affords almost the only consoling reflection, to be gleaned from a review of our works on the Spanish Main. As I before observed, nearly all the inhabitants, rich and poor, male and female, the sick and the old, as well as the healthy and young had disappeared, having fled to other places and to the woods. What a horrid panick must have seized these inoffensive people to have driven them to measures so extreme; and what a scene of distress must their flight have exhibited. It was not, however, in all cases, their own terror that prompted them to quit their homes; but many, who would rather have encountered infidels than become the companions of wild beasts, were coerced to depart by the Spanish government. The governor drove the multitude out before him like cattle, and would listen to no entreaties from those who desired to stay. Many doubtless thought they might as well perish by sword as famine; and that they stood at least as good a chance from the clemency of the invaders as was offered by a retreat into the forests. My heart is wrung to think of the domestic misery that must have been occasioned by this detestable business. Some of it I saw, and heard of more; and have no doubt there existed

hundreds of instances of extreme suffering, which we could not know. One morning whilst we were at Coro, a young officer informcd me, he had accidentally seen a sick and helpless old man, who was near dying from want, having had nothing to eat for the last two days, I proposed to take him some of our provision before we dined. We accordingly

proceeded to his apartment with such sustenance and refreshments as we had. At this un expected relief, his gratitude and joy were more thair he could express. He uttered short thanks in Spanish, for he could speak no English; but his face said a thousand grateful things, that no language could convey. By a gentleman who accompanied us, who understood Spanish, we learned that the old man's family and servant had left him, taking with them all the provis. ions in the house, the moment that the firing of our cannon at La Vela was heard. He had been long confined by sickness, and was only strong enough to sit in bed; but not to reach his crucifix and prayer book, which were on the window board some paces from his bed side. In this situation he must have expired had we not come to his relief. . Before our departure from Coro, he and other suffering

inhabitants whom we knew, were supplied as far as in our power with a stock of provisions, to serve them till their affrighted friends returned.

Upon taking my departure from the Main, it is due to gratitude, that I mention the affecting kindness of a Roman priest at Coro, to our sick and wounded. He discovered a most amiable solicitude, both for the comfort of their bodies, and the future welfare of their souls. Towards col. Kirkland, for whose life we entertained serious apprehensions, he exercised the benevolence of a christian and the tenderness of a father. He provided for him not only a comfortable but elegant apartment, with several attendants and every necessary which his situation required. He is held in the most grateful remembrance by that officer. When we considered that this good catholick 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 could 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 per

sons. 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 advancing against us. 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. Miranda supposed this time and place proper for surprising the enemy, then believed to be advancing, by a well directed fire from the ambush. The general puffing and fuming as he approached, said . why don't you fire lieutenant? why don't you fire sir?" "I see nothing to fire at general;" replied the lieutenant. "Fire at those bushes then sir,” rejoined the general; "fire, sir, and let them know we have got guns." The officer blazed away according to order. What havock was made among the bushes we know not, as no return of the killed and wounded has been made. The truth is, the Spaniards never approached nearer than

ithin three or four miles of the town and batte

ries;

nor was there any appearance of their 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 of this island; and announces it to the constituted 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 virtuous people like you, nothing is to be apprehended. Our object is to emancipate a people, who have long suffered under the rod of tyranny; and who have invited us to give them