tioned as one cause of his failure. The reasons 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 positions laid down by one of his advocates at the outset.

First, From the boundless extent of the coast of Spanish America, he can choose his point of landing.

Second, From the same circumstance, the whole military force, that is to say, the military force from the mother country, is distribu. ted into small detachments, and these detachments are most remote from each other. no single post in America can there be more than one thousand men.

In

Third, The militia of the country are inva riably in his cause.

Fourth, If he could therefore, raise a suffi cient force to withstand the attack of two or three of these detachments, for more could never join, he would be enabled to maintain his ground; and revolutionizing as he went, add his conquests to his force,

From this narrative in connexion with the prior history of gen. Miranda, you will receive an impression of his character not so favourable as that entertained by many persons. I have related facts. They must be allowed to speak for themselves. His imagination and feelings were an overmatch for his judgment.

He is more rash and presumptