which they had offered to assent. The
owners, finally, proposed to trust for payment
to Miranda's future success, in his views on

[ 216 3
the Spanish colonies, provided he would for
mally acknowledge the validity and amount of
their demand Miranda, calculating on throw
ing all the responsibility oii his agent, or ex
pecting, as he said, to be secure from all legal
process at Trinidad, whither he meant to re
pair, would hold no communication with any
person upon the subject; but remained on
board the Admiral's ship till the evening pre
vious to his departure, when he was removed
to the Melville sloop of war, in which he is
hourly expected at this port.*
* The following affidavit and remarks relate to the state
ment in the text.
I, John Hancock, of the island of Barbadoes, do so
lemnly swear upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God,
that on, or about the 17th of June last, I contracted with
George W. Kirkland, an officer iu the expedition com
manded by General Fran, de Miranda, and acting as agent
in this business for the said General, for the employment
of a schooner, called the Trimmer, according to the terms
and stipulations contained in the said contract. I farther
declare, that Thomas Sandford, said to be from the Uni
ted States of North America, did apply to me for employ
ment of the said schooner, at fifty dollars per day — that he
did put arms, &c. on board the schooner Trimmer, for
General Miranda, pursuant to a contract which he (General
Miranda) made with the said Sandford and Joseph Bush,
by his agent, George W. Kirkland, as I was then told, and
have since learned to be a fact. Some time in the month

[ 217 3
When Miranda arrived at Port of Spain, the
persons abovementioned proceeded to obtain
of July last, at Trinidad, or as I now recollect and believe
about the 20th, 1 called^upen General Miranda to fulfil the
latter part of the said contract (added under an n. b.) oblig
ing him to give security for the employment of this schoon
er, before her departure from lrinidad. The said Gene
ral refused to give this security, saying, " that he did not
agree to that part of the contract." I was also informed
by his secretaries, Messrs. Fitzwilliam and Molini, that the
General (Miran"da) acknowledged, or had no objections to
any other part of the body of the agreement ; but that he
would make no payment, nor give any security, before his
arrival on the Spanish Main. I therefore dispensed with
his giving the security ; and was then receiving, and have
been ever since receiving and obeying his (General Miran
da's) orders, until the 21st of October, through Colonel
Armstrong, his Quarter-master-general, and other officers,
receiving on board troops and arms, debarking the same,
&c. Upon the arrival of General Miranda at Grenada, on
the 21st of October, having left Aruba on the 26th of Sep
tember, I waited on him, on board the frigate La Seine.
I asked him " what I should do with my schooner Trim
mer, and whether any arrangement for a settlement could
be made." General Miranda replied, " I know nothing
about your schooner Trimmer, Mr. Hancock ! You may
go where you please, and do what you please with your
schooner. Have you any thing to shew and prove that I
employed your schooner Trimmer?" I answered, " that
I had not his (General Miranda's) obligation, but that I had
the hand- writing of his agent, which was as good." " Who
ii that a^ent J" said General Miranda. "Colonel Kirkland;,"

[ 218 3
justice by legal process. Hancock petitioned
Governor Hislop, who submitted his case to the
I replied. " Then," said General Miranda, " let Colonel
Kirkland come forward, and shew what authority he had to
make such a contract. I know nothing about your schoo
ner Trimmer, and have nothing to do with her." Some
ether conversation, to the same import, passed between us,
when I retired.
John Hancock.
Sworn to before me this 2*th day of November, 1806.
Chas. S. Middle-ton.
After the captain had met the repulse mentioned in the
affidavit, the agent who sailed in the Leander, thought it
necessary to pay his Excellency a visit on board the Seine.
His account of this interview is thus related. " Upon sta
ting the object of my visit, Miranda observed, ' that he had
talked enough about that business at Trinidad, and he wish
ed to say no more about it,' I replied, ' we shall be obli
ged to talk more about it, Sir, and come to a settlement ;
and as I am not wanted on board of the Leander, I wish for
permission to go to Barbadoes, for the purpose of making
such arrangements as will exonerate me from a responsi
bility, under which, by mistake, it seems I am unfortunate
ly holden. Do you wish, Sir, that I should be persecuted,
embarrassed, and distressed, in consequence of an obliga
tion incurred expressly for your benefit ? Let me appeal to
the honourable sentiments of your heart, whether it would
be just that I should suffer for engagements contracted for
your expedition, and by your order :' ' No,' said Miranda,
* but if you will go to Barbadoes, and attend to contracts and
commercial affairs, you cannot attend to your military
duty.' After some further conversation, iu which the Gene-

[ 219 3
judge of the colony, by whose consent process
was ordered. A trial was had on the 20th of
January, 1807. It appeared on this trial, by
the affidavit of Mr. Thomas Sandford, that
Miranda did, in the most explicit manner, au
thorise Kirkland to contract for the schooner
ral evinced, if possible, as little regard to the rules of ur
banity and good breeding, as for the principles of common
honesty, I obtained leave to go in such vessel as I could
find, and also permission to be accompanied by one or both
of the officers who had been witnesses to the contract,
•with a view to have their testimony in proof of my
agency. On returning I notified Lieutenant B. of the
General's permission. He went on shore prepared to ac
company me ; the next morning he received an order to
return on board the Leander. Upon explanation with Arm
strong, then acting as Chef d'etat major, I was told that
soon after the permission above was given, he was instruct
ed by Miranda not to suffer Lieutenant B. nor any other per
son to leave the Leander but myself. By this scandalous
inhibition, he undoubtedly expected to deprive me of the
evidence which would be necessary to prove that I had act
ed under his authority in this business. For the same rea
son I conclude that he told me, I * could not have a passage
in the Seine,' thinking to delay or defeat my arrival at
Barbadoes. But from what I have learned and experienced,
of this man, aside from the effrontery and baseness with
which he has violated truth in denying my authorised agen
cy in this affair, I am prepared to expect any degree of in
justice, where he has a motive, and can promise himself,
impunity."

[ 220 3
in his behalf, and, consequently, that he was
exonerated from any further responsibility,
Sandford testified, that Miranda had applied to
him to charter the schooner, that he requested
and urged him to assist Kirkland, who was his
agent, in completing the contract, and that
they were authorised to give sixty dollars per
day, whereas it was engaged at fifty dollars.
In the course of the trial, Mr. Fitzwilliam tes
tified, that, before Hancock sailed, he, as se
cretary of Miranda, assured him that his pay
would depend on the success of the expedition.
As Hancock proceeded with the charterparty
in his possession, and a counter-part in the
hands of the General, which stipulated that he
should have fifty dollars per day without any
condition annexed, or any intimation of such
a connexion with the event of the enterprise,
he alleged that his demand ought to be sus
tained. But the court paying more respect to
the parole evidence of Fitzwilliam than to the
letter of the contract, and refusing to hear other
testimony which Hancock's counsel wished to
introduce, decided, that the persons concerned
must wait for the issue of further attempts on,
the Spanish Main, for payment.

C 221 J
Trinidad, November 26th, 180fi.
We have been here upwards of three weeks,
and, I believe, are generally satisfied that nothing
more will be done. The moment the Leander
arrived, the officers and men who joined Mi
randa here left the ship, and returned to their
respective homes. Several officers, and three
or four sailors who were exceedingly ill of
fever, lest they should infect the ship, were
brought privately on shore. They were laid,
without beds or covering, on the floor of a
room ill secured against the weather, in an
obscure part of the town, and were destitute
of every convenience and comfort, except what
the inhabitants gave in charity, or some of
tlieir officers procured at their own responsi
bility. It was distressing, indeed, to be sick at
this time, when, on account of the disrepute of
the expedition, few people thought the lives
or comfort of Mirandonians worthy of much
regard ; and Miranda had neither money nor
credit. A Mr. Joseph Robinson, who joined
the service at Barbadoes, fell a victim to the
fever in ten days after his arrival, and also one
of the sailors, named Hayes. There was con-
derable difficulty in getting these men buried,
for want of money to buy coffins. Hayes was

[ 222 3
thrown into the earth without one. After much
delay and trouble, Robinson was interred in a
coffin, and in the usual manner, by means of a
subscription raised among the officers ; who,
indeed many of them, could hardly keep them
selves from being objects of the same posthu
mous kindness, which they had occasion to
bestow. Our reception and treatment in this island
are naturally very different from what we ex
perienced, when we were here before. At that
time, notwithstanding the influence of a nume
rous French and Spanish party, opposed to our
scheme of course, the Governor espoused it,
knowing that it had received encouragement
from higher authorities than himself. The
government house was given to Miranda for
his residence ; and took the name of head
quarters. The governor and officers, civil
and military, paid him the respect which cor
responded to the rank he claimed. He re
ceived many visits, and his design many good
wishes and benedictions from merchants and
others, though, after some time, as we delay
ed long, tliere were signs of distrust; and the
popularity of our project was not sufficient to
procure any considerable quantity of supplies,
or number of men, without money. The means
which were presented to Miranda, by the offer

[ 223 3
of the merchants, already mentioned, he thought
proper to reject.
The tables are now changed. We are
treated with infinite contempt as a body;
though many individuals, who, in other circum
stances, would be entitled to respect, have
friends who spare them. It was with diffi
culty, when we first arrived, after our aban
donment of the Spanish Main, that the officers
could get lodgings on shore. We are sus
pected of plunder; though the tattered ap
pearance of many, and the miserable looks of
others, ought in all reason to do away such a.
suspicion. We used to be distinguished by
the sounding names of Columbians, Mirando-
nians — now, we are called adventurers, merry-
andrews, &c. We are laughed and scoffed at
by the very populace in the streets.
At about ten o'clock on the morning of
the 9th, the Melville sloop of war appeared
in the offing. A report soon reached town
that Miranda was on board. A committee,
appointed by the merchants assembled for
that purpose, waited on Governor Hislop, re
questing him to prohibit Miranda's landing.
His Excellency, having listened to their re
presentations, desired from them a written
memorial, upon which he promised to ask the

I 224 3
opinion of his council. Soon after the com
mittee had retired, and previous to the sitting
of the council, Miranda's Chef d'etat major
presented himself to the Governor in favour of
his master. General Hislop observed, that he
was very aukwardly situated ; that the mer
chants, in a body, had called for his interference.
" The commerce," said he, "of the island is
nearly destroyed — -the articles of life, for which
we are dependent on the Main, from the almost
total suspension of intercourse, have increased
" in many instances from fifty to one hundred
per cent. Even the Spanish launches have fled
from the port this morning, with their money
instead of goods, as they are liable to be pu
nished with death by their own government, if
they are known to have been here during Mi
randa's residence on the island." He also said,
" he had requested the merchants to make a
memorial, which he should present to the
council, and should be guided by their deci
sion." Some further private conversation
passed between them, when our General's so^
iicitor retired. Miranda, however, stole a
march upon the Governor, memorialists, and
council ! While the latter were assembling,
this hero of revolutions had lauded with his
suite, and, to the surprize, and probably vexa-'

[ 225 '3
tion of those who were endeavouring to effect
his exclusion, presented himself to the Gover-
in the council-chamber. It is said that Mi
randa had received some intimation of this
business, which hastened his landing. It is
also reported that the Captain of the Melville
had received intelligence of it, and therefore
determined, in conformity to his orders, to put
him on shore, whatever might be his fate after
wards. These rumours are not improbable,
as he was rowed to the shore, before the ship
had come within six miles of the wharf.
The Governor and Council held their seance.
The result of their deliberations wis in sub
stance — -that, to interdict the temporary resi
dence of Miranda on the island, would be
repugnant to those principles of hospitality,
which should possess the breast of every Eng
lishman. But they assured the memorialists,
that no armament, naval or military, should be
fitted out in that port, under the directions of
Miranda, except in pursuance of positive or
ders from the court of St. James.
The memorial mentioned above gives a de
tail of the injuries alleged to be sustained by
the mercantile interests of this island, since, to
cite its own words, " the admission of Mi
randa, the wandering adventurer, and his as-
Q

[ 226 3
gociates."* It proclaims, in pressing language,
the general scarcity of money, the total want
of custom, the perishing of goods, the em
bargo of Spanish launches, and the increased
and still increasing price of provisions, which,
I am told, have risen 100 per cent, on some
articles, and in a greater proportion on others,
since the arrival of our General. If all this
be true, thej' have great reason to complain ;
and I have no doubt it is ; for the merchants,
the French, and Spanish in particular, are
constantly sending away their money, or hoard
ing it up. The launches, which formerly sup
plied mules and cattle from the Main, have
ceased to visit the island ; and there appears
to be an entire stagnation of business. All this
is charged to Miranda, and to the island hav
ing been so long the seat of his operations.
The Spanish launches, of which I have just
spoken, are licensed boats, that trade between
the Main and this island. Notwithstanding
the war, both parties have so much interest in
* The words and his associates were afterwards erased by
the committee who drafted the memorial, out of respect to
the feelings of some of Miranda's officers, whom it would
have beon unjust to blame fqr evils of which he was the
cause.

