HISTORY OF
PON FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA'S
ATTEMPT TO EFFECT A
REVOLUTION IN
SOUTH AMERICA,
IN A SERIES OF LETTERS.

BY A GENTLEMAM WHO WAS AN OFFICER UNDER THAT GENERAL,
TO HI8 FRIEND IN THE UNITED STATES.

TO WHICH ARE ANNEXED,
SKETCHES of the LIFE of MIRANDA,
AND
GEOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF CARACCA5.

Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot
Unlikely wonders. ihaK.

The Second Edition.

BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD OLIVER, No. 70, St»te Street,
1810.

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS— To -wit.
BE IT REMEMBERED, that-on the seventh day of
October, in the thirty-second year of the Independence of
the United States of America, Oliver & Mxjnroe, of the
said District, have deposited in this Office the title of a
Book,' the Right, whereof they claim as Proprietors, in the
words following — - ivit :
" The History of Don Francisco De Miranda's attempt
to effect a Revolution in South America, in a Series of
Letters. By a gentleman who was an officer under that
general, to his friend in the United States. To which are
annexed, Sketches of the Life of Miranda, and geographic
cal notices of Caraccas.
Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot
Unlikely wonders. shak."
In conformity t> the Act of the Congress of the United
States, entitled, " An Act for the Encouragement of
Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and
Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies,
during the times therein mentioned ;" and also to an Act
entitled, " An Act upplementary to an Act entitled An
Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the
Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and
Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein men
tioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the Arts
of Designing, Engraving and Etching Historical and
other Prints."
WILLIAM S. SHAW,
Clerk of t7ie District of MassacTiutetts.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE. ix
LETTER I.
Commencement of the expedition. Ship and commander?
Author's views and expectations in joining Miranda.
Supposed destination. Reasons for believing the enter
prise 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 Ber
muda for trial. Sailors impressed. Happy result. 8
LETTER III.
Spanish schooner brought to. Conjectures upon this un-
usaal procedure. Stratagem to deceive the master
of the schooner Miranda appoints his officers. Their
names and distribution into corps. Uniforms, 8cc.
Arrival at Jacque mel. Accident, 1 4
LETTER IV.
Difficulty of getting into port. A quarrel, and its appre
hended mischief's. Scene on the deck of the Leander.
Form of officers' commissions- *. sail seen Com
plaint of the effects of delay. Return of Capt. Lewis. 23

iv CONTENTS. LETTER V.
Columbian colours displayed. , Schooner Bee chartered;
Report from Laguira. Aspasia. Disturbance in the
Bee. Disappointment respecting the ship Emperor.
Schooner Bacchus' engaged. Supposed to bring a spy.
.Treatment of a Danish vessel. • 35
LETTER VI.
Preparations for departure. Declaration made and sworn
to by the officers. Compensation of the officers. 42
LETTER VII.
Departure from Jacquemel. Change of men to the
schooners, officers engaged at this island. A brawl.
A sail seen. 46
LETTER VI1L
Another dispute. Ship falls to the leeward. Chases a
vessel. The Leander cannot use the American En
sign. 52
LETTER IX.
Arrival a' Aiub.:. Manoeuvering the troops. Remarks. 55
LETTER X.
Departure from Arubu. Events till the arrivrl on the
coast. Singular order. A great dispute. Resigna
tion of Lewir,. TLe main land in sight. Sailors en
listed as soldiers. Ready to land. 57
LETTER XI.
The Leander attacked by two Spanish Guarda Costas.
The schooners Bee and Bacchus captured. Rencount
er with them. Lewis not to blame for the loss of the

v CONTENTS. v
schooners. Names of the officers and men captured-
Discovery of the want of water. Miape our c< urse lor
the Island of Bonair. The officers entertain suspicions
of their chief. They have private consultations. Con
duct of the general in the action and subsequent council
of war and their determination. Reflections, &c. 70
LETTER XII.
Undignified conduct of his excellency to one of his voffi-
cers, &c. 83
LETTER XIII.
Off Margaritta. Leander endeavours to avoid every
strange sail. Crew on short allowance. Hardships.
Religious service on board and Miranda's conduct re
specting it. 86
LETTER XIV.
Arrival at Grenada. Refreshed, and sail for B'arba-
daes. 92
LETTER XV.
At Bridgetown. Leander libelled and released. Ar
rangements with Admiral Cochrane. Lewis resigns.
Vanity and philosophy of IV, 9£
LETTER XVI.
At Trinidad. Officers and men engaged there. General
order. Capt. Johnson. Foolish handbill. Depart
ure. 1°2
LETTER XVII.
Landing on the main. Result;- 109
LETTER XVIII.
At Aruba. Events after leaving Trinidad. Army dis-
A 2

vi ^CONTENTS.
embark. Gain La Vtla de Coro. March to Core.
Disaster at that place. "Return, and evacuation of the
Main. 1 1 1
LETTER XIX.
Other events previous to the evacuation of the Main. Col.
Hall's embarrassment. Threat of M. concerning his
wounded men. Capt. Johnson's misfortune. 1..2
LETTER XX.
M. takes possession of Aruba by proclamation. Sickness
of the men. Courts Ma: i l. 151
LETTER XXI.
Animadversions of officers on the Expedition. Curracoa
scheme. 1 69
LETTER XXH.
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, comman
der of the brig Commodore Barry. Soliloquy. 1 34
LETTER XXIII
Departure from Aruba. Miranda and suite embark in
the Seine frigate. Lieut. Dwyer, an English officer,,
takes command of the Leander. Events during the
passage. Arrival at Grenada, 197
LETTER XXIV.
Arrival at Trinidad. Trimmer concem.— rReception of
Miranda and his followers at Port of Spain. Straits of
the people. 207
LETTER XXV.
Disposition of the British commanders. Mission to En-

CONTENTS. vi
gland Process against Leander. Dispersion of officers
and me;.. Fate of the prisoners. Intercepted letters.
Intelligence from de Rouvray. Characters. 230
LETTER XXVI.
Result upon the means, conduct and object of the expedi
tion. An apology for its agents. 2 18
LETTER XXVil.
Notices of Miranda.
LLIT.R XXVIII.
Geographical and statistical notices of Caraccas. 2i> 1
APPENDIX. 300

preface.

THE letters in this volume give an ac-
count of the commencement, progress and ter
mination of Miranda! s attempt te effect a revo
lution in South America. The facts came with
in the observation of the writer, or were ob*
tained by careful enquiry. In history., says a
great moralist and critick, the whole should be
told. The author has told all that appeared to
him at once proper to be related and interest
ing to the reader. These letters were written
for the information of the author's friends and
to assist his own memory. After much deliber
ation and some doubt, he has been induced to
commit them to the press. The expedition of
Miranda excited attention and expectation at
the Ume and has not ceased to be a subject of

x Jr*KE*'ACE.
speculation. It had a certain aspect i/poh our
foreign relations, 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 enterprise should be detailed and the im
pression he made on the minds of his unfortu
nate followers should be known. By the dis
closure of the facts, the persons concerned with
him may hope,tto be considered with more equity
and perhap^more favour, than they would find
if the publick opinion were left to be formed by
the fictions of rumour and the exaggerations
of ignorance. It is possible that its develope-
ment will create an interest in behalf of that
portion of Miranda's associates, now suffering
imprisonment or slavery in that country, where
they dreamed they should enjoy and communi
cate liberty. This enterprise and its incidents
afford a curiops exhibition of human nature.
The boldness of trie design and the variations
of fortune in its p r ogress and execution ; ihe

FKEFACE. xi
sufferings and the actions of the adventurers
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
fbe perusal of eicentrick adventures.

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, Feb. 5th, 1 806.
Dear Friend,
PUBLICK rumour has probably givea
you some information of a mysterious expedi
tion, 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 ; or
prompted by a spirit of adventure to speculate

too largely on the favours of fortune. It may be
so; butl have deliberated much on the subject,
and think I am justified in the resolution I have
taken. I confess, however, that in forming it,
the opinion of men, whose fortunes and charac
ters are staked on the issue, had great authority.
My new situation will no doubt furnish a
variety of subjects and events for a correspon
dence, 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 expedition,
remaining silent only when it shall be enjoin
ed by an honorable 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
capt. Thomas Lewis, who is reputed to be a
man of intrepidity, and a thorough master 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 deportment
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 ele
ment. There are ^nearly two hundred souls
on board, so that as you may conceive, we are
very much crowded, and on that account, 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 una
ble 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 1 to
make it my business to importune for particu
lar information. I deem it proper at this mo
ment, to suffer my curiosity to remain unsatis
fied till the period arrives when inquiry will
not be considered impertinent, or an exposure
of our plans and intentions impolitic. This, I
apprehend, will shortly be the case. I for one,
and most others, have embarked upon gener-

4
al information and assurances that more shall
be disclosed at a suitable season. We rely
much on our leader and on those who recom
mended 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 A-
merica, 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 prepared.
For this purpose the Leander was engaged
and fitted out, as we understand, by the credit
and funds of Don Francisco de Miranda, the
commander in chief of the expedition. The
vessel is laden with arms of various descrip
tions, ammunition, cloathing, and every kind
of military equipage necessary for a campaign.
A number of Americans, some of them gentle
men, and persons of good standing in society,
though mostly, I believe, of crooked fortunes,
have embarked. Few of us, before entering
the, ship, saw our leader, but had our commu-

aication with those, who were his acknow
ledged agents and advocates. We have, as
yet, made no definite engagements with him,
jior 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 we please, withdraw ; though it must be
confessed our destinies, now we have proceed
ed so far, are seriously joined with those of
Miranda. Dp 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
is inconsistent with neither. I will not say
that there are not some of our company des
perate or base enough to disregard these
weighty considerations. Perhaps it is a mat
ter of indifference to many of the volunteers in
what cause they act, if it do but promise them
an opportunity of distinguishing themselves by
martial achievements, and afford a chance of ac
quiring some 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 lose, and may gain. But the
greater number of those who can reasonably
look for high places, or large emolument ajpe
b2

«dt desperadoes, though they are adventurers s
and 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
*his expedition, and this circumstance, taken
in connexion 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 expects or
intends, very soon explicitly to authorise the
use offeree against Spain. Under such im-
rpressions, we think we shall not be called to
account as vialatiag the pacifick relations of
;the United States. The project of appearing
ifor the relief of the oppressed, under the ban-
-ners 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 resources of nature are kept down by a
vile coloniaLponey, presents itself to our imag
inations and hearts uuthe most attractive light,

and makes us rejoice that it has fallen to our
lot, to attempt the deliverance of a large por
tion of our fellow men. We flatter ourselves
it is honourable and humane to be thus en
gaged ; still I am sensible that nothing short
of complete success will ensure such a design
the approbation of the mass of mankind. If
we succeed, our fame will take care of itself.
To quiet the revoltings of humanity and satis
fy 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
¦sufferings, and inclined and competent to re
move the cause, as the government by which
.they are oppressed is weak and inefficient.
On this disposition of 'the inhabitants to join
the standard of our leader in Such number as
to compel the few friends of the old order to
make terms without delay, we place our ex
pectations of success. It is also intimated that
we shall receive, as far as occasion shall require,
the countenance and co-operation of the Brit
ish. After all, it must be confessed, we may
be " plucking a thousand dangers on our
Jjeads;" but we presume our conductor knows

what he is doing, and will lead us to great ex
ploits and splendid fortunes.

LETTER IL
Account of Miranda. — His age. — Leander
spoken by the British Frigate Cleopatra, and
near being sent to Bermuda for trial. — Sail
ors impressed. — HaAfy result.
February 9th, 1806.
GEN. MIRANDA has heretofore em
ployed, and sometimes agitated, the publick
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 revolu- ''
tion, 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 excels all men that ever I have known, in
colloquial eloquence and power of persuasion.
He discovers a full mind, furnished with com
prehensive and accurate information, improved
by extensive reading, by travelling and obser-
yation. According to his own account he is

9
in 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 pleas
ing. In the treatment of us, his volunteers, he
is all affability and condescension. This may
be his habit, or it may proceed from the inter
est he has at present in conciliating our esteem
and good will. May his courteous demean
our continue when we shall have accepted our
commissions, and have come under his pow
er. He is very much disposed to conversa
tion. With a fund of materials to render it
instructive and amusing, he makes a judicious
selection of topics ; accordingly, to the young
men. some of whom have just left college, he
talks of literature, and recommends the study
ef the Spanish language and of mathematicks.
Proficiency in these branches, he tells them,
will ensure promotion in his army. The gen
tlemen more advanced in years are entertain.
ed with his ideas on the subjects of politicks
and war. The general often cites a part of
the history of his own life and travels, to illus
trate the opinions which he seems anxious to
inculcate. It is evident enough, that he aims
,to sow in the minds of his followers, the

10
seeds of heroical deeds ; of liberty, and revo
lution. I will not venture to predict what
kind of a crop his efforts may produce, as I
have scarcely any acquaintance with my fellow
adventurers. 12?/*, 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 considerable
anxiety on board — particularly with the gene
ral. We shall probably know something more
of this strange sail before long, as she is sail
ing nearly in a line with us, is somewhat to
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 ques
tionable shape. If she is English, perhaps
* **all may be well." I must conclude, as we

11
are 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 af
ter 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 Britannick Majesty's ship Cleopatra, of
forty guns, commanded by capt. 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. Do
mingo. These were on examination, declar
ed by captain Wight to be unsatisfactory. A

12
gentleman then by the name of Armstrong
Went on board with instructions from the gen
eral, and joined with Lewis in expostulating
with the commander of the frigate, but with
out effect. At last the general himself was o-
bliged 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 the 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. I 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 nations, 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 af
terwards^ in whispers, through the ship. Be
sides, the expedition is now placed on a re
spectable footing by having, as we presume,
the acknowledgment and countenance of Eng
land. We are all in high spirits and high
hopes. The general now speaks more openly
about the enterprise ; he expresses great anx
iety to begin his operations ; and complains of
having been so long detained in a good wind,
notwithstanding it has turned out so much to
the advantage 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.

H

LETTER III.
Spanish schooner brought to. — Conjectures upon
this unusal procedure. — Stratagem to deceive
the master of the schooner. — Miranda ap
points his officers. — Their names and distri
bution into corps.— Uniforms, Es?c. — Arrival
at facquemel.— Accident. February \5th, 1806.
WE are now in the Mona passage, be-
tween the islands of Porto Rico and St. DoT
mingo. A circumstance occurred this morn
ing 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 schoan-
er ; in a short time after, the Leander fired a
shot at the latter, whether 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 whiclj
we discharged several shot ; and she was at
last, obliged, for fear of being sunk, to heave !
to under our lee. The captain was immedir
ately ordered on board with his papers ; and
upon examination the vessel proved to be^a
Spanish schooner, from St. Martins, loaded,
with logwood and bound to St. Bartholomews.,

15
After an hour's detention, she was permitted
to proceed. Previous to the captain 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 other 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 fif
teen or twenty sailors and servants, who be
gan talking in French. When the captain
came over the side and found himself among
Frenchmen, he brought his hand forcibly to
his breast and exclaimed, " Vive L' 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 usage.-; ? Suppose this
vessel had actually been engaged in a contra
band trade, could the Leander have captured,
or even detained her ? Then by what right

16
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 apol
ogy which I can imagi ne is, that ourchief had
it in view to gratify his curiosity, or obtain in
telligence whjch might be important ; 1 cannot
suppose he had any idea of seizing the vessel
and converting her to his own use ; or that if he
had, our sea commander would have consented.
Feb. 11th. Last Thursday Gen. Miranda
assigned to his volunteers the several ranks
which they were to hold in his army, in a Gen
eral 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 with
which you are acquainted, and a number of oth"
ers, whose distinction is yet to be acquired.

*" Leander, Feb, 1 4th, 1806, Latitude'}
21 . 27. -V. Lohgilude 6i. 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 mentioned
to commence rank and pay from the first day of January
1806."

in
There are several others who have as yet
received no particular appointment, but who
are on probation for something. Besides the
twenty- six names just mentioned, there are

1. William Armstrong, Colonel.
2. Thomas Lewis, g| do.
3. William Steuben Smith, j
Aid de Camp to the !
Commander in Chief f" Lieut- Colonel.,
with the rank of J
4. Henry Sands, Major.
5. Barent Roorbach, Captain.
6. Thomas Billop, do.
7. David Heckle, do.
8. Daniel R, During, da.
9. James B. Gardner, da,
10 Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do.
11. Samuel C. Low don, do.
12. William Hosack, First Lieutenant.
13 Charles Johnson, do.
14. John Orford, do.
15. Paula Theodore George, do.
16. Daniel D. Kemper, dp.
17 Miles L. Hall, do.
18. John T, O. Sullivan, do.
19. William Lowdon, do.
20. 1'dward Yates ( Adjutant) Second Lieutenant
21. 1 rancis Farquharson, do.
#2. Henry Newfon, dp,
c2

18
4 wo others in place, who are said not to be
long to the military catalogue. Mr. Jonathan
Smith, supercargo of the ship, and Mr. Tho
mas Molini, secretary to his excellency the
general. The first of these gentlemen is com
monly called Major, but I believe incorrectly,
as he has not yet taken a Columbian commis
sion. What we now se'er and hear justifies
the supposition of an expectation in his ex-
eellency that a numerous 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 ar
rival on the Main. With "this employment
and the study of the Spanish language, to
make themselves understood by their new
friends, all will have enough to do. It is no
time for play now ; though it is easy to see
that so,me of them, even those of sedate years
think of nothing else, and the general has

23.

James Biggs,

do.

24.

Thomas ('.ill,

do.

25

Jo'n Moore,

do.

3*.

David Burnett,

i<£

19
seemed to encourage it. He supposes, perhaps.,
that in our situation, thought might "make thick
our blood, "and merrimentwill rob ourambigu-
ous voyage of some " taste of tediousness."
We are stationed in the different corps of
the Columbian Army, in the manner of the
following recapitulation, which I also place in
the margin for your inspection ;* this form I

* RECAPITULATION.
Engineers.
John Orford, First Lieutenant.
Artillery.
Samuel Lowdon, Captain.
William Hosack, First Lieutenant.
William Lowdon, do.
James Biggs, Second Lieutenant.
Fr mcis Farquharson, dc.
Corps of Artificers.
David Heckle, Captain.
First Regiment Light Dragoons.
Daniel R. Durning, Captain.
Gusiavus Adolphus Burgudd, do.
Edward Yates, Cornet.
First Regiment of Riflemen.
William Armstrong, Colonel.

Lieut. Colonel;
Major.

Barent Roorbach, Captain:.
Thomas Billop-, &*

20
-shall observe, when most convenient, with all
documents, 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 (lieutenants
Biggs and Newton) until further orders, cap.
tain Roorbach major of brigade, and captain
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-
tween you and me, the patterns, whether in-
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 ( ). Sullivan,

do.

Henry Newton,

Second Lieutenant.

David Burnett,

do.

John Moore,

do.

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

21
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 ex
alted by the sagacious author, to say nothing
ef the beauty of its composition.
"G. O." " Parole, Warren. Countersign,
Bunker's Hill. As the first step towards es
tablishing discipline in an army, is a fixed uni
form for each corps, from which no partial
deviation is to be made, without the 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 de
scription of our particular regimentals. The
infantry d/ess in blue and yellow ; the artillery
in blue and red ; the engineers and artificers
in blue and black velvet ; the riflemen in green ;
and the dragoons in yellpw 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 cut and fashion by which our
corps are respectively designated.

¦12
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. Jae-
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
shall take care of them.
1 8th, meridian. The harbour of Jacquenael
is now in sight, and we have a fine steady
breeze. Major Smith and captain Lewis arc
preparing to set off for Port au 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 Jacquemel
to expedite their journey. On their way they
will cross the highest mountains of this island.
, Half past I , P. M. It is but a few minutee
since we recovered from a most terrifying ac
cident. The jolly boat, by the carelessness of
some of the sailors, upset in lowering down
astern, the crew being in at the same time.
They were struggling in the sea fifty minutes ;
but were all fortunately saved by the spirited
exertions of three seamen, who jumped over-

.23
board to their assistance. In this work of hu
manity, captain Gardner set the example, by
first throwing himself into the water ; and he
merits the highest praise for bis feeling and his
courage, to which two of the sailors owe their
lives.

LETTER IV.
Diffieuhy 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 Capt. Lewis.
(Jacquemel harbour, Feb. 20th, 1806.
WE have arrived in port, but have had a
troublesome time since my last. A pilot came
pn board in the evening of the 18th to conduct
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 1 had not to inform you of another
disagreeable occurrence ; one, which I am sor-
ry to say, does little credit to our chief, and
may materially injure, if not ruin our enterprise.

24
A short time before captain Lewis left the ship
for Jacquemel, a violent quarrel took place be
tween him and colonel Armstrong, occasioned
by the latter having struck the steward of the
former, for not keeping the table furniture, or
something of this kind, in proper order. The
quarter-master general undertook, on deck, to
punish the steward with a hearty rope's end
ing. Lewis hearing the cries of his servant,
came from below to inquire into the cause ;
and perceiving what Armstrong was doing or
dered him to desist, which he did, but not
without strenuously asserting his right to chas
tise any person in the ship, Lewis told him
that he should exercise no such authority in a
vessel where he commanded. Both exhibited
great bitterness, and dealt each other in abun
dance of hard words. The general took the
side of .Armstrong ; and Lewis, who is a man
not to be intimidated by sounding names, in
formed his excellency, that neither he nor his
quarter-master general had any thing to do
with the discipline of the ship, and that whilst
he commanded the Leander, he should take
care not to allow Miranda, nor any of his offi
cers, to assume authority, which of right, sole
ly existed in his hands. A great deal of inde-

^25
cent 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 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 directions ; 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 sai
lors, 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 ef
fected without the co-operation and counte
nance of Lewis. All of them, except about
twenty volunteers, collected from the butchers
stalls in Bear market, to be dragoons, and ex-„

26
^change the clever 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 Mirapda and his officers, they wil|
certainly consider themselves injured, and will
side with the captain. If Lewis sets his face
against their enlisting, they will not listen to
the proposal 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 relin-
quish the expedition, for it cannot prosper un
der such dissensions.
February 23d. The following is the scene
now exhibited on the deck of our ship from
sun rising to sun set ;
One side of thr- quarter deck is occupied by
a printing press, at which several young men
pf 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 un
with cwo groups of Mars' youngest sons, em-
|)lpyed with military books ; some stud) ing,

27 *
some reading, and others looking at the pic
tures. His excellency is at the head of one df
these parties, philosophizing on various sub
jects, and passing from one to another with his
peculiar volubility. At this moment he is
painting the dangers of a military life. He
ends every recital of hardships, by telling the
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 to^.
pick, which lie 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
the great pleasure he feels in dwelling on " dis^
astrous chances" and "hair breadth 'scapes."
I confess to you, I am sorry to find he loves
dearly 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
ether traits that have no claim to approbation.

28
I must confess too, that he appears not a little
tinctured with pedantry ; a pardonable fault in
an academician, but not so respectable in a he
ro and statesman.
Next is seen the armourer's bench, with all
his apparatus for repairing old muskets, point
less bayonets and rusty swords. This tinker
.has his hands full, as our arms are none of the
best, and seem to have been already condemn
ed 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 un
der 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 car
penters, employed in making staves for the
pikes, with which our cavalry is to be armed.
Beyond this the sailors are seen working with

29
their ropes, tar blocks, &c. and here my de
scription ends.
On surveying these operations, the general
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 ma
ny ; for my part, I don't know the cause of
the prohibition, nor do I care much when it is
removed. February 25th. I give a copy of the com
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, andothers,
are hereby required to respect and obey him
as such, agreeable to the articles of war.
(Signed) "FRAN' : DE MIRANDA. .
"Thomas Molini, Sec'ry and Reg*t.'"
Several hundred of Miranda's proclamations
are printed off. These manifestos, addressed
to the people of South America, as you would
d 2

3©
expect, declare his views and intentions with
respect to their country. They paint in forci
ble language the hardships and multiplied in
juries, under which these people at present ta
bor ; all of which he promises to remove ; and
they also inform the inhabitants of every de
scription, how they are to regulate themselves,
and what they are to do when their deliverers
arrive. This document puts an end to the imagina
tions, which some of our company entertained,
that we were destined to that part of the Span
ish 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 na
ture of Miranda's insinuations, and the circum
stances 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

31
«urselves 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 disagreeable
situation for we could not possibly get out, if
she were disposed to prevent it, and the Lean
der, with his excellency Don Francisco de Mi
randa, would be deemed an object to justify
the attention and vigilance of the Monsieurs.
There are yet no, signs of tl*e Cleopatra. I
before observed that the general said he had
received assurances of captain Wight's co
operation. Every vessel, that is descried in
the offing, excites his fears or curiosity ; and
he seldom fails to request somebody, first ask
ing 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
observer, 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 them
selves in our success. Yet if this be the case,
there seems to have been no plan for securing

32
their aid ; and our hopes from them are direct-* -
ed to a single ship accidentally spoken at sea;
There is a (report here that the United States
aie fitting 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 th..n was expected, the dis
tance being about one day's journey) and not a
line has been received from them. This de
lay is to be lamented. If the chances of our
success depend -on surprise, they must be di
minishing every moment. We did calculate
on being in Caraccas before this. We wait
the return of these gentlemen with anxiety on
several accounts. I shall be uneasy till I see
how Lewis and Miranda meet one another a-
gain. It is to be hoped they have both im
proved the time of separation in bringing their
minds to reason, and trying to forget their re
sentments. 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 disagree
ment separate without an ecclaircisement satis
factory to both and appear distant and suspi-

33
cious at their first meeting, it is the commence
ment of a durable enmity. The captain is high
spirited and unyielding ; and the general I am
persuaded 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 R. who is qualified for the office
will trv his influence. We look for the return
©f this gentleman with solicitude on another
account. % The general professes to believe
we shall be joined by the Emperor, a noble ship
now at Port au Prince, under the command of
eapt Jacob Lewis (brother of the commander
of our shp) who is a man of resource. It is
supposed our messengers are detained at Port
au Prince to attempt arrangements for this pur
pose. 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

34
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 ar-
rived from capt Lewis, announcing his inten
tion of returning this day. He has come ac
cordingly; but he brings no intelligence that is
made publick, nor can we judge what is the
result of his proceedings.
The meeting between him and his excellen
cy, though not the most cordial, is more friend-.
ly than I expected, and I cannot but hope their
contention will now die. T,he officers are to
be permitted to go on shore to-morrow, and
some of the young men are half frantick 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, 1 shall ex
change 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.

85

LETTER V.
Columbian colours displayed. — Schooner Bee
c/iai tered. — Report from Laguira — Aspasia.
— Disturbance in the Bee — Disappointment
respecting the ship Emperor — Schooner Bac
chus engaged. — Supposed to bring a spy—r
Treatment of a Danish vessel.
March \2th, 1806.
THIS day the Columbian colours were dis
played on board for the first time. This En
sign is fdrmed 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. 14rA. Our attention has for several days
been attracted by the schooner mentioned be
fore. She is equipped as a privat> er, and fre
quently sails backwards and forwards across
the harbour. She comes very often within
gun shot and remains in sight for hours ; and
is probably a French privateer or some vessel
stationed here to watch our motions. Last
Sight the guard was doubled again and orders

36
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 gen-
oral, in the exercise of the right of the strong
est, if no other, will undoubtedly prevent,
should it be attempted.
The supercargo returned from Port au
Prince to-day. He brings no news of interest,
except that I understand a Philadelphia schoon
er, called the Bee, has been chartered to ac-
eompany 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/ h. An event has occurred, that excite*
a suspicion in my mind that we shall not ar-
rive at the Main unlooked for. A schooner
eame in here, yesterday, named the Bacchus,
the master of which gave the following account,
when hailed by the Leander, viz. that he sailed
from Philadelphia bound to Laguira, and on his
arrival there he found the place blockaded, or
heard that all the vessels in port were 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

37
he professes not to know. This relation of the
master, was and is represented to the company
on board, who you may suppose are naturally
inquisitive on the subject, as entitled to no
confidence. The general and captain appeared
peculiarly incredulous. But I observed it kept
our chiel and his confidential officers, for hours
in secret conversation. </
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 1 gained no satisfaction,
not meeting with any of the officers or crew of
the Bacchus. What information I received fa
voured 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
tempt of the master's story, I find that Miran
da proposes to take measures that no pt rsons
on board her shall make such communications

3#
•as may injure the expedition ; which steps aqj
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, command
ed 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 come with
in speaking distance. Our doubts whether the
ship was a friend or enemy, occasioned Lewis
to prepare the Leander for defence ; and we
remained at our quarters till we saw her tak
ing in sail and making ready to anchor. Cap
tain B. confirms our suspicions respecting the
schooner. March IZth* 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 indi
cate a mutiny or riot. Several of the Lean-
der's principal officers, armed, hastened on
board and soon produced silence, bringing four
pr five sailors away, who were put in irons
during the night. It appears* however, that

30
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 seivice.
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 close his business in the
island. The schooner Bacchus is to be taken into
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 board 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 inst. and Jonathan Smith, esq. super
cargo, was the same day made a brevet ma
jor. This night three American vessels sailed,.
homeward bound. The Leander has been tak
ing upon herself airs, that I for one, cannot

41
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 pre
vent injury in rowing back. The flashes were
seen by us, the packet being about two miles
distant, and it was supposed her captain had
refused to submit to search and that the officer
had used force to execute his orders. Upon
this another boat vvith an armed crew went out
under the command of the chief mate, and
meeting the first boat on its way back, they
went along side of a Danish schooner propos
ing to search her for our absent men. The
master protested against it as a usurpation in
such language as such conduct would natural
ly provoke, but without effect. He was not
only obliged right or wrong to open his hatch
es, but received much personal insult and abuse
E 2

^2
from our mates, besides getting the flat of one
of their sabres severely laid over his back.
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 ! Had Lewis been here,
I think this would not have taken place.

LETTER VI.
Preparations for departure. — Declaration made
and sivorn to by the officers. — Compensation
ef the officers. March 25th, 1806.
THE last three days have been particular
ly 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 followiiag en
gagements and oath of fidelity to the cause.
" As law is the basis of discipline and reg-
ularity in an army. We the subscribers, do
agree to accept from general Don Francisco

43
de Miranda, the different commissions and
ranks vas 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 A-
meriea, independent of Spain. And we do also
hereby solemnly promise to be governed in all
things agreeable to the articles of war of the
United States of North America ; with such
alterations 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 tak
en 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."

44
Major Sands feeling some scruples against
subscribing to this oath, said that he wished
to be " perfectly satisfied" that by his engage
ment in this expedition, it should not be un
derstood that he did in any measure abj ure 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 might
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 requisite to
the satisfaction of the officers generally, though
one of the number chose to remark, " if your
excellency permits every person to make his
trifling objections, it will require 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 is not very
obvious what could prompt this derision of the
scruples of his associates, unless that being a
lawyer, he thought the judge advocate gener."
alcy of the free people of Columbia would be
most likely to fall upon the greatest flatterer of
the commander in chief.
This question being settled on deck, the of
ficers were summoned into the cabin, where

45
col. Armstrong read and explained the articles
of war of the United States ; and the altera
tions inform not in substance or spirit, which
were to be made in them. "Notice gentle
men," said the eolonel, "the object of this
change is to suit the wording of the articles to
the local names and situations of the country
where they are to take effect ; thus for the ar
my of the United States, will be substituted
the army of South America ; and for the Pre
sident, 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 obli
gation. 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

46

were to commence rank and pay from the be
ginning of this year.
Towards evening capt* Lewis returned from
Port au Prince and set about the last prepara
tions for our departure.

LETTER VII.
Departure from Jacquemel. — Change of men «
the schooners. — Officers engaged at this
island.-*- A brawl. — A sail seen.
Leander at sea, March 2&th, 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 na
val 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 isl
and, except with afew officers, and'one' maiv 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 to turn his eyes from our
weakness, but professes to have other depend
ence. He has centiaually assured us that

47
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
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 capt. Gardner, the Bee is in-
eharge of her original master, whose name is
Huddle. The former has proposed to mount
several short carronades, but the general insists
that there is little danger and as little occasion
to arm, and has confined him td 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
consisted with military obedience. After con
siderable difficulty seven officers and several
men including the printers were prevailed up
on or rather compelled to change their Vessel.
Neither of the schooners, I am informed, has
h Single regular paper to save her from being

48
ca ptured by the cruisers or privateers, which
every where infest these waters ; all their de
pendence is keeping close to the Leander— if
they separate, may Heaven's mercies be their
protection, for thev 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 superceded some old vol-
C':iJ. 
* " Leander, off Jacquemel, March lit,-, 1806.
" G. O. " Parole, Marcellu's. Countersign Intrepidity.
" The Commander in Chief has been pleased to make.
the following appointments in the
First Regiment of ( Vorth American) Infantry. .
George W. Kirkland, Esq to be a Lieut. Colonel.
Jeremiah Powell, F sq Major.
James V. Ledhe, Gent. Captain.
Charles Revington, Gent. First Lieutenant.
Robert Clark, Gent. do.
Abraham Judale, Gent. Surgeon in the Array*
James Stedman, Quarter Master with the
rank of 2d Lieutenant.

49
unteers of five weeks standing. Lieut, col.
Kirkland has the reputation of being an intre
pid man, accustomed to service, possessing
excellent talents, a liberal education, and con
siderable military knowledge.
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 ami
able 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 re
cording you shall hear it.
We 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

50
thousand pieces ; carried away our taff-rail and
lost her own jib-boom. Immediately col. A*
with the speaking trumpet began to reprimand
the master of the schooner, and ordered him at
his peril never to approach so near the Lean
der in future. Lewis instantly kindled at this
interference of the quarter master general with
his duty, and without any ceremony command
ed 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 diposi-
tion to support his nearest officer j in this in
stance he decided against him. He schooled
him very severely. Armstrong received these
rebukes with great meekness, alleging that
his anxiety for the common good prompt
ed 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 discor
dant tempers. These gentlemen can never a-
gree, and our captain particularly appears #to

51
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
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 cruisers
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, the dullest
cruiser in the We^t Indies would be an over
match for the Leander, otherwise an excellent
ship.

52

LETTER VIII.
Another s dispute. — Ship falls to the leeward. —
Chases a 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
expedition 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 col. Armstrong for some ar
ticles 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 it
belonged to him to give an answer. The gen
eral thought otherwise, and observed that
Lewis had nothing to do but to obey his or
ders. Lewis' 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 vessel ; and threatened that if he
was overruled, he would resign. The alterca
tion grew more and more violent, till Lewis
resolved instantly to leave the ship. He direct-

53
ed his servant to produce his baggage that he
might go on board the Bacchus, which had
been ordered by him to heave to for that pur
pose. 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. Mat
ters having proceeded thus far, col. Kirkland,
who had prudently waited till Lewis' passion
had a little calmed down, undertook the office
of mediation — and by good management at
length accomplished the restoration of peace,
greatly to the satisfaction -of every one. The
Bacchus was supplied, except with the 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 Miranda has not taken more pains to ce
ment his little band ; and not suffered the ill
will and malice, which might have been check
ed at first, to take such deep root injhe minds
of some of his principal officers, as to threaten
deadly effects.
April 6th. Tell me, if you can, have all the
demons of ill will and contradiction taken a
stand against us, that we should fail in almost
every thing which we set about ? At leaving
r 2

54
Jacquemel it was the general's intention to an
chor 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 carried almost to the
bottom of the Gulf of Venezuala. We are
seventy miles dead to the 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 ri
ver on the north side of the gulf; however,
had we caught her, we could have done no
thing, unless it had been under Columbian co
lours 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 victoriously
displayed in his native land ; and that he had
no right to use the American Ensign. The
latter observation convinces me of what I have
long suspected, that he never had any official
encouragement from our government, though,

55
as I have before remarked, he has frequently
insinuated that the president had given moie
than a tacit sanction to his enterprise.

LETTER IX.
Arrival at Aruba. — Maneuvering the troops. —
Remarks.
Leander at Aruba, April 11th, 1806.
WE have just anchored at this island, after
a much quicker passage from the Gulf of Ve
nezuela than we had reason to expect. We
had trouble • in anchoring through the violent
wind and bad holding ground. We find two
vessels 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 Span
iards, 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 supplies,
which we need, we shall proceed immediately
to the land of promise.

56
April 15th. Our troops have been constant
ly exercising under the direction and instruc
tion of col. Kirkland, who has brought them
forward wonderfully for the short time he has
had them in hand. He has a great spirit of
command and seems already to have commu
nicated to these troops a good degree of mar
tial port and feeling. They were reviewed
yesterday by the general ; he was highly pleas
ed with their progress and the method of
training and discipline pursued by their com
manding ojficer. The envy that follows merit,
in this as in any other service is one discou
ragement from being conspicuously useful, or
earning distinction from the chief. His favour
is expected to be a passport to fortune ; and
to have much of it is of course no recommenda
tion to the good will of those who are competi
tors for the same boon without the qualifica
tions 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 obliged or
inclined to pay the same price for influence.
In this small society, as a sprightly author ob-

57
serves of a great one, that of the city of Lon
don, " 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."
LETTER X.
Departure from Aruba. — Events till the arriv
al on the coast — Singular order. — A great
dispute. — Resignation of Lewis. — The main
land in sight. — Sailors enlisted as soldier s.-—
Ready to land. April 16th, 1806.
WE embarked last evening and sailed
this morning at day light, having in company
an English schooner mounting six guns, com
manded by capt. Phillips, who, the general
says, will afford his assistance. To this per
son he has given w ritten orders, sealed, to be
opened at a suitable time, a mark of confi
dence to a stranger which seems a little extra
ordinary. A man said to be a skilful pilot to
the Main, was engaged in that capacity at Aru
ba.

58*
17*A. 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 11 o'clock, whose
duty 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 lieut. col.
Smith, his aid-de-camp, and report to him whe
ther any land or vessels are in sight, the situa
tion of the vessels which accompany the Lean
der ; and should any officer have any commu
nication of consequence to make during the
time he may be asleep, he begs it may be im
mediately communicated to his aid 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 distan
ces 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

59
Would be another clashing of jurisdictions and
that we should see another battle.
There 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 5 and it will do
as much good. With two or three exceptions,
none of the subalterns know a single point of
the compass, still less do they understand the
management of a ship. It is the custom now,
in consequence of this new regulation, to see
one of our redoubtable subalterns approaching
from the cabin equipped in full uniform, arm
ed with a long rusty dragoon sabre, with a roll
of paper in one hand and a pencil in the other
to minute down the occurrences 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 mas*
ter general persists in requiring this unneces
sary and ludicrous duty.
April 2isii 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 ; consterna^

60
tion, dread and dismay reigned in every coun
tenance 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 possessed
with an idea that the ship has not been manag
ed to the best advantage by Lewis and his offi-
cers, 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 ground
less. But whenever his excellency has, per-
suaded 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
a 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 fa
cility, against strong currents and light winds ;
and because the Leander ridicules his new hy
pothesis in not doing either of these impossi
bilities, he has become impatient, ill tempered
and abusive, scolding from morning till night
at the poor navigators for what he calls their
inattention, neglect and disaffection. In vain
do they urge that the moou or trade winds im-

61
pel the waters to the westward ; his excellen
cy is in a hurry to sail in an opposite course
and blames the captain and mates because 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.
Two days ago in the afternoon we were at
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 el
bow, brought on a stormy night and we were
frequently 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 expect
ed 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 ma
jor 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 answer

62
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 their
anxiety to reach the scene of operation and
their uncomfortable situation in a crowded
ship, disposing them to be impatient at any
thing having the appearance of intentional ne
glect or delay, has warped their better judg
ment ; and made them censure where they
should have acquitted., The only important
fact in support of their sentence is that the third
mate was asleep on Saturday night, when a hea
vy squall struck the ship and compelled her to
bear away almost before the wind till the tqp-
sails could be clewed down and reefed : but
during this time, she could 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 seveiely.
The current, heavy swell and the impossibili
ty 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, vers
ed in navigating a vessel, would be satisfied, I
think, that capt. Lewis has done his best.

63
As soon as our captain was informed what
the general and council of war had been about
in the cabin, he flew into a ras^e not far remov-
ed from madness ; and poured out his senti
ments to Miranda in the most plain and une
quivocal terms, though I do not remember to
have heard him make use of any ungentleman.
ly expression. Miranda's temper not less vio
lent than the other's took fire, and for some
minutes it was a difficult matter to hear the
sound of one's own voice. Col. Armstrong en
deavoured several times, and resorted to many
expedients, to produce a reconciliation ; bat
as happened before had the misfortune to in
volve himself still more deeply in the displea
sure of both parties. In his resentment Lew
is resigned his military commission ; and has
ceased to be any longer a colonel in Miranda's
service, with which he declares he is sincerely
sorry he ever had any concern ; and th it 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

64
ship to become soldiers, when we reach t^e
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. M. 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, it
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 general relat
ing to the expedition. His object no doubt is to
obtain intelligence, and particularly to see wheth
er there are any vessels at that island, as his ex
cellency 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 Bo
nair, 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,-

65
sels in this port ; and I believe he brings no
important intelligence.
April 24-th, 10 o'clock, A. M. Curacoa. Lit
tle Curacon, 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 Ocumara, and are
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 capt. Phillips had only
consented to accompany him on condition that
we should make an attempt to land in eight
days from our leaving Aruba.
April 25th. I have before observed to you
that the men are 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 en-
G 2

66
list ; 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
minds 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
cur, for Miranda could not or would not move
first in the business though it was so indispen
sable and certainly would not take care of it
self. He bad the folly, I may almost say ef
frontery to maintain that there was no occasion
to consult the sailors and that they might be
compelled to serve on shore ; which was say
ing that they might be compelled without the
right or power to compel, or that the officers
might first fight 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 risque their necks and the loss

67
of their wages as seamen of the Leander for
nothing, the general condescended to sign.
In the meantime capt. 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 command
ed the landing. In this affair however he act
ed with perfect fairness and good nature ; and
hot only gave a promise to use his influence
with the crew in favour of the proposals, but
performed it with more zeal than from previ
ous events might have been expected.
PROCLAMATION.
" General Miranda, commander in 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 ser
vice, engages to give the following bounty and
reward 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 cer-

68
tificate 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 washes to return to his familv,
a gratuity proportioned to the fidelity and cou
rage he shall have testified."
On board the Leander, at sea,
the 25th of April, 1806.
(Signed) FRAN : DE MIRANDA.
When this paper had been prepared in the
cabin, it was handed to capt. Lewis on deck,
who read and explained it to the crew ; how
ever 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 stat
ed 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

69
just read to them fulfilled. By this time they
were generally prepared to accept the offers
made to them. Their names were successive
ly taken down ; many of them immediately
subscribed to the oath of fidelity, and the rest
followed 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 in
cluding persons of every description.
Not much now remains to be done, before
we shall be entirely prepared to attempt ouir
long projected landing.
Six miles from the shore of Ocumara, <6
o'clock, P. M. The following order is just is-
sued. * 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.
By order of the Commander in Chief.
(Signed) B, ROORBACH,
Major of Brigade..

70

LETTER XI. '
The Leander attacked by two Spanish Guards
Costas. — 1 he schooners Bee and Bacchus
captured. — 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, tfc.
Leander, at sea, May 6th, 1806.
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 Span
iards. 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.
Thus are we involved in disgrace and defeat,
attended with the keenest aggravations. Well
maj the Spaniards triumph over us baffled and

71
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 vessels
standing along the land The general thought
proper to give them chase ; 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 chase, 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 g: night. The Bee and Bacchus
were both laying to, with their boats out, for
the purpose of conveying the troops, arms, &c.
On board. These small vessels, on account

72
of their little draught of water, were to be era*
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
opinion 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 gen
eral 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 Dona
hue went on board of the Bacchns, in order
to reconnoitre the shore, and to find the place-

73
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 our expectations. It was sup
posed 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 recal
were made, and frequently repeated through
the nigbt ; but, unfortunately, they were eith
er 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 sunrise our
enemies hoisted Spanish colours 4 — we hoisted
none— however, the American jack was flying
as a signal for the two achooners to keep close
to the Leander. At a quarter past 8, 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

74
Lewis, who could not "imagine 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 two
far apart, either to receive or do any material
damage. The action, or rather skirmish lastr
ed only thirty four minutes. Our men were
spirited, 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 thaj; 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 iet us come up, it
was capt. Lewis' intention to board the mo»
ment 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
separated in the chase, it would have given us
the advantage of engaging singly ; but they
perceived our design, and instead of pursuing
ps, they made for our schooners, then at.to^

75
great a distance, as they had borne away toes>
cape, to be protected by the Leander ; and we
were doomed to the inexpressible anguish of
seeing our friends fall captive into the hands of
enemies, -from whom they could hope for no
mercy ; and ourselves, though ready to en
counter 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 gen
eral?" — 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 ves
sels, sailing much faster than we, they would
undoubtedly 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 schoon
ers, on board of which, they had seen many of

76
aur men and arms carried, susposing, that in
accomplishing this, they would entirely frus
trate our design, without risking an encounteB
with the Leander. The misfortune'is to be
ascribed to the. commanders of the schooners
not observing 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 me, was
that a detachment of a hundred men or more,
under majors Roorbach and Powell should first
go on shore ; and the general and remainder
of the force should stay on board, till the fate
of the first party should be known. The pre
cise place fixed upon for landing was not point
ed out to any but the commanders ; but it
was said to be one side of a fort near Porto
Cabello ; 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 ex«

T7

pectation of being joined by the inhabitants,
or reaching the patriots, always declared by
the general to be embodied under Don Pedro
Minto You have below* a list of the names
of the officers and men captured in the schoon
ers, and probably you may know some of
these unfortunate victims of this ill-fated ex-

» Officers.
Majors Powell, „
Donahue,
Capt's. Durnkig,
Billop,
Mr. Lippencott,
Lieut's. Farquharson,
Moore, »
Sullivan,
Mr. Negus,
Lieut's. Shannon, Hall,
Privates.
Benjamin Nicholson,
Robert Rains,
John Hays,
George Furguson,
William Long,
F. Riggers,
Eiisha King,
Samuel Price,
John Burk,

Officers.
Capt's. Gardner, Burgudd,
Heckle,
Huddle,
Lieut's. Johnson,
Ferris,Kemper, George,
Ingersoll,
Gill, Saunders.
Privates.
William Burnside,
John Pompey,
William Pride,
James Grant.
Thomas Burlinghatb,
Robert Stephens,
John Scott,
David Shei/ion,
Alexander iiucchannaa

78
pedition. 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, Lippencott
and Negus belonged to the Bee, captain, su
percargo, and mate.
The thought of these men, in spite of at
tempts to appear at ease, lies heavy on my spir
its. I revolve the fate of major Powell parti-
cularly 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 29th,) it
appeared that we were exposed to a new and

F. W. Raymond, Matthew Buccharihan,
Joseph Bennet, Benjamin Davis,
Daniel McKey, John Parsells,
M. Smith, Stephen Burtfe,
Henry Sperry, Peter Naulty,
John Edsell. .

79
unexpected evil. There was but a single cask
ef 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
having a good wind, we fortunately arrived
that very night, or we should soon have found
ourselves escaped from the sword to perish by
thirst. Having remained at Bonair a short time, to.
get afew 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. Al
most 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 dan*

* It was not till the time of the action that we discojgtf*
ed our water was s« nearly exhausted*

8©
g<?r 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 apprized of our design-;
and were prepared to give us a warm reception.,
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
he could have, and indeed, w7hich 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
retreat he was in great turmoil. — Sometimes
absorbed, sometimes venting himself in bursts
of execration against the captain of the Empe
ror — in complaint at the English for noc conv
ing to our help, and sometimes dejected. But
he stemed inclined to see us as little as possi
ble ; and did not try to explain or vindicate
his conduct, 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 plattf

81
sible account of our disaster. He has now re^
sumed a collected and decided manner ; and
speaks as though the design was still perfect
ly practicable and the resources for it abun
dant ; but it had received the late check front
a casualty not to be expected again. To show
his confident manner whieh came to him on a
sudden, speaking of one of his field officers,
he says, " I hope in two months to see him at
the head often thousand men." This undis-
couraged 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 objects
Two days after we sailed from Bonair, the
general, who had still an idea of landing dn the
Main, without being reinforced, called a coun*
cil of war, at which were present all the offii
eers 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 enter
prise ; and also, to procure further informa
tion respecting South America.
The second proposition was to attempt an
immediate landing at Core.

as-
The council unanimously agreed that we
should proceed on our course to Trinidad*
Where, from the information of the general,
fhey supposed that we should certainly obtain
all the assistance necessary to effect the grand
object 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 Co.
ro, under the supposition that we would attempt
a landing at that place. Besides, we are so
weakened by 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 allowan
ced 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. '1 hus situated, you must 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 mik>
of the distance to Trinidad,

88
LETTER XII.
Undignified conduct of his excellency to one of
his officers, %?c. May 9th, 1 806.
IT belongs to my story to relate an inr
stance of the general's violence, that made me
blush for the honour of grey hairs, learning
and experience. 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 disr
appointment, he might plead Orlando's excuse
for something uncourteous ;
 -•' The thorny point
" Of bare distress hath ta'en from me*he shew
*<¦ Of smooth civility."
Put what I am going to relate was outrageous
passion. One of the engineer officers, having got in
to some embarrassment on shore, through
want of money, on his return to the ship, was
mentioning the circumstance to one of his com
panions loud enough to be heard by the general
who was sitting near;, and;probably ^ttminating

84
on his disaster. In the course of the conversa
tion thisoffieer had the imprudence to utter some-
thing about, " month's pay," " can't serve for
nothing ;" with other treasonable expressions;
upon which Miranda ordered 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 recovered 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'U
exterminate you ; where is yourrespect for your
general." " 1 have always respected you and
done my duty, sir," answered the trembling
officer. " You have not," replied the chief,
" so silence this moment sir." " lam not to
be treated in this manner general ; to avoid it,
I will thank you for my discharge and Pll go on
shore at Jtiis island." " Sirrah" exclaimed Mi
randa 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 send
you away, as it best suits my purpose." " But
J, haye a right to leave your service," urged the

8$
engineer, " hold your tongue sir, you have no
rights here but obedience," retorted his excel
lency. The officer, however, insisted 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 passsion ; and this
shameful and ridiculous affair concluded- by a
severe rub of his knuckles over the ridge of
the engineer's nose, not a little to the annoy
ance of his under lip and chin.
Though I felt the utmost indignation at the
sight of this outrage, yet it had so rnuch of the
ludicrous, that 1 could not help laughing. Im-
fcgine a short, plump, toad-fashioned man (for
such was the lieut. 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 admit,
if he was not exposed to he seriously hurt,
there was so much more of the comic than
tragical in the exhibition, as to provoke our
risibles. 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 un-
doubtedly to resent the language of the engi
neer, who was a little excited with liquor ;. ) et

86
the proper course would have been to put him
under 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 ttiay not find ourselves at the mercy of a
tyrant. If this be a specimen of his administra
tion among the free people of Columbia, I
think we shall have rights on paper and wrongs
in fact.

LETTER XIII.
Qff Margaritta. — Leander endeavours to avoid
every strange sail. — Crew on short allowance.
, — Hardship^. — Religious service on board
and Miranda's conduct respecting it.
Leander, at sea, May 14,th, 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 ^ight j
but the current is setting so strong against us,
and the wind so unfavourable, that we shall

87
not be able to get up with it for some time,
most probably, not until we are reduced to
four ounces of bread and a 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
is mugh 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, es
pecially if the vessel were Spanish, than to be
forever*running away. There is no merit in
the choice of this alternative ; for we shall fa
mish 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 our
selves fromvessels seen 1 Smiles toleewrard,than
we can gain in beating a month. The other day,
(on the 7th I believe) we saw a strange sail a
long way astern ; and in an hour afterwards
perceived she was a ship. I heard the general
consulting about the propriety of a scamper ;
and he appealed to one of the officers, who had
been accustomed to the sea, to know what he
thought of the matter. " With due respect t©

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 art
enemy, we must fight or do the best. we can.'*
"Ah!" said the general. " And would' you
have us risk every thing— the life of our gen
eral — ourselves — the troops — and all, by such
a rash step," inquired a very prudent officer,
present at the time ; to whom the other replied
— " That he magnified the danger," and add
ed, ' ' would you have us risk the starving of
our general — ourselves — our troops — and fi-
nally 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 exeellency thinks proper to order a
race ; accordingly, that night we run twenty
miles to leeward, to get out of the track of a

89
sh,ip, 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
haye 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.
Lewis would have shortened sail to le't 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 satisfy1
the prudence of all parties, towards eighto'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 perpendicular
ly upon a kind of triangle nailed to the upper
edge of an half puncheon well ballasted ; 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,
- i 2

90
now about twelve miles distant. Grant that we
are not absolutely ruined by this running ; it
will make Our passage a very long one ; but
we are now used to disappointments and hard
ships, and almost prepared for the worst Add
ed to hunger and thirst, we are distressed by
day with the heat of a vertical sun, 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 endea
vour sometimes to divert my sufferings by re
counting our plagues to you. I have an exam
ple of composure and application in the midst
of vexations and uncertainties in col. K. who
sits down calmly to his studies at 8 in the morn
ing and continues closely engaged till midnight
or even later. The general also, at present, ex*
hibits great patience and tranquillity. His tem
perate 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-
teou'sness and pleasure the voice of murmur.
ing arises. The toiling, suffering mariner ac
knowledges a supreme being. The pilgrirnj

91
whoso feet are scorched with the burning sand
of the desert, and whose head throbs under 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 capital, refuses
his homage to his maker, or doubts the good
ness of his superintending pro\i*4ence.
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
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 rel
ish this grave work. The moment the service:
begins, Miranda leaves the deck, and when it
is ended, re-appears. Two or three officerSr*
have followed his example. Does he mean to
have us understand that he has no religious;
faith ? Does he mean by his actions to de
ride a disposition in his followers to worship;
the supreme being ? I have been told that to
some people he has ridiculed these things,.
though he has never done it in my hearing. If,,
as a philosopher, Jie deems religion false, as a
politician, he- should allow it to be useful*

Perhaps he thinks we are too wicked or engag
ed 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 conduct strikes me unfavourably.

LETTER XIV.
Arrival at Grenada.^— Refreshed, and sail for1
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 within
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 speaking us, she"
groved to be H. B. M.'s sloop of war Lilyji

93
who had been for sometime searching for the*
Leander. The commander, capt. Campbell,
came on board to pay his compliments to gen
eral Miranda, and, on returning to his vessel,
sent us some most necessary and most wel
come supplies. It was determined that we
should put into this island,, where We arrived
the next day. The general and suite disem*
barked the moment the ship anchored ; and
several officers are allowed to step on terra fir-
ma and partake the comforts of the shore. Yoa
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 contin
ued series of mortifications, apprehensions and
disappointments. The weather was always
exceedingly hot, with light winds or calms, a
current commonly setting against us ; and per
petual tacking, to get out of the way of strange
sails. In addition to this, we were almost in
despair for the want of provisions and water. In
this situation it pleased heaven to send the Li
ly to our assistance, at the instant when we
had broached our only remaining cask of wa
ter and last barrel of bread.
The governor of this island, Maitlaod, has

94
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.
These circumstances a little revive the spirits
of our volunteers ; who had become rather sick
©f their undertaking and disposed to abandon
Miranda. Leander at sea, May 30th. Having procur,
•d supplies, we sailed from Grenada for Bar-
badoes. There we are told the general expects
to revive his expedition and obtain funds. Se
veral officersj whose purses through emptiness
have grievously collapsed, have applied fof
pay, and are informed that they shall be remem
bered at Barbadoesi — We are under convoy of
the Lily — arwdfficer of which, lieut. Barclay
has come on board to pilot us into Bridgetown.

£5
LETTER XV.
At Bridgetown, — Leander libelled and released.
— Arrangements with Admiral Cochrane.-^-
Lewisresigns. — Vanity and philosophy of M.
f
Bridgetown, Barbadoes, June 9th, 1806.
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 this station wjth three
ships of the line and several frigates, intends
to further it by putting some of his smaller
vessels under the orders of Miranda. No reg
ular troops and but few volunteers will be
joined to it here ; but it is said they will be
obtained at Trinidad.
15th. 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 vplunteers have joined
us here. In this number may be half a dozen
gentlemen ; the rest I fear, must pass for vag-
.abonds. liith* Miranda has lately had another dif-

96
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 of
a design to leave port clandestinely. To guard
against this danger, an officer of the army and
a lieutenant of the Lily were sent oil 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 13 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 acr
cused of having been a long time engaged in an
illegitimate and 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, " under
unacknowledged colours," thus setting a bad
example to other private vessels. On these
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 wkrclr+jvmg-over her. Tie 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 ve
ry good arrangements, or he would not appear
in so ambiguous a character to those on whom
he relies for co operation.
Leander at sea, June 2 1st. 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 schoon
er called the Trimmer.
Previous to leaving Barbadoes, a contract
was entered into, between general Miranda, for
the free people of South America, and admiral
Cochrane as agent for his Britannick Majesty ;
the basis of which stipulates, that admiral C.
shall assist general M. with a certain number
of vessels of war immediately, and that he shall
liereafter forward such reinforcements as he

98
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 go
vernment which he may -establish", On the Foot
ing of the most favoured nations ; that impor
tations in British bottoms shall receive a de
duction of ten per cent, upon, the duties paid
by all other friendly nations, except the Unit.
ed States of North America.
This provisional agreement is to 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 are to be
Carried on with the concurrence and counsel of
the British cabinet. How this will be receiv
ed at the court of St. James, it is impossible
for me to say ; it appears however, that no de
finitive arrangements had been settled between
tbem and ourycommander before, as we had
once imagined and hoped. In this contract,
Miranda omitted to mention the United States,
notwithstanding the warm affection which he
professes for our country, until the impolicy of
excluding her from the mercantile advantages,
which he might have the power to confer, was
stated to him by one of his American officers*

99
Further disagreement taking place between
Miranda and captain Lewis, the latter resigned
the command oHhe Leander a day or two pre*-
ceding our departure from Carlisle bay. AH
the mates, the boatswain and gunner and near
ly forty of the crew left her at the same time,
though not persuaded to do so, by their tap-
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 poptftarity with the remaining sailors. An
officer, however, from the Lily is with us, to
supply the want of our new commander's na
val 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
he allows it a great merit to be disposed to
please him on any terms and be willing to con
cur in his fondness of himself. Flattery and
obsequiousness, with all his philosophy can

100
procure a passage to his heart. " When I tell
him he hates flatterers ; he says he does ; be
ing 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
commendations which he deserves, will soon
be forced to give way to others that regale him
with more compass of musick." Oif 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 when 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 injustice, and extolling sincerity and dis
interestedness —All the virtues are the themes
of his encomiums. To use his own language,

101
he " abominates tyranny ; hates fools ; abhors
flatterers ; detests pride ; and laments the dia
bolical corruptness of modern clays. He loves
freedom ; admires candour ; esteems wise
men ; respects humility ; and delights in that
noble and beautiful integrity and good faith
which distinguished the golden times of anti
quity." He speaks with great freedom and as
perity of the faults of the different learned pro
fessions. According to him, " priests are hy
pocrites ; lawyers, soph^sters ; and doctors,
pretenders ; and virtue has fled this detestable
world ; he would lay down a refined philoso
phy, which should have for its object the re
formation of abuses ;" and finally, he " would
renovate the perverted minds of mankind/Ve-
store the ancient beatitude, when every excel
lence and virtue prevailed among men, for the
happiness of the present race, and the perpetu
al prosperity of future generations." • All this
is to be realized in South America.
Miranda is no doubt sincere in these notions
©f perfectibility. Yet one would think the
French experiment jshould make a wise man
pause. This seems to be no other than the
wild philosophy, which erected the reign of
blood and terror on the ruins of monarchy, and
k 2

102
supplied the thirsty guillotine and more thirsty
sword with innocent viptims. If such scenes
are to be acted in South America', I shall have
done with, the 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 junction of British force, that
I resolve to continue, though I cannot say with
out some reluctance.

LETTER XVI.
At Trinidad. — ^Officers and men engaged there*
— General order. — Capt. Johnson.— Foolish
handbill. — Departure.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, July lA-th, 1806.
ON the 24th of last month we arrived at
this island. The affairs of the expeditiqn 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;

10S
and if they were disposed, could not do it. v. It! -
out disobliging extremely the French and
Spanish 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 been recruited ; 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 been
added to the service as officers. A few of
them are respectable men ; but the greater part
arelow and worthless characters ; such as I
think Miranda?s dear countrymen will not be
likely to deem an acquisition. The principal
and most respectable persons are William Gage
Hall, with the rank of colonel of engineers ;
count de Rouvray, colonel ; chevalier Loppen-
ot, captain of horse ; James Adrien, interpre
ter and officer of engineers ; and two Spaniards
ranking as colonels ; Trelawney de Belhay,
chief deescadron, Phillip Nihil, 1st lieutenant,
Alexander Bruce, do. Samuel W. Walcott,
do. Charles Carrington, do. Isaac Robinson,
do. Le Frecier Loppenot, ^ de camp to the
chief, Daniel Crone, 1st lieut. Dessein, do. —
Robert Roscow, do. Horace Hathaway 2nd

104
lieutenant of artificers — -and Robert Mc Cul-
lagh, do in the rifle corps.
July 1 1th. The general order of this day con-
tained the following gracious words ;  j^p
" 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
same time, assures them that he will always
bear in mind what they have suffered, and as
far as is in his power, study to relieve them."
Though this condolent address was put in
the orderly books, I suppose not ten of Miran
da's followers heard of it As the first express
ion of his regard, since our misfortune, it de
serves to be noticed. Were it however known
to all, it would not do much to reinstate 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 person
al address to them, even when in the most try
ing circumstances. He has appeared insensi-

105
ble 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 theii
disappointed and dejected minds. They know
and feel that he has been false ; though all ol
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 ; yel
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
englged ourselves to Miranda for two cam
paigns, let what will happen ; — we are not per
mitted to resign ; though really we are absolv«
ed by his neglect to fulfil his part of the con
tract. The young man, who I sometime 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 haz
ard 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,

106
whose funds are quite low, and Johnson did not
long wait for the appointment, to. which he as
pired. July 2\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 publick 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
government, a people who are worthy of a bet
ter fate ; Who ought to enjoy the blessing of
the finest country in the universe, which boun
tiful providence has given them ; but who are
shackled by a despotism too cruel for human
nature longer to endure. Groaning under their
present afflictions, they hail with extended arms
the noble cause of freedom and independence,
and call upon you to share with them in the
god-like action of relieving your distressed fel
low creatures. Hasten then to join the standr
ard of one, who has the happiness to call him
self your countryman, and is determined to
rescue his country, and to shed the last drop

107
of his blood in promoting its happiness : 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, ac
cording to rank ; and privates, from the instant
of enrolment, will be entitled to provision 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
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 i$
four times more- than is now offered to new re,.

108
emits, except the il distribution of land" after
" twelve months." He reflects also thai, it is
no proof ol 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 shall ruri through
the Bocas. The malediccions of many and the
blessings of few attend us from Trinidad, where
we were far from being popular ; though indi
viduals 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 smallness of
the force with which he proposes to enter the
country, it is evident he must have great de
pendence 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 ex
ceed four hundred. The squadron consists
•f the Leander, sixteen guns, Lily, twenty

109
four, Express, twelve, Attentive, fourteen,
Provost, ten ; Bull-dog, Dispatch, Mastiff, gun
boats of two and three guns ; Trimmer and
Commodore Barry, unarmed merchantmen.
The general with his suite; &c. sails in the
Lily. He has taken another secretary, called
private secretary, by name Fitzwilliam, who is
said to be a man of talents and information.
There are but few who know to what port
we are destined, er I suppose will know till we
are near it. I shall probably write no mure till
there is some crisis in our affairs.

LETTER XVII.
Landing on the main. — Result.
Leander at sea, August 14.-th, 1806.
WE are again disappointed and confound
ed. The dream called an expedition has van
ished ; 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
of La Vela de Coro, the city of Coro, and other
places J all of which we have just evacuated.

110
The Spaniards would have nothing to say t©
us. They had no thoughts of accepting our
proffer of liberty ; and we could not oblige
them to take it. * Miranda, so long the idol of
his foolish followers, is not known by them.
They wondered who he was j 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 likely to be so ; and
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 harrassed
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 admirable'
constitution for bearing mortifications. His
blunders do by no means put him out of coun-

Ill
tenance. I dare say he will soon talk of be
ginning again without any confusion of face.
Indeed he has reason to believe he may go any
length in amusing our expectations, eonsider-
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 reecent performances and mishaps.

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 em
barked on board the vessels mentioned before.
The Sunday following passing by the island of
Margaritta— the people forsook the church, and
manning the batteries of the place discharged

112
several shot at our squadron without 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 anehored within nine miles of La
Vela de Coro on the west side of the bay, in
stead of anchoring within reach of the batteries
as was intended.
Pursuant to the following general order* the

• The right hand cypher in the following -estimate of
numbers was added to deceive the enemy, in case they
should ever see the order. Our force is what remains
when the cypher is cut off, viz. 291.
On board of the Lily August 1st, 1806.
" G. O." " As it is intended that the army shall disenv
bark in the course of this night, the following order is to
be attended to :
1st division under the command of col. Compte de Rouv-
ray, Hulans, 350
Guides with captain Sanchez and Gayetada, 150
Detachment of the royal navy under lieutenant Bed- .
dingfield, 8i
Trinidad volunteers under colonel Downie, 320
Spaniards and Indians in the gun-boats, 300
2d division under the command of lieut col. Kirkland,
1st regiment of North American volunteers, 660
Engineers under captain Allison, 100
Artillery under captain Lowdon, 270

113
first division under the command of col. count
de Rouvray, disembarked from the squadron
in the boats, with a view to effect an immedi
ate landing ; but a gale of wind set in nearly
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

"Captain Campbillof his majesty's ship Lily will give
the necessary orders for the distribution of the boats ; and
Ihe commanding officer of each detachment will take care
that a proper proportion of officers is sent in each boat."
This order of debarkation, was accompanied by the fol
lowing instructions :
" G. O." Parole, Columbia. Countersign Victory.
" Order of Attack;
lt As soon as the first division, under the command of
eol. Compte de Rouvray, has disembarked a sufficieat num
ber of troops, he will attack the battery of the puma, in
eonjunction with the detachment from the navy. Havng
earned 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 artil
lery near it, wheie he will leave the remainder of the na
val detachment ; 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.
ft After rcieiving this information, he will proceed and
i 2

114
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
once This occasioned a transfer of his troops
to his majesty's ship Bacchante (captain Da-

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 pi
quets on the roads leading into town, 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 piquet 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 prohib
ited : and the general expects that every person composing
this army, will conduct himself to all such of the inhabit
ants as appear friendly, in such a manner, as will concili
ate their affections.; and only treat as enemies all such as
appear in arms, and make resistance.
" The proclamation and pamphlets attached to them to
be placed and distributed in every conspicuous place by
"the commanding officers of the different detachments, a-
greeablc to the ninth article of the same. All reports to be

115
ores) where they remained until day light the
next morning. The Bacchante got nnder
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 division
landed and were soon followed by the second,
which would have arrived at the same tiirie,
had not the want of boats rendered it impossi
ble. Whilst the troops were advancing in the

forwarded to the head quarters of the army at La Vela dp
Coro. As it will in the course of a day or two, be easy to
to get any thing that may be wanted from o.i board the
fleet, no baggage of any kind is to be carried on shore at the
time of embarkation. Each man may carry on shore with
him two or three biscuits.
" Lieut col. Roorhach is to join the detachment under the
command of lieut. col. Kirkland, and to do duty with it un
til 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 ;
should circumstances oblige any officer to deviate from it,
he is to do it with the utmost circ umspection and eaution."

116
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 musketry
from the bushes, whjch 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 pursued by a
party of our men, with whom, for a few mo
ments, they maintained a scattering fire. While
this party engaged these fugitives, who soon
dispersed, another party pressed on to the
nearest fort, 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
its coming into our possession, were immedi
ately pointed against the town, custom house
and magazine, distant about a quarter of a
mile, where the main body of the Spanish foice
was stationed with nine or ten pieces of artille
ry (4 and 6 pounders.) They were, however,
soon compelled to retreat, and in such precip
itation and confusion, that they spiked but few"

117
of their cannon, and even left two of them
loaded. So far we had none killed and only
three wounded, one of which only is consider
ed 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 inhabi
tants 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 immedir
ately dispatched about the town and its envi
rons, soliciting the fugitive inhabitants to re
turn to their homes ; but either through the
order of government, or affright, some old wo
men and a few men could be induced to ac
cept the invitation.
General Miranda reached the shore at half
past eleven, A. M. His arrival was retarded
by the circumstance of the Lily having anchor
ed nine miles to the leeward of the town, which,
prevented both her and the Leander from shar
ing in the attack. Between nine and ten at

lis
hight, our force headed by the general begari
to march for the town of Coro, which lies a-
bout twelve miles to the westward of La Ve
la ; and arrived there an hour before day dawn
On the fourth. The march was conducted
with so much order and silence, that the foot
steps of the troops were scarcely heard. The
morning was unusually serene and pleasant
A most solemn, or rather dreadful stillness per
vaded 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 prisoners underarms.
Having passed through several streets we ar
rived at the publick square. On one side of
this square, in front of the troops as they •
marched in, are the j.iil and council house »
opposite to these is a large church. The oth
er sides are occupied by publick buildings of
different descriptions. When the head of the
column entered the publick square, general
Miranda, preceding the right of the first divi
sion, attended by some of his principal officers
advanced to the grand avenue leading to the

119
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 moment a tumultuous and disorderly
fire commenced from the first divsion. Most
of the officers assert that some guns were first
discharged from the windows of the jail, but
in this they are not unanimous. It is admitted
by all that the hulans, marines, and Trinidad
infantry (under Downie) 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 infantry and artillery.
who were posted behind them, before and near
the ehurch. The latter presumed they could
receive such a a salutation from none but Span
iards, and took the firing 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 assault
ing them from within and behind this build
ing. Without waiting for orders, upon per
ceiving the fire from 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, che flight of the la-

120
dians, who had joined us at La Vela de Co
ro ; the breaking of ranks, &c. made a scene
of confusion and tumult not to be described.
After a few minutes the firing was silenced ;
but not until colonel Kirkland, (whose utmost
exertions to prevent this confusion from ex
tending 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
some body ; but the responsibility cannot be
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 1 can learn, either because they can
not, or will not explain it. Indeed they ob
serve a silence upon the subject that seems
almost studied. One solution is, that there
was a small guard of Spaniards, who dis
charged their muskets upon us from the jail
windows ; and that the hulans and marines,
upon the report of these pieces, through
agitation and surprise, fired in different di
rections. But the jailer steadfastly deni*
ed that he had any guard It there was

121
one it escaped, for, as it has been already ob
served no Spanish soldiers fell into our hands.*
The other explanation is more probable. Ma
ny of the men in the advanced guard assert
that they were ordered to fire by Miranda.
They say that the general, exulting in his ea
sy possession of the city, wished to regale his
ears with the military sound of a feu de joie i
and consequently ordered the men nearest him
to commence the musick. Our troops, being
composed of men of various nations and lan
guages, the command was not perfectly under
stood by all. Hence some, thinking the firing
was intended to be serious, and not sportive,
discharged in a horizontal direction, aiming at
those, who might be their enemies, whilst those
who comprehended the 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

•The opinion that the firing begin with one of our men
shooting down another, said to be at the prison door, is cer
tainly incorrect. The first report was of many pieces not

122
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 foee, the latter shouted vive
Miranda ! at the same moment it is said the
general directed the troops near him to let off
the feu de joie 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 annun
ciation of freedom, wished to know why their
fetters were not taken off, and their doors un
bolted. 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 sat
isfactory to the felons.
Col. Kirkland received two musket 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

123
the highest confidence and affection, and would
follow him into any peril. Much was expect
ed 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 proba
bly recover. The man killed was a black, born
in New- York, who had been cook of the ship.
This unfortunate fellow, was with difficulty
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 a-
bandon their homes by the positive orders of
the commandant, who threatened to make se
vere examples of those who remained behind,
if they ever fell into his hands again. Tie
priests too instructed the inhabitants of this
province, that it had been invaded by a band
of lawless hereticks and infidels, who came not
only to rob them of their property, but alsoip

124
deprive their souls of salvation, by spreading
damnable tenets and principles among the fa
vorites of the Holy Virgin. Whilst remaining
here, we frequently beat to arms upon an a-
larm 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 in
cluded, when Ave entered the city of Coro ;
From the best information we could get, the
number of Spanish force at Vela de Coro at
the time of our attack was from five to six
hundred, and about fifteen pieces of ordnance
were on the several batteries* The vigour of
our assault in some measure confounded the
enemy. Our fatigue prevented any pursuit;
and consequently we obtained no prisoners.
The following is a translation of the~ procla
mation alluded to in the general order of de
barkation.

125
PROCLAMATION.
Don Francisco de Miranda, commander in
chief of the army of Columbia, to the inhabi
tants of Columbian America. — Brave coun
trymen and friends — obedient to your wishes,
and to the repeated requests and calls of the
country, to whose service wc have cheerfully
consecrated the greater part of our lives ; Ave
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 sacri
fice their lives, if necessary, for your liberty
and independence ; under the auspices and
protection of the British navy. With these
auxiliaries, we can safely say; that the day will
come, when our America, recovering her sov
ereign independence, her sons will be able free
ly to shew to the universe their exalted spirit.
The oppressive, unfeeling government, which
has obscured our finer qualities, and blacken
ed with calumnies our deference and charac
ter, managed also to maintain her abominable
system of administration for three successive
centuries ; but was never able to eradicate from
mir li(=»:jrtc tVinQf* irwirul nnrl nivil virtues U'nir'BI-

126
-a holy religion and a regular code of laws in
corporated Avith 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 qui
etly to establish the civil order necessary to the
completion of so honourable an undertaking.
The recovery of our rights as citizens, and of
our national glory as Columbian Americans,
will be among the least benefits Ave shall de
rive from thsit so just and necessary determi-
nation. The innocent Indians and all other
men will consider us all as brother citizens,
and that precedency belongs only to merit and
virtue ; in which belief they will primarily ob
tain, most certainly military and civil recom
penses, the reward of merit alone. If the
Dutch and Portuguese Avere able in former
times, to throw off the yoke of Spanish oppres
sion ; if the Swiss, and North Americans, our
neighbours, have-equally succeeded to establish
their liberty and independence, with the gen
eral applause of the world, and to the benefit
f their inhabitants, when each of them, separ
ately, scarcely contained two or three millions
of people ; why then shall we, who are at leajst

127
sixteen millions, not be able as easily to extri
cate ourselves ? Possessing besides over and
above these considerations, the most fertile, in
exhaustible and rich continent in the known
Avoild ! The fact is, it depends solely upon our
own Avill ; and that will, progressing to our in
dependence, union must assure to us perma
nent and perpetual happiness. The Divine
Providence ordains it, to alleviate the miseries
of our unhappy countrymen and for the pro
tection and benefit of the whole human species.
Those people Avho are timorous, or less in
structed, and Avho 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 to
wards 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, di
rected to his countrymen, and they will find in
it irrefragable proofs and solid arguments in
favour of our cause, dictated by a holy man,
at a time when he was about taking his leave
of this wond, to aoDear before the Creator of

128
the universe. To carry this plan into its due
effect, with security and success, the citizens
will be obliged, without distinction of classes
or station (ecclesiastics only excepted, in the
parts where they may be appointed) to conform
thenibelves strictly to the following articles i
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 pun
ished. II, The ecclesiastical courts and the courts
©f justice, in all cities, towns and places, shall
exercise, ad interim, all the functions of gov
ernment, 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 alter-,
ing the exercise of their sacred functions.
£ III. All the ecclesiastical courts and the
courts of justice, shall send one or two depu.
ties to the head quarters of the army, in order
that they may units themselves into a general

129
assembly on our arrival in the capital ; and to
form there a provincial government, Avhich
may lead in due time to another government
general and permanent, with the consent of the
Avhole nation.
IV. Every citizen from the age of sixteen
to fifty five shall repair Avithout fail to the ar
my, bringing Avith him such arms as he may
be able to procure ; and if they have none, they
shall receive them from the military depots of
the army.
V- The citizen who may have the baseness
to make common cause with the agents of the
Spanish government ; or Avho may be found
with arms, encamped in any garrison, or place
of strength for the said government, shall be
treated as a traitor to his country. If any per
sons actually in the service of Spain, shall be
so pusillanimous as to believe that they are in
honour bound to serve against the independence
of their countrymen, they shall be forever ban
ished from the country.
VI. On the contrary, all those who are ex
ercising any military, civil or whatever other
employment, who join Avith promptitude the
standard of the country, shall receive honours
and employments proportioned to the zeal and

13€>
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 publick money-
shall immediately deposit the same Avith 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 insult
or aggression on the part of the soldiers or ad
vanced posts of the army ; the magistrates and
parish priests of the citieSj towns and villages
(under their personal responsibility) shall cause
the colours or ensign of the national independ
ence to be fixed on the highest and most con
spicuous parts of the churches ; and the citi
zens 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 thp par-

131
ish churches and all publick 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, writ
ten by J. Viscardo, Avhich accompanies this
edict. X. Whoever shall hinder, retard or neglect
the observance of the nine preceding articles,
shall be considered a publick offender, and
punished immediately with exemplary severi
ty. The publick good is the supreme law.
Done at Head Quarters at
Coro, 3d of August, 180&.
(Signed) FRAN : DE MIRANDA,
Thomas Molini, Secretary.
The pamphlet alluded to, was in Spanish,
Avritten twelve years ago, answering to the
character given to it in the proclamation. It
was designed to enlighten the people and to inr
spire them with a hatred of kings and love of
liberty. It attempts to show how happy other
countries were in self government and how ea
sily the South Americans might possess them?
selves of this same blessing.