[ 227 3
continuing their commercial intercourse, that
it is permitted on certain terms. The Spaniards
are in need of various articles of English mer
chandize, and the plantations of Trinidad can
not exist without regular supplies of mules to
work their mills, and fresh provisions for the
inhabitants. These launches, in July last, were
embargoed about three weeks at the request of
Miranda, that they might not carry information
of our preparations for lauding in their country.
This measure occasioned so much inconve
nience, and was so unpopular, that the Gover
nor was obliged to take it off several days
before our departure. Its continuance was
equally unnecessary and oppressive. It wais
first imposed to conceal the knowledge of
Miranda's arrival and preparations ; but from
the contiguity of this island to the Spanish
Main, and the facility with which boats might
row out of the harbour in the night, added
to the inveteracy of many of the inhabitants
against the expedition, the Governor of Carac
cas received intelligence of our being here on the
1st of July, when we had only anchored in the
gulf on the 24th of June. When this embargo
was raised, Miranda had the address to take
to himself the merit of procuring, or encou
raging the repeal. The masters and owners of
o2

[ 228 3
these launches were assembled at the govern
ment house ; Miranda endeavoured to inspire
them with a belief that be interceded with the
Governor to release their boats, and that his
views were so honourable, that he was wil
ling his countrymen should know what he was
doing. By the request of the Governor, our uniforms
were immediately thrown aside, and those who
could procure them have substituted citizen's
apparel in their stead., Every military badge
is kept out of view ; and those, who could not
obtain new garments, remained in their shirt
sleeves until the capes and cuffs were altered,
cut off, or concealed by some colour less offen
sive to Spanish loyalty, than the revolutionary
yellow and blue. Our General found an asy
lum from danger and fatigue, not indeed in
the government house, as in more auspicious
times, but under the roof of a Lieutenant Briar-
ly of the British navy. Here he continued
some days, and then retired to a plantation be
longing to Admiral Cochrane twelve or four
teen miles from town, where he is now repos
ing at ease, after the perplexities and cares of
his abortive attempt at revolution.
The difficulty of burying our comrades is
enough to, shew you the scanty means, or th«

[ 229 3
avaricious disposition of Miranda. ' When
asked for money for the relief of the sick, or to
bury the dead, he said he had none, and was
indebted to his friends here for his subsistence.
A reply of the same tenor has almost invariably
been made from the first to all our applica
tions for pay, accompanied sometimes with en
couragement that it should be forth-coming
soon; or that he expected to be in funds at
this or that place. It was said that he had a
considerable private fund; but none of his
people could expect to receive their wages
out of this treasure, which, if he had, he pro
bably kept as a resource in case of extreme
exigency. But they might expect that he
would spare a little to individual penury and
distress among the troops, or at least do his
part in a subscription for the relief of those
who had been crippled or broken down in his
service. Whether he had pecuniary resources or not,
ii has made little difference to us, since we
have been left to live as we could — except
twenty dollars paid at Barbadoes to those who
would accept it, and ten at Trinidad. Beyond
this, we have always been obliged to support
ourselves, saving, when on hoard ship, we re
ceived our proportion of the stores provided

I 230 3
for the sailors and iroops ; and at Aruba we
were not restricted in the use of wild goat flesh.
The following narrative comes in place, as af
fording a specimen of our situation and of
the management of our leader.
In May and June last, at Grenada and Bar
badoes, we were told that money would be
had at Trinidad. When the troops were about
embarking for the Main, after having remain7
ed several weeks at Trinidad, there was pressr
ing occasion for this money, for the purpose
of paying their debts. It was impossible for
officers and other? to be there without con
tracting a boarding and lodging bill, and it
was difficult to appear decent and gentle
manly, without employing tailors, shoemakers,
barbers, and washers, all of whom would of
course present themselves to us on the eve of
departure. Nothing could be more unaccept
able than these visits and cards of creditors,
to those who were destitute of the means of
payment. It had been confidently expected that
something would have been afforded by Mi
randa; at least enough to defray necessary ex
penses at this place. One ground for this
expectation, besides the general encourage
ment which had been given, was the assurance
of the deputy Quarter-master-general Roor-

[ 231 3
bach, who declared, in the name of the Ge
neral, that every member of the expedition
should receive his arrears. Miranda also sent
word to the most important creditor, that his
bill should be paid. The amount of what
was done in compliance with those promises
and pledges, was an offer to pay one-third of
a boarding account of about twelve hundred
dollars-— which ' an American resident had
against a number of commissioned officers.
This gentleman had shewn himself a great
friend to Miranda's enterprize, and to his fol
lowers in their necessities. The creditor of
course refused to accept so small a part of his
demand, so long as no provision or even ac
knowledgement was made for the balance.
The officers, extremely chagrined at being
thus situated, met, and agreed to send in form
a respectful letter to Miranda, stating their
embarrassments; and their former hopes of
being enabled to answer their demands ; and
requesting his Excellency to assist them to
discharge their debts, as it was impossible they
could leave the island honourably whilst their
accounts remained unpaid. This letter was
handed to the General by an officer in behalf
of the subscribers. His Excellency gave a
verbal answer in the following words; "That

[ 232 3
if the officers could not quit the island without
paying their debts, they must remain there ; —
that they had no right to contract such obliga
tions, and expect him to discharge them ; and
that he could easily dispense with those who
could not accompany him on account of their
debts." Several officers signing the letter, not
very well satisfied with his answer, took the
liberty of waiting on his Excellency at head
quarters; but they received no better treat
ment on personal application than had been
obtained by letter. Upon the failure of all
attempts to get pay, one of these officers, a
surgeon, proposed to resign his commission,
as he would much rather stay in the island,
than go away in debt.
In thus repelling the requests of his officers,
Miranda seems to have forgotten that they were
regularly on shore to execute duties in obe
dience to his orders ; and he remembered to for
get, that he had promised their expenses should
be paid. The next day after the application,
he offered to pay one-third of their debts,
as has been stated, observing, " that by the
Spanish laws which govern this island, no sol
dier is obliged to pay more than that propor
tion, and that is enough." But though his
Excellency had the dav before said he could

[ 233 ]
dispense with those who were too scrupulous
to accompany him, he did not choose to per
mit any examples of this scrupulosity, lest
it might prove contagious. To settle their
doubts, and at the same time to secure their
services, he hit upon the following expedient
to compel all the officers who came with him
to Port of Spain to leave it at the general em
barkation. He procured the following letter
to be sent from the Governor to the officer
who had requested permission to resign.
Government House, July 23d, 1800*.
" Sir, — I am directed by his Excellency the
Governor to inform you, that as you came here
with General Miranda, engaged with him on
the service he meditates; and as you, or any
other individual haye no permission to reside
here ; it is his positive order that you imme
diately embark on board the vessel which
brought you here. The officers of police
have directions to enforce this order rigidly.
" I am Sir,
Your most obedient,
Humble servant,
(Signed) Tho. Walker, Act, Sect."
You observe that the principle of this pro-

C 234 3
hibition extended to all who came here with
Miranda; and if any other bad proposed to
resign, he would probably have been greeted
with the same letter. As a proof of this, the
provost marshal of the colony was ordered by
the Governor to wait on the commandant of
the N. A. infantry, and request him t< see all
his men and officers on board ship previous to
our sailing. By this cunning expedient our
chief saved himself from the necessity of help
ing his officers to pay their debts ; and at the
same time put it out of their power to leave
his service. It is not probable that many
would have been disposed to do so at that
time, when it bore a promising appearance.
Governor Hislop would not have troubled him
self to issue such an order but at the instiga
tion of Miranda; nor then if the real design
had been explained. It is certain the Go
vernor was made to believe, that the officers
had been guilty of some misbehaviour. I am
led to this opinion by the knowledge, that the
laws of this island require every person to pay
his debts, or give security for the same on leav
ing the place; also from the consideration that
on our return, though many are in a state of
starvation, and American vessels are willing to
take them away, no one is permitted to depart
without conforming to this legal usage.

[ 235 j

LETTER XXV.

Disposition of the British Commanders. — Mis
sion to England. — Process against the Lean
der. —Dispersion of officer sand men. — Fateqf
the prisoners. — Intercepted letters. — Intelli
gence from De Rouvray. — Characters.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Nov. 30, 1800".
It is now well ascertained that the British
commanders in the West Indies will give no
more aid to Miranda without advices and or
ders from government at home What Ad
miral Cochrane has done hitherto, is said to
have been passed over, if not approved. His
friends here were alarmed lest it should expose
him to censure. But the purity of his inten
tions being unquestionable, it was probably
considered that his general authority to molest
and destroy the enemy of his Britannic Ma
jesty, might justify the partial encouragement
which he gave to our design. Also, the sense
of the British government was expressed at

E 236 3
the time they had received news that we had
obtained a footing on the Spanish Main, and
were expected to do great things. Since tfie
chieftain has appeared a castle builder, with
out system or efficiency, without foresight or
promptitude, the Admiral is, beyond a doubt,
heartily sick of being associated with his plans.
He would be glad to forget the past, and never
hear the name of the revolutionist again. Very
far will he be from any further engagements
in this business. He thinks himself fortunate
in not being saddled with the expense of it, and
made to fear for his command. He, perhaps, is
sensible that he had occasion for his well-earn
ed credit with his government, and his respect
able name, to screen him from unpleasant ani
madversions, or proceedings of administration.
One circumstance, amidst others, gave him
just dissatisfaction, and might have caused him
trouble. When we left Trinidad, it was sup
posed we should not, in choosing the place for
landing, pass the limits of his cruizing ground.
But Miranda, for certain reasons, shaped his
course for Coro, which carried him into the
limits of Admiral Dacre's station. It was
through the good understanding only that ex^
isted between these admirals, that this trespass
of the squadron under the direction of our

[ 237 3
leader did not occasion difficulty and contest.
Miranda, calculating on the supposed prin
ciples of the present administration, or encou
raged by specific information, has dispatched
an ambassador to the court of St. James's. Many
are asking themselves whether it is advisable
to cling to the wreck of the expedition till the
result is known. It is hoped the minister Will
haye. as much success in recommending himself
at this court, by good sense and dignity in se
rious negotiation, as he has had by flattery and
compliance at our head-quarters.
February 2ith. I am near the end of my
eventful story. Soon after the Leander arriv
ed here, the sailors went in a body to the house
of the Governor, and represented to him that
they were hungry and naked, and wished his
interference to enable them to obtain their
wages. The ship had no stores, and they no em
ployment. They would be satisfied, they de
clared, if they could receive such a portion of
their dues as would be sufficient to help them
back to their own country. Upon being inform
ed that they were sailors, and not soldiers, he as
sured them he would attend to their situation,
and see it redressed. They waited for some
time, and endeavoured to settle their accounts
with Miranda and the ship's agent. At length

£ 238 3
they applied again to the Governor, who direct
ed them to put their grievances into the form
of a petition. A statement was made of their
situation, and signed by thirty-three, the whole
number that remained of two hundred and sixty
shipped from America. The others had disap
peared by capture, desertion, impressment, im
prisonment, and death. This petition expressed
that they had been shipped aboard the Leander
at New York, as seamen for a voyage to Jacque
mel, or other ports in St. Domingo, and back,
were taken with her from port to port, and made
to perform various services by sea and land, for
which they considered she was answerable. By
consent of the Governor, their petition was refer
red to the Judge of Admiralty; legal process wa9
had, and a libel issued according to law. By
the management of Miranda, the course of jus
tice was arrested, and no provision made for the
suffering men. He pretended to consider the
measures for a process as highly improper.
As, however, it was insisted that the men had
a remedy in the ship, he stayed the process,
by declaring to the Governor upon his honor,
Chat he expected remittances by the next packet
from England, This delusive pi edge was repeat
ed from month to rnonth, and answered the pur-

t 239 3
p.:7e of protracting or defeatingalegal decision.
In the mjan time, various arts and pretexts
were employed to reduce the number of claim
ants to the ship. Some had obtained per
mission to go on shore for work. Their avail
ing themselves of this permission was after
wards pretended by Miranda to be a forfeiture
of their claim to wages. Thus, if they remain
ed on board, they run the hazard of starvation ;
if on shore, even with permission, they were
to be deprived of their interest in the ship;.
Groundless charges of insubordination were
brought against others, who, at the instance of
Miranda, were either confined, or pressed on
board British ships of war. Those officers,
who interposed in behalf of these unfortunate
men, and endeavoured to procure them jus
tice, were represented as promoters of discon
tent and insubordination. Individuals of these
officers, involved themselves in pecuniary
straits, to save them from distress. The
General was not content with his attempts to
defeat their exertions for the relief of his own
people, but endeavoured by false colouring,
calling their justice and humanity disobedience
and misrule, to produce misunderstanding,
collision, and embarrassment, between those
gentlemen, and the government here. The

[ 240 3
General is in the habit of making every thing
bend to his purposes. What were the life,
health, and property of these people, weighed
against his desire to save his ship as long as pos
sible ? During the time, he has been greeted
with many and various applications from his
followers, resulting from their wants and un
certain situation ; some of them he has answer
ed by commanding silence and acquiescence
toward their General, others by dismissal from
service, as it is called. The letters* in the
*(COPY)
Port of Spain, Nov. 16th, 1806.
Your Excellency
I hope will not look upon me as importunate, when I
return to request ycu will have the goodness to pay me
from the date of my commission up to the present month.
You promised when I was here before, I should have my
pay: I only received ten dollars. I am heartily sorry to be
thus troublesome ; being under the greatest obligation to
strangers, for my subsistence, and am in want of clothes and
other necessaries, 1 trust your Excellency will do me this
favor. I have the honor to remain,
Your Excellency's
Very humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN ORFORD,
Lieut. Engineers.
To his Excellency, General Miranda,
Commander-in-chief, Columbian army.

C 241 3
notes will afford a specimen of these proceed
ings. The author of the letters accompanied
Miranda from England, and has cheerfully
taken all the chances of his enterprise, not
(COPY.)
Port of Spain, Nov. 2gth'. 1806.
Your Excellency;
My letter I wrote you dated the lgth inst. to my infi
nite regret and astonishment, not having as yet received
any answer I am again induced to trouble you ; thinking
it might, through hurry of business, have escaped your
attention. My wants are now so many, and so powerful,
that I am obliged, through necessity, to be thus importu
nate. How can any reasonable person expect that an of
ficer who has been so long in your service without receiv
ing pay, and who has no resources at command, can possi
bly live, or make any appearance as a gentleman ; I there
fore request an immediate answer to this. Unless I get it,
I shall apply to his Excellency, governor Hislop, and state
to him my case, requesting his assistance. I have now
written you the sentiments of my mind, in plain language,
that I may be fully understood, and also, that you may be
enabled to draw your conclusion from it. I have the honour
to be Your Excellency's
Most obedient humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN ORFORD,
Lieut. Engineers.
To his Excellency, General Miranda,
Commander-in-chief, Columbian arm)',
R

[ 242 3
alienated by some instances of gross ill treat
ment. The officers for a time seemed to think
it necessary to apply for leave to release them
selves from their engagements, doubting whe
ther they had served " two campaigns." The
Quarter-master-general, however, dispensed
with this ceremony, and departed in the Hawk
sloop of war for Dominica, and from thence to
London. He absented himself without giving
notice, or obtaining leave, an abruptness, if
not disobedience, which the General thought
very improper. This example, however, of
an officer so near his person, induced us to be
lieve, that we were no longer under any com-
(COPY.) Port of Spain, Dec. 2d, 1806.
Sir, By order of General Miranda, I have to inform you,
that he received yours of the 29th ult. The purport of
¦which he conceives to be highly improper, and contrary to
every military principle; that in duty to himself, and for the
good of the service, he thinks it proper that you should im
mediately be dismissed from it, and you are hereby dismiss
ed from it, and no longer to be considered as an officer under
his command. I am, Sir,
Yours,
(Signed) WM. ARxMSTRONG,
Mr, John Orfokd. Quarter-master-general,

[ 243 3
mand, and mighTgo our several ways, without
Waiting for the formality of a proclamation of
disbandment and dismissal. Miranda is some
what enrage at the Quarter-master-general,
and calls it desertion. Some have taken the
trouble to write a letter of resignation ; others
have quitted in silence. Many of them were
too poor to remain, and not rich enough to
go away ; as the laws of the island before-
mentioned, requiring security for debts due
from persons intending to depart, were rigidly
put in force.
Though report has frequently told us that
some of our comrades captured in the schoon
ers, were executed, it was not authentically
known, except to Miranda, and a fewconfiden-
tial officers, till we returned to Barbados
and Trinidad.* It is now ascertained, that ten
* The following are the letters mentioned in mine of
September 21st, 1806, as having been intercepted by the
Osprey sloop of war. They were forwarded to Miranda,
at Aruba. From the same source, he learned the fate of
our captured comrades ; but from motives of prudence con
cealed the intelligence from the troops at that time. As
these letters show the state of the country when we landed
at Coro, they are worthy of publication.
First Letter. August, 1 6, 1 808.
" Miranda has made himself master of Coro, the gar-
r2

[ 244 3
©f them were hanged and beheaded on the 24tli
of last July, and the remainder placed in differ-
rison of which, consisting of two hundred fuzileers, retreat
ed without opposing him. If the English support him, he
will give us more trouble than is generally supposed. It is
not that there is any want of numbers well effected to op
pose him, but the country is entirely disarmed, and of what
use is inclination without arms, to whieh we may add the
total want of money, for we have not a real in the treasury."
Second Letter.
" It is now said, that when the news of Miranda's expe
dition got to Spain, and of his being at Jacquemel, orders
were given to fit out four ships of the line at Cadiz, to bring
out troops for our defence; but I give no credit to this
news. Spain in Europe is even worse than Spain in Ame
rica, they have neither money, provisions, nor soldiers; all is
a labyrinth of miseries. We never see a vessel from home,
no, n»t even a little one.'' Third Letter.
"The Captain-general with a numerous retinueof custom
house-officers, priests, surgeons, barbers, apothecaries, andall
the armed force of every description marched on the 12th,
to form a camp at Valencia, or San Carlos, whence rein
forcements can be sent to any place attacked. They carry
with them above two thousand mules laden with provisions,
ammunition, and stores of every description requisite for an
army in the field. Affliction, solitude, want of money,
and every sort of misery reigns in this city. The army
have left behind them their dearest connections — not a face
k to be seen that is not the picture of extreme grief —

[ 245 3.
IT'
ent casemates, and at laborious servitude in
Omoa, Porto Rico, and Bocca Chica. I give
fields without labourers — shops without workmen — parishes
without moneys — and fathers without sons, form a me
lancholy scene, which is only interrupted by the laments
tions of the women, bewailing the fate of their friends nri'.i
relations, whom they never expect to return."
Fourth Letter.
" That damned fellow, Miranda, of whose peregrina
tions and detestable designs you give me a detail, will sei
us all mad, and leave us, by the expence he puts us to,
without a sixpence to bless us. He has positively arrived
at La Vela de Coro, and taken post, the garrison having n
tired at his approach, without making any opposition. — We
have a numerous population, it is true, but the country h is
been long disarmed for political reasons. Indeed, the truth
is, we can only confide in the Queen's regiment, now reduc
ed to one hundred and eighty men, which, with the invalid
militia, remains for the protection of the country and capi
tal, under the command of Pasquin Mariinou. Such is the
situation Miranda hv, placed us in. — God grant ur. a happy
riddance of him." Fifth Letter.
" According to our General's ao-ount, lie well have sit
army of nearly ten thousand. But this multitude being
militia, who have never scon a shot fired, will but occasion
confusion and dismay. Even the regiment of Caraccas has
not an officer of tried valour, they are a corps of muscadins
who think of nothing but well cut clothes, and fine feather;-.
This is not the Spanish infantry in th;1 t:n->f<; of Carlos I.
and Philip II.

[ 246 3
you the names of the captives, Those without
any place annexed, were from the city and
state of New York.
These are the names of those who were exe-
ecuted. Daniel Kemper, Francis Farquhar-
son, Thomas Billop, Charles Johnson, James
Gardner, Miles L. Hall, John Ferris, Thomas
Donahue, Philadelphia; GustavusA. Burgudd,
Poland ; Paulo Theodore George, Portugal.
Those who follow were sentenced to ten
years labour at Omoa. John Edsell, Henry
Ingersoll, Massachusetts; John Hayes, Peter
Naulty, Ireland ; Daniel Mc Kay, do. ; John
M. Elliott, John T. O'Sullivan, David Hec
kle, John Moore, John H. Sherman, Benitt B.
Neguss, Philadelphia; Thomas Gill, Robert
Saunders, Jeremiah Powell.*
* Major Powell has been released through the agency of
his father, who visited the court of Spain, thence to Eng
land, being unable to obtain the object of his wishes. At
London, he procured a letter from the celebrated and hu
mane Dr. Jenner, which gained him access to the Spanish
monarch, who immediately ordered his liberation. Messrs.
Lippencott, Sherman, Smith, and O'Sullivan, have made
their escape. Burk, Burlingham, and Scott, are dead.
The prisoners were not removed to their respective sta
tions, except those c,estined to Bocca Chica. The others
are imprisoned at Carthagena, where Bocca Chica is situ
ated.

[ 247 3
These are destined for Porto Rico, and sen
tenced to hard labour for the same term of
years. John Parsells, William W. Lippincott,
supercargo, Philadelphia; Joseph Bennet,
James Grant, Matthew Buchannan, Stephen
Burtis, Phineas Raymond, Connecticut; Mo
ses Smith, Alexander Buchannan, David
Winton, Frederic Riggus, John Burk, Ed
mund Burlingham, John Scott.
The others were sentenced to eight years
labour at Bocca Chica. Pompey Grant, Wil
liam Pride, RobertRains, Benjamin Nicholson,
Benjamin Davis, Samuel Price, Henry Sperry,
George Ferguson, Robert Stevenson, Wil
liam Long, Joseph L, Heckle, Ellery King,
Con. William Cartwright, Philad. ; William
Burnside, Ireland, Hugh Smith, Scotland;
Daniel Newbury, Con. Samuel Towzer, Phi-
lad. ; James Hyatt, Philad. ; Abraham Head,
Philad. One seaman, named Spalding, was drowned
at the boarding of the schooner by the guarda
costas. Huddle, master of the Bee, was killed
in the early part of the engagement. Mr. Da
niel R. Durning fell a victim to his hard fate by
sickness in confinement.
The issue upon the prosecution of the Le
ander is still protracted. The General has

C 248 3
had the address to persuade the governor and
judge, that the first advices from England
would bring orders for furnishing him with
means to discharge the demand. Several
packets have arrived, but no confirmation of
these assurances has appeared.*
Letters have been received from the Gener
ral's ambassador, Count de Rouvray, announcr
ing his introduction to the British ministry,
and what he considered a favourable reception.
But all that was done for him, as might ratio
nally have been expected, was comprised in
good wishes and good manners. From the
best information we could obtain, they had no
idea of extending their hands to lift the General
and his associates from the dust.
Your curiosity may ask for some sketch of
the persons and characters concerned in our en
terprise. Many of them had seen military ser
vice before they were connected with Miranr
* The ship was finally sold, with her armament, in the
early part of autumn, 1807, and probably for half the sum
that she would have produced at the time the sailors made
their first application. Partial payments were made to the
few who adhered to the ship. By a letter from Mr. Samuel
Gr. Ogden, which the author has in his possession, it ap
pears, that no part of the proceeds of the sale of the Leander
w-ere ever received by her original owner.|

[ 249 3
da. Armstrong, Roorbach and Kirkland were
the principal persons in this class. The two
former had been officers in the British army
during the late war between Great Britain and
the United States, and are now half-pay Cap-
tans. Armstrong had no inconsiderable military
knowledge. He had method, industry, and vi
gilance, and it is to be presumed, courage. He
was well acquainted with the duties of his par
ticular office, having served some time in the
British army, in that line. With less obsequi
ousness to his superiors, and less supercilious-
nessand tyranny in his treatment of those in his
power, he would have been more serviceable
to the enterprise, and had more friends. Roor
bach was educated at one of the universities,
and is a gentleman in his manners. The com
mencement of the American revolution found
bim in the practice of physic. He, however,
thought proper to sheath the lancet and draw
the sword, and served in the English army,
giving proofs of valour, faithful services, and
loyalty, till the peace, when he married, and
settled in New York. He was an enthusiast
for the cause in which we were engaged.
By his gentlemanly deportment, and his ami
able qualities, he secured many friends, and

[ 250 3
preserved a good understanding with all the
officers. Kirkland commanded a regiment in the state
of New York, as early as 1 795. He was in the
regular army of the United States in 1798, and
was appointed inspector of brigade in General
Hamilton's staff. He is known to have been
remarked by military men of the first rank in
the United States, for qualities and acquire
ments to make an officer of more than common
merit. Our chief said, " he had an under
standing to plan, and skill to execute." His
humanity secured him the affections of his
men, while his dignified authority in com
mand, insured their prompt obedience. His
deportment and address blended the air of the
soldier with the ease of the gentleman. Upon
the whole, I should say, he was a cavalier wor
thy of a better cause and better fortunes than
he has found in Miranda's adventure.
W. Steuben Smith, Miranda's aid-de-camp,
is a young man of promise, and inherits the
military spirit and generosity of his father.
Had we succeeded, I am persuaded he would
have done much honour to himself and his
family. Chevalier de B***** had been in the English