132
LETTER XIX.
Other events previous to the evacuation of the
Main. — Col. Ball's embarrassment. — Threat
of M. concerning his wounded men. — CapU
Johnson's misfortune. Aruba, August 17th, 1806.
IMMEDIATELY on our return to La
Vela de Coro, I learned what had happened
there during our absence. No advices were
sent to the commanding officer of La Vela, to
acquaint him and the squadron of our having
taken possession of the city, or apprise him of
our situation. They were four days in a state
of anxious suspense, Avithout hearing a syllable
of our fate. At the same time they were in
constant apprehension of an attack from the
Spaniards Avho 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.
Col. Hall, who commanded at La Vela,
grew impatient to hear from the army which
had gone to Coro, and to put an end to his

133
doubts, was at last, obliged to send a messen
ger to his excellency. It was with the great
est difficulty, and not without ample pecuniary
promises, that a native could be found Avho
would undertake the office. For some strange
reason Miranda detained this messenger so
long after he was prepared to return with an
answer to col. 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, col. Hall thought it expe
dient, for the time being, to plant several pie
ces of cannon round the house in which he re
sided ; and took the precaution of having boats
in Avaiting on shore every night, to carry him
self and the guard consisting of twenty five
men, off to the squadron, in case they should
be under the necessity of flying.
Col. Hall, who had it in charge from Miran
da, to entice his countrymen back to their
homes, finding his personal efforts ineffectual,
addressed the following letter to the priest of
that district, in hopes, by gaining the pastor to
gain his flock.
" Reverend Father,

134
general Miranda'sproclamations ancTpamphlets.
and to inform you, that I intended myself the
honor 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 lieut.
Adrien, the colonel's secretary. The day af
ter it Avas delivered, this officer, accompanied
by It. Spearing and dr. Davie, both of the Bri
tish navy, waited on the curate. He replied in
answer to the letter, that he could not officiate
out of the district to which he belonged ; but
his conduct and manners, proved that this was
only an excuse. He was surrounded by a mul
titude of people, who testified no inconsidera
ble alarm at the presence of our ambassadors;
and hovered under the wings of his reverence,
as their only safeguard from heretical contam
ination. The truth was, that the priest wished
to have no communication with any of Miran
da's followers ; he knew, if he came into town,
that he should be followed by his flock ; and

135
he therefore declined the invitation, with a
plausible excuse, lest the people should attach
themselves to Miranda when they had more
thoroughly discovered his intentions with re
spect to their country. It is very evident from
this and other circumstances, that the inhabit
ants of this country will never listen to the pro
posals of our commander in chief, unless they
are led on and countenanced by theii 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 govern
ment, 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 ordi
nary prospects into a renunciation of their alle
giance. Aruba, August 20th, 1806. — Before we pro
ceed to speak of our situation and prospects, I
will finish the narrative of events previous to
our final evacuation of the Main, which took
place on the night of the 13th of this month.
Before we occupied La Vela de Coro it was
understood that col. Hall Avas to be command-

136
ant of that place, when it should come into our,
possession ; but it was not officially known
until the following geperal order* informed us
of the colonel's promotion.
On our march from the city of Coro, our
ehief exhibited conduct that left a strong im
pression of his inhumanity upon our minds.
Desperate ends require desperate means. Shall

• " La Vela, 10th August, 1805.
» G. O. Parole  , Countersign  — - — Col
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 regulations made
by him, for the interiour economy of the garrison are to be
strictly obeyed and respected."
The conclusion of this order will appear to you sufficien'-
]y pompous when you recollect that it was addressed to no
more than about thirty officers, and less than three hundred
men ; who composed a mixture of every age, shape, condi
tion, size and language.
" A gun will fire, as usual at day light, when the reveille
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 pa
rade ; piquets and the field officer of the day to commence
duty."

the maker of a revolution and the deliverer of
a country, restrict himself to the rules, 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 Avhole.
The wounded of our troops Avere carried in lit
ters upon the shoulders of the men, and much
they suffered in mind and body in this dreary
and fearful march. Owing to the weight of
die litters and the offensiyeness of the Avounds
of some of the persons in them, the soldiers
and sailors Avho Avere willing to do their utmost
to help convey off their distressed companions,"
but Avho were weakened by fatigue and hun
ger, 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 de
clared that if the Avounded retarded the march
of the column, they should be put aside and
left on the road ! This he said in hearing of
the wounded, Avho 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-

138
tached to a litter, conveying an officer, declar
ing that he was so much spent he could go no
farther unless he was relieved ; the general said
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 through the body — give me a pistol
here let me do it" — This officer, Jieut. col.
Roorbach in a very spirited and becoming man
ner remonstrated with Miranda upon this con
duct ; endeavoured to check the torrent of
eurses 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 proceeding ; and who Avere not less
indignant on the occasion than their command-

139
ers. This threat of Miranda i.s perhaps to be
attributed to his ungoverned fear of being at
tacked 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
Avould rather fall into the hands of his country
men dead than alive. Armed horsemen were
seen hovering upon the flanks and rear of our
column ; but they never came within 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 Ave should be attacked, and it was
near this place, that the general made the threat
of abandoning his Avounded to the mercy of
fate. But admitting he was not seriously de
termined to do so, the event proved that he had
no occasion to resort to an expedient of so a-
bominable a complexion to hasten the march,
as the Spaniards allowed us to pass the river
unmolested. They no doubt over-rated our
strength, Avhilst Miranda in this instance pre
ferred acting on the defensive, as well from an
apprehension of their superior force, as to prove

140
the sincerity of his professions of tender regard
towards the people of South America.
In the course of the morning before our
march to the city of Coro, about twenty five or
thirty Indians were captured. They were as is
customary in this country, armed with bows
and arrows. They preferred joining our stand
ard to being kept as prisoners. As Ave 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 reported,
that when they saw our men firing on each oth
er, they supposed it Avas 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 safe
ty in flight. Whatever might have been the
motive which drove them off, they took good
care never to make their appearance afterwardsi
Two days previous to our evacuation, capt.
Johnson, who commanded the Leander, with a
party of fifteen men, was taken by the Span
iards, which makes nearly eighty men and of
ficers, who have at different times, fallen into
the hands of the enemy. The circumstances'
©f this unhappy, event are the following:

141
The Spaniards had for several days previous
to that on which Johnson was taken, harrassed
the watering parties, that Avere sent from the
squadron to a river about three or four miles dis
tant from the anchorages and nearly the same
distance from the batteries and town then oc
cupied by the troops. This was the only place
where a sufficient supply of water could be
procured ; and the enemy's cavalry were al-
Avays on the look out, to drive the 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 creAv, 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 Avater at all
risks and to rout the Spaniards, who at that
post Avere 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
op his men, a part of the enemy rushed upon

142
him from their concealment, Avith a heavy fire
bf arrows and musketry, and soon overpower
ed him and his party. Several were killed on
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 lieut.
Barclay, Avere sent to support Johnson; but
they were too late, to be of any other service,
than that of killing and wounding about twen
ty Spaniards. Lieut. Barclay returned to town
with his party, and gave information 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 the captives ; however
owing to some cause, never explained, proba
bly 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 quar-
tere-*~and it is more than probable, that John
son, if taken alive, was with the remnant of his

143
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. The reports concerning the
real condition of this ill-fated man, have been
various and contradictory. Some assert that
he Avas instantly killed ; others that he was on
ly slightly wounded. Again we are told that
he Avas desperately mangled in the contest, and
was carried in that situation to prison, Avhere
he languished several days in misery and ex
pired. Others again tell us that he is still liv
ing, and is reserved for trial.* It is difficult to
know Avhich to believe ; but if the last be true,
it gives some reason to hope that he will not
be executed or even sentenced to death, as he
is a British subject, and therefore had a right
during the war and agreeable to the law of na
tions to engage in any expedition against the
enemies of that country.
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

# Tlio cifmi* nnr

*»r*»inrv rpsnentine- JohflSOn. Still exists.^

144
which had been already repulsed, without a
Support by land detached from the infantry and
artillery then in the town. One or two gun
boats might also have been moored in a situa->
tion to act with efficiency in covering their
landing. This precautionary measure, strong.
ly enforced by prudence as well as humanity
Avould have saved Johnson and his party ; and
enabled them to have procured the water so
much wanted, In addition to these important
advantages, would have followed the dispersion
of the whole, if not the capture of a large por
tion of the assailants.
Our astonishment increases when we are in
formed that the troops who volunteered Avith
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 lieut.
Barclay. Shall we attribute this omission and
delay to that want of decision and prospective
comprehension, so discernible in all the trans
actions of Miranda, or to thai nonchalance as
regards the feelings, Avants and sufferings of
Others, which constitutes one of the most pro
minent features in his character ?

145
Captain Johnson manifested much zeal in
^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 ; beside other advances
and disbursements for the ship which Avere
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 heirs, if it is ever recovered ;
for there is no man more unwilling to pay his
debts than Miranda, especially those which
Avere contracted in consequence of this enter
prise. He seems to imagine that it was doing
a favour to individuals to allow them to make
him large donations of cash and services, 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 is a satisfaction to reflect that the proper
ty 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
blage of men under arms, and the necessaries
taken for our subsistence.
The property found in the king's stores,

146
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
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
Avould have been our general's -policy to pay
in proportion to hjs ability, for Avhat we want
ed. I presume, their persons and property
Avould 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
Ave were thus scrupulous in this respect, we
probably shall not have the reputation of our
forbearance. It is said, no doubt with truth
that in several instances those inhabitants, Avho
first came into the town after pur evacuation,
plundered the houses and stores of those who
had not yet returned, and gave out that we
were the robbers. Our care in this respect

•It consisted chiefly of coarse linens, and furnished one
shirt and pair of pantaloons to each non-commissioned offi
cer and private soldier.

147
affords almost the only consoling reflection, to
be gleaned from a review of our Avorks on the
Spanish Main. As I before observed, nearly
all the inhabitants, rich and poor, male and fe
male, the sick and the old, as well as the heal
thy and young had disappeared, having fled to
other places and to the woods. What .a hor
rid panick must have seized these inoffensive
people to have driven them to measures so ex
treme j 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 companions of wild beasts, Avere 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 doubt
less thought they might as well perish by
sword as famine ; and that they stood at least
as good a chance from the clemency of the in
vaders as was offered by a retreat into the for
ests. My heart is Avrung to think of the do-
mestick misery that must have been occasion
ed by this detestable business. Some of it I
saw, and heard of more ; and have no doubt

148
there existed hundreds of instances of extreme
suffering, which we could not know. One
morning whilst we were at Coro, a young of
ficer informed me, he had accidentally seen a
sick and helpless old man, who was near dying
from Avant, having had nothing to eat for the
last two days. 1 proposed to take him some
of our provisions before Ave dined. We ac
cordingly proceeded to his apartment with
such sustenance and refreshments as we had.
At this unexpected relief, his gratitude and joy
Avere 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 under
stood Spanish, we learned that the old man's
family and servant had left him, taking Avith
them all the provisions in the house, the mo
ment 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 Avindow board some
paces from his bed side. In this situation he
must have expired had Ave not come to his re
lief. Before our departure from Coro, he and

149
other suffering inhabitants whom we knew,
were supplied as far as in our power with a
stock of provisions, to serve them till their af
frighted friends returned.
Upon taking my departure from the Main,
it is due to gratitude, that I mention the affect
ing kindness of a Roman priest at Coro, to our
sick and wounded, lie" discovered a most a-
miable solicitude, both for the comfort of their
bodies, and the future welfare of their souls.
Towards col. Kirkland, for whose life we en
tertained serious apprehensions, he exercised
the benevolence of a christian and the tender
ness of a father. He provided for him not on
ly a comfortable but elegant apartment, with
several attendants and every necessary which
his situation required. He is held in the most
grateful remembrance by that officer. When
Ave considered that this good catholiek must
have regarded us as enemies to his religion, his
king and country and probably to mankind, his
benevolence touched our feelings with peculiar
force and contributed to sharpen the regret we
©ould not but feel at the terror and distress we
occasioned. Though we evacuated the place, it was not
from any apprehension of danger to our persons,
o 2

159
Whilst there we had several alarms ; but none
I believe more terrific than the following :
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
vancing against us. t A detachment of infantry
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 torrents. Miran
da supposed this time and place proper for sur
prising the enemy, then believed to be advan
cing, by a well directed fire from the ambush.
The general puffing and fuming as he approach
ed, said " why don't yon 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 Ave know not, as no return of the killed
and wounded has been made. The truth is,
the Spaniards never approached nearer than
within three or four miles of the town and bat-

151
teries ; nor was there any appearance of tiieir
force at eleven o'clock the day after, when we
weighed anchor, bound to Aruba.

LETTER XX.
M. takes possession of Aruba by proclamation. —
Sickness of the men. — Courts Martial.
Aruba, August 22d, 1806.
MIRANDA has taken formal possession
©f this island ; and announces it to the consti
tuted authorities of the place in the following
proclamation, which is written in Spanish and
posted up in all publick 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
laws 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 people,
who have long suffered under the rod of tyran
ny ; and who have invited us to give them a

152
more equitable government. The governor of
Caraccas, has offered a reward of thirty thou
sand dollars, for the head of a citizen, whose
life has 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, the cruelties of the duke of Alba
i.i the Netherlands, under Phillip II. and which
has transmitted his name with infamy to pos
terity, as well as the government that support
ed him." (Signed) MIRANDA.
(Signed) Thomas Molini, Sec. fcf Reg.
Let no one impute a want of modesty to this
philosophical, cosmopolitan, patriotic perform-
n 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 " keeji

153
moving" and accomplish his great design, tie
looks for a considerable reinforcement to be
sent 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 intelli*
gent 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 British
officers employed in the expedition, I am per
suaded 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 Avith dispatches to the gov
ernor of Jamaica, and to admiral Dacres, the
purport of which was to inform them of our
partial success on the Main ; and to solicit 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 inhab
itants, to march to the interiour to stronger
holds and more important places, than La Ve
la, or Coro. — Whether the messenger is the
best, which might have been selected, is not
for me to determine. But there is no reason

154
td 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 Avhat has taken place, none to spare for
general Miranda it 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 afternoon and night they were on board of
his vessel. The officers, in particular, are un
der great obligations to him for his civility and
politeness to them on that occasion. His ship
Avas in the highest order imaginable, and ex
tremely commodious ; he is an excellent sea
man and manages her in a masterly mannei,
with aerew under the most complete discipline.
You will be surprised in hearing that captain
Dacres, 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 Avill, if he lives, one day be a shining orna
ment in the British navy.
Our troops have been kept together in a
camp formed on the sandy beach of this bar
ren island, Avhere they are exercised morning

155
and evening, under the command of an officer
as little qualified by head or heart, to exercise
authority over human beings as you can imag
ine ; but Avhom obseoruiousness and deference
have made very acceptable to the commander
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
campaign ; they must also be subjected to the
strict regulations, and rigid discipline required
in an army in the field ; and all this ad'minis.
tered by a man whom they heartily dislike,
and who has as little consideration for the feeU
ings of his fellows, as any man whom God ever
suffered to be dressed in authority. But " pa
tience and fortitude are the virtues of sol
diers;" and in so good a cause, and in the
service of the renowned Miranda, Avho 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-

1-S6
mediately before our evacuation of La Vela de
Coro, there was a continual and excessive
rain ; to wlijch our men were exposed. After
getting on board, they were obliged in gener
al to keep on their Avet clothes, for want of
changes of garments. This circumstance,
joined to their previous fatigues and to the
Avant of comforts on their arrival here, brought
on an inflammatory fever, which has raged
with great violence, and proved fatal to se
veral, though not to so many as might be ex
pected; About forty men and eight or ten
officers have been confined in miserable hov
els, called hospitals, under every circumstance
of 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 attendance. Many
of them are without shirts to their backs, or
any other sufficient clothing, and without beds,
stretched on the floor. Miranda views all
this suffering of his followers with a peculiar
sang froid. It is worthy of a philosopher no
doubt to bear the calamities of others with
resignation. It becomes the firmness of a
great captain not to be too much affected
Avith those hardships of his soldiers, which he

157
is unable to remedy or alleviate ; but in this
ease the condolence of the chief Avould do the
wretches some good ; and if he chose, he
might, one Avould think, see them provided
With more comforts Instead of visiting the
hospitals, op interesting himself in their man
agement, he sits the whole day at his quarters,
the best house in town for good living and con
venience, picking his teeth in silence ; or talk
ing to some of his staff, who, with a few ex
ceptions, are as negligent and unconcerned as
himself. Among the exceptions is the gener
al's aid de camp, Mr. Smith, who does all in
his power to alleviate the condition of the in-
yalids. 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,
several 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 Avell as enlighten you on the nature of our
social compact to see a history of these mock
tribunals in their chronological order. The
first was created at Fort of Spain, in July, with

158
the same formality, as if we had been an ac
knowledged army ; as you will perceive by the
following general order.
" 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.L.DLi., J ^^^
Capt. Allison, I
Capt. Rankin, J
Lieut. Hosack is appointed to act as Judge
Advocate, to whom lieut. col. Roorbach will
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 capt. Campbell. They came on
board of the Leander one night, somewhat ex-
hilirated, 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 Avas a general riot, the

i I i n o I r\r\

^cci.

159
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 lieutenant
resisted at first ; but being overpowered, was
brought with the surgeon on board the Lily.
He seemed to think this exercise of authority
in the Englishman an indignity, presuming
that he was not accountable to him for his con
duct on board the Leander ; and that it was
nothing to capt. 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 Avay ; alleging that he
Avas >not well enough acquainted with the
American 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

IS©
the officers who Were spectators ; and on dif
ferent pretexts delayed entering upon their
functions, Avhich they felt were only a carica
ture of authority. Finding the business was all
a farce, Miranda dissolved the court martial ;
but to preserve the semblance of power, alleg
ed as a reason that he had condescended in
eoiisequnce of the intercession of capt. Camp
bell and some other officers to pardon the of
fenders ; hoping this goodness would have the
best effect upon their conduct. I have seen
the defence that the lieutenant intended to
make, if he was arraigned, in which, besides
objecting to the constitution of the court* al
leging that one member had given his opinion ;
that another 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
government, which they may establish ; in my
military conduct having the benefit of the arti
cles of war of the United States. Are you gen
tlemen the people of South America, or is your
authority derived from the government Avhich
they have estabblished ? Gen. Miranda, all his
volunteers, as well as his ship, are here by
courtesy ; they and myself are amenable to the

161
civil authority of this island and no other.
How can you try me by the American articles
of Avar, Aviththe British ensign flying over your
heads ?" for at that time the Leander on board
of which the ceurt assembled was under Brit
ish colours. During the space of some months
there was hardly a week, when this questiona-
ble ship Avore the same ensign. Sometimes
the Columbian flag was hoisted;- sometimes
the American -r at others the British ; and fre
quently none whatever. He concluded with
saying, "you have no right to arraign my con
duct ; and if you do> me any injury, I shall ap
ply to the laws of this colony for redress."
Whether this plea would have been admitted
is uncertain ;, but it agrees Avith the opinion
which the officers generally had of their rights
and obligations. Under this impression, it is
perhaps remarkable that they behaved so well.
An honest man is very properly said to be
more honest on aecount 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
from which thepe is no appeal. About the
same time he chose to exert it in turning out
p 2

162
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 consid
ers we hold our places not during good beha
viour, but during his pleasure. This person
was a Mr. B. of Barbadoes, of good education
and respectable family. His real offence un
doubtedly was, that he allowed himself to laugh
*at some of the absurdities relating to the expe
dition that were daily practised under the eye
of our chief. Miranda, not satisfied with dis
missing him from the army, aimed to disgrace
him in the view of his comrades, by making
the act a part of general orders ; charging him
with conducting 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 and soldier, he will not
allow any person that acts improperly to go
unpunished." B. being left destitute in a
strange place, thought proper to proceed with
the expedition unknown to Miranda. He wish
ed to surprise him by his valour and usefulness

at the landing ; and to convince the general
that he had done him injustice. Accordingly
B. was extremely serviceable at the attack on
La Vela de Coro, at Avhich time and afterwards
he proved himself to be possessed of a degree
of military skill and invincible courage ; but
though Miranda was assured of this ; and ac
knowledged him to be a *' man of merit and
perseverance," his enmity was not to be ap
peased ; and he Avould not reinstate him ; nor
alloAV him to be considered any thing but an
uncommissioned volunteer, in which capacity
he remained until the abandonment of the en
terprise, and then returned to his native island.
The second of these courts was in .tituted
with a view of trying some young men, charg
ed with trivial offences, which in any regular
army Avould 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 difficul-

10*
ty of organizing the court prevented their pro
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 du
ty. The third court was called in consequence
of a dissolution of the former ; and after much
exertion entered upon business. The adju
tant of the North American Infantry was ar
raigned ; but it was thought best to let him
go. The principal offence laid to his charge
was disputing and countermanding the orders
of his superiour officer in not delivering a cam-
boose to the hulans. The adjutant did certain
ly subject himself tc 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 neces
sary article from the Leander, for the purpose
of cooking the goat flesh rations of the North
American Infantry, who were under the parti
cular care of this adjutant. Accordingly the
eamboose had been daily applied to the pre
paration of the meals for the infantry and lent
occasionally to some other corps. At one up.

165
lucky time, when this machine was filled with
the dinner for his men^ Which Avas about half
through the process of boiling ; and when it
Avas engaged after he had done with it to be
lent to the Indian volunteers, Avhomthe general
calls " my peoples" and Avho were encamped
near him ; there came a subaltern with an or
der from a major instantly to deliver up the
camboose, maugre the necessities of the hun
gry infantry and those who expected their next
turn. The adjutant's blood was a little too
much roused by this apparent contempt of the
Avants of himself and his men ; and he made a
resolute though an ifteSeetttal stand agaiiijf
the demand, conceiving very naturally that nei
ther he nor his people could with any reason ba
expected at so short warning to renounce the
custom of eating their dinner, such as it was.
The chevalier de B. was charged with a
usurpation of authority and with cruelty and
ungentlemanlike conduct. But the most seri
ous accusation was that of " contempt and dis
respect to the commander in chief, in writing
and sending to him a contemptuous and dis
respectful letter, containing false assertions and
reflections on the characters of his superiour'
efficers and those officers composing the gen-

*66
cral court martial, ordered to assemble oh the
9th." The court did him the justice to acquit
him of the charge of cruelty and ungentlem'an-
like behaviour ; but found him guilty of the
last charge ; and sentenced him to be dismiss
ed from the service. Without doubt the let
ter was lofty, indignant and sarcastick, and all
this it might be, and contain no falsehood. In
law it is a well known maxim,, in some instan
ces, the greater the truth the greater the libel ;
and surely it became the court to pronounce
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* In two instances at Aruba, the differences
between officers required the " amende hon
ourable" and the parties went out to fight du
els ; 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

167
The services of the judge advocate in the
©ourt martial gained him the honour of promo
tion, and he was raised from the rank of lieu
tenant to a captaincy of artillery. This kind of
paper reward has on various occasions been
vouchsafed, as the uneasiness of an individual
with his grade, the necessity of answering his
call for pay, or the policy of our chief to appear
to have something to give, and to countenance
merit, seemed to require.
During his arrest, chevalier de B. Avas treat
ed with as much severity as if he had been a
conspirator or felon. He was obliged, by or
der of the general to confine himself on board
of a small transport schooner, Avherehe almost
Avanted necssaries ; and when he came on shore
to trial, was escorted by two or three soldiers
with fixed bayonets. It is very probable that
he will not hang himself of chagrin for not de
serving 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 pa
tience of the ill stars, that brought him into
the power of such a man. As to the sentence
of dismissal, he is very possible so unwise as
to imagine tant pis, tant mieux.* I believe

* So roach the worse, so much the better.

168
many besides him Avould be very willing t©
earn a similar sentence, if they were certain the
doing it would not expose them to something
more. But the spirit of Miranda is chafed-,
and the consciousness of being disliked and
distrusted, makes him suspicious and revenge
ful. 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 Avould not be surprising, if a
man were to avow his disgust with the service,
or his want of respect for its leader, that the
latter should pack a court, who being govern
ed by his will, instead of contenting them*
selves with taking away the offender's com
mission, 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 their conversation, ex-,*
cept among those who are confidential.

169
LETTER XXII.
Animadversions of officers on the expedition.—*
Curacoa scheme.
Aruba, Sept. 21st, 1806.
YOU will naturally ask, what is the pur
port of the conversations which these persons
hold ? 1 hey express their sense of disappoint
ment in all their expectations concerning Mi
randa and his schemes. 4? He lured us," say
they, " from our country and homes by prom*
ises and declarations 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 his adventure was infal
lible, setting aside the dangers of the seas.
Through his delusive representations, seventy
of our countrymen are dragging out their mis
erable existence in the Spanish mines ; and ten
are reported to have come to an ignominious
end on the scaffold. rl he groans and tears of
tiieir widows, children, brothers, sisters and
friends accuse him before high heaven as the
immediate author of their afflictions."
On the subject of the loss of our schooners,

170
the following is extracted from the journal of
one of our principal- officers, Avhose station ne
cessarily gave him frequent access to the gen
eral ; 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 : — r" When the Leander bore away frorrf
the land to avoid falling between the two Span
ish 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 Lean
der; capt. Huddle informed capt. Lewis front
his speaking trumpet, that he was out of am
munition. 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, hoAvever, receded
from the guaida costas, while the latter gained
upon our schooners. 'At length the Bacchus
bore away wing and wing before the wind.
The Spanish brig instantly pursued. Previous
to this Miranda had gone below, and had sent
for capt. Lewis ; Avhat passed between them

itl
we shall never learn except from their own de
clarations ; for in this case as in all others of
importance, Miranda did not permit a third
person to be present. When Lewis came up-
en deck, it' was supposed we should, if possi
ble, engage the Spanish schooner, still in pur
suit of us, and bearing on our starboard quar
ter, the Bee having fallen on our larboard. No
orders to this effect wete however given. Lew
is told me that the general Avished to see me
below. When I entered his state room I found
the general with a chart in his hand and point
ing 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 Trinidad, Avhere I
have resources and shall receive assistance from
the English ; here is Margaritta which we can
take if we think proper with the force Ave now
have ; the pilot tells me we can beat up in ten
or fifteen days. — What is your opinion ?" I
said in re'ply, " I concurred with him both in
the feasibility and expediency of this mea
sure ;" but added, " let us endeavour to save
gur schooners, general. The Bacchus has
borne away before the wind and is pursued by
the Spanish brig; I believe it is the opinion of

172
those who are skilled in naval tacticks, that We
can now put about, engage and carry the Span
ish schooner unless- she outsails us ; by this
attempt we shall probably divert the brig from
chasing the Bacchus, as she will be under ap
prehensions for her consort, and the Bee will
be again protected by our ship and ready to as
sist in boarding. At all events sir, and upon
every calculation we shall save our comrades.
It is the desire of us all upon deck, general, to
perish with our companions rather than become
eve witnesses to their capture." " Well then"
— was Miranda's reply to this representation ;
the meaning of which I thus interpreted  if
you will make the attempt, I shall not or will
not, or most likely cannot prevent you ; but I
have given my private orders to capt Lewis.
For Lewis declared the next day and always
afterwards, " that Miranda had ordered him to
bear away and escape." This the general ne
ver denied : but said in a conversation with
me the following morning, that " Lewis un
doubtedly would endeavour to throw all the
blame upon him," thus intimating a conscious
ness that he was responsible. Every circum
stance attending this affair tallies Avith the fore
going remarks, whatever Miranda may choose-

173
to say to the contrary. Before he went below,
he asked the officer Avho acted as aid to Lewis,
" what shall Ave do to save our schooners,"
"fight sir," A\'as 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 appeared cool and collected. When
he first came up in the morning, he looked ra
ther big and full of fight. After viewing the
Spanish vessels Avkh his pocket glass, he ob
served to me " well sir, can't Ave burn and de
stroy these rascals." " We must try, general;
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 enquire.
Our associates are in captivity ; if their fives
are spared, their miseries and sufferings will be
Averse than death; and we are left to reflect with
grief and indignation that we were not permit
ted, though every heart ibucne'd with impatience
for the conflict, to make an effort for their sal
vation." The conduct of their chief in other particu
lars his officers arrraign on various grounds.
" At Barbadoes and Trinidad," say they, "he
Avas near defeating the disposition in British
<12

174
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 sail
ed for the Main, he might have obtained funds
for his purposes by only promising to capital
ists commercial privileges, which it was in his
power to promise and might have been to per
form. Though his poverty paralized all his
operations, he did not avail himself of this re
source, alleging that his " people" would sup
ply him with all he wanted. By force he took
possession of one of their strong holds and a
chief city ; yet when be had obtained these ad
vantages, 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 proclamations and
pamphlets, instead of demanding the king's
treasure, or levying contributions or resorting
to any of those expedients which belong to
usages of warfare. He might have maintained
himself in La Vela for a length of time ; and
had he continued there, he would undoubtedly
have been reinforced from different quarters.