[ 251 3
and Austrian service, arid was held in much
regard as an officer.
Captain Campbell, the commander of the
squadron put under Miranda, by Admiral
Cochrane, deservedly ranks as an excellent of
ficer. His conduct touching our expedition,
as far as I could learn, never incurred censure,
and often merited approbation. He is parti
cularly respected at Trinidad. The merchants
of Port of Spain, gave him public and ho
nourable marks of their gratitude for his vi
gilance and judgment in guarding their inter
ests, while stationed with the Lily, and other
vessels of war under his command, in the
gulf of Paria.
Colonel Downie is a gentleman of informa
tion, talents, and respectability. He is much
esteemed by some of the most worthy of our
company. By the troops he was feared and
obeyed, but perhaps, not beloved, as the com
plaints of the severity of his discipline were
not without foundation. His inclinations and
habits are quite military. Had an opportu
nity offered, he would have signalized himself
in Miranda's service. In our limited sphere
of achievement, he manifested great courage
and presence of mind.
Mr. Molini, the chief's private secretary, is

[ 252 3
9. gentleman of uniform and correct manners,
joined to considerable information. He was
respected by all belonging to the enterprise ;
and regarded with friendship by the principal
officers. Mr. Barclay, son of Colonel Barclay, Bri
tish consul at New York, gave evidences of
courage and resource at La Vela de Coro,
which entitle him to applause, and may be
viewed as pledges of some future exploits.
Mr. Hosack is a gentleman of good fa
mily, and liberal education : he was brought
up to the law, and practised in the city of
New York. He is a man of knowledge
and talents, and very prepossessing in his
manners. Mr. Redingfield, first lieutenant of the Lily,
merits the same commendation. He is a skilful,
persevering, and valiant naval officer.
Mr. Adrien, who joined Miranda at Port
of Spain, is a young man of worth and learnr
ing. He made himself useful in many respects,
as interpreter, secretary, &c.
The officers who had the misfortune to be
taken prisoners, and suffered death, were all
gentlemen of good characters, and respectable
families and connections. It must be a source
pf consolation to their friends and relations, to

I 253 3
know, that in the last moments of their exist
ence, they evinced the conduct of brave men,
and resigned Christians.
For the most part, those gentlemen who
joined Miranda at New York, were of re
spectable families, and some of them liberally
educated. Sands, Loudon, Burnet, Dr. Ju
dah, Scofield, and others are included in this
class. The sailors and troops with a few exceptions
possessed a strength of nerve and hardihood of
disposition suited to the perilous and doubtful
nature of the enterprise.
Out of the number of the gentlemen who
became our associates in the West Indies were
a few of birth and respectability who had been
in active and regular service either in the ar
mies of England, France, or Spain. Among
the candidates for fortune and renown, were
several young men who would have shone, if
they had enjoyed the opportunities of per
forming those exploits, which it was then ex
pected the nature of the expedition would
afford. It has been my study and desire, in the pre
ceding communication, to relate truths which
cannot be denied, and are proper to be told.

[ 254 3
In a few days, I hope to quit this island, for
my native country; but the distance of my
port af destination from your residence, will
deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you,
unless accident should uring us together. In
due time after my arrival in the United
States, I shall transmit you my reflections upon
this story, and such intelligence as I may re
ceive.

C 255 3

LETTER XXVI.

Result upon the means, conduct, and object of the
expedition.— An apology for its agents.
United States, July 1st, 1808;
After a long interval I proceed to wind
up my correspondence. My disgust has made
me willing to dismiss the subject from my
thoughts. The General's envoy-extraordinary
returned last autumn from England, after an
unsuccessful embassy. Miranda sailed iu the
frigate Alexandria, for London, in December.
His enthusiasm, after all the dampers it has re
ceived, was not extinguished. He said that he
expected to be in Caraccas in the following
summer. I have detailed the progress and termi
nation of Miranda's adventure. It remains
only to make a result upon the object, the
means and the conduct of the expedition ; the
circumstances which determined its fate, and
the estimate to be made of the actors in the

[ 256 3
tragical affair. I shall repeat and add a few
facts, illustrating my observations.
The object was to make the province of
Caraccas, and in due time, all Spanish America
independent. Of this region it was remarked,
" Nature scarcely ever did more for any coun
try, man scarcely ever did less." Imaginatioa
saw fifteen millions of people, released from
colonial dependence, and the system of mono
poly and restriction it involved ; enjoying a free
government; elevated from tlieir depressed
condition; commanding the ample and inex
haustible resources derived from Providence;
made happy in themselves, and connected with
the civilized world, by direct and extensive
commerce. A splendid empire is founded.
A new character is produced in the present in
habitants, and the means of their indefinite
increase and greatness prepared. The trade of
these fertile regions is no more " dragged
through the store-houses and magazines of the
Havanah and Spain; but finds new channels and
new customers. The flags of eVery nation are
seen flying in the harbours; The vessels of the
United States, instead of plying asmugglingand
contraband trade, lade and unladetheir cargoes
in the face of day. and under the eye of the go
vernment. The contest between plunder and

[ 257 J
Subterfuge no longer exists. The dragon is
for ever put to sleep, and the golden fruit of the
Hesperides is within the reach of every visit
ant." Such, it was thought and said, might be
the consequences of our enterprize. Then, in
deed, should Miranda be another Washington,
and we should mingle our glory with that of
our Washington !
This regeneration of the New World must
indeed be effected by resistance to established
authorities, and by revolution. But such was
the imagined state of things— such the suppos
ed agreement in the opinions and wishes of the
natives, that the resistance was not expected to
be long or bloody; and the revolution, we were
ready to believe, would soon be over, and give
place to a well-balanced government. To what
extremities Miranda intended to go, if he had
the power, in forcing his views upon the peo
ple, is uncertain. From the event, it seems as
though his purpose was merely to land on the
shores of Caraccas, to erect there the standard
of liberty, and invite the inhabitants to enlist
under his banner, and if they resorted to him,
put arms into their hands for the defence of
freedom. He would not, in the proper sense,
conquer his fellow-countrymen into liberty. If
the people appeared favourable, he was to strike;

[ 258 3
if not, to leave them to wear their chains. The
morality of his object he always strenuously
maintained. He professed to believe it approv
ed by the principal statesmen and best patriots
of this country. He would think Mr. Em
met's eloquent vindication of him, and his de
sign in the trial of Colonel Smith, nothing more
than just. " Against General Miranda and the
object of his expedition, I have heard and read
some malignant calumnies, which only could
have originated with mean and mercenary be
ings, who never yet sacrificed a selfish feeling
to a public principle ; whose hearts never
sympathised with the sufferings of a slave, nor
swelled with the mighty hope of delivering a
nation. The district attorney, in his opening
address to you, did not permit himself to
adopt those calumnies in their entire extent-
be is incapable of doing so, for his sentiments
are liberal, and his manners mild. Sufficient,
however, fell from him, to give them some
what of colour and countenance, and to enlist
your passions and prejudices against General
Miranda, and all concerned in his expedition.
In particular, I remember, he termed Miranda
a fugitive on the face of the earth, and charac
terized the object of the expedition, as some
thing c audacious, novel, and dangerous.' It

[ 259 3
has often struck me, gentlemen, as matter of
curious observation, how speedily new nations,
like new made nobility, and emperors, acquire
the cant and jargon of their stations. Let me
exemplify this observation, by remarking, that
here, within the United States, which, scarcely
thirty years ago, were colonies engaged in a
bloody. struggle, for the purpose of shaking off
their dependence on the parent state, the at>
tempt to free a colony from the oppressive yoke
of its mother country, is called, ' audacious,
novel, and dangerous.' It is true, General
Miranda's attempt is daring, and if you will,
audacious — but wherefore is it novel, and dan
gerous ? Because he, a private individual, un
aided by the public succour of any state, at>
tempts to liberate South America ? Thrasy-
bulus ! expeller of the thirty tyrants ! restorer
of the Athenian freedom! wherefore are you
named with honour in the records of history?
Because, while a fugitive and an exile, you col
lected together a band of brave adventurers
who confided in your integrity and talents—
because, without the acknowledged assistance
of any state or nation, with no commission but
what you derived from patriotism, liberty, and
justice, you marched with your chosen friends,
and overthrew the tyranny of Sparta, in the

£ 260 3
land that gave you birth. Nor are Argos and
Thebes censured for having afforded you re
fuge, countenance, and protection. Nor is
Ismenias, then at the head of the Theban go
vernment, accused of having departed from the
duties of his station, because he obeyed the
impulse of benevolence and compassion to
wards an oppressed people, and gave the pri
vate assistance which he could not publicly
avow." Whether human nature, or the people of
that country, are so interested in the success of
the project of emancipation, as we republicans
are apt to imagine, seems to me to admit a
question. I reflect that amidst all their alleged
grievances, they have great wealth and pros
perity ; and whatever they sutler, they have in
general no pain from the consciousness of op
pression. If they were even in a worse state
than they are, their listless character would
make them little excitable by doctrines of
liberty. Having obtained the power to dictate the
form of civil polity, Miranda proposed touseit
with reference to republican theories. There
must, indeed, in the outset be a dictator, who
should see that the " commonwealth sustained
no detriment." Their deliverer, by right of

[ 261 3
services and of force, is this dictator. He issues
a decree for the election of a council of twelve
persons, Consisting of six whites, four free peo
ple of colour, and two free blacks, which, with
its president, is the supreme authority of South
America, till further determined. At a proper
time, a constitution was to be submitted to
the people, resembling, in its general features,
that of the United States. The right of suf
frage was to be confined to holders of land.
The government being organized, many ex
cellent things were to be done, and all abuses
corrected, as far as human wisdom could go.
The church should have protection, but sub
mit to be divested of its secular power. Re
gulations should be adopted to remedy inequa
lity of property and vassalage. The evils of
slavery were to be mitigated. The public
burdens were to be equalized. Our leader had
many pleasing visions of good, which he hoped
to realize in the new republic which he should
establish. Among the good deeds in his con
templation, was the munificent reward of his
followers, according to their merit. There
could be no want of treasure for this purpose,
in the Ophir he would possess.
Be the end ever so much entitled to com
mendation, you ask, where are the means ?

C 262 3
What powers and resources had Miranda cor
responding to his design ? In the first place, he
proceeded on the supposition of a spirit of
revolt being ready to burst out in the country.
The conspiracy of 1797, he imagined, had left
Seeds of discontent and insurrection, and a spi
rit of impatience and reform. He regarded
the whole of that event as an indication of
eombustible materials existing among the peo
ple. He thought they felt the government
like " an incubus oppressing all their efforts."
In fhesecalculations, Ithinkhe proceeded with-
6ut book. He transferred his own feelings to
others. His passions tinged the objects he con
templated with their own colour. What he
wished or imagined, he believed. For he never
produced any sufficient evidence of his belief.
He asserted, that he was possessed of letters and
documents, some of them of early date, and
Others later, inviting and encouraging his at
tempt. After he undertook to disclose parti
culars to his confidential officers, they expect
ed a sight of these papers, but never saw them;
and in consequence, were shaken in their con
fidence in his veracity. The Don Pedro Minto
story, beyond question, was a fiction invented
with a view to inspirit his followers. It is
Jtnown that his own brother, on receiving a let-

[ 263 3
iter from Miranda intimating his design, instead
of endeavouring to secure him partizans, im
mediately disclosed its contents to the govern
ment of Caraccas. Miranda relied on being
known in South America, as a distinguished
character, and a native of the country. Very
few persons however, remembered him after
a twenty year's absence. To a few he was
known as a traveller and scholar, a French
revolutionary general, and a knight-errant of
liberty. Knowledge of any kind, and especial
ly of the enemies of kings, does not spread
among the natives of South America. Political
newspapers and eccentric biographies are not
there in circulation. What notoriety our chief
had, was confined to the place of his nativity.
At Coro, he was a perfect stranger, and whether
he was an Englishman, an Amorite, or Egypt
ian, they could not tell. His sort of reputa
tion did not help him where it was understood.
Those who knew him were not strangers to
the suspicious circumstances under which he
was believed to have become an exile from
his country. If any wished for independence,
there is ground to think they would not seek
Miranda as its founder. They doubted his
principles and temper, and considered him chi-
valric and extravagant. What could he ex-

[ 264 3
pect from his little force ? you will inquire. It
was to serve as a rallying point for his adhe
rents. Before he made the attempt from New
York, he had endeavoured to interest the Bri
tish administration in his views. It is said they
had at one time looked favourably upon the
project of making Spanish America free, when
the prospect of a war between Spain and the
United States some years ago, occasioned it to
be a subject of discussion in the English cabi
net. There was a correspondence between
Miranda, Mr. Pitt, and Sir Home Popham, and
some progress made in arrangements, to second
the plans of our General. But it was broken
off abruptly, because, as Miranda alleged, Mr.
Pitt had views of conquest, not emancipation,
and proposed that an English general should
command the expedition.
Disappointed in this quarter, Miranda came
to the United States. The political aspect of
our relations with Spain favoured his design.
With no other funds than eight hundred
pounds, and bills to a limited amount, which
might or might not be paid, he succeeded to
procure the Leander and stores, valued at se
venty thousand dollars, to be subject to his
directions. Of the persons on board, a part
belonged to the ship as seamen, and the others

[ 265 -3
were to serve him, if they saw fit, according to
engagements to be made. This ship, with
the Emperour, appears to have been all his de
pendence. No conditions were made with the
English. The chief believed the military and
ijaval establishment in the parts of South Ame
rica which he proposed to visit, to be small
and inefficient. In this calculation he was not
wholly mistaken, though he underrated it.
To prevent the discouraging effect of his hum
ble preparations on the minds of his associ
ates, he relied on the " captivating deccptious-
ness" which he knew how to practise, and
their faith in his pretensions and asseverations.
He taught them that the revolution was so
organized beforehand, that their first employ
ment in landing would be to sing ios of victory.
His second attempt was made with more
considerable means ; they would have been
larger, had he been more circumspect and con
ciliatory. He was still without money. The
number of men to act on shore you already
know was very inconsiderable. The naval
force indeed was enough to capture, hold, and
defend any station which their guns could
reach, till his ability to gain reinforcements
could be tested.
He was a dreamer, you think, to expect any

C 266 3
success, when he was so weak-handed. It
may be questioned, however, whether his failure
should not be ascribed more to his own mis
takes and perversity, than to his want of force.
I promised to remark on the conduct of this
expedition. Miranda has been blamed for
wasting so much time at St. Domingo. In
justice to him it should be recollected, that
Captain Jacob Lewis had promised to join him
with the ship Emperour. To obtain this ad
ditional force would have warranted even a
longer delay at Jacquemel ; for the event prov
ed that this ship was necessary in the first
attempt. But when disappointed in this ex
pectation, We may ask, with propriety, why
he proceeded with the Leander and two small
schooners? after he must have known that all
the evils resulting from delay were to be en
countered, without a proportional force to
meet the danger. Why did he not proceed to
Trinidad for a reinforcement, which he always
pretended he had a right to expect, or could
obtain, from Great Britain ? His impatience to
commence operations, already sharpened by de
lay, had a powerful influence on his mind. A
still stronger motive urged him on to immedi
ate exertion, a hope that he should accomplish
the object without the aid of the English go-

C 267 3
vernment; for Miranda often declared, that he
/te wished the enterprize to be considered an
American affair." Even at Barbadoes and
Trinidad, while he was hourly receiving the
hospitality of British commanders, he intima
ted, in plain terms, that he " must accept of the
assistance of the British at that time, but he
never intended they should obtain any power
in his country." Thus, leapingto his end with
out consulting his means, the catastrophe is an
ticipated ; and we lose the two schooners, with
a large number of our best men, in the first act
of the drama. " Prudence," says one of the
considerable actors in our affairs, " would have
suggested the expediency of keeping our course
after the discovery of the guarda costas, to
which we gave chace on the morning of the
27th of April, instead of hauling our wind and
standing off from the land. The bay of Occu-
mara was not more than eight or ten leagues
distant, and as we had been discovered by the
Spanish vessels, any advantages to be calcu
lated from a secret approach by night were
lost. It should then have been the General's
policy, as was suggested to him at the time,
to have improved the day-light ; to have made
immediately for the bay, searched out the
anchoring ground, learned the situation and

[ 268 3
strength of the battery* which defends the porjj
and to have taken possession of it if possible.
He would then have learned, wlWher the place
was tenable, and equal to the defence of our
selves, the ship, and schooners, in case of an
attack from the guarda costas. Above all, we
should have discovered our friends, if the
cause had any advocates in the country, for it
was but six leagues from this place to Valen
cia, where we were made to believe Don Pedro
Minto was posted with an army and supplies
at our service. Had we met with a formidable
opposition in our endeavours to gain the bat
tery, we should have known, that these expectr
ed friends were enemies, and might reasonably
have calculated that an attempt to carry it by a
coup de main at night would have been useless,
as the position could not have been maintained.
We might then have retreated in safety, before
the Spanish vessels could Lhave gained the har
bour. All this might have been effected during
the day. On the contrary, we bore away at
twelve o'clock; at six P.M. being from six to
eight leagues from shore, ah order was issued
for every officer and soldier to be ready to land
that night, notwithstanding this brig and
schooner, which we had chased in the morning,
* A battery mounting ten S and 12-pounders.

t 269 3
had been observed to enter the harbour of Porto
Cabello, and come out again, and were at three
o'clock P.M. evidently making for us. One
mistake, at the commencement of a naval or
military operation, is followed by a train of
evils. We now wanted the hours which had
been wasted in the morning; the pilot mis
takes the port ; cne schooner is sent to recon-
noitre—~from ignorance or inattention she ne
glects the signals for recal ;* anchors in the
morning under the land, within long shot of
the enemy ; some of the people go on shore;
she receives a shot from the Spanish brig, cuts
cable and leaves them behind ; no intelligence
is obtained from the reconnoitring party ; a
battle ensues between the Leander and the
guarda costas ; the schooners, with the men
and officers on board, first deceived, and then
deserted by their General, are captured :— de
serted! I say, because there was a time when
the Spanish brig and schooner had separated,
that the Leander should have endeavoured to
engage the latter. , But from facts and cir
cumstances since disclosed, it appears f evident
that Miranda would not permit the attempt."
This discomfiture drives our hero to Barba
does, where he ought to have gone before, and
~> See Letter XI. p. "/. t See Letter XXI. p. l"-s

[ 270 j
in a better condition. He is well received by
Admiral Cochrane, is furnished with a small
naval force, with the promise of an addition at
Trinidad, where he arrives on the 24th of
June. Here his first step towards recruiting
his littla army, was the publication of a hand
bill* without signature or date, so inflammatory
aud seditious in its language, as to Offend the
government and people of Trinidad. The
moon-eyed manner in which it was ushered
into public notice excited suspicion; — the
style and diction, ridicule and disgust. The
offers and promises it contained were the
spurn of contempt. Such was Miranda's
strange weakness as to make him believe that
labouring men, receiving from one to two dol
lars per day, were to be philosophized into
his " godlike design" by the offer of one
quarter-dollar per day, free from all deduc
tion^ and a division of land, according to rank,
after twelve months. But they were first to
risk their lives in taking possession of this land,
with the certainty of being made a head
shorter if they should fall into the hands of
the Spaniards during the contest. Nor was
he to be convinced of the necessity of increas-
» See Letter XVI. p. 111.

C 271 3
ing this nominal amount of wages. Instead
of advancing a small sum as bounty, a pro
position was made, as ludicrous as it was futile,
that each recruit should receive one bill for
twenty- five dollars payable at a given time in
Trinidad, and another of the same amount
payable in South America, after it should have
come into our possession. With all his know
ledge and experience of armies, Miranda
seemed not to know that ten dollars in hand,
was better than fifty on paper (even if it were
good) to any one of that description of men,
who would enlist as soldiers. At length, how
ever, he sailed with the force that has been
mentioned. He makes his first attempt at
Coro, at least one hundred and sixty leagues
to leeward of the places he should have first
chosen, viz. Margaretta, Cumana, Carrupana,
or Barcelona, either of which might have been
taken, and probably maintained, by the force
he had, with less risk than Coro, and would, in"
Other respects, have been more adapted to his
views. Margaretta should have been his place
of rendezvous; abounding in cattle and vege
tables, commanding every port on the coast,
and being but eight leagues from the Spanish
Main. Here he could have communicated
with his friends, and, if he really had any in

[ 272 j
the country, they could have joined hint.
For we are to keep in mind that the com
manding pivot of the expedition was a reliance
on the good will and active exertions of the
people. If he was to collect followers from
the islands, this situation would have been
favourable to such a design. His correspond
ence with Admiral Cochrane, Trinidad, and
Barbadoes, &c. would, from such a position,
have been executed with safety and dispatch ;
but to beat up from Coro requires, in ordinary
times, from fifteen to twenty, and often thirty
days. The injury resulting to us in this re
spect is exemplified in the fate of the British
schooner Provost, the first advice-boat sent
from Coro to the Admiral. She was captur
ed off Guadaloupe, after a severe action of
some hours, with a French brig of superior
force, both in metal and men. It was not ex
pected by Admiral Cochrane that Miranda
would go to leeward of La Guira, and by most
of his officers it was believed and hoped that
Margaretta was to have been the first port of
destination. But though the capture of this
island would have been considered as a gallant
achievement, had it been effected with a force
even superior to his; when the expediency, if

C 273 3
not necessity, of possessing Margaretta, was
suggested by able advisers, whilst we were an
chored at Coche, the General replied, that " it
was but an island ; to take it would imply an
acknowledgement that we were unable or
afraid to take a position on the main land."
However just this opinion might have been, it
should be recollected that Margaretta contains
fourteen thousand inhabitants, and from its
situation might be made a valuable acquisition
to any government or country.
I say nothing of the disaster resulting from
the unmilitary manner of entering the city
of Coro, nor of Miranda's neglect to take
strong measures while there, to gain his point.
The sudden and inexplicable evacuation of
La Vela de Coro brings up the series of
blunders by which his expedition was to be
destroyed. He should have remained there
acting on the defensive, and taking every
measure to bring the people back to their
homes, and recommend himself to their favour.
He would have been safe in that station, for the
brigs and gun-boats covered the town, and
commanded the principal avenues leading into
it. The batteries were in his possession, and
under these circumstances could not have been

[ 274 3
regained by any force which we had reason to
expect. *
Reinforcements from different quarters were
to be looked for with much certainty. A very
respectable naval force did come from Ad
miral Cochrane, as was before mentioned ; and
recruits from the neighbouring islands, from
the eclat of the thing, would have resorted to
his standard, after it appeared that he had ob
tained a tolerably sure footing. The allega
tion of the want of provisions and water was
not so founded as to make our departure neces
sary. The provisions which we had, without
any use of the produce found in the place, did
last more than thirty days after we arrived at
Aruba; and on the day of the evacuation rain
fell in sufficient quantities to supply the army
of Xerxes with water for a year. The officers
and soldiers re-embarked with reluctance.
They did not think their dangers or privations,
present or anticipated, so intolerable as to re
quire an abandonment of the expedition. A
very general indignation was manifested when
the order was given for evacuation. An offi
cer who was ordered to strike and bring away
the Columbian standard, in his vexation and
* See intercepted letters, page 23g.