175
If he had friends and adherents in that country
as he always declared, his stay would have
brought them to rally round him. His con-
tinuance would have accorded with the inten
tions and expectations of the British admiral,
who had assisted him so far. Admiral Coch
rane undoubtedly intended to give him all the
chance that a sufficient naval force could sup
ply. In proof of this, several armed vessels,
including one seventy -four, were sent to sup
port the squadron first put under his orders,
and supposed to be at Coro, with directions tp
land a number of men, as they might be found
necessary and useful ; but finding we had de
parted in an unaccountable manner, they have
naturally concluded that he is .unequal to his
enterprise and is not worth supporting. It is
not surprising that their orders should not ex
tend to conducting him from one part to ano
ther of the Caribbean sea or to assist in a se,
cond attempt, on the Main, when he had made
such a faux pas in the first. Undoubtedly they
are ready to seize the pretext which they now
have for dissolving a connexion attended with
expense to the government and mortification
to its patrons ; satisfied that they do more than
justice to his claims in conveying him to a

176
place of safety. 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 Avho
should choose to join his standard, or at least
make terms for his captive followers, whose
relief Avas a primary motive with many of us
for going a second time on the expedition.
What has he done to rescue these unfortunate
men ? Having 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 trouble
some a visitor. If this be supposed impracti
cable, why has he never made an effort Avith
the English commanders 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
jgood, 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
0fficeps at being superceded in their grade by

177
those Avho embarked in the cause more recent
ly. From the information we have received;
Ave 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 sufferers,
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 enquire, what
do we propose ? As I have observed, we are in
the power of this man : and have good reasons
to apprehend serious collisions, 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 com
mand ourselves, or to abandon him altogether.
Our proper course would undoubtedly be to
release ourselves from his service, or to com
pel him to give us the direction of the Lean
der and all the men, over whom the British
have no absolute authority. But an attempt
of this kind might not succeed, Avithout blood
shed, ashe has a few sycophants and gascon-

178
ades still about his person, who might oppose
it. We prefer more suffering, rather than in
crease the contempt and ridicule of our ene
mies and the world, by cutting one another's
throats. Miranda is perhaps indebted to our
pride more than our affection for the continu
ance of his authority, if not for the safety of
his head.
As a proof of the discontent that prevails a-
mong the troops, the Indians and Spanish peo
ple of colour have already threatened to desert
into the Woods if they are not soon better treat
ed ; they complain of seeing no omen of hap
pier times ; of the tyranny of the pompous ba
shaw Avho commands them in the camp, and of
the want of food and apparel. We are very
short of provisions and ill accommodated in
eyery respect ; it is therefore not surprising
that the Indians, thpugh 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-

179
content extends to the Spanish officers* also.
Their displtasure is often expressed in the
strongest terms against our chief. To one of
these gentlemen, an American officer observ,
ed, that " he believed the expedition would
never succeed under Miranda ; his indecision,
caprice, petulance, meanness and duplicity ren
der him unfit for conducting any enterprise of
magnitude." — " Out" said he ,! nous leferons
sans ce chien Miranda. II n'est pas capable
defaire une grand chose. II nous a trompe."
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 Avith 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

* Four of lhes.e gentlemen joined us at Trinidad, and
were commissioned, afterwards at Cache. A publication
of their names was deemed improper ; some or all of them
having friends in the Spmish provinces, who might be
made te suffer on their account.

180
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 hun
gry 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 ; 1 believe ra
ther, a black chagrin has destroyed his sympa
thies with his followers. So that we exist,
execute his orders, and form a guard to pro
tect him from the vengeance of the incensed
Spaniards, no matter what we undergo ; we
answer all that this renowned Miranda requires.
His majesty's brig Ferret arrived here on
the 15th, from Jamaica, and landed the gener
al's messenger. The result of the mission,
though not publick ly known, is as we expect
ed, unfavourable. Admiral Dacres and the
governor 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 publick prints, that they had re
ceived no orders from administration to afford

181
it any aid, and had nothing more to give him
but wishes of such success as his design mer
ited. 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 Ave are
„used to feed upon. The frigate Galatea and
brig Express, both of which have been laying
here some time, sailed on the 19th, and we shall
probably not see them again. The British of
ficers are very averse to being attached to his
excellency Don Francisco. They do not ap
pear to think they shall earn laurels or riches
in his cause. The Elephant sailed yesterday
for Jamaica, and the schooner Pickle, lately ar
rived here has sailed for England. By her the
general has sent dispatches ; and a number of
intercepted letters, Avritten by officers of the
Spanish government describing the apprehen
sions of the government of Caraccas respecting
Miranda. They were taken by the English
sloop of war Osprey, Avhilst we Avere in pos
session of Coro, from the Spanish mail boat on
her passage from La Guira to Cumana and
Margaritta. It is reported that Ave are soon to quit this
island. Wherever Ave go, we shall hardly

182
change for the Avorse. The inhabitants of this,
wretched place, to Avhom Ave have been a hea
vy burden will no doubt celebrate the day of
our departure.
Sept. 2&th. 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
very accessible but that time has passed away;
and, it is not wonderful since he would see
many an anxious and perturbed countenance,
and hear perhaps too many complaints, if he
allowed himself to be easily visited by his of
ficers. But though he may resemble the Grand
Lama in being invisible to vulgar eyes, he
does not resemble him in that divine tran
quillity and repose of soul, which distinguish
es the Thibetian object of Avorship. Of late,
as you may think natural, he has commonly
appeared very much occupied with unquiet
thoughts. To day his aspect is unusually se
vere, 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 che agreeable kind.

183
Armstrong's brows are knit together as if he
apprehended dismissal, or had heard extreme
ly bad news — or it may be owing to the unru
ly Avorkings of the bile, Avhich his system gen
erates in dangerous abundance. Count de
Rouvray takes shorter steps than he is wont
and in a right line, backwards and forwards,
neither looking to the right nor left, paying no
attention to any who pass by him ; he appears
entirely abstracted. Unless I am deceived he
is digging out of his brains some " effectual
expedients" to be formed by his excellency
into " practicable plans." The forge in which
our councils and measures are produced, is a
complete 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
smelting furnace, which is always kept hot and
in readiness to bring on a fusion. The quarter
master general blows the bellows of adulation,
Avhilst the colonel of engineers, by opposition,
sometimes furnishes coals in abundance to
keep up the flame ; and again by the cold wa
ter of objections, damps and almost extinguish
es the fire. There are subordinate characters,
whose business it is to do little jobs about the

184
forge, as " every individual in our army is rat
ed according to his merits and talents." I have
observed that those who have neither are best
off, if they did but know it ; never being call
ed upon in affairs of consequence, they are not
in danger of his excellency's terrible frowns,
nor liable to be intoxicated hy his approbation.
They have nothing to do, but to bite their
nails and lament their insignificance in obscuri
ty. Col. Roorbach, Avho 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 inquie
tude from his excellency to his most devoted
valet. Those who have no state affairs to dis1-
ttirb 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 calcu
lating profit and loss. You will now ask, what
can occasion this extraordinary perturbation 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 ambassador by the

185
name of P. who Avas sent there, has lately re
turned after an unsuccessful negotiation. The
governor of Curacoa " knows no such man as
gen. Miranda." What an ignorant man this
aovernor must be ! Surelv our commander in
chief is known from one end of the earth to the
other 1 The governor above alluded to, has
jthe cruelty to declare that he cannot spare the
island^/, that gen. 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 proper
ty as a -reward for going there .! About six
weeks ago his excellency commenced operat
ing upon a scheme, which he has had long in
contemplation of possessing himself of Cura-
Goa. 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, Avere ei
ther not able or not willing to attempt an at
tack on that island, he resolved to try what di-
plomatick skill would do ? For this purpose he
employed a resident of Aruba, giving him in
structions to wait on the governor of Curacoa
and to inform him that he should be paid a cer
tain sum of money, if the island- surrendered
r 2

186
on the appearance before it of a small English
Squadron, Avhich should be forth coming as
soon as Jae agreed to the terms stipulated in
the instructions of Miranda's ambassador, of
Avhich the following is the tenor : viz. that in
the event of a surrender, all the Spanish pro
perty should on the governor's receiving his
douceur be put into the hands of Don Francis-i
co ; and the Dutch property to be put in pos
session of the British, who should conduct him
to his new dominions. P. after being absent
five weeks, and creating much anxiety by his
•delay, returned with an ansAver that the gover
nor of Curacoa knew no such man as Don
Francisco de Miranda, commander in chief of
the Columbian army ; and could therefore en
ter into no negociation on the subject of sell
ing his master's property and his own govern
ment. It is also reported, and generally cred
ited that P. was prevailed upon to sell Miran
da ; and that he went to La Guira where he
made known the Don's intentions Avith regard
to Curacoa and his future designs respecting
the Spanish Main. To counteract the 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

187
before his departure. ^Whether this be true,
or whether the charge of betraying his excel
lency be also true, certain it is that P. divulged
his instructions on the very day he received
them. He had two letters in his hands rela
tive to this business ; one Avritten in French,
signed, de Miranda, and the other in English,
signed by his Columbian majesty's private se
cretary. The first contained his powers and
instructions. The second was addressed to a
merchant of Curacoa, Avho was honoured with
an invitation to assist P. if necessary in his
negociations, when he could bring matters to
bear. Both of these letters he exposed before
he took passage for the execution of his mis
sion. P. brought intelligence, on his return,
that a number of Spaniards had crossed over
from Curacoa to Aruba, with a design on the
neck of our chief. One or two of the " virtu
ous 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 knowledge of it reaching head
quarters in good season they were pursued, af
ter a few had landed, and fled without being
overtaken.

188

LETTER XXII.

Mew captain appointed to the Leander. — His ill
¦conduct and cruelty to the sailors. — Condition
icfthe sick on board. — Miranda's treatment of
¦capt. Meade, commander of the brig Commo
dore Barry. — Soliloquy. Aruba, Sept. 25th, 1806.
THOUGH our situation is necessarily
bad, it is rendered Avorse than it need be by
the ill management of Miranda and others to
whom he delegates his power. In many con
cerns that relate to our enterprise, they appear
to do every thing but that which should be
done. Indeed, so accustomed are Ave to their
perverse and impolitick proceedings, that we
are disappointed when they do any thing that
is not preposterous, 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 neces
sary his place should be supplied. As though
we had not enough of unavoidable ills, Avith
out some voluntary additions, Avho should be
selected for this place but a man as unfit as can

189
be conceived, neither soldier, sailor ncf gent
tleman. Puffed up with his little brief autho
rity, he employs it in a manner, precisely the
most offensive and tyrannical. The officers on
board have been repeatedly the objects of his
insolence; and the men of his wanton cruelty.
The former are so much tamed by their adver
sities, 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 boat
swain's mate to give him forty lashes ; a liber
ty with the rights of an individual and the
rules of military and naval discipline for which
as you recollect de B. Avas brought to answer
before a court martial. An officer who hap
pened to be on board from the island, whilst
this brute was gratifying his ears with the1 cries
of the sailor under punishment drew his sword,
and ordered the boatswain's mate to desist.
This timely interference saved four or five
more from the lash, who had been sentenced
that morning to the gang way, by this vile up
start. A number of the sick troops were some
days ago put on board the Leander, now laying
about two miles from the town. To these dis-

190
tressed creatures, this man shewed an inhu
manity Avhich we should wonder to find in a
cannibal. Judge you of their condition to be
at the mercy of a wretch who could answer the
calls for relief, from those who were lingering
Under disease and want, frequently with curses ;
and even refuse them wholesome water to al
lay their thirst when burning with fever. In
stead of sending on shore once a day for a
sufficient quantity of fresh water for the whole
ship's company including the sick, he procuri
ed only a partial supply, and this he husband
ed 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
«eme time on board, which Avas stale and
sometimes put-rifled ; giving this brutal rea
son " that the well should be his care, in or
der to keep them so, as it was uncertain whe
ther the sick would live or die ; and if the
latter happened, attention would be lost upon
them.*' This conduct Avas well known at
head quarters, yet the wretch, who was guilty
of it was continued in a situation, where he
had both an opportunity to inflict gratuitous
misery, and an inclination to use it that would

191
Jisgrace a savage. Complaints after com
plaints, and representation after representation,
respecting the behaviour of this fellow have
been sent to Miranda without procuring re
dress 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 scru
pulous about his duty, his treatment of others,
nor his manners. — What motive is there to
pay court to our superiours, if they will not
bear us put in our villanies, and we must be
have as well as if we rested on our charac
ter. Become a favourite, if you wish the lib
erty of being a domineering poltroon with im
punity. 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. Capt. Ed
ward 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
affiiir. Capt. Meade arrived from Philadelphia
at Port of Spain- with a cargo of flour some-

192
time before we sailed. The market being ve
ry low, he was tempted to listen to proposals
for trying his chance on the Main, under the
ruspices of Mirapda ; with Avhom he made the
following contract, signed by his quarter mas-
tei general, Trinidad, July 23d, 1806.
Don Francisco de Miranda, commander in
chief of the Columbian Army : — J 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 shah sail with the expedition,
and shall not leave the squadron Avithout 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

193
another market (not an enemy's port) provid
ed, the first attempt to effect a landing is not
accomplished 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 expense 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
general 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

• 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 his prudence, or the effect of accident, is not easily de
termined ; but Miranda never used his own name, when
that of another person would answer His purpose.

104
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
again. This compulsory measure Avas known
to have resulted from the instructions of our
chief, which were given previous to our depar
ture from La Vela de Coro ; otherwise the
American brig would not have been molested.
She Avas forced to accompany us to Aruba ;
and here has been embargoed during the whole
time we have had possession of t his island.
When Meade expostulated against these pro
ceedings, the general said '¦ the law of nations
justified the detention." The law of neccessi-
ty perhaps he might have said with more ex
actness. At the time Meade was embargoed,
there was an apprehension that the English
ships might abandon us on account of a disa
greement between Miranda and the British of
ficers. In this case we should have stood in
peculiar need of the Commodore Barry's cargo
of flour and provisions, as our supplies were
nearly out. Indeed, from the time we fell in
Avith the Lily, after our defeat at Porto Cabel
lo, to, the present time, the English vessels at
tached to the enterprise, have furnished almost

195
all our supplies ; with the exception of a quan
tity of wine and flour, supplied by individuals
of Trinidad ; Avho were so wise as to think a
commission in the emancipator's army, a tick
et in fortune's lottery Avorth the risk of their
property. Our parting from Aruba is considered as an
abandonment of the expedition. One of our
wits acquainted with scripture, has given me
the following soliliquy, 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 diregarded my proclamations,
I will go ou1 from among a corrupt nation and
a perverse people. — The time is nigh at hand
Avhen 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- /
will strive to harden the hearts of the English
against you, that they may not listen to you in

196
the day of your great calamity and tribulation :
I Avill mock 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 up
on you, because ye have not known me, and be
cause ye have not followed my precepts. Had
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."

197
LETTER XXIII.
Departure from Aruba.— Miranda and suite
embark in the Seine frigate. — Lieut. Dwyer,
an English officer, takes command of the Le
ander. — Events during the passage.— Arrival
at Grenada. " Leander at sea, Sept. 28th, 1806.
ON the morning of the 27th, we left
Aruba 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, Attent'iA'e
and our gun boats got under weigh the day
before, meaning to beat up along the Main to
Trinidad, while we stand to the northAvard, for
one of the islands mentioned. Our officers and
troops are distributed among the vessels lately
employed in Miranda's enterprise. This dis
position Of his forces confirms the supposition
that he has given up his design. The general,
Molini, his publick secretary, Mr. Smith, his
aid-de-camp, and some other officers take their
passage in the Seine Miranda very wisely
s 2

198
selects a stronger and swifter vessel than the
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. Capt. Atkins hearing that
the man appointed to command the Leander was
not fitted for the post, sent lieut. Dwyer of the
British navy, to supercede him ; and our cap
tain 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 for
merly captain professed to be a seaman with
out any knowledge of seamenship — You know
that true sailors are not very patient of those
who they imagine intrude upon their calling.
Dwyer soon availed himself of a circumstance
by which he got rid of his mate. Having giv
en orders according to custom in armed ves
sels 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 con
tumacy, he had not first observed the punctilio
of reporting, the hour, and hearing the pleasure

199
ef the commander of the ship who was then
in the cabin. Dwyer on hearing the signs!,
asked the mate why he had ordered the drum
to beat without notifying the hour to him ?
He replied he was calling the men to quarters ;
but after several interlocutions the commander
tooh fire at the insolence of his mein or lan
guage, and made it a very serious business ;
called for his dirk and threatened to hew him
down if he uttered another Avord. Col. A. en
tered into a warm discussion with Dwyer up
on this exercise of power. The latter, how
ever, ordered the English ensign hoisted union
downwards, as a signal for mutiny. An officer
was sent from the Seine and the refractory
mate conveyed on board. You may be sure
we Avere 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 civism ?
Our ship is so much crowded, there is scarce
ly room on deck to manage the vessel. Our
provisions 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 swalloAved with avidity, as it

200
serves to fill the " aching void" of hungry
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 divid
ed among six. Water is served out in less
proportion. It is a common thing towards
night to hear fifty persons complaining bitterly
of thirst, and Ayishing in vain that they could
get a full draught of water, at the price of any
thing in their possession. This ship has ne
ver, since, the early times of the expedition, a-
bounded in conveniences, and by waste, wear
and tear, the few it had are extremely reduced
in number.
The sick and wounded that Avere removed
on board from the hospitals at Aruba, a feAV
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 Avhom Ave have no cordials, nor
scarcely medicines. One of them about nine
teen years of age and very amiable, is a Mr,

201
Burnett, Avho joined the enterprise at New
York ; and has always kept free from the low
excesses and dissipations that have marked the
conduct of too many of our company ; when
the opportunities of indulgence were afforded.
We had little hope of his recovery, but appear
ances are now more favourable.
A vogage at the best, is a. severe trial of
tempers. The monotony of the greatest part
of the days, the Avant of incident and occupa
tion, and the necessity of being always togeth
er, dispose passengers, who have no stated du-
ty on board, to be tired of themselves and each
other and to abound in spleen. In our cir.
cumstances, the common causes of uneasiness
are aggravated by peculiar irritations. Hun
ger and thirst are no promoters of patience and
good nature, even in philosophers and gentle
men ; still less in such an ignorant and undis
ciplined mob as Ave have to manage. Col.
Armstrong who commands the land depart
ment, has enough to do to keep his people
quiet. The great subject of contention and
trouble is the eating and drinking ; he has is
sued several orders, making arrangements in
this important business — owing to the small-
ness of our cabin, and the great number of-of.

202
<ficers on board*, the latter are divided into three
messes, who take possession of the table in
succession. By this distribution the Company is better
assorted than it would be, if the cabin were
large enough to admit the Avhole 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 re
primands, or sends them off deck under a show
er, of what in any other case would be called
abuse, with orders not to show themselves
there again. Much precaution has been used
against uncleanliness and disease. The In
dians, 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 knoAV that any of the crawling tribe have

203
strayed so far from home as to be found on the'
dinner plate of the quarter master general ; like-
the temerarious little beast, whose impertinent
visit awaked the wrath, of George the 3d. so<
irreverently sung and celebrated by that Avick-
ed satirist Peter Pindar* But an apprehension
of a similar or worse disaster, I presume has
led this officer to proclaim war upon all the
hacks and curls of our non commissioned offi
cers and privates. The order of the 3d inst.
directed that their " hair" should be " cut
uniformly short ail round ; i. e. so short that a
comb Avill lay between the head and scissars,"
which has accordingly been done ; and every
man's head resembles a scrubbing brush. It
Avent much against the feelings of many of them
to be shaved in this manner, as they valued
their flowing hair j but they could get no ex
emption from the indispensable regulation; in
deed the quarter master general thought it mer
ciful not to behead his redoubtables. Capt.
Atkins has just afforded ub a supply of provi
sions, our exigencies obliging us to become
petitioners. 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
almost every hour since we left Aruba ; and as

'204
she is a fast sailing ship, we have the hope of
anchoring some where before long.
Grenada, October 21st. After a passage of
twenty five days we have reached this island ;
Avhere we only stay to take in water and pro
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 capt. Atkins for his kind
and careful attention to us. Our salute was
duly honoured by the Seine.
Lieut. Dwyer quitted the Leander the mo
ment she cast anchor, declaring he was never
so " tired of a ship in his life ;" and no won
der, for his command was a perpetual vexation.
During the passage he had several quarrels
Avith the quarter-master general, Avho, he con
ceived, interfered with his duty. In these cas
es Dwyer treated this lordly personage with
very little ceremony, and obliged him to sue-

205
cumb not only to his reasonable claims, but I
think sometimes to his whims and caprices.
When Dwyer was not 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
was enough in many instances to raise the in
dignation of the most indifferent bystander.
He obliged three officers, on very slight provo
cation, to remain upwards of two weeks oi our
last passage on the ship's forecastle, den) ing
them the liberty of walking on the quarter deck
Or entering the cabin. Probably a number
more Avould have been put under the like sort
of interdict had not the British lieutenant used
his ascendancy to prevent such an unauthoriz
ed and irregular use of power. As soon as
this officer gave up his place, the mate men
tioned 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
Grenada, affording the officers and crew of that
vessel a perpetual source of diversion b> the
ridiculous manner in which this lubberly cap
tain manages the ship.
Col. Kirkland, aa ho has nearly recovered of
his wounds, and captain Hancock a.'. ;J;/; .'•.'/ ' t-

206
St. Georges (Grenada) waiting for a passage
in a neutral vessel to Barbadoes. The former
as agent for Miranda, and by his express di
rection chartered the schooner Trimmer of the
latter to accompany us in our expedition.
Hancock called upon the general the day before
yesterday to inquire whether he should be dis
charged and paid agreeable to the stipulations
of the charter party. His excellency 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 dis
charge the vessel or pay the hire. This induc
ed the parties concerned to follow him to Bar
badoes, Avith a view to bring him to a settle
ment, 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.
Capt. Atkins is I presume instructed to take
his charge to a place of safety and there leave
him to himself.

207
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, Oct. 29, 1806.
LAUS DEO ! my good friend, my feet
are once more on land ; 'we arrived here yes
terday 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. Hisperti-
nacious 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 Avas much" mis
management and confusion, the quarter master
general in a fit of passion and distress (for he
was alarmed lest the ship should upset) declar
ed that he would " shoot the first man or offi
cer, be he Avhom he might, that did not per
form his duty with promptness and dispatch !"
and that in future he " would carry a brace of
charged pistols for that express purpose." But

208
notwithstanding all this, and his own admission
of the inability of his favourite, he still con
tinues him in office ; for what reason 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 re
side on board Avhile 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 au
thority over them, than I have over the clouds.
Neither the Lily nor any of the vessels Avhich
accompanied us to the Main have arrived ; nor
have they been heard of.
Nov. 8th. One of his Britannick majesty's
mail boats arrived last evening from Barba-
does, on board of which, as passengers, were
col. Kirkland and capt. Hancock, who mention
that " Miranda may be expected to-morroAV,
as he left Carlisle bay in the English sloop of
Avar Melville, the day before the mail boat."
Their object in going to Barbadoes, as I men
tioned in my last, was to effect a settlement of

209
Hancock's demand for the services of the
schooner Trimmer. They arrived at Bridge
town 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 secretary had
engaged lodgings on shore at the publick house
which his excellency had occupied when at
Barbadoes, in June last; but hearing that Han
cock had arrived, he altered his plan and sought
shelter and protection in the admiral's ship, the
Northumberland. The attorney general of the
colony Avas consulted by the owner and the
captain. He gave his opinion that the amount
expressed in the charter party Avas recoverable
against Miranda and the agent also, unless the
latter could prove that he acted in the transac
tion by a delegated authority, which Miranda
had denied ; intending by this artifice and eva
sion to elude payment. Every reasonable mea
sure was attempted -to bring about an adjust
ment. The agent requested Miranda's private,
secretary to interpose; he declined,, saying
" that the general Avas already so much soured
upon this and other affairs that he feared to ad
dress him on the subject." The joint owner
with Hancock, Mr. R. T«  applied to ad-
t 2

210
miral Cochrane, for liberty to send a sheriff's
officer on board to seize the body of Don
Francisco. This being repugnant to the prin
ciples Of hospitality, could not be granted by
the admiral, while Miranda Avas a guest on
board his ship. It appeared, however, that the
laws of the colony would not permit the ser
vice 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
magick 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 let
ters to gen. M. urging the necessity of making
terms Avith 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, Avhen their vessel had been four
months in actual service, and obedient to eve
ry command of the general that '* he knew
nothing of the captain, schooner or agent"
was closing the door of amicable adjustment,
and an extension of time for payment to Avhich
they had offered to assent. The owners finally
proposed to trust for payment to Miranda's
¦ future success, in his views on the Spanish
colonies, provided he Avould formally acknowl-

211
edge the validity and amount of their demand.
Miranda-, calculating on throwing all the res
ponsibility on his agent, or expecting, as he,
said, to be secure from all legal process at Trin
idad, whither he meant to repair, Avould hold
no communication with any person upon the
subject ; but remained on board the admiral's
ship till the evening previous to his departure,
Avhen he was removed to the Melville sloop of
Avar, 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 sol
emnly swear upon the Holy Evangelists ot Almighty God,
that on, or about the 1 7th 'of June last, I contracted with
George W. Kirkland, an officer in the expedition com
manded by general Fran : de Miranda, and acting as agent
in this business, for the said general, forthe employment
of a schooner, called the Trimmer, according to the terms
and stipulations contained in the sa;d (ontract. I further
declare, that Thomas Sandford, said to be from the Unit
ed 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
hawe since learned to be a fact. Sometime in the month

212
When Miranda arrived at Port of Spain the
persons above mentioned proceeded to obtain
justice by legal process. Hancock petitioned
governor Hislop, who submitted his case to the
judge of the colony, by whose consent process

-of July last, at Trinidad, or as I now recollect and believe
about the 20th, I called upon general Miranda to fulfil the
latter part of the said contract.(added under an n. b.) oblig
ing him to give security forthe employment of this schoon
er before her departure from Trinidad. The said general
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 gen
eral (Miranda) acknowledged, or had no objection to any
other part of the body of the agreement; but that he would
make no payment, nor give any security, before his arri
val 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 Mi
randa's) orders, until the 2 1 st of October through colonel
Armstrong, his quarter master general, and other officers,
receiving on board troops and arms, debarking the same,
See. Upon the arrival of general Miranda at Grenada, on
the 21st of October, having Jeft 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

21S-
was ordered. A trial was had on the 20th of
January, 1807. It appeared on this trial, by
the affidavit of Mr. Thomas Sanford, that Mi
randa did in the most explicit manner author.
ize Kirkland to contract for the schooner ira

go where you please, and do what you please with you-f
schooner. Have you any thing to shew and prove that I
employed your schooner Trimmer ?" I answered, " that
1 had not his (general Miranda's.) obligation but that I had
the hand writing of his agent, which was as good." Who
is that agent ? said general Miranda, "col. Kirkland," I re
plied. Then said general Miranda, '• let col. Kirkland come
forward and shew what authority he had to make such a
a contract. I know nothing about your schooner Trimmer,
and have nothing to do with her." Some other conversa
tion to the same import passed between us, when I retired'
JOHN HANCOCK.
Sworn to before me this 27th day of November, 1806.
CHAS. S. MIDDLETON.
After the captain had met the repulse mentioned in the
affidavit, the agent who sailed in the Leander, thought it ne
cessary to pay his excellency a visit on board the Seine.
His account of this interview is thus related. " Upon stat
ing 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 oblig
ed 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 per
mission to go to Barbadoes, for the purpose of making sucli

21*4
his behalf, and consequently that he Avas exo
nerated from any further responsibility. San-
ford testified, that Miranda had applied to him
to charter the schooner, that he requested and
urged him to assist Kirkland, who was his

arrangements, as will exonerate me from a responsibility,
utider which, by mistake, it seems, I am unfortunately
holden. Do you wish, sir, that I should be persecuted,
embarrassed and distressed'in consequence of an obligation
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 f « No' said Miranda,
1 but if you will go to Barbadoes and attend to contracts and
commercial affairs, you cannot attend to your military du
ty.' After' some further conversation, in which the gener
al evinced, if possible, as little regard to the rules of ur
banity ahd good breeding, as for the principles of common
honesty, I obtained leave to go, in such vessel as I could
,frnd, and also permission -to be accompanied by one or both
of the officers whbhad been witnesses to-the contract, with
2.- vie w; to have their testimony in proof of my agency. On
returning I notified lieut.B. of the general's permission.
He went on shore 'prepared to accompany me ; the next
morning he received an order to return en board the Lean
der. Upon explanation with Armstrong, then acting as
-chef d'Etat major, 1 was told that soon after the permission
above was given, he was instructed by Miranda not to suf
fer lieut. B. nor any other person to leave the Leander but

215
agent, in completing the contract, and that
they were authorized to give sixty dollars per
day, Avhereas it was engaged at fifty dollars.
In the course of the trial Mr. FitzAvilliam tes
tified, that, before Hancock sailed, he, as- se
cretary of Miranda, assured him that his pay
Avould depend on the success of the expedi
tion. As Hancock proceeded with the char
ter party in his possession and a counterpart
in the hands of the general, which stipulated
that he should have fifty dollars per day with
out any condition annexed, or any intimation
of such a connexion with the event of the en-
terprize, he alleged that his demand ought to
be sustained. But the court paying more ie-
spect to the parole evidence of Fitzwilliam

myself. By this scandalous inhibition, he undoubtedly
expected to deprive me of the evidence which would be ne
cessary to prove that 1 had acted under his authority in this
business. For the same reason I conclude that he told me
I ' could not have a passage in the Seine,' thinking to de
lay 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 agency in this affair, I am prepared
to expect any degree of injustice, where he has a motive
and can promise himself impunity."

216
than to the letter of the contract, and refusing
to hear other testimony which Hancock's coun
sel wished to introduce, decided that the per.
sons concerned must wait for the issue of fur
ther attempts on the Spanish Main, for pay
ment. Trinidad, November 26th, 180f>.
We have been here upwards of three weeks,
and I believe are generally satisfied that noth
ing more will be done. The moment the Le
ander arrived, the officers and men who joined
Miranda here left the ship and returned to their
respective homes. Several officers and three
or four sailors who were exceedingly ill of fe-.
ver, lest they should infect the ship, Avere
brought privately on shore. They were laid
without beds or covering on the floor of a
room, ill secured against the weather, in an ob
scure part of the town, and were destitute of
every convenience and comfort except what
the inhabitants gave in charity o: some of their
officers procured at their own responsibility.
It was distressing indeed to be sick at this
time, Avhen on account of the disrepute of the
expedition, few people thought the lives or
comfort of Mirandoniaiib worth) of much rc^,rd ;
and Miranda had neither money nor credit. A

217
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 considerable diffi
culty in getting these men buried, for want of
money to buy coffins. Hayes was thrown in*
to the earth without one. After much delay
and trouble, Robinson was interred in a coffin
and in the usual manner, by means of a sub
scription raised among the officers ; who indeed
many of them could hardly keep themselves
from being objects of the same posthumous
kindness, which they had occasion to bestow,
Our reception and treatment in this island
are naturally very different frojm 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 quar
ters. The governor and officers, civil and mi
litary paid him the respect which correspond
ed to the rank he claimed. He received many
visits, and his design many good wishes and
v

218
benedictions from merchants and others,
though after some time, as Ave delayed long,
there were signs of distrust ; and the popular
ity of our project was not sufficient to procure
any considerable quantity of supplies or num
ber of men Avithout money. The means which
were presented to Miranda, by the offer of
merchants already mentioned, he thought pro
per to reject.
The tables are now changed. We are treat
ed with infinite contempt as a body ; though
many individuals, who in other circumstances^
would be entitled to respect, have friends who
spare them, It was Avith difficulty, when Ave
first arrived, after our abandonment of the
Spanish Main, that the officers could get lodg
ings on shore. We are suspected of plunder ;
though the tattered appearance of many and
the miserable looks of others ought in all rea-
sbn to do away such a suspicion. We used
to be distinguished by the sounding names of
Columbians, Mirsmdonians —now Ave are called
adventurers, merry andrews, Sec. We are
laughed at and scoffed 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

219
offing. A report soon reached town that Mi
randa was on board. A committee, appointed
by the merchants, assembled for that purpose,
Avaited on governor Hislop, requesting him to
prohibit Miranda's landing. His excellency,
having listened to their representations, desir
ed from them a written memorial, upon which
he promised to ask the opinion of his council,
Soon after the committee had retired, and pre
vious to the sitting of the council, Miranda's
chief d'Etat major, presented himself to the
governor in favour of his master. Gen. Hislop
observed that he was very awkwardly situated ;
that the merchants 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 punished with death by their own
government, if they are known to have been
here during Miranda's residence on the island;"
he said " he had requested the merchants to
make a memorial, which he should present to

22U
the council, and should be guided by their de
cision." — Some further private conversation
passed betAveen them, when our general's so
licitor retired. Miranda, however, stole a
march upon the governor, memorialists and
council. — While the latter Avere assembling,
this hero of revolutions had landed with his
suite, and to the surprise and probably vexa
tion of those who were endeavouring to effect
his exclusion, presented himself to the gover
nor in the council chamber. It is said that
Miranda had received some intimation of this
business, which hastened his landing. It is al
so reported that the captain of the Melville had
received intelligence of it, and therefore de
termined in conformity to his orders, to put
him on shore, whatever might be his fate af
terwards. These rumors 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 was in sub
stance ; that to interdict the temporary resi
dence of Miranda on the island, would be re
pugnant to those principles of hospitality
which should possess the breast of every En
;-¦ .^n. But they assured the memorialists

221
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 OAvn Avords, " the admission of Miran
da, the Avandering adventurer and his associ
ates."* It proclaims in pressing language the
general scarcity of money, the total want of
custom, the perishing of goods, the embargo
of Spanish launches, and the increased and still
increasing price of provisions ; Avhich 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, they
have great reason to complain ; and I have no1
doubt it is ; for the merchants, the French and
Spanish in particular, are constantly, sending
away their money, or hoarding it up. The

• 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 been unjust to blame for evils of which he was the
cause. V 2

222
launches, Avhich formerly supplied mules and
cattle from the Main, have ceased to visit the
island ; and there appears to be an entire stag
nation of business. All this is charged to Mi
randa, and to the island having been so long
the seat of his operations. The Spanish launch
es, of Avhich I have just spoken, are licensed
boats, that trade between the Main and this
island. Notwithstanding the war, both par
ties have so much interest in continuing their
commercial intercourse, that it is permitted on
certain terms. The Spaniards are in need of
various articles of ELnglish merchandize, and
the plantations of Trinidad cannot exist with
out regular supplies of mules to Avork 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 landing 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 be
fore our departure. Its continuance Avas
equally unnecessary and oppressive. It was
first imposed to conceal the knowledge of Mi
randa's arrival and preparations. But from the

223 '
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 Ave had only anchored in
the gulf on the 24th of June. . When this em
bargo was raised, Miranda hsjd the address to
take to himself the merit of„procuring, or en
couraging the repeal. The masters and own
ers of these launches Avere assembled at the
government house ; Miranda endeavoured to
inspire them with a belief that he interceded
with the governor to release their boats, and
that his views were so honourable that he was
willing his countrymen should know what he
was doing.
By the request of the governor, our uni
forms were immediately thrown aside, and
those who could procure them have substitut
ed citizen's apparel in their stead. Every mil
itary 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 co
lour less offensive to Spanish loyalty, than the

224
revolutionary yellow and blue. Our general
found an asylum from danger and fatigue, not
indeed in the government house, as in more
auspicious times, but under the roof of a lieut.
Briarly of the British navy. Here he continu
ed some days, and then retired to a plantation
belonging to admiral Cochrane twelve or four
teen miles from town, Avhere 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 the
avaricious disposition of Miranda. When ask
ed foi 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 invaria
bly been made from the first to all our applica
tions for pay, accompanied sometimes with
encouragement 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 probably
kept as a resource in case of extreme exigency.
But they might expect that be would spare a

225
little to individual penury and distress among
the troops, or at least do his part in a subscrip
tion for the relief of those who had been crip
pled or broken down in his service.
Whether he had pecuniary resources or not,
it has made little difference to us, since Ave
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 suppott
ourselves, saving, when on board ship, we re
ceived our proportion of the stores provided
for the sailors and troops ; 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 remained
several weeks at Trinidad, there was pressing
occasion 'for this money, for the purpose of
paying their debts. It Avas impossible for of
ficers and others to be there without contract
ing a boarding and lodging bill, andit was dif
ficult to appear decent and gentlemanly, with-

226
out employing tailors, shoemakers, barbers and
Avashers, all of whom would of course present
themselves- to us on the eA'e of departure.
Nothing could be more unacceptable than
these visits and cards of creditors, to those
who were destitute of the means of payment.
It had been confidently expected that some
thing would have been afforded by Miranda ;
at least enough to defray necessary expenses
at this place. One ground for this expectation,
besides the general encouragement Avhich had
been given, was the positive assurance of the
deputy quarter master general Roorbach, Avho
declared in the name of the general, that every
member of the expedition should receive his
arrearages. He also declared to the most im
portant creditor, that his bill should be paid.
The amount of what was done in compliance
with those promises and pledges was an offer
of Miranda to pay one third of a boarding ac
count 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 enterprise, and to his fol
lowers in their necessities. The creditor of
course refused to accept so small a part of his

227
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 dis
charge their debts, as it was impossible they
could leave the island honorably Avhilsc 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
if the officers could not quit the island Avithout
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 Avith 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 treatment
on personal application than had been obtained
by letter. Upon the failure of all attempts to
get pay, one of these officers, a surgeon, pro-

228
posed 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,
M. seems to have forgotten that they were re
gularly on shore to execute duties in obedience
to his orders ; and he remembered to forget,
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 whish govern this island no -soldier is
obliged to pay more than that proportion, and
that is enough." But though his excellency
had the day before said he could dispense with
those who were too scrupulous to accompany
him, he did not choose to permit any examples
of this scrupulosity, lest it might prove conta
gious. 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 embarkation. He procured thefol-
JpAving letter to.be sent from the governor to the
officer who had requested permission to resign.
Government House, July 23d^ 1806.
" Sir, — I am directed by his excellency the

22©
governor to inform you, that as you came here
Avith general Miranda, engaged with him on
the service he meditates ; and as you, or any
other individual have no permission to reside
here ; it is his positive .order that you immedi
ately embark on board the vessel which brought
you here. The officers of police have direc
tions to enforce this order rigidly.
" I am sir,
your most obedient,
humble servant,
<Sign«d) THO. WALKER,
Act. Sec'ry.
You observe that the principle of this pro-
hibtion extended to all Avho came here with
Miranda ; and if any other had proposed to
resign, he would probably have been greeted
with the same letter. As a proof of this, the
provost marshall of the colony, was ordered by
the governor to Avait on the commandant ©f
the North American infanty, and request him
to see all his men and officers on board ship
previous to our sailing. By this cunning ex
pedient our chief saved himself from the ne-
cessitity of helping; his officers to pay their
debts ; and -at the same time put it gut of their
power to leave his service. It is -not probable
w

250
that many would have been disposed to do so
at that time, Avhen it bore a promising appear
ance. Governor Hislop Avould not have trou
bled himself to issue such an order but at the
instigation of Miranda ; nor then if the real de.
sign 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
Avithout conforming to this legal usage.
LETTER XXV.
Disposition of the British commanders. — Mis
sion to England. — -Process against Leander.
— Dispersion of officers and men. — Fate of
the prisoners. — Intercepted letters. — Intelli
gence from de Rouvray. — Characters.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Nov. 30, 1806.
IT is now- well ascertained that the Bri
tish commanders in the West Indies- will give

231
no more aid to Miranda without advices and
orders 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 Avas probably
considered that his general authority to molest
and- destroy the enemy of his Britannick ma-t
jesty might justify .the partial encouragement,!
Avhich he gave to our design. Also, the sense
of the British government was expressed at
the time they had received news that We had
obtained a footing on the Spanish Main and
were expected to do great things. Since the
chieftain has appeared a castle builder, with
out system or efficiency, Avithout 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. Ve -
ry far will he be from any further engagements
in this business. He thinks himself fortunate
in not being saddled with the expense of itand
made to fear for his command. He perhaps is
sensible that he had occasion for his Avell earn
ed credit with his government and his respect-

232
able name to screen him from unpleasant ani<.
madversipns 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 Ave should not, in choosing the place fof
landing, pass the limits of his cruising ground.
But Miranda for certain reasons shaped his
course for Coro, which carried him into the :
limits of admiral Dacres' 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 leader
did not occasion difficulty and contest.
Miranda, calculating on the supposed prin
ciples of the present administration, or encou
raged by specifick information, has dispatched
an ambassador to the court of St. James. 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
have 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. " Brutus is
an honourable man" — He is neither more nor
less than he told a lady he was at Coro, who en-

233
quired if he Avas not formerly from St. Domingo
— " I am madam, Gaston count de Rouvray 1"
February 24,th. I am near the end of my
eventful story. Soon after the Leander arriv
ed here the sailors Avent in a body to the house
of the governor and represented to him that
they Avere hungry and naked and Avished his
interference to enable them to obtain their Ava-
ges. 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 in
formed that they Avere sailors and not soldiers
he assured them he Would attend to their situ
ation and see it redressed. They waited for
some time and endeavoured to settle their ac
counts Avith Miranda, and the ship's agent. At
length they applied again to the governor, Avho
directed 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 disappeared by capture, desertion, impress-
>ment, imprisonment and death. This petition
expressed that they had been shipped aboard
w 2

234
the Leander at New- York, as seamen for a
voyage to Jacquemel or other ports in St. Do
mingo, and back, were taken with her from
port to port and made to perform various ser
vices by sea and land, for which they consider
ed she was ansAverable. By consent of -the
governor their petition was referred to the judge
of admiralty, legal process Avas had and a libel
issued according to law. By the management
of Miranda, the course of justice Avas arrested
and no provision made for the suffering men.
He pretended to consider, the measures for a
process as highly improper. As however it
Avas insisted that the men had a remedy -in the
ship, he stayed the process by declaring to the
governor upon his honor, that he expected re
mittances by the next packet from England.
This delusive pledge was repeated from month
to -month and answered the purpose of protract
ing or defeating a legal decision. In the mean
time various arts and pretexts were employed
to reduce the number of claimants to the ship.
Some had obtained permission to go on shore
for work. Their availing themselves of this
permission was afterwards pretendedby Miran
da -to be a forfeiture of their claim to wages.
T,hus if they remained on board, they run the

hazard of starvation, if on shore, even with per
mission, they were to be deprived of their in
terest in the ship. Groundless charges of inr
subordination were brought against others, who
at the instance of Miranda were either confin
ed, or pressed on board British ships of war.
Those officers who interposed in behalf of these
unfortunate men, and endeavoured to procure
them justice, were represented as promoters
of discontent and insubordination. Individuals
of these dfficers, involved themselves in pecu
niary straits, to save them from distress. The
general Avas 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, col
lision and embarrassment between those gen
tlemen and the government here. The gener
al is in the habit of making every thing bend
to his purposes. What was the life, health and
property of these people Aveighed against his
desire to save his ship as long as possible ?
During the time, he has been greeted with
many and various applications from his follow
ers, resulting from their wants and uncertain
situation ; some of them he has answered by

236
commanding silence and acquiescence towards
their general, others by dismissal from service
as it is called. The letters* in the notes will
afford a specimen of these proceedings. The

* (COPY.)
¦Port of Spain, ftov. 16th, 1806. .
"Your Excellency,
I hope will not look upon me as importunate when I
¦eturn to request you will have the goodness to pay me
romthe date of my commission up lo the present month.
fou promised when 1 was iietfe before I should have my
lay : I only received ten dollar's. I am heartily sorry lo
>e thus troublesome j being under the greatest obligation
o strangers for my subsistence and am in want of clothes
ind other necessaries. I trust your excellency willdoTne
his favor. I have the honor to remain
Your excellency's
very humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN ORFORD,
Lieut. Engineers.
To his excellency, general Miranda, 0
commanderln chief Columbian Army. ^
(COPY.)
Port of Spain, Mv, %&th, 1806.
Your Excellency,
My letter I wrote you dated the 1 9th inst. to my in-
inite regret and astonishment, not having as yet received
ny answer, I am a&aiii induced" to trouble vou : thinking"

237
author of the letters accompanied Miranda front
England and has cheerfully taken all the chan
ces of his enterprise, not alienated by some in^,
stances of gross ill treatment. The officers for
a time seemed to think it necessary to apply
for leave to release themselves from their en
gagements, doubting, Avhether they had served
" two campaigns." The quarter master gen
eral, however, dispensed with this ceremony

it ifnight, through hurry of business, have escaped your at
tention. My wants are now so many and so powerful that
I am obliged, through necessity, to be -thus -importunate;
How can any reasonable person expect that an officer who
has been so long in your service without receiving pay
and who has no resources at command, can possibly live,
or make any appearance as a gentleman ; I therefore re^
quest aft 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 1
might 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 ob't humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN ORIORD,
Lieut. Engineers.
T:, his excellency, general Miranda. ~)
eommanderinchief Columbian Army- ^

238
and departed in the ?Hawk sloop of war for
Dominica, from thence to London. He ab
sented himself without giving notice or obtain
ing 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 believe, that avc
Avere no longer under any command, and might
go Our several ways Avithout Avaiting for the
formality of a proclamation of disbandment and
dismissal. Miranda is somewhat enrage at
the quarter master general, and calls it deser
tion. Some have taken the trouble to write a

(COPY.)
Port cf Sfiain, Dec. 2d. 1806.
"Sir, By order' of general Miranda I have to inform you
4hat he received your's of the 29th uk 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 dis
missed from it and no longer to be considered as an officer
under his command. I am, sir,
Your's,
(Signed) WM. ARMSTRONG,
Mr- John Orfoiid, . quarter master general.

239
fctter of resignation ; others have quitted in
silence. Many of them were too poor to re
main, and not rich enough to go away ; as the
laws of the island beforementioned requiring
security for debts due from persons intending
to depart, Avere 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 few confiden
tial officers, till Ave returned to Barbadoes and
Trinidad.* It is now ascertained that ten

• The following are the letters mentioned in mine of
September 21st, 180-6, 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 16, 1808.
" Miranda has made himself master of Coro, the garri
son 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 affected to op»
pcset him, but the country is entirely disarmed, and of what

240
of them Avere hanged and beheaded on the 24th
of last July, and the, remainder placed in differ
ent casemates and at laborious servitude in O-

use is inclination without arms, to which 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
3Ut troops for our defence ; but I give no credit to this
news. Spain in Europe is even worse than Spain in Amer
ica, they have neither money, provisions nor soldiers, all is
\ labyiinth of miseries. We never see a vessel from home,
10, not even a little one." Third letter.
" The captain general with a numerous retinue ofcustom
louse officers, priests, surgeons, barbers, apothecaries, and
ill the armed force of every description marched on the
2th to .form a camp at Valencia, or San Carlos, whence
einforcements can be sent to any place attacked. They
:arry with them above two thousand mules laden withpro-
isions, ammunition'and stores of every description requisite
3r an army in the field. Affliction, solitude, want of mo-
iey, and evtry sort of misery reigns in this city. The army
iave left behind them their dearest connexions — not a face
i to be seen that is not the picture ot extreme grief — -
elds without labourers-- shops without workmen — fami-
es without imney— and fathers without sons fonn a me-
incholy scene which is only interrupted by the lamenta-

241
moa, Porto-Rico and Bocca Chica. I give
you the names of the captives. Those without
any place annexed were from the city and state
of New-York.

tions of the women, bewailing the fate of their friends and
relations, whom they never expect to return."
Fourth letter.
" That damned fellow, Miranda, of whose peregrinations
and detestable designs you give me a detail, will set 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 retired at his
approach without making any opposition.- — We have a nu
merous population it is true, but the country has been long
disarmed for political reasons. Indeed the truth is we can
only confide in the Queen's regiment now reduced to one
hundred and eighty men, which, with the invalid militia re
mains for the protection of the country and capital under
the command of Pasquin Martinpu. Such is the situation
Miranda has placed us in. — God grant us a happy riddance
of him." Fifth letter,
" According to cur general's account, he will have an
army ef nearly ten thousand. But this multitude being
militia who have never seen a shot fired, will but occasion
confusion und dismay. Even the regiment of Caraccas has
Dot an officer of tried valour, they are a corps of muscadina
who hiink of nothing but well cut clothes and fine feathers.
This is not the Spanish infantry in the time* of Carlos the
first and Philip the second." X ''

242
These are the names of those who were ex
ecuted. Daniel Kemper, Francis FarquhaisonT
Thomas Billopp, Charles Johnson, James
3ardner, Miles L Hall, John Ferris, Thomas
Donahue , Philadelphia ; Gustavus A . Burgudd,
Poland ; Paulo Theodore George, Portugal.
Those who follow were sentenced to ten
ears labour at Omoa. John Edsell, Henry
ngersolL, Massachusetts ; John Hayes, Peter
faulty, Ireland ; Daniel Mc Kay, do. y John
VI. Elliott, John T. O. Sullivan, David Hec-
tle, John Moore, John H. Sherman, Benitt B.
Meguss, Philadelphia ; Thomas Gill, Robert
3au nders, Jere miah Powell.*
These are destined for Porto Rico and sen-

* Maj. Powell has been released through the agency of
ris father, who visited the court of Spain, thence to Eng-
and, being unable to obtain the object of his wishes. At
_.ondon, he procured a letter from- the celebrated and hu-
nane Dr. Jenner, which procured him access to the Spaa-
sh monarch, who immediately ordered his liberation.
Messrs. Lippencott, Sherman, Smith and O. Sullivan have
nade their escape. Burk, Burlingham and Scott here died.
The prisoners were not removed to their respective sta-
ions except those destined to Bocca Chica The others
,Fe imprisoned- at Cartbagena, where Bocca Chica is sitw-
ited.

2*3
¦tenced to hard labour for the same term of
years. John Parsells, William W. Lippincott,
supercargo, Philadelphia ; Joseph Bennett,
James Grant, Matthew Buchannan, Stephen
Burtis, Phineas Raymond, Connecticut; Moses
Smith, Alexander Buchannan, David VVinton,
Frederick Riggus, John Burk, Edmund Bur-
lingham, John Scott.
The others were sentenced to eight years
labour at Bocca Chica. Pompey Grant, Wil
liam Pride. Robert Rains, Benjamin Nicholson-^
Benjamin Davis, Samuel Price, Henry Sperry,
George Ferguson, Robert Stevenson, William
Long, Joseph L. Heckle, Ellery King, Conn.
William CartAvr-ight, Philad. William Burn-
sides, Ireland, Hugh Smith, Scotland, Daniej
Newbury, Connecticut, Samuel Towzer, Phi
lad. James Hyatt, Philad. Abraham Head,
Philad. One seaman, named Spalding, Avas 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. Dan
iel R. Durning fell a victim to his hard fate by
sickness in confinement.
The issue upon the prosecution of the Le-
iinder is still protracted. The general has

244
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 general's
ambassador, Count de Rouvray, announcing
his introduction to the British ministry, and
what. he considered a favourable reception:
But all that was done for him, as might ration
ally have been expected, was comprised in
good wishes and good manners. From the
best information -We could obtain thev had no
idea of extending their hands to lift the gener
al and his associates, from che dust.
Your curiosity may ask for some sketch of
the persons and characters concerned in our

* 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. What amount of the pro
ceeds Miranda reserved to himself, or whether any pay
ments were made to the Leander concern, or to the gentle
men who furnished arms and provis-ons at Barbadoes and
Trinidad, I have not ascertained.

enterprise. Many of them had seen military
service before they Avere connected with Mi
randa. Armstrong, Roorbach and Kirkland
were the principal persons in this class. The
two former had been officers in the British ar
my during the late war between Great Britain
and the United States and are iioav half pay
captains. 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
ness and tyranny in his treatment of those in
his power, he would have been more servicea
ble to the enterprise and had more friends.
Roorbach Avas -educated at one of the universi
ties and is a gentleman in his manners. The
commencement of the American revolution
found him in the practice of physick. He how
ever thought proper to sheathe the lancet and
draw the SAVord, and served in the English ar
my without blemish till the peace when he
married and settled in New York. He was an
enthusiast for the cause in which we were en~
¦ x 2

246
pged. By his gentlemanly deportment and his
miable qualities he secured many friends and
reserved a good understanding with all the
)ffieers. ;
Kirkland commanded a regiment in the state
>f NeAV York as early as 1795. He was in the
egular army of the United States in 1798 and
vas appointed inspector of brigade in general
L-Iamilton's staff. He is known to have been
•emarked by military men of the first rank in
he United States, for qualities and acquire-
nents to make an officer of more than common
nerit. Our chief said *' he had an understand-
ng to plan -and skill to execute." His hu
manity secured him the affections of his men,
while his dignified authority in command in
sured their prompt obedience. His deport
ment and address blended the air of the sol
dier with the ease, of the gentleman. Upon
:he whole, I should say he Avas a cavalier wor
my of a better cause and better fortunes than
lie 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 Avould have
ilone much honour to himself and his family.