£ 275 3
disgust, tore it to pieces, and threw his cap,
epaulets, and sword, into the sea. He would
not wear military insignia, which he felt were
disgraced. As a soldier of fortune, or the projector of
revolution, this measure is inconsistent. But
his enemies ought to forgive him. Let them
say, if they will, that he found the people
averse to liberty, and would not be the arbiter
of the government they should have. After
all their terrors, it proved he was a very
harmless being to the inhabitants. He volun
tarily left their country without laying his
hands on their property, on their persons.
Another subject, as exhibiting a feature of
Miranda's character, ought to be again men
tioned, viz. the neglect to attempt rescuing
the captives. Immediately on his return to
Trinidad, after the first misfortune, he should
have sent a flag of truce to the Spanish Main
with conditions. He might have procured the
co-operation of the English Admiral for this
purpose. But he insisted " it would be time
enough" when he made them a second visit,
" which would soon take place," and " that
they would not be injured:" he was willing
that they should take their chance. They
were, as has been stated, captured on the 28th

[ 276 3
of April, and not sentenced until the 21st of
July, so that, had he taken early measures,
these unfortunate men might have been saved.
Whilst on the Main, he might have made
some of the people, whom he found, hostages
for the safety, good treatment, and restoration
of the prisoners not executed.
This history, with events coming in other
ways before the public, shows on what ground
the apology for the adventurers stands. In
terest in public opinion, and sympathy with
those who are now paying the dreadful forfei
ture of their error at Bocca Chica, justify me
in calling your attention to their plea, such as
it is. I know that merit is determined very
much by event; that the misfortunes of the im
prudent excite more censure than tenderness.
With equitable and humane minds, however,
this will not be the case. If they view our
agency in this calamitous business as entirely
wrong, they will allow to those, who in other
respects are correct, the benefit of the distinc
tion between a single fault and a general con
tempt of right. They will do justice to all the
considerations that afford a palliation or ex
cuse. You have seen the trial and acquittal
of Messrs. Smith and Ogden. The former had

[ 277 3
an agency in, procuring men for Miranda,
the latter supplied the ship, armament, and
outfit. The defendants could not obtain the
testimony of the officers of government, which
they contended was necessary. Tbejury, how
ever, gave a verdict of acquittal. They deter
mined that the persons accused had not broken
any law of the United States, however their
conduct might stand, when judged by the laws
of nations. Numbers of those who engaged
went upon the general assurance that the enter-
prize was lawful and honourable, and not at
tended with any desperate risks, other than
the usual fortune of war, if indeed the king's
troops in South America would not submit
without resistance. Those who had most in
sight into the business, looked for wealth and
eclat, a share in a noble undertaking, and the
liberty of returning to their country when they
saw fit. They might have thought that in
case they were captured by the Spaniards, the
American government might refuse its protec
tion, though they hoped the contrary — but
they did not expect to be arraigned as crimi
nals at home. Before the preparations for the
expedition began, Miranda went to the city of
Washington. Arrived at the seat of govern-

[ 278 3'
ment, he is treated with courtesy. He writes
thence to Colonel Smith* several times, in a
* Washington, Dec. 11 th, 1805.
MY DEAR FRIENB,
I have received your letters of the 1st and 6th of
this month, and your commodore's of the 5th. The busi
ness you and him mention is on the tapis at this present
moment, and will be concluded I hope in the course of
this week, Not a moment is lost, and the appearances
look very favourable.^— Have a little patience, and you shall
soon hear the result. I hope you will act on your side
with as much activity, &c. &c. My best compliments to
the worthy Admiral and to Major A. They both shall
hear from me as soon as the thing is decided; write me
here at Stelle's hotel, and that will be sufficient, if the di-
reetion is Mr. Molini. Yours, M.A.
Col. W. Smith. Washington, Dec. 14th, 1805.
DEAR FRIEND,
I saw yesterday, for the second time, both the gen
tlemen, and after talking fully on the subject, I think I
brought the business to a conclusion. Yet Mr. M. upon
hearing my determination of quitting this city to-morrow
for New York, appeared surprized, and persuad ¦! me not
to leave it before Tuesday next, the 17th, when he ex
pected me to dine with him, and have a little more con
versation I suppose. On consideration, I thought that a
b'tay three days longer, might show calm and patience on
my part, which would give to this step all the dignity I
intended, though I am persuaded that no more will be
obtained, than what is already imparted. Their tacit ap-

[ 279 3
strain which creates the belief that his design
is communicated to the government. Colonel
Smith's going on the expedition is said to be
a subject of conversation between Miranda
and the secretary of state. — %me days before
the sailing of the Leander, he writes a letter to
the president and Secretary.*
probation and good wishes are evidently for us, and they
do not see any difficulty that may prevent the citizens of
the United States in attending personally or sending supplies
for this object, provided the public laws should not be
openly violated. Your demand of permission or leave of
absence is considered impracticable, and Mr. M. thinks it
easier to take the risk upon yourself at once ; however,
we shall consider this subject with much reflection when
we shall meet at New York. On the 1.8th, early, I shall
certainly leave this for Philadelphia, from whence I will
write to you again, and without much delay proceed to
New York. In the mean time, I request you to have
every thing ready for departure before the last of Decem
ber, and I beg of you to show to our worthy commodore
j; much as is necessary of this letter, not thinking pru
dent in me at this moment, and on so delicate a subject, to
write any more j do the same with the Major, and repeat
to both my most sincere friendship and permanent esteem.
When we meet, you and they shall hear more on this sub
ject, in the mean time act with much caution and great ac
tivity. Yours, M  .
* Neio York, January lid, 1S06.
Mr. Pkesident,
I have have the honour to send you inclosed tlie nature

[ 280 3
The result of his conferences, as he repre
sented, was, that the government would not co-
and civil history of Chili, of which we conversed at Wash
ington. You will, pcfrhaps, find more interesting facts and
greater knowledge in this little volume, than in those which
have been before published on the same subject concern
ing this beautiful country. If ever the happy prediction
which you have pronounced on the future destiny of our
dear Columbia, is to be accomplished in our day, may
Providence grant that it may be under your auspices, and
by the generous efforts of her own children. We shall
then in some sort behold the arrival of that age, the return
of which the Roman bard invoked in favour of the human
race. The last great age foretold by sacred rhymes,
Renews its finished course; Saturnian times,
Roll round again, and mighty years began,
From this first orb, in radiant circles ran.
With the highest consideration, and profound respect,
I am, Mr. President,
Your very humble servant,
(Signed) Fran, de Miranda.
To Thomas Jefferson, President! (Private 1
of the United States J K • •)
New York, January 22d, 1805.
Sim,
On the point of leaving the United States, allow me to ad
dress a few words to you to thank you tor the attentions
that you were pleased to show me during my stay at
Washington. The important concerns, which I thep had

[ 281 3
operate; but if he could make his design an
object of individual enterprize, it " saw no
difficulty that should prevent the citizens of
the United States in attending personally,
or sending supplies for his object; provided
the public laws were not openly violated."
The same impression was received from pas
sages which were afterwards submitted to
some of his agents from his port-folio, giving
an account of conversations which he record
ed as having taken place between him and the
secretary of state at the city of Washington.
About the same time, the president had de
livered a message to Congress, stating nume-
the honour to communicate to you, I doubt not will re
main a profound secret until the final result of that delicate
affair; I have acted upon that supposition here by con
forming in every thing to theintentions of government which
I hope to have apprehended and observed with exactness
and discretion. The enclosed letter contains a book which
I have promised to the president of the United States, and
which I pray you to transmit to him. Have the good
ness to present my respectful compliments to Mrs, Madi
son, and to believe me, with the highest consideration and
esteem, Sir, Your very humble and
Obedient servant,
(Signed) Fran, ds Miranda.
To the Hon. James Madison, Esq.

[ 282 3
reus and unprovoked acts of hostility suffered
from Spain; declaring that the Spaniards had
captured our citizens within our borders — had
invaded our territory, and committed depreda
tion on our commerce, and suggesting the ner-
cessity of a recourse to measures of retaliation.
Congress deliberated in secret, and it was
thought on this subject. Under all these cir
cumstances, the agents were led to conclude,
that as the government knows and does not
eheck the preparations for this expedition, it
gives them an implied sanction. Those who
adventure must be acting legally and safely.
By reciting, I do not mean to vindicate the
correctness of these inferences, nor accuse the
administration of my country. Events have
proved the insufficiency of the data to support
such conclusions.; yet it must be acknowledg
ed they were plausible and natural. It ought
to have been recollected that Miranda's state
ments of his conversations at Washington
rested on the evidence of his own assertions.
Whether he was authorized to write the letters
alluded to, does not appear by any direct
proof. The copies of those to the president
and secretary of state were to serve as docu
ments for the eyes of his coadjutors. It might
have been his art to use a strain of writing,

C 283 3
which implied, that his correspondents were
privy to his transactions, and participated in
his views. Tlieir avowal of general good
wishes for the object, and admission of the
right of the citizens to use the liberty of ac
tion in consistency with the laws, he might
have construed into approbation and encou
ragement of his specific proceedings. On the
supposition that the government were appriz
ed of his intentions, an overt act only, it is
alleged, could justify a legal process. On this
delicate question, I should presume the go
vernment has not incurred any just imputa^
tion. At the same time, it will be recollect
ed that the first promoters of this undertaking
have been tried and pronounced " not guilty."
Their vindication applies to all who espoused
the design under like impressions.
Why did we continue, you ask, after sus
pecting or discovering the illusion ? There
was no practicable way of escape, till our
return to the West India islands, after the first
attempt. It was thenextremely difficult, among
strangers, and without resources to get away.
Various methods were used lo make us believe
that we were still expected and desired by the
friends of independence in that country. The
liartial co-operation of the British, gave our en-

[ 284 3
tcrprize respectability, and seemed to insure
safety, if not success. The stake was great and
alluring. More than all, we hoped to 'rescue
our companions, who had fallen into the hands
of the Spaniards. Obligations of honour and
duty, an invincible sympathy with their forlorn
and distressed situation, impelled us to embrace
the opportunity, which seemed to offer of try
ing to procure their release. In this favourite
hope, we were disappointed. Is there no re
source for these unfortunate people ? Are there
no individuals — is their no government able and
willing to lift up a voice, or stretch out an arm
in their favour ? May not the new order of
things operate for their benefit ? Cannot the
government of Caraccas be persuaded it would
be worthy of their magnanimity to let the re
maining victims of delusion go?*
* It is proper that the, follow ing memorial, in behalf of the
officers and men, who were taken prisoners, in different
periods of Miranda's enterprize, should have a place in this
history. Having been written after the publication of the
American edition of this work, it is now for the first time,
made public.
If certain arrangements, which are necessary to obtain
ing the prayer of this memorial, can be effected, Colonel K,
contemplates delivering it personally at Caraccas.
Too much praise cannot be given to this gentleman, for
the exertions which he has already made, and continues to

C 285 3
That all the persons concerned in this ca
lamitous business, consider it with regret, is
make, in order to procure the release 'of his unfortunate
comrades. ¦ In perusing the memorial, the intelligent reader will cer
tainly observe' the marked correctness of the argument; the
elegance of the style ; the pathos of its eloquence; its happy
reflections ; and above all, the unaffected sincerity of its
prayer. This production, in sentiment, and composition,
does high and equal honour to the heart and understanding
of the author.
I trust we may be allowed to chferish an expectation
' that it will interest such conspicuous characters of this coun
try, ip favour of the objects for whom it petitions, as possess
ability and inclination to give the memorial sanction and
success, by their influence in the quarter to which it is ad
dressed, especially as many of the sufferers for whom it
pleads are subjects of Great Britain,
MEMORIAL.
United States, Oct. 24th. 1SOS.
To his Excellency, the Captain-general and Governor of the
Province of Caraccas.
Your Excellency,
As you have been informed I was one of the associates
of Miranda, in his attempt to effect a revolution in South
America. I have learned that I am considered as a public
enemy, whom your laws and acts denounce. Nevertheless,
1 presume to ask your attention to my representations and
requests, concerning myself and others, implicated in that
delusive and calamitous undertaking. I am encouraged to

[ 286 3
certain. They are not again to be led away by
the same lure. They are sufficiently cured of
hope for a hearing, by a belief in your magnanimity and ge
nerosity. I am satisfied you are willing to shew favor where
it is consistent with principle ; and desirous to reconcile your
opinion of duty to your country with benevolent offices to'
unfortunate individuals. I am encouraged moreover, by
the countenance of those whom you justly regard as your
friends in this season of your nations's conflict with the as
sailant of its rights, and the insulter of its honour. English
men, you are sensible, would not support me in a step dis
respectful to your high character ; or in a request which your
dignity or safety forbids you to grant. I am encouraged by
a consciousness of upright views and respectful and friendly
sentiments towards your nation. In my feelings and con
victions, I have always done justice to your solid energy of
character; your devotion to your country, and your love of
religion and justice. 1 claim a participation in that admira
tion and sympathy with which the world contemplates the
god-like efforts of Spaniards to maintain their independence,
tlieir religion, and honour, against the tyrant of the world.
More intimate knowledge has apprized me of your solici
tous care to make your administration a blessing to the peri-
ple over whom you exercise authority. I make these pre
tensions, because I believe those to whom I may be known,
will admit my sincerity.
Having offered these preliminary remarks, I ask you to'
consider whether it may not be worthy of your magnani
mity, and consistent with your safety, to extend an amnesty
to those cftizens of the United States, who were associated
with Miranda, that is, to release those unhappy persons, who
are now confined j and to relinquish the claim of inflicting

[ 287 3
a disposition to reform the world, and create
republics.punishment on those who would be liable to condemnation;
should they fall into your power.
The grounds of this application are, in the first place, the
extenuating circumstances which attended theact, and which
go to palliate or justify the intentions of those in whose be
half your favour is solicited. Our education in a country,
which, within a few years, had broker! its colonial ties, and
won its independence, would dispose us to look too favour
ably perhaps upon doctrines teaching the right of resistance
to established authority. We had been accustomed to think
Spanish America labouring under many privations and re
straints, which checked its growth ; and to view it as capa
ble of being a great and independent empire. Miranda an4
his enterprize were presented to us under respectable au
spices. We believed that his plan had the virtual approba
tion and support of our government. This opinion had a
rational foundation. It was known Miranda came to the
United States to procure means for the undertaking. He
had interviews with Mr. Madison, the Secretary of State.
He asserted that though our government would not openly
aid the scheme; it saw no difficulty in private citizens en
gaging in the project, and joining the standard of the adven
turer. He wrote letters to the President and Secretary of
State, purporting that there was an understanding between
them on the subject. His preparations, it was concluded,
went on with their knowledge, and therefore, with their ap
probation. The differences, existing at that time between
the government of Spain, and that of the United States,
Strengthened this opinion. On various accounts, we placed
Confidence in the declarations of Miranda. He always re-
t!5