247
- Chevalier de Belhay had been in the English
and Austrian service, and was held in much
regard as an officer.
For the most part those gentlemen who join
ed Miranda at New York were of respectable
families and some of them liberally educated.
Hosack, Sands, Loudon, Burnett, Scofield and
others are includad inthis 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 gentleman 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 renoAvn were
several young men who would have shone, if
they had enjoyed the opportunities of perform
ing those exploits which it was. then expected
the nature of the expedition would afford*
It has been my study and desire,, in the pre
ceding communication, to relate truths whieh
cannot be denied and are proper to; be told.
In a few days. I hope to quit this island, for
may native country ; but i!he distance of my

248
port of destination from your residence, will
deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you un
less accident should bring 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 receive.

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
t»p 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 in 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 termination

24$
of Miranda's adventure. It remains only to
make a result upon the object, the means and
the conduct of the expedition; the circum»
stances which determined its fate, and the es
timate to be made of the actors in the tragical
affair. I shall repeat and add a few facts, illus
trating my observations.
The object Avas 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." Imagination
saw fifteen millions of people, released from
colonial dependence and the system of monop
oly and restriction it involved ; enjoying a free
government; elevated from their depressed
condition ; commanding the ample and inex
haustible resources derived from Providence ;
made happy in themselves and connected with
the civilized world by i direct and extensive
commerce. A splendid empire is founded,.
A new character is produced in the present
inhabitants, 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

250
new customers. The flags of every nation are
seen flying in the harbours. The vessels of
the United States, instead of plying a smug
gling and contraband trade, lade and unlade
their cargoes in the face of day and under the
eye of the government. The contest between
plunder and subterfuge no longer exists. The
dragon is forever put to sleep and the golden
fruit of the Hesperides is within the reach of
every visitant. Such it was thought and said
might be the consequences of our enterprise.
Then indeed should Miranda be another Wash
ington, and we should mingle our glory Avith
that of our Washington.
This regeneration of the new world must in
deed be effected by 'resistance to established
authorities and by revolution. But such Avas
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
•t though his purpose Avas merely to land on the

231
shores of Caraccas, to erect there the standard
of liberty, and invite the inhabitants to enlist
under his banners, and if they resorted to him, i
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 ; if not, to leave them to wear their
chains. The morality of his object he always
strenuously maintained. He professed to be
lieve it approved by the principal statesmen
and best patriots of this country. He would
think Mr. Emmet's eloquent vindication of hinv
and his design in the trial of col. Smith noth
ing 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 mercena
ry beings, who never yet sacrificed a selfisli
feeling to a publick principle ; whose hearts
never sympathised with the sufferings of a
slave ; nor swelled with the mighty hope of de
livering a nation. The district attorney, in his
opening address to you, did not permit him
self to adopt those calumnies in their entire ex-
teat— he is. incapable of doing so for his senti
ments are liberal, and his manners mild. Suffi-

252
eient however, fell from him, to give to them
somewhat of colour and countenance and to
enlist your passions and prejudices against
gen. Miranda and all concerned in his expedi
tion. In particular, I remember he termed
Miranda a fugitive on the. face of the earth,
and characterised the object ^of the expedition,
as something. * audacious, novel and danger
ous.' It has often struck me, gentlemen, as
matter of curious observation, how speedily
new nations, like new made nobility, and em
perors, acquire the cant and jargon of their sta
tions. Let me exemplify this observation, by
remarking, that here within the United States,
which scarcely thirty years ago were colonies
engaged in a blpody struggle, for the purpose
of shaking off their dependence on, the parent
state, the attempt to free a colony from the op
pressive yoke of its mother country, is called
' audacious, novel and dangerous.' It is true,
gen. Miranda's attempt is daring, and if you
will, audacious — but wherefore is it novel and
dangerous? Because he, a private individual,
unaided by the publick succour of anv state,
attempts to liberate South America ? ihrasy-
bulus ! expeller of the thirty tyrants ! restorer
of the Athenian freedom ! Avherefore are you

2D5

named with honour in the records of history
Because, Avhile a fugitive and arr exile, you
collected together a band of brave adventurers ^
who confided in your integrity and talents —
because, Avithout the acknowledged assistance
of any state or nation, with no commission but
Avhat you derived from patriotism, liberty and
justice, you marched with your chosen friends,
and overthrew the tyranny of Sparta, in the
land that gave you birth. — Nor are Argos and
Thebes censured for having afforded you re
fuge, countenance and protection. Nor is 1s-
menias, then at the head of the Theban govern
ment accused of having departed from the
duties of his station, because he obeyed the
impulse of benevolence and compassion to-
Avards an oppressed people and gave the pri
vate assistance which he could not publickly
avow." Whether human nature or the people of that
country are so interested in the success of the
project of emancipation as we republicans arc
apt to imagine seems to me to admit a ques
tion. I reflect that amidst all their alleged
grievances, they have great wealth and pros
perity ; and whatever they suffer, they have in
general no pain from the consciousness of op-

254
pression. If they YA-ere 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 to use
it with reference to republican theories. There
must indeed in the outset be a dictator, Avho
should see that the " commonwealth sustained
no detriment." Their deliverer by right of
services and of force is this dictator. He is
sues a decree for the election of a council of
12 persons, consisting of 6 whites, 4 free peo
ple of colour and 2 free blacks, which, Avith its
president is the supreme authority of South
America, till further determined. At a prop
er time a constitution Avas 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 Avisdom could go.
The church should have protection, but sub
mit to be divested of its secular power. Reg
ulations should be adopted to remedy inequal
ity of property and vassalage. The evils of
slavery Avere to be mitigated. The publick

255
burdens were to be equalized. Our leader had
•many pleasing visions of good, which he hop
ed to realize in the new republick, whiclrhe
should establish. Among the good deeds in
his contemplation, was the munificent reward
of his followers according to their merit. There
could be no want of treasures for this purpose
in the Ophir he would possess.
Be the end ever so much entitled to com
mendation, you ask Avhere are the means ? what
powers and resources had Miranda correspond
ing to his design ? In the first place he pro
ceeded on the supposition of a spirit of revolt
being ready to burst out in the country. The
conspiracy of 1797, lie imagined, had left seeds
of discontent and insurrection, and a spirit of
impatience and rrform. He regarded the whole
of that event as an indication of combustible
materials existing among the people. He
"thought they felt the government like " an in
cubus oppressing all their efforts." In these
calculations I think he proceeded without book.
He transferred his own feelings to others. His
passions tinged the objects he contemplated
with their own colour. What he wished or ?
imagined he believed. For he never produced
any sufficient evidence of his belief. He as-

serted that he was possessed of letters and do*
cuments, some of them of early date and oth
ers later, inviting and encouraging his attempt.
After he undertook to disclose particulars to
his confidential officers — they expected a sight
of these papers, but never saw them ; and in
consequence Avere shaken in their confidence
in his veracity. The Don Pedro Minto story
beyond question was a fiction, invented with a
view to inspirit his followers. It is known that
his own brother, on receiving a letter from Mi
randa intimating his design, instead of endea
vouring to secure him partizans, immediately
disclosed its contents to the government of
Caraccas. Miranda relied on being known in
South America as a distinguished character
and a native of the country. Very few per
sons 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. KnoAV-
Icdge of any kind and especially of the enemies
of kings does not spread among the natives of
South America. Political newspapers and ecT
centrick biographies are not there in circula
tion. What notoriety our chief had was con
fined to the place of his nativity. At Coro he

* 257
was a perfect stranger, and whether he was an
Englishman, an Amorite or Egyptian they
could not tell. His sort of reputation did not
help him Avhere it was understood. Those
who knew him Avere not strangers to the sus
picious 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-
valrick and extravagant. What could he ex
pect from his little force, you will inquire. It
was to serve as a rallying point for his adher
ents. Before he made the attempt from NeAV
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, Avhen
the prospect of a war between Spain and the
United States some years ago occasioned it to
he a subject of discussion in the English cabi
net. There Avas 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 Avas broken
off abruptly, because, as Miranda alleged, Mr.
y2

258
Pitt had views of conquest not emancipation,
and proposed that an English general should
commandthe 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 seventy thousand
dollars to be subject to his directions. Of the
persons on board, a part belonged to the ship
as seamen, and the others were to serve him if
they saw fit according to engagements to be
made. This ship Avith the Emperour appears
to have been all his* dependence. No condi
tions were made with the English. The chief
believed the military and naval establishment
in the parts of South America which he pro
posed to visit to be small and inefficient. In
this calculation he was not Avholly mistaken,
though he underrated it. To prevent the dis
couraging effect of his humble preparations on
the minds of his associates, he relied on the
" captivating deceptiousness" which he knew
Iioav to practise, and their faith in his preten
sions and asseverations. He taught them that

259
the revolution Avas so organized beforehand,
that their first employment in landing would
be to sing ios of victory.
His second attempt Avas made with more
considerable means. They Avould have been
larger, had he been more circumspect and con
ciliatory. He Avas still without money. The
number of men to act on shore you already
know Avas 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 Avas a dreamer, you think, to expect any
success, when he Avas so weak handed. It
may be questioned, however, whether his fail
ure should not be ascribed more to his own
mistakes 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 Avarranted even a
longer delay at Jacquemel ; for the event prov
ed that this ship was necessary in the first at-

260
tempt. But when disappointed in this expec
tation, we may ask with propriety Avhy he pro
ceeded with the Leander and two small schoon
ers, after he must have known that all the evils
resulting from delay were to be encountered,
without a proportional force to meet the dan
ger. 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 delay had a
powerful influence on his mind. A still
stronger motive urged him on to immediate
exertion, a hope that he should accomplish the
object without the aid of the English govern
ment. For Miranda often declared that he
" wished the enterprise to be considered an
American affair." Even at Barbadoes and,
Trinidad, Avhile he was hourly receiving the
hospitality of British commanders, he intimat
ed in plain terms, that he " must accept of the
assistance of the British at that time, but he
never intended they should obtain any poAver
in his country." Thus leaping to his end Avith
out consulting his means, the catastrophe is
anticipated ; and we lose the two schooners
with a large number of our best men, in the

261
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 cos
tas, to Avhich 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
Occumara Avas not more than eight or ten
leagues distant, and as we had been discovered
by the Spanish vessels, any advantages to be
calculated from a secret approach by night were
lost. It should then have been the general's
policy, as Avas suggested to him at the time, to
have improved the day light ; to have made
immediately for the bay, searched out the an
choring ground, learned the situation and
strength of the battery* which defends the port,
and to have taken possession of it if possible.
He Avould then have learned whether the place
Avas tenable and equal to the defence of our
selves, the ship and schooners in case of an at
tack 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 Valencia,

* A battery mounting ten 8 and 12 pounders.

262
where we were made to believe Don Pedro Min=-
to was posted with an army and supplies at out-
service. Had we met with a formidable op
position in our endeavours to gain the battery,
we should have known, that these expected
friends were enemies, and might reasonably
have calculated that an attempt to carry it by a
coup de niain 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 have gained the har
bour. All this might have been effected dur
ing the day. On the contrary we bore away at
12 o^cloC'k ; at 6 P. M. being from six to eight
leagues from shore, an order Avas issued for
every officer and soldier to be ready to land
that night, notwithstanding this brigand schoon
er, which Ave had chased in the morning, had
been observed to enter the harbour of Porto
Cabello, and come out again, and were at 3
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 mistakes the
port ; one schooner is sent to reconnoitre —
from ignorance or inattention she neglects the

263
signals for recal ;* anchors in the morning un
der 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 obtain
ed from the reconnoitering party ; a battle en
sues betAveen the Leander and the gUarda cos
tas ; the schooners, with the men and officers
on board, first deceived and then deserted by
their general, are captured. Deserted I say,.
because there Avas a time when the Spanish
brig and schooner had separated, that the Le
ander should have endeavoured to engage the
latter. But from facts and circumstances
since disclosed, it appearsf evident that Mi
randa Avould not permit the attempt." This
discomfiture drives our hero to Barbadoes,
Avhere he ought to have gone before and in a
better condition. He is well received by ad
miral Cochrane, is furnished Avith a small na
val force with the promise of an addition at
Trinidad, where he arrives on the 24th of
June. Here his first step towards recruiting
his little army, was the publication of a hand-

* See letter XI. p. 70. t See letter XXI. p. 160.

264
bill* without signature or date, so inflammato
ry and seditious in its language as to offend
the government and people of Trinidad. The
moon-eyed manner in which it was ushered
into publick 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 labour
ing men, receiving from one to two dollars
per day, were to be philosophized into his,
" godlike design" by the offer of one quarter
dollar per day, free from all deductions 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, Aviththe
certainty of being made a head shorter if they
should fall into the hands of the Spaniards du
ring the contest. Nor was he to be convinced
of the necessity of increasing this nominal
amount of wages. Instead of advancing a
small sum as bounty, a proposition 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 anoth-

* See letter XVI. p. 10?.

265
er of the same amount payable in South Amer
ica after it should have come into our posses
sion. With all his knowledge 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 Avho would enlist as sol
diers. At length, however, he sailed tvith 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 Avith less risk than Coro, and
would in other respects have been more adapt
ed to his views. Margaretta should have been
his place of rendezvous ; abounding in cattle
and vegetables, commanding every port on the
coast ; and being but eight leagues from the
Spanish Main. Here he could have commu
nicated with his friends, and, if he really had
any in the country they could have joined him.
For we are to keep in mind that the command
ing pivot of the expedition was a reliance on
the good will and active exertions of the peo
ple. If he was to collect folio Avers from the

•266-
islands, this situation would have been favour
able to such a design. His correspondence
Avith admiral Cochrane, Trinidad and Barba
does, &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 captured
offGuadalonpc, after a severe action of- some
hours Avith a French brig of superior force
both in metal and men. It Avas not expected
by admiral Cochrane that Miranda Avould go
to leeward of Laguira, and by most of his offi
cers it was believed and hoped that Margaret
ta Avas to have been the. first port of destina
tion. 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 ; Avhen the expediency if
not necessity of possessing Margaretta was
suggested by able advisers, Avhilst we Avere an
chored at Coche, the general replied, that " it
was but an island ; to take it Avould imply an
acknowledgement that we Avere unable or

S67
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 sit
uation 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 Avhile there to gain his point. The
sudden and inexplicable evacuation of La Ve
la de Coro brings up the series of blunders by
which his expedition Avas to be destroyed. He
should have remained there acting on the de
fensive 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 toAvn and commanded the princi
pal avenues leading into it. The batteries
were in his possession, and under these cir
cumstances could not have been regained by
any force which Ave had reason to expect.*
Reinforcements from different quarters Avere
to be looked for Avith much certainty. A very

See -intercepted Ict'.ci's. page .239.

268
respectable naval force did come from admiral
Cochrane as was before mentioned, and re
cruits from the neighbouring islands, from the
eclat of the thing, would have resorted to his
standard, after it appeared that he had obtained
a tolerably sure footing. The allegation of the
Avant of provisions and water Avas not so found
ed as to make our departure necessary. The
provisions which Ave 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 Avith reluctance. They
did not think their dangers or privations pre
sent or anticipated so intolerable as to require
an abandonment of the expedition. A very
general indignation was manifested Avhen the
order Avas given for evacuation. An officer
Avho was ordered to strike and bring away the
Columbian standard, in his vexation and disgust
tore it to peices and threw his cap, epaulets and
sword into the sea. He would not wear mili
tary insignia, which he felt were disgraced.
As a soldier of fortune, or the projector of
.revolution, this measure is inconsistent. But

269
his enemies ousrht to forgive him. Let therm
say, if they will, that he found the people averse
¦to liberty and Avould 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 voluntarily left their
country Avithout laying his hands on their pro
perty, or 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 Trini
dad, 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 pur
pose. But he insisted " it Avould be time
enough" Avhen he made them a second visit,
i( which Avould 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 of
April, and not sentenced until the 21st of July,
so that, had he taken early measures, these un
fortunate men might have been saved. Whilst
on the Main, he might have made some of the
people, Avhom he found, hostages for the safe-
z 2

270
ty, good treatment and restoratio: ^f the pri
soners not executed.
This history, with events coming in other
ways before the publick, shows on what ground
the apology for the adventurers stands. Inter
est in pubiiok opinion and sympathy with those
who are now paying the dreadful forfeiture 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 imprudent
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 alloAV to those, who in other respects are
correct, the benefit of the distinction between
a single fault and a general contempt of right.
They will do justice to all the considerations
that afford a palliation or excuse. You have
seen the trial and acquittal of Messrs. Smith
and Ogden. The former had an agency in
procuring men for Miranda. The latter sup
plied the ship, armament and outfit. The de
fendants could not obtain the testimony of the
officers of government, which they contended
was necessary. The jury, however, gave a ver
dict of acquittal. They determined that the

271
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 enterprise was law
ful and honourable, and not attended with any
desperate risks, other than the usual fortune of
war, if indeed the king's troops in South Ame
rica would not submit Avithout resistance.
Those Avho had most insight into the business,
looked for wealth and eclat, a share in a noble
undertaking and the liberty of returning to theirr
country when they saAV fit. They might have
thought that in case they were captured by the
Spaniards, the American government might
jrefuse its protection, though they hoped the
contrary — but they did not expect to be ar
raigned as criminals at home. Before the pre
parations for the expedition began, Miranda
went to the city of Washington, Arrived at
the seat of government he is treated with cour
tesy. He writes thence to col. Smith* several
* Washington, Dec. Wth, 1805.
My dear Friend,
I have received your letters of the lstand 6th of this
month, and your commodore's of the 5th : Tbe business
you and him mention is on the Tapis at this present mo
ment, and will be concluded I hope in the course of this

272
times in a strain which creates the belief that
his design is communicated to the government.

week. Not a moment is lost and "the appearances look
very favourable. — Have a little patience and you shal'
¦soon hear the result. 1 hope you will act on your side
with as much activity, Sec. Sec. My best compliments to
the worthy admiral and to major A. They holh 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
rection is Mr. Molini. Yours, SI. A;
Col. \V. "Smith. Washington, Dec. \ith, 1805.
TJear Friend,
I saw yesterday for the second time, both the gentle
men, 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 tomorrow for New
York, appeared surprised, and persuaded me not to leave
it before Tuesday next, the 17th, v/hen he -expected me
to dine with him, and have a little more conversation I sup
pose. On consideration, I thought that a stay 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 approbation and good wish
es are evidently for us, and they do not see any difficulty
that may prevent the citizens of the United States in at
tending personally or sending supplies for this object, pro
vided the publick laws should not be openly violated. Your

273

Col. Smith's going on the expedition is said
to be a subject of conversation between Miran-
da^ind the secretary of state. — Some days be
fore the sailing of the Leander he Avrites a let
ter to the president and Secretary.*

demand of permission or leave of absence is considered
impracticable, and Mr. M. thinks it easier to take the risk
upon yourself ->t once ; however, we shall consider this
subject with much reflection when we shall meet at New
York On the 18th, 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 December, and I beg of you to show to
our worthy commodore as much as is necessary of this let
ter, not thinking prudent in me at this moment and on so
delicate a subject to write any more ; 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 subject, in the mean time act with much
caution and great activity. Yours, M — — ..
* JVew York, January 22d, 1 806.
Mr. President,
I have the honour to send you enclosed the natural
and civil history of Chili, of which we conversed at Wash
ington ; you will perhaps find more interesting facts and
greater knowledge in this little volume than in those which
iiave been before published on the same subject concern-

274
The result of his conferences as he repre
sented was that the government would not co
operate ; but if he could make his desigi^an

ing this beautiful country. If ever the happy prediction
which you have pronounced on the future destiny of oiir
dear Columbia, is to be accomplished in our duy, 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 Tlie last great age foretold by sacred rhymes,
Renews its finished course ; Saturnian times,
Holt 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!) *RaN : DE MIRANDA.
To Thomas Jefjerson, President

1

(private.)
of the United States. Arew York, January 22rf, 1806.
SlH, On the point.of leaving the U. States allow me to ad
dress a few words to you to thank you for the attentions
that you were pleased to show me during my stay at
Washington. The important concerns, which I then had
the honour to communicate to you, I doubt not will re-

275
object of individual enterprise, it " saw no
difficulty that should prevent the citizens of
the United States in attending personally, or
sending supplies for his object ; provided the
publick laws Avere not openly violated." The
same impresssron was received from passages
Avhich were aftervvards submitted to some of
his agents from his port folio, giving an account
of conversations which he recorded 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
rous and unprovoked acts of hostility suffered

main a profound secret until the final result of that delicate
affair; I have acted upon that supposition here, by con-
formiog in every thing to the intentions of government,
which I hope to have apprehended and observed with ex
actness and discretion. The inclosed letter contains a
book which I have promised to the Pi^ sident of the U-
States, and which I pray you lo transmit to him-. Have
the goodness to present my respectful compliments tft
Mrs. Madison, and to believe me with the highest consid
eration and esteem, sir,
Your very humble and
obedient servant,
(Signed) FRAN: DE MIRANDA.
To thebon. James Madison, Esq.

276
from Spain ; declaring that the Spaniards had
captured our citizens within our borders — had
i '.vaded our territory and committed depreda
tion on our commerce, and suggesting the ne
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
check the preparations for this expedition, it
gives them an implied sanction. Those Avho
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 statements.
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 documents for the eyes
of his coadjutors. It might have been his art
to use a strain of writing, which implied that

277
his correspondents, Avere privy to his transac-'
tions, and participated in his views. Their
avowal of general good Avishes for the object,
and admission of the right of the citizens to
use the liberty of action in consistency Avith
the laws, he might have construed into appro
bation and encouragement of his specifick pro
ceedings. On the supposition that the gov
ernment Avere apprized of his intentions, an
overt act only it is alleged could justify a legal
process. On this delicate question, I should
presume the government has not incurretl any
just imputation. At the same time, it will be
recollected that the first promoters of this un
dertaking have been tried and pronounced "not
guilty." Their vindication applies to all Avho
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 essape till our return
to the West India islands, after the first at
tempt. It was then extremely difficult, among
strangers and Avithout resources to get away.
Various methods were used to make us believe
that we Avere still expected and desired by the
friends of independence in that country. The
partial co-operation of the British gave our en-
a a

278
terprise 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 there 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 ?
That all the persons concerned in this ca
lamitous business consider it with regret is
certain. They are not again to be led away by
the same lure. They are sufficiently cured of
a disposition to reform the.AVorld and create
republicks. Having given some sketch of the life of Mi
randa, and a short description of the country
which was to have been the theatre of his ex
ploits, I shall h.ivpdnrjg

LETTER XXVII.
NOTICES OF MIRANDA.
United States, August 1(\ 1808.
GENERAL M IRAN DA in conversation
was reserved on the subject of his own life.
He wrapped himself in mystery ; and apparent
ly enjoyed a sort of satisfaction, in leaving peo
ple 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 avoidecT detail and circum
stance ; time, place and persons he kept out
of view. In his relations he stopped at gener
alities. For this reason, his officers know less
of him than you would imagine. Of the place
of his nativity there are several and disagree
ing accounts. But beyond doubt he was born
in the city of Carraccas., 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
father was governor of a province and his fa
ther a candidate for the same place ; but de
feated in his expectations, through the jealousy

280
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 mentionfd his teachers nor his
school. He said that he learned Greek after
he was forty. De.pons observes, that at pre
sent the Spanish youth, sensible of the insuffi
ciency of their education, apply Avith 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. Biog
raphers say he rose to be colonel ; but this is
doubtful. One of his stations Avas at Guati-
mala. Here he improved his opportunities of
becoming acquainted with New Spain.
He left his native country from necessity, to
avoid the displeasure of government. The

28 1
causes, of his precipitate disappearance are va
riously stated. It is ascribe .1 to his expressing
obnoxious sentiments relating to the indepen
dence of the colonies and ha\ ing laid a plot for
effecting it. One of the most celebrated French
generals told me, that whilst Miranda Avas sta
tioned at the Havanna, being in the engineer
corps, he Avas 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 . ondition. To
disguise his character and detign, be was al
lowed to smuggle ten thousai:.l dollars value
of commodities. On his return he was charg
ed with exceeding the limits of his permission.
His property Avas seized. The cause was car
ried to Madrid, where it 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. 1 have
conversed with many persons Avho knew him
at this time. They say bis mind was full of
the ideas of reform and innovation, of liberty
and philosophy": He went from this country
to Europe. London was his most constant
place of residence, whilst he was not on his
travels. He visited almost every portion of
a a2

282
the European world ; every principal city and
court ; and Avent to Constantinople. He had
¦a superb library in London. This literary
treasure was pledged for a part of the necessa
ry funds to defray his expenses. In the nego
tiations and disputes and naval preparations re
specting Nootka sound, he had an agency mi
lder the English ministry. When the French
revolution commenoed 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. In 1792 he was sent in qua
lity of a general officer to Champagne, under
Dumourier ; Avhom he afterwards accompani
ed to Belgium^ and he was nominated in Sep
tember commandant of the army of Flanders
in the room of Labourdonnaye ; during the
winter he had the chief command in the absence
of Dumourier.
In the spring of 1793 Miranda besieged Ma-
estrict, by order of the executive council ; but
* generel Lanoue, wh Avas posted at Roer, being
beaten at Aldenhoven, he was obliged to raise
the siege after twenty days bombardment. The
defeat at Aldenhoven and the bad success at

'IS 3
Maestricht overturned all Dumourier's plans.
How far Miranda Avas 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 Avould proba
bly have terminated in favour of the French,
•had not Miranda retirtd from the field, soon
after the middle of the day. One of his col
umns Avas panick struck, and the other two
were driven back. This retrea; has been as
cribed in some French publications to the
treachery and cowardice of our hero. A cele
brated French general, now in this country, is
of a different opinion. He declares it was by
..a military fault of Miranda's that the French
lost the victory at Nerwinde.; " Miranda,"
says he, *' is not justly chargeable Avith treach-
-ery or cowardice." Dumourier, says, " that
either disconcerted, or willing to sacrifice his
rival, Valence, he ordered his troops to re
treat." He sent no advice of his retreat to
Dumourier, which neglect exposed the right
wing and centre of the army to the Avhok
^weight of the enemy.