[ 288 J
Having given some sketch of the life of
Miranda, and a short description of the coun-r
presented that the people of South America, and especially
in the province of Caraccas, were sighing for a change ;
that he with his associates was desired and expected by the
great body of the people. He painted the hardships under
which the colonies groaned, in a manner to make his de
sign appear as the dictate of philanthropy. His name in (he
United States; the persons of character who espoused his
cause; his own stake in the issue, naturally induced us to
give credit to his representations. Under these circum
stances, and with these impressions, those who joined him.
at New York, and Jacquemel, acted. Notorious facts; all
the histories given of his attempt ; published documents ;
the news-papers of the United States, and the trial of Messrs.
Ogden and Smith, at New York, afford evidence of the
truth of this statement. The discomfiture sustained in the
first attempt, and the capture of the schooners by the guarda
costas, did but partially undeceive us- Reliance was still
placed on Miranda's assertions, that the great body of the
inhabitants of your colony were desirous of his assistance;
and that even a force was in the field, waiting his co-opera
tion. Admit however, that at this stage, his followers should
have withdrawn, new auspices appeared, which imparted
a respectability and sanction to the object. Additianal force
from the British navy was detached to its aid, and support.
Under such banners we thought it right and even honourable
to be engaged. At least we thought it right to avail our
selves of this assistance to test the revolutionary dispositions
alleged to prevail in Caraccas; or if no more, to procure
the deliverance of our comrades, whom events had placed
in your power. In a view of these considerations, mitiga-

I 289 3
try which was to have been the theatre of his.
exploits, I sail have done.
ting our offence, does your justice demand a greater for
feiture than has been already paid to it by the associates of
Miranda? Ten of them have met death by her sen
tence; and their families and friends are left a prey to in
curable sorrow. A large number have suffered all the priva
tions and miseries which pertain to a long separation from
their dearest connections, to their condemnation, to labour,
and to confinement in your casemates. The event to others
was defeat and disgrace. They left your shores in destitu
tion and humiliation. They have been ready to do what
they could to repair the injury which delusion led them to
cornmit. They lift up their voices against the principles
and conduct of the man, by whose art they were made to
appear as your enemies. By their disclosures of his imbeci
lity, his inefficiency, and his duplicity, they have contributed
to guard his countrymen and the world against his address,
intrigue, and influence. They .are not his apologists, nor
encomiasts, nor defenders. Miranda is^mpotent to do ypu
any further injury through their testimonies against him.
It cannot therefore be alleged, that your public safety is any
longer, if it even was put in hazard by their plots or their ef.
forts. Under these circumstances, can it be necessary that
the grace of clemency should step aside ? Would not the
amnesty solicited strengthen your government by evincing
its magnanimity ; and proving before the world, that, how
ever strict and partial, it is not inexorable nor disposed to
needless severity ?
For myself, I gave my honest services to Miranda, whilst
I thought his object justifiable, and his pretensions well-
founded. I am now satisfied, that if he could, he ought not
8

[ 290 j
to have succeeded. I have long since absolved myself from
any obligations of confidence^ which may be supposed even
to have existed. I have been ready, and hold myself bound
by principles of duty and 'honour, to develope his character
and conduct on all proper occasions. I will detain your Ex
cellency no longer. 1 have made no apology for this intru
sion; I rest my excuse upon the importance and interest of
the subject. I hope and believe I shall be honoured with a
ijeply to this communication; that your personal influence
and authority will be extended to this desirable object. To
accomplish a purpose so generous and noble, would, lam
confident, afford more than complimental satisfaction to the
honourable sensibilities of your heart. Would it not be
pronounced a worthy act, gratifying to the lovers of the Spa
nish character and nation, in this and every other country i
I have the honour to be,
Your Excellency's humble,
And obedient Servant,
(Signed) GEORGE W. KIRKLAND.

t 291 3

LETTER XXVII.

NOTICES OF MIRANDA.
United States, August 10, 1808.
General Miranda in conversation was
reserved on the subject of his own life. He
wrapped himself in mystery; and apparently
enjoyed a sort of satisfaction, in leaving people
to conjecture and wonder. He would talk
of what he had seen and done ; of his studies,
his adventures, and sufferings ; his perils, and
escapes. But he avoided detail and circum
stance ; time, place, and persons, he kept out of
view. In his relations, lie stopped at genera
lities. For this reason, his officers knew less of
him than you would imagine. Of the place
of his nativity, there are several and disagreeing
accounts. But beyond doubt, he was born in
the city of Caracca, in the province of that
name. It is taken for granted that he is de
scended from one of the oldest Spanish fami
lies. Some accounts represent that his grand-

[ 292 3
father was governor of a province, and his
father a candidate for the same place, but de
feated in his expectations, through thejealousy
which the court have ever entertained of the
natives. This disappointment is mentioned,
with what truth I cannot say, as a cause of our
hero's discontent with the government. If
such an event ever occurred, it probably had a
large share of influence on a mind like that of
Miranda. But the ardor of his feelings, the
boldness of his speculations, and the republican
bias of thinking, which he always manifested,
afford sufficient solutions. He was educated
like other young men of the better families in
Caraccas, at the schools and university of that
city. He never mentioned his teachers, nor his
school. He said that he learned Greek after
he was forty. Depons observes, that at pre
sent, the Spanish youth, sensible of the insuffi
ciency of their education, apply with avidity
to the reading of foreign books. It is said Mi
randa began his travels in the provinces, in
early manhood. He entered the army, and was
Captain in the regular troops of Spain. Bio
graphers say he rose to be Colonel ; but this is
doubtful. One of his stations was at Guati-
mala. Here he impcoved his opportunities of
becoming acquainted with New Spain.

[ 293 3
He left his native country from necessity, to
avoid the .ispleasure of government. The
causes of his precipitate disappearance are va
riously stated. It is ascribed to his expressing
obnoxious sentiments relating to the independ
ence of the colonies, and having laid a plot for
effecting it. One of the most celebrated French
Generals (Moreau) told me, that whilst Mi
randa was stationed at the Havannah, being in
the engineer corps, he was commissioned by the
military Commander to go to Jamaica, for the
purpose of surveying the fortifications, and
making out a report of their strength and con
dition. To disguise his character and design,
he was allowed to smuggle ten thousand dollars
value of commodities. On his return, he was
charged with exceeding the limits of his per
mission. His property was seized. The cause
was carried to Madrid, where its was decided
against him. He thought it wise to decamp,
in order to avoid the penalties which he had
incurred. In 1783 he visited the United States. I have
conversed with many persons who knew him
at this time. They say his mind was full of
the ideas of reform and innovation, of liberty
and philosophy, He went from this country
to Europe. London wa* his most constant

[ 294 3
place of residence, whilst he was not on his
travels. He visited almost every portion of
the European work"; every principal city and
court; and went to Co^tandnople. He had a
superb library in London This literary trea-i
sure was pledged for a part of the necessary
funds to defray his expences. In the negotia
tions and disputes -and naval preparations re
specting Nootka Sound, he had an agency un
der the English ministry. When the French
revolution commenced, he was in Russia. This
event opened a career suited to his genius.
He repaired immediately to Paris; and soon
obtained favour, fortune, and place, under the
protection of Pethion. He was employed in the
French army. la 17 92 he was sent in quality
of a general officer to Champagne, under Du-
mourier, vhom he afterwards accompanied to
Belgium ; and ae was nominated, in Septem
ber, Commandant of the army of Flanders, in
the room of Labourdonnaye; during the win
ter he had the chief command in the absence
of Duraourier.
In the spring of 1793 Miranda besieged
Maestricht, by order of the executive council;
but General Lanoue, who was posted at Roer,
being beaten at Aldenhoven, he was obliged to
raise the siege after twenty days bombardment.

[ 295 3
The defeat at Aldenhoven, and the bad success
at Maestricht, overturned all Dumourier's plans.
How far Miranda was to blame, let military
men judge.
The Commander-in-chief, Dumourier, having
retired from Holland, again appeared at the
head of the Belgic army. Miranda command
ed the left wing, on the 13th of March, in the
affair of Nerwinde. This battle would probably
have terminated in favour of the French, had
not Miranda retired from the field soon after
the middle of the day. One of his columns
was panic-struck, and the other two were
driven back. This retreat has been ascribed
in some French publications to the treachery
and cowardice of our hero. General Mo-
reau, now in this country, is of a different
opinion. He assured me it was by a military
fault of Miranda's that the French lost the
victory at Nerwinde; " Miranda," says he
"is not justly chargeable with treachery or
cowardice." Dumourier says, " that either
disconcerted, or willing to sacrifice his rival,
Valence, he ordered his troops to retreat."
He sent no advice of his retreat to Dumourier,
which neglect exposed the right wing and cen
tre of the army to the whole Weight of the
enemy,

[ 296 3
It seems- that Miranda was no friend to Du
mourier, Three days after the battle, it has been
asserted, he wrote a letter to Pethion against
this General. Miranda's parti zans say this
Jetter afforded him no justification. He after
wards published a memorial, in which hetellshis
protector, Pethion, that the expedition against
Holland had been undertaken contrary to hi§
advice; that he had foreseen the mischiefs
which would result from such a project ; and
that Dumourier, in concert with Thouvenot,
had decided upon every thing without consult-:
ing him. As to the defeat at Nerwinde,, he en
deavoured to confirm the opinion then circu
lated, that it was owing to the treachery of the
Commander-in-chief, and his adherents. At
the same time, he continued to correspond with
Dumourier. Miranda did not save himself by
this double-faced precaution. He was arrested
at the moment of the desertion of that General,
and was sent to Paris for trial. The revolu
tionary tribunal acquitted him in May. Before
the end of the same month he was again arrest
ed. He appeared in person at the bar of the
convention, to justify himself, but he did not
obtain his liberty until the fall of the Mountain.
In October, 1795, he attempted to recover
his lost influence, by serving the convention

[ 297 1
against the sections. This expedition did not
succeed. On the 22d of the same month hi*
arrestation was decreed. He was sentenced to
be transported beyond the limits of France. In
vain he endeavoured to effect a retraction of
his sentence. He was delivered to a body of
gens d'armes, who were changed to conduct
him to the frontiers. He got away from his es
cort, and wrote to the directory, demanding a
reversion of his sentence. This business was
kept in train a long time, although the director
Le Tourneur was his particular enemy. Final
ly, the 4th of September, 1797, finished his re
sidence in France. He was included in the
grand deportation. England afforded him re
fuge. He was among the number whom Bona
parte did not recal in 1799. After this period,
he continued in London. Failing in various
attempts to interest the British ministry in his
project respecting South America, he embark
ed for New York, under the assumed name of
Moses Martin, of New Orleans. On the 2d
of September, he sailed from England, and
arrived in the United States on the 12th of No
vember following. Here he commenced opera
tions for carrying into effect his project of
twenty years contemplation, to revolutionize
his native country. A mercantile house in

C 298 ]
New York furnished him with the ship and
armament, as has been described in this his
tory. He gave Mr. Ogden three bills, one
of five thousand, one of two thousand, and
one of eight hundred pounds, sterling. The two
last only were duly paid. The property taken
by him from New York was all spent, dissi
pated, or remains in his hands. No part of
the proceeds of the sale of the Leander was ever
repaid to the original owners.
Dumourier says of this personage, " that he
was a man of capacity and extensive informa
tion. He was better versed in the theory of
war than any other of the French Generals ; but
he was not equally versed in the practice."
He had been of great service to him in the
different attacks on the Prussians. But " he
had a haughtiness of disposition and bluntness
of manner, which begat him many enemies ;
and he was unfit to command the French,
whose confidence it is impossible to gain, but
by good humour, and conduct expressive of
respect for them."
In the preceding history, Miranda's injudi
cious selection of his place of landing is men
tioned as one cause of his failure. The rea
sons in favour of his choice were not stated.
His principal inducement probably was, that

[ 299 3
from inf rmntion or rumour he imagined he
had friends in Coro. In stating his grounds
for expecting success, I might have placed
them in a summary form by reciting four posi
tions laid down by one of his advocates at the
•outset. First, From the boundless extent of the
coast of Spanish America, he can choose his
point of landing.
Second, From the same circumstance, the
whole military force, that is to say, the mili
tary force from the mother country, is distri
buted into small detachments, and these detach
ments are most remote from each other. In
no single post in America, can there be more
than one thousand men.
Third, The militia of the country are inva
riably in his cause.
Fourth, If he could, therefore, raise a suffi
cient force to withstand the attack of two or
three of these detachments, for more could ne
ver join, he would be enabled to maintain h.s
ground; and revolutionizing as he went, add
his conquests to his force.
From this narrative, in connection with the
prior history of General Miranda, you will re
ceive an impression of his character not so fa
vourable, as that entertained by many persons.

I 300 3
I harve related facts. They must be allowed t#
speak for themselves. His imagination aad
feelings were an overmatch for his judgment.
He is more rash and presumptuous in projects,
than dexterous in extricating himself from? dif
ficulties. In religion he is reputed skeptical*
but in our bearing he never derided subjects
of this nature. He used formerly to talk infide
lity, to the offence of the serious; experience has
taught him caution, or he has changed his
sentiments.. It issaiis! upon good authority, that
he partook the sacrament at Coro. He is too
much of an enthusiast in his favourite objects
to allow bis means to be enfeebled by moral
scruples. I am willing to believe he has as
much conscience as the impetuous passions of
such men generally admit.
I make a few remarks on bis person, man
ners, and petty habits.
He is about five feet tea inches high. His
limbs are well proportioned ; his whole frame
is stout and active. His complexion is dark,
florid, and healthy. His eyes are hazel-colour
ed, but not of the darkest hue. They are
piercing, quick, and intelligent, expressing
more of the severe than the mild feelings. He
has good teeth, which he takes much care to
keep clean. His nose is large and handsome,

C 301 3
rather of the English than Roman cast. His
chest is broad and flat. His hair is grey,
and he wears it tied long behind, with pow
der. He has strong grey whiskers, growing
on the outer edges of his ears, as large as
most Spaniards have on their cheeks. In the
contour of his visage, you plainly perceive an
expression of pertinaciousness and suspicion.
Upon the whole, without saying he is an elegant,
we may pronounce him a handsome man. He
has a constant habit of picking his teeth.
When sitting, he is never perfectly still; his
foot or hand must be moving to keep time with
his mind, which is always in exercise. He, al
ways sleeps a few moments after dinner, and
then r walks till bed-time, which with him is
about midnight. He is an eminent example of
temperance. A scanty or bad meal is never
regarded by him as a subject of complaint.
He uses no ardent spirits ; seldom any wine.
Sweetened water is his common beverage.
Sweetness and warmth, says he, are the two
greatest physical goods; and acid and cold
are the greatest physical evils in the universe.
Re is a courtier and gentleman in his man
ners. Dignity and grace preside in his move
ments. Unless when angry, he has a great
command of his feelings.; and can assume

t; 302 3
What looks arid tones he pleases. His de
meanour is often marked by hauteur and dis
tance. When he is angry he loses discretion.
He is impatient of contradiction. In disccurse,
he is logical in the arrangement of his thoughts.
He appears conversant on all subjects. His
iron memory prevents his ever beiiif; at a loss
for nariies, dates, and authorities.
He used his mental resources and colloquial
powers with great address to recommend him
self to his followers. He assumed the man
ners of a father and instructor to the young
men. He spoke of the prospect of success,
and of the preparations made for him, with
great confidence. The glory and advantages
of the enterprize were described in glowing co
lours. At another time, he detailed his travels,
hissufferings and escapes, in a manner to interest
both their admiration and sympathy. He ap
peared the master of languages, of science and
literature. In his conversations, he carried his
hearers to the scenes of great actions, and in
troduced them to the distinguished characters
of every age. He took excursions to Troy,
Babylon, Jerusalem, Rome, Athens and Syra
cuse. Men famed as statesmen, heroes, pa
triots, conquerors, and tyrants, priests " and
scholars, he produced, and weighed their me-

t 303 3
rits and defects. Modern history and biogra
phy afforded him abundant topics. He im
pressed an opinion of his comprehensive views,
his inexhaustible fund of learning; his probity,
his generosity, and patriotism. After all, this
man of blazoned fame, must, I fear, be consi
dered as having more learning than wisdom;
more theoretical knowledge than practical ta
lent ; too sanguine and too opinionated to dis
tinguish between the vigour of enterprize aad
the hardiness of infatuation.

C 30* 3

LETTER XXVIII. V
Ucogntphktd mid statistical notices of Co^mcm,
United States, August 2dst, 1808,
According to received geographical ac
counts, the Spanish dominions in North Ame
rica extend from latitude thirty-nine degrees
thirty minutes to seven degrees thirty minutes
north, a length of one thousand nine hundred
and twenty geographical miles. The medial
breadth is computed at iOO of the same miles.
In South America they reach from the Carib
bean sea to the most southern promontory.
They are divided into viceroyalties, audiences,
provinces, governments, departments, and mis
sions. Spain has under her sceptre in Mexico
and South America fourteen or fifteen millions
of people.
I shall give a sketch of the Captain-general
ship of Caraccas, that part on which Miranda
made his attempt. Depons" Voyage to the
Eastern Part of Terra Firma, or the Spanish

[ 305 3
Main, in South America comprizes an ample
description of this region ; and is the principal
authority for the following notices.
This territory is situated between the twelfth
degree of north latitude and the equinoctial.
It comprehends, Venezuela, containing 500,000 inhabitants.
Maracaibo, 100,000
Cumana, 80,000
Spanish Guiana, 34,000
Isle of Margaretta, 14,00

728,000
Of the population, two tenths are whites, three
slaves, four, freedmen and their descendants,
and the remainder Indians. There is scarcely
any emigration from Spain to Terra Firma. A
great proportion of the whites receive a liberal
education, such as it is, in the seminaries of
the country and college and university of Ca
raccas. " Every one is ambitious," says Dr.
Sans, as quoted by Depons, ' of becoming a
lawyer, a priest, or a monk. Those whose pre
tensions are not so great wish to be notaries,
scriveners, or clerks." A military rank is an
object of rivalry. A sword is their dear com
panion. Decency, in their opinion, debars
them from agricultural pursuits and enjoins

[ S06 3
Chem to treat the mechanical arts with sove
reign contempt. They are charged with an
extravagant passion for distinction. But the
French traveller thinks that a happy revolution
of opinion in these respects is on the eve of
being accomplished, and every thing announces
that the succeeding generation will exhibit a
spectacle of a moral amelioration, achieved by
the increased energy of the national wisdom,
in consequence of the admission of whatever
is useful in the principles of other nations.
The Spaniards and Creoles of Caraccas are
mild, affable, polite and from prudence timid.
Slaves can be freed, by paying the price they
cost their masters. Freedmen are known by
the name of people of colour. Theyexercise
various trades, but are not fond of personal
labour; They are formed into corps of mi
litia. Merit may raise a man of colour to the
rank of captain.
The laws respecting the Indians are mild.
But the Indians are not good citizens. They
are indolent and intemperate.
The government of Caraccas, like that of
other parts of Spanish America is so constitut
ed as to keep it dependent on the parent
country. The governor or Captain-general re
presents the Monarch and commands the raiii-

C 307 3
tary force. There are delegated governors,
who have each an, assessor. The Royal Au
dience of Caraccas consists of a president, who
Is the Captain-general, a regent, three judges,
two fiscals ; one for criminal affairs, the other
for the finances, with a reporter and other
ne(*)ssary officers. It administers justice, re
gulates the finances, and has other great pre
rogatives. The naval force of Terra Firma is trifling
and could not resist a single frigate. Se
veral sea -ports have fortresses. Maracaibo has
25,000 inhabitants, is defended by three forts
and four companies of troops of the line, and
a proportion of militia. The haven or port
of Coro, called La vela de Coro, sixteen
leagues east of Maracaibo had at the time of
our debarkation two batteries with fifteen or
eighteen peices of cannon of various calibers
from six to eighteen pounders. Porto Cabello
or Cavello, fifty eight leagues to the east of
Coro, has a strong fort with a large and nu
merous artillery. In time of war it is supplied
with two companies of regular troops. In
case of attack, says Depons, 3,000 militia
might be collected here in eight days. La
Guira, the haven of Caraccas twenty five
leagues to the east of Porto Cabello, is

[ 308 3
very strongly fortified. Cumana one hundred
leagues east of La Guira is of difficult access,
has a fort and might present a force of 5,000
men. The island of Margaretta four leagues
north of Cumana has trifling batteries, oue
company of rcgulir troops, one of artillery
and several of militia. Thus it appears the
strong places are distant from each other sixty
or one hundred leagues. Hence it is observ
ed a debarkation on the coast might easily be
effected in various places, and the troops pro
ceed into the country, whilst the ships by at
tacking the forts would distract the military
operations. The military force as stated by Depons is a
regiment of regular troops of nine hundred and
eighteen men, distributed at Caraccas, La
Guira, and Porto Cavello. Four hundred
troops of the line are at Maracaibo, at Cumana
one hundred and fifty, at Guiana one hundred
and fifty, and at Varinas seventy seven. The
artillery at the respective places is served by
separate companies, besides militia. The
whole armed force of the captain generalcy,
regular troops and militia is stated at 13,059.
There is no religion but the Roman Catho
lic. To be suspected of heresy is dangerous;
to be convicted fatal. The tribunals of the

[ 309 3
inquisition are erected at Mexico, Lima and
Carthagena, and are very powerful. They
prohibit bad books to the number of 5,420.
Spanish America abounds in priests, who are
held in great respect. The missionaries are
numerous, The churches are decent and
often elegant, and are still asylums for cri
minals. ,The tithes are paid one tenth part to
the king, one fourth to the bishop, one
fourth to the chapter and remainder to the
parish priests and to other pious uses. The
income of the bishop of Caraccas is 40,000
dollars. The productions of this region are cocoa,
coffee, sugar, indigo and tobacco, Besides
the present products, says Depons, there is a
great variety of others which the soil offers to
the inhabitants, without requiring any advance
or subjecting them to any trouble but that of
collecting and bestowing on them a light and
easy preparation. Among these he mentions,
vanilla, wild cochineal, dyingwoods and barks,
gums, rosin and medical oils, herbs, roots and
bark for medicine. From this country half
Europe might be supplied with wood for its
luxurious furniture and equipage. Commerce
might draw much from the animal kingdom.

C 310 3
The neat cattle are calculated at 1,200,000,
horses and mares 180,000, mules 90,000.
Sheep are innumerable aud deer abundant.
Notwithstanding this abundance, agriculture
is at a low ebb in this country. La Guira,
Porto Cebello, Maracaibo, Cumana, Barce
lona, and Margaretta have a right to trade
with the mother country. In 1796 the im
ports from Spain to Caraccas were estimated
at 3,1 18,811 i^fs dollars, and the exports at
283,ol6 dollars. There is a limited trade to
the other colonies, which brings about 400,000
dollars into the country. It exports to foreign
West India islands articles of its own produce,
except cocoa, in neutral bottoms; part of the
returns must be in negroes or in farming or
household utensils and the remainder in specie.
But this remainder is principally smuggled in
manufactured goods. The contraband trade
divided chiefly between Jamaica, Curacoa and
Trinidad is estimated at 750,000 dollars an
nually before the war of 1796. It has in
creased greatly since that period. The whole
regular exports of Caraccas from 1793 to 1796
are stated at 12,252,415 dollars, from 1797 to
1800, 6,442,318 dollars. The finances of Ca
raccas are under the direction of an intendant.

[ 311 3
The revenue arises principally from the cus
toms, a duty of five per cent on sales from
stamps, licences, and tithes, and from the pro
duce of the cruzada and of the sale of tobacco.
The two last are destined for the treasury at
home. There is usually a deficit, even in time
of peace; in 1797 the receipt was 1,147,788,
dollars, expenditure, 1,886,363. The popu
lation of some pf tlie chief cities is thus stated.
Caraccas 40,000, La Guira 6,000 Porto Cavello
7,600, Coro 10,000,. The harbour, or La
Vela de Coro, as it is commonly called, and
its environs are supposed to contain not less
than 2,000.
In 1 797 three state prisoners were sent from
Spain to Caraccas, on account of their revo
lutionary propensities. Being- treated with
great indulgence by the officers and soldiers
to whose care they were committed, they form
ed the project of a conspiracy against the go
vernment. They engaged a number of per
sons some of them of consequence in their
party. After gaining their first converts, the
spirit did not spread. The coldness and apathy
of the people did not admit of the effervescence
they desired. After the plot had been kept a
secret for many months it was disclosed to the

[ 312 3
government. Some of the ringleaders escap-
ed and others were taken. It was found that
seventy two had entered into the conspiracy;
six were executed. The rest either escaped
or were sent to the galleys or banished from
the country.

FINIS.

T. Gillet, Printer, Crown-court, Fleet-street.

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