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 agains
this general. Miranda's partisans say this let
ter afforded him no justification. He after
wards published armemorial, in Avhich he tells
his protector, Pethion, that the expedition against
Holland had been undertaken contrary to his
advice ; that he had foreseen the mischiefs
which Avould result from such a project ; and
that Dumourier, in concert with Thduvenot, had
decided upon every thing without consulting
him. As to the defeat at Nerwinde, he endea
voured to confirm the opinion then circulated,
that it was owing to the treachery of the com
mander in chief and his adherents. At the
same time he continued to correspond Avith
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-.
fcionary 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

285
his lost influence by serving the convention
against the sections. This expedition did not
succeed. On the 22d of the same month his
arrestation Avas 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 charged* 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 Avas
kept in train a long time, although the director
Le Tourneur Avas his particular enemy. Fi
nally, the 4th of September, 1797, finished his
residence 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
George Martin of New Orleans. On the 2d
of September he sailed from England and ar
rived in the United States on the 12th of No
vember following. Here he commenced ope
rations for carrying into effect his project of

286
twenty years contemplation, to revolutionize
his native country. A mercantile house in
NeAv York furnished him with the ship and ar
mament, as has been described in this history.
He gave Mr. Qgden three bills, one of five
thousand, one of two thousand and one of eight
hundred pounds sterling. The two labt only
were duly paid. The property taken by him
from New York was all spent, dissipated, 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 dif
ferent attacks on the Prussians. But " he had
a haughtiness of disposition and bluntness of
manner, which beget 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 re
spect for them."
In the preceding history, Miranda's injudi
cious selection of his place of landing is men-

287
tioned as one cause of his failure. The rea
sons in favour of his choice were not stated.
His principal inducement probably was, that
from information 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 doAvn 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 miltta*
ry force from the mother country, is distribut
ed into small detachments, and these detach
ments are most remote from each other. In
no single post in America can there he more
than one thousand men.
Third, She 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 couid ne
ver join, he would be enabled to maintain his
ground ; and revolutionizing as he went, add
his. conquests to his force.

288
From this narrative in connexion with the
prior history of gen. Miranda, you will receive
an impression of his character not so favoura-
as that entertained by many persons. I have
related facts. They must be allowed to speak
for themselves. His imagination and feelings
Avere an overmatch for hb judgment. He is
more rash and presumptuous in projects, than
dexterous in extracting himself from difficul
ties. In religion he is reputed skeptical ; but
in our hearing he never derided subjects of
this nature. He used formerly to talk infidel
ity to the offence of the serious ; experience
has taught him caution, or he has changed his
sentiments. It is said upon good authority
that he partook the sacrament at Coro. He is
too much of an enthusiast in his favourite ob*
jects to allow his 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 his person, man
ners and petty habits.
He is about five feet ten 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-

289
*d, but not of the darkest hue. They are
peircing, 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,
rather of the English than Roman cast. His
chest is square and prominent. His hair is
grey and he wears it tied long behind" with
poAvder. He has strong grey whiskers grow
ing 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 always .
sleeps a few. moments after dinner, and then
walks till bed time, which with him is about
midnight. He is an eminent example qf tem
perance. A scanty or bad meal is never re
garded by him as a subject of complaint. He
uses no ardent spirits ; seMom any wine.
Sweetened water is his epmmop .beverage,
Sweetness and warmth, says. he, are the two
' b b

290
greatest physical goods ; and acid and cold
are the greatest physical evils in the universe.
He is a courtier and gentleman in his man
ners. Dignity and grace preside in his move
ments. Unless Avhen angry, he has a great
command of his feelings ; and can assume
Avhat looks and tones he pleases. In general
his demeanour is marked by hauteur and dis
tance. When he is angry he loses discretion.
He is impatient of contradiction. In discourse
he is logical in the management of his thoughts.
He appears conversant on all subjects. His
iron memory prevents his ever being at a loss
for names, 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
enterprise were described in glowing colours.
At another time he detailed his travels, his
sufferings 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

291
hearers to the scenes of great actions and in
troduced them to the distinguished Qharacters
of every age. He took excursions to Troy,
Babylon, Jerusalem, Rome, Athens and Syra
cuse. TVIen famed as statesmen, heroes, pa
triots, conquerors and tyrants, priests and
scholars he produced, and weighed their. merits
and defects. Modern history and biography
afforded him abundant topicks. He impressed
an opinion of his comprehensive views, his in
exhaustible fund of learning ; his probity, his
generosity and patriotism. After all, this man
of renoAvn, I fear, must be considered as hav
ing more learning than wisdom ; more theo
retical knowledge than practical talent ; too
sanguine and too opinionated to distinguish
between the vigour of enterprise and the hardi
ness of infatuation.

LETTER XXVIII.
Geographical and statistical notices of Caraccas.
United States, August 21st, 1808.
ACCORDING to received geographical
accounts, the Spanish dominions in North A-
aierica extend from latitude 39 degrees 3<3

292 ':
minutes to 7 degrees 30 minutes north, a length*
of 1920 geographical miles. The medial
breadth is computed at 400 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 east
ern part of Tefra Firma or the Spanish Main,
in South America comprises an ample descrip
tion of this region ; and is the principal ali-
¦ thority 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,

14,000

728,000

293
Of the population, tAvo 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 Avhose pre
tensions are not so great wish to be notaries,
scriveners or clerks." A military rank is an
object of rivalry. A SAvord is their dear com
panion. Decency, in their opinion, debars
them from agricultural pursuits and enjoins
them 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
Bb2

294
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. They exercise
various trades, but are not fond of personal la
bour. They are formed into corps of militia,.
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 coun
try. The governor or captain general repre
sents the monarch and commands the military
force. There are delegated governors, who
have each an assessor. The Royal Audience
of Caraccas consists of a president, Avho is the
captain general, a regent, three judges, two
iiscals ; one for criminal affairs, the other for
the finances, with a reporter and other neces
sary officers. It administers justice, regulates
the finances, and has other .great prerogatives.
The naval force of Terra Firma is trifling
and could not resist a single frigate. Several
seaports havefertresscs. Maracaibofoas 25y00(i

295
inhabitants, is defended by 3 forts and 4 com
panies of troops of the line, and a proportion
of militia. The haven or port of Coro, called
La vela de Coro, 16 leagues east of Maracaibo
had at the time of our debarkation 2 batteries
with 15 or 18 peices of cannon of various cal
ibers from 6 to 18 pounders. Porto Cabello
or Cavello, 58 leagues to the east of Coro, has
a strong fort Avith a large and numerous artil
lery. In time of war it is supplied with two
companies of regular troops. In case of attack,
says Depons, 3000 militia might be collected
here in 8 days. La Guira, the haven of Carac
cas 25 leagues to the east of Porto Cabello, is
very strongly fortified. Cumana 100 leagues
east of La Guira is of difficult access, has a fort
and might present a force of 5000 men. The
island of Margaretta 4 leagues north of Cuma
na has trifling batteries, one company of regu
lar troops, one of artillery and several of mili
tia. Thus it appears the strong places are dis
tant from each other 60 or 100 leagues. Hence
it is observed a debarkation on the coast might
easily be effected in various places, and the
troops proceed into the country, whilst the
ships, by. attacking the < forts,; would distract
the military, operations.

^96
The military force as stated by Depons is a
regiment of regular troops of 918 men, distri
buted at Caraccas, La Guira and Porto Cavel
lo. Four hundred troops of the line are at
Maracaibo, atGumana 150, at Guiana 150, and
at Varinas 77. The artillery at the respective
places 'is served by separate companies, be
sides 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-
lick. To be suspected of heresy is dangerous ;
to be convicted fatal. The tribunals of the in
quisition are erected at Mexico, Lima and
Carthagena, and are very powerful. They pro
hibit bad books to the number of 5420. Span
ish America abounds in priests, Avho are held
in great respect. The missionaries are nume
rous. The churches are decent and often ele
gant, and are^still asylums for criminals. 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

297
the present products, says Depons, there is a
great variety of otliers which the soil offers to
the inhabitants, Avithout lequiring 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, dying woods and barks,
gums, rosin and medical oils, herbs, roots and
bark for medicine. From this country half
Europe might be supplied with Avood for its
luxurious furniture and equipage. Commerce
might draw much from the animal kingdom*
The neat cattle are calculated at 1,200,000,
horses and mares 180,000, mules 90,000.
Sheep are innumerable and deer abundant.
Notwithstanding this abundance, agriculture i6
at a low ebb in this country. La Guira, Por
to Cabello, Maracaibo, Cumana, Barcelona,
and Margaretta have a right to trade with the
mother country. In 1796 the imports from
Spain to Caraccas Avere estimated at 3, 1 1 8,8 1 1^
dollars, and the exports at 2,083,.; 16 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 co
coa in neutral bottoms ; part of the returns

298
i
must be in negroes or in farming or house
hold utensils and the remainder in specie. But
this remainder is principally smuggled in man-
ufactured goods. The contraband trade, di
vided chiefly between Jamaica, Curacoa and
Trinidad, is estimated at 750,000 dollars an
nually before the war of 1796. It has increas
ed greatly since that period. The whole reg
ular exports of Caraccas from 1793 to 1796
are stated at 12,252,415 dollars, from 1797 to
1800, 6,442,318. The finances of Caraccas
are under the direction of an intendant. The
revenue arises principally from the customs, a
duty of 5 per cent on sales from stamps, licen
ses, and tithes, and from the produce of the
cruzada arid 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 1,140,788 dol
lars, expenditure 1,886.363. The population
of some of the chief cities is thus stated. Ca
raccas 40y000, La Guira 6000, Porto Cavello
7600, Coro 10,000. The harbour, or La Ve
la de Coro, as it is commonly called, and its
environs are supposed to contain not less than
2000. In 1797 three state prisoners were sent from.

299
Spain to Caraccas, on account of their revolu
tionary propensities. Being treated with great
indulgence by the officers and soldiers to whose
care they were committed, they formed the
project of a conspiracy against the government.
They engaged a number of persons, some of
them of consequence in their party. After
gaining their first converts, the spirit did not
spread. The coldness and apathy of the peo
ple did not admit of the effervesence they de
sired. After the plot had been kept a secret
for many months it Was disclosed to the gov
ernment. Some of the ringleaders escaped
and others were taken. It was found that se-
.venty two had entered into the conspiracy-;
six were executed. The rest either escaped or
Avere sent to the galleys or banished from the
country.

APPENDIX..

The following particulars of the Imprisonment,
Execution and Sufferings of the Prisoners,
were communicated to us by one of the unhati-
py number, since his arrival to his native;
shore.
EXAMINATION AND SENTENCE OF
THE PRISONERS,
IN the month of June the chief Judicial
Functionary, accompanied by four assistants,
together with interpreters, arrived at Porto Ca
vello, for the purpose of examining the prison
ers,. Here they were compelled to give evi
dence against themselves without the privilege
of being heard in their defence ; and that be
fore a motley tribunal, which would almost
beggar description. Five of them were brought
up in the first instance, and the oaths adminis
tered in the manner of their own country.
They were here questioned as to the object of
the frustrated expedition ; whether it was sanc
tioned by the government of the United States,
&c. &c. To all which, answers were returned.

3,01 #
They were then remanded back to. prison,
and several days elapsed before they became
acquainted Avith their fate. Indeed some would
have gladly Avelcomed death, rather than en
dure the extreme hardships to which they were
reduced. On the 20th July, before meridian, a large
body of armed soldiers were drawji up near
the prison-door, their muskets loaded, cocked,
and bayonets fixed. The prison- doors were
then thrown open, and the prisoners ordered
to march fonvard, with their ancles still in
irons. In this situation they Avere marched
into a yard, walled round, and ordered upon
their knees ; the soldiers with their muskets
still aimed at them — ^and instant death was ex
pected by the prisoners, at the Avord Fire ! — •
Soon however the interpreter appeared accom
panied Avith the officers and three Roman
priests, and ten of the prisoners* were called
to be barbarously sacrificed for their credulity.
The interpreter then read to them the fol
lowing sentence :
" In the morning of to-morrow, at 6 o'clock,
you and each of you, are sentenced to be hung
* For their names see Letter xxv. page 242.
c c

302
by the neck until you are dead ; after which
your heads are to be severed from your bodies,
and placed upon poles, and 'distributed in dif
ferent parts of the country." <j
The most undaunted resolution was discov
ered by those sentenced to be executed. No
sentiment but/that of contempt for their perse-
•cutors was perceptible.
PARTICULARS OF THE EXECUTION.
THE 2 r st July, about 6 o'clock in the
morning, the prisoners Avere alarmed by the
noise, of the Spanish Soldiery, 300. in number,
under arms. They were ordered to put on
Avhat clothes they had (which were a few filthy
rags) and after being lashed two together hy
Ihe elbows, Avere placed in a line, between the
.oldiers, for marching. The ten prisoners tp
je executed Avere then brought out from their
separate cells, to ( which they were conveyed
fter their sentence,to prepare for the sacrifice ;
vith their hands lashed, covered with white
obes, and a white cap upon their heads. The
Catholic prisoners were each attended by a
loman priest, carrying in their hands the
mplements of the church. — Thus did they
March, with irons 911 their feet, to the place of
execution,, Avhich was. about 40 rods from the

303
prison. — Having reached the gallows,, those to
be executed were placed in front, the other
prisoners in the rear.
Being now ready to proceed to the execu
tion, the prisoners awaited their fate with the
ut.nost composure ; discovering a firmness
and resolution which entitled them to a better
fate. Mr. Farquarson-, Avas the first selected for
execution. Being led to the steps of the gal
lows by the Jack Ketch of the day, his irons
Avere taken off and he led up to the top of the
scaffold, where he Avas seated fronting his fel
low prisoners; he rose upon his feet, and bade
adieu to his companions in a most affectionate
manner. He was tnen launched into eternity.
In the same manner they proceeded to exe
cute the remaining nine ; leaving the Catholics
until the last.
Here it may not be conceived amiss to recite
the barbarous method which was pursued after
these unfortunate men "were suspended from
the gallows. The Executioner of the Day,
Avho was a Negro, and who Avas promised his
liberty for the performance of the office, let
himself down upon the ropes, and seated him
self upon their shoulders, Avith his feet hanging

304
upon the breast, Avhen he beat the breath out
their bodies.
With one exception they all had something
to say to their companions ere a final separa
tion. Begud, a native of Poland, evinced in
difference for the fate Avhich awaited him : he
observed that they had all suffered much, but
that his miseries were soon to end ; declared
his innocence, and his belief that the arms of
Miranda would rid the survivors of their
chains. Mr. Donohue, after his priest had left him,
observed, — " FelloAv Prisoners, I wish you a
final adieu, (then pointing towards the Span
iards) these blood-hounds will ere long pay
the forfeit of their infamy."
After execution, their bodies were taken
down and laid upon a block ; when the Negro
Avith a chopping-knife severed the heads from
their shoulders, and held them by the hair,
bleeding, to public view !
Maranda's colours Avere now cut down, and
triumphantly carried some short distance from
the gallows, where, Avere placed, in a pile, the
uniform clothes, hats, and warlike instruments
of the officers ; upon the top of Avhich the col
ours Avere placed, and fire set to them.
The scene of death and butchery lasted from

305
six o'clock in the morning until one in the
afternoon, when the remainder of the prisoners
were returned to their respective prisons, there
toawait transportation to their respective places
of servitude.
The day after the execution, they understood
permission Avould be granted them to write to
fheir friends, their letters first to be inspected
by a public officer; and if approved of, were
to be forwarded to their friends or relat'n/.is in
the United States. This rendered great cir
cumspection necessary, for fear of displeasing
the Spaniards ; and hence the omission of facts
relative to the execution of their companions,
which had excited some doubts in the minds
of their friends as to the truth of the news re
specting their fate.

THE Prisoners are removed to Carthagena.
Their Imprisonment and Sufferings.
HAVING returned from witnessing the ex
ecution of their companions, the prisoners
Avere kept in confinement, without any amelio
ration of their condition. They Avished for the
day to arrive when they should be taken out
for the purpose of being removed to their re
spective .places of servitude, hoping that some
auspicious circumstance might favour an es
cape. The expected day arrived on the 7th
yf August, when, after the most critical in-
c c2

306 •
spection by the Spaniards to avoid the possi
bility of their effecting an escape, they were
taken out and carried on board of an armed
merchant-ship of ten guns, in order to be con
veyed to Carthagena, an extensive seaport
town situated on the Main, a distance of about
three hundred miles from Porto Cavello. At
the mouth of this harbour is situated Bocca
Chica, to which place a portion of the prison
ers were sentenced. At this place the remain
der Avere to continue until a convenient oppor-
tunitv offered to transport them to their places'
of destination.
The prisoners were all placed betAveen the
decks, and guarded by about fifty soldiers,
exclusive of the ship's crew. Thus situated
it must have been extremely difficult to put
into execution any effectual plan for the pur
pose of regaining their liberty. But situated
as they Avere, no means, however desperate,
would have been declined which should afford
them any probability of success.'
Several schemes were concerted, and all
frustrated ; preparations were made for ridding
themselves of their irons during the night, —
Avhen they were to rise upon the guard, take
command of the vessel, and thereby endeavor
to effect their escape. — But just before the ap
pointed time arrived, they Avere -surprised to
see the guard about their persons increased,
and their irons often inspected. This circum
stance induced a belief that some one of their
number had betrayed them.
The prisoners, finding they had failed in one
scheme, had recourse to another. It was pro
posed and agreed to, that in case no prospect

307
should appear of effecting their escape, before
they should reach Carthagena, one of their
number should, at a time agreed upon, de
scend into the magazine-room, put fire to the
powder, and thus instantly terminate their ex
istence. This scheme was likewise frustrated.
. Carthagena was now in sight, and all hopes
of escape Avere lost : Just as they were making
the port an English frigate hove in sight, be
ing in full chase after them ; but she was to©
late, — an uncommon fatality seemed to attend
all their prospects of relief. They arrived at
Carthagena on the 17th of August, after a
voyage often days.
The next day they were all marched up to
the prison, ready to receive them. The sor-
roAvful appearance the prisoners made in
marching along, in their irons, through the
town, (about 47 in number) without a cover
ing for their heads, barefooted, and in rags,
drew forth a motley group of Spaniards to be
hold them ; the shabby appearance of many,
hoAvever, proved that the prisoners were not
quite out of fasion in their tattered garments.
Arrived at the place of confinement, they
•were separated, and put into three different
hovels, almost destitute of the light of the sun,
hot, filthy, and Avithout any thing to rest their
heads upon but the bare ground. Whilst con
templating on their wretched situation, they
Avere comforted by the information that these
were only temporary places of confinement ;
and they Avere soon removed to a more spa
cious prison, fitted for the purpose, 90 feet in
Oensth, and 30 in width, though no light was

308
admitted except Avhat entered through the
gratings of the prison-door.
Here 28 in number (the others having com,
menced their laborious servitude at Bocca
Chica) were destined to linger out a Wretched
existence, with 251bs. of chain riveted on their
emaciated limbs ; their beds made of stone,
and their pillows of brick, with a scanty pit
tance of food barely sufficient to support na
ture. After enduring for many months their ex
treme sufferings from loathsome heat, sickness,
scanty food, and their galling chains, they
were gratified, for the first time since their
capture, by an interview with one of their ovvn
countrymen, Capt. Barker of New York.
This gentleman having lost his vessel in the
South Seas, and hearing of the sufferings of
the prisoners, obtained leave to visit them ;
he humanely sympathized Avith them —
rendered them such pecuniary aid as his
finances would admit and obtained permission
for the prisoners to receive such assistance as
their friends might wish to send them.
Conscious as they were of having violated
the laws of their country — yet they were also
conscious that they had been led unwarily to
embark in the unfortunate cause, resolved to
draw up a memorial to the Government, sta
ting their unhappy situation,£and praying their
interference for relief— The memorial was for
warded to our Government by Capt Barker ;
but without the -desired-effect,, owing to par
ticular circumstances relative to the expedition,
and the difficulties Avhich existed at that time
between the tAvo governments.

309
Memorial of twenty citizens of the United States of Ame
rica, confined under sentence of Slavery, in the Dominions
of his most Catholic Majesty, the* King of Spain, to the
President, Senate, and House of Representatives :
5HKWS, that we your Memorialists, are natives of
the United States of AmeriGa, and for the most part of
the city of New-York, and are part of a number of men
of the same description, who were brought from New-
York in Fehruary last, in the ship Leander, Thomas
Lewis commander, under circumstances of treachery and
imposition, which your memorialists will proceed to ex
plain.— — Samuel G. Ogden has been known, for some
time, as owner of the Ship l.eander, which vessel had, lor
some time, been employed by him in a forced trade, for
which purpose she has been heavily armed ; consequent
ly there was less danger of her war-like equipments
awakening; suspicion on the part of the public, or in the
breasts of your memorialists, of any illegal undertaking-.
Of the whole number of your memorialists, some were at
tached to the vessel, some were employed for military
service, and others for the exercise of their ordinary oc
cupations and trade. Those of the first description, were
shipped in the usual manner, on a voyage to Jacmel
and back to New- York ; the rest were engaged hy CoJ.
Wm. Smith, Mr. John Fink. -Col. Win. Armstrong, and
Mr. Daniel R- Durning, to proceed to New Orleans, and
other places not mentioned, under the command of Mr.
Armstrong- and Mr Durning ; who, as was falsely and
shamefully mentioned, had been appointed by Govern
ment, to carry thither a certain number of men as a
guard to the Mail. Under the influence of such, and
other specious assurances, your memorialists embarked
at Staten Island, and were carried immediately to »ea.
Shortly after leaving the port, it was discovered that
Gen. Miranda was on board, together with a number of
n-rsons not before known to your memorialists, who ap
peared in the characters of officers, attached to his person.
The ship proceeded on her voyage until off Bermuda,
wh-re she was examined by his Urittanic Majesty s
friffate Cleopatra Opt. White, who suffered her to pro
ceed, notwithstanding the discovery that she was loaded
with arms and warlike stores, and arrived at Jacmel on
19th of February, '.vhtre the vessel remained until the
27th of March following. During this interval, much dis-

310
lontent was occasioned among many of your memorial
ists, in as much as they now found themselves i;i «¦ coun
try whither they had not undertaken to go, unci prevented
by force from returning : exercised in rnilrury duty,
tinder the most arbitrary power, on the part of Geii. Mi
randa, Col Armstrong and Mr Durning ; prevented from
writing to their friends in the United Slates, and kept in
Ignorance as to the ultimate object of tile expedition.
Some of your memoiialists attempted an escape to Port
au-Princ?, or some other part of St; Domingo but was
defeated bv the diligence of Miranda's officers. In Jac
mel. t'-e schooners Bee aiid Bacchus wtre employed to
ai'.companv the ship in her voyage. On board ol these
Vessels vour memorialists were obliged to embark, and
left St. Dominco on the 27th of March. After having
touched at the Island of -Aruba for refreshments, the
three vessels proceeded towards the coast of Terra Hr-
ma. between Laguira and Porto Cavello, where they ar
rived on the 27th of April, when the schooners in which
your memorialists were embarked being deserted by the
Leandtr, were captured by two Spanish cruizers, and
carried into Porto Cavello. where they were all proceeded
against, under charges of Piracy, Ike. On the 12th of
July this process was closed by the Captain General of
Caraccas, and ten (who Were considered to have been
wilfully engaged) were condemned to death ; nineteen
to eight ye,ars slavery at Bocca Chica, fourteen to ten
years slavery at Porto Rico ; and foureen to ten years
slavery at Omoa, in the Province of Mexico. The
ten who received sentence of death, were hanged and be
headed on the 21st of July. Your memorialists, together
with their companions, sentenced to Bocca Chica, with
others who are preven'.ed by sickness from joining- in this
memorial, were soon after removed to this place, where
they have been about three months. Your memorialists
are in close confinement, and in irons, and will remain so
until they are removed to their respective stations, at
Omoa and Porto Rico.
Your memorialists predicate their right to claim the in
terference of Government in their behalf, upon the original
innocence of their intentions, and the veracity of the state
ment they have offered. To establish these to .your satis
faction, they beg that the persons herein after mentioned,
who are informed of the intrigue that was exen ised by
Coj. Smith and others, his colleagues, may be appealed

3U
to, viz Mr. Daniel Kemper, whose son was executed;.
Col. Marrinus Willet, Mr. Brinkerhoff, tavern keeper,
VA'jlliam, Rutledge, snip joiner, Samuel Wuiship, and
Francis White, butchers, all of New-Voik. And if it shall
appear by the testimony of these persons, that the ac-r
eount of your memorialists be worthy of credit, that they
have been betrayed and entrapped by the cunning engines
of specious, needy and designing men, who still remain,
within the reach of the law, m a situation to be made
responsible in their persons, the innocence of your memo
rialists, they trust, will be equally manifest, and they will
still be considered by the constituted authorities of their
country, entitled to its protection and support.— And
vour memorialists shall ever pray.
Carthagena, Dec. 30 1806.
Signed by 20 of the prisoners.

BREACH OF PRISON.
FINDING their hardships almost insuffer
able, the prisoners again turned their attention
to the breach began in the Avail of the prison,
which they had commenced some time before.
Not a moment Avas lost which could be devo
ted to the purpose with safety ; and at the ex
piration of about seven months their labour
was so far completed, as to afford them the
opportunity to leave the prison the first favor
able moment.
About the 7th of November, just before
meridian of night, they were prepared to tafce
their departure. After forming their company
into three divisions, and agreeing on the order
in which they should proceed, Mr. Lippin-.
court and Sherman led the van ; who, .iter
traversing the country for several nights, and
concealing themselves during each day, they
were joined by one of theif late comrades, Mr.
Moses Smith, Avho, from indisposition, had
been unable to proceed with the other party ;

312
and. from the vigilance with Avhich he was.
pursued by the Spanish' Cavalry, had been two.
days without any kind of sustenance. Shortly
afterwards they all three embarked on board
a boat, and put to sea, in hopes of being pick
ed up by the vessel. of some friendly nation.
Tn is anticipation was happily realized, and they
arrived in the United States in January, 1808.
The other fifteen prisoners, after several
days of extreme fatigue, met with an old Span
iard, Avho knew them, and engaged for about
50 dollars, the last farthing of their pecuniary
funds, that he would place them within forty
:miles of Carthagena, from whence they might.
easily make their escape ; the money was ac
cordingly paid But previous to their embark
ation the Spaniard was informed that the
Governor had offered ten dollars a head for
these unfortunate men ; Avhich induced him to
form the plan of treacherously giving them,
up. The prisoners, together with several
Spaniards, embarked, as they conceived, for
Carthagena ; but the traitor had too effectually
matured his plan of deception, — and rowing
to the shore under a feigned pretence, fifty
armed men appeared, and instantly conducted
them back to prison.
They were most severely punished for en
deavoring to effect their escape ; and it was
understood their confinement would be leno-th-
ened ; but since which Ave are happy to learn
all those deluded sufferers who did not fall vic
tims to Spanish persecution, have arrived safe
to their native country, and the armsof their
friends.

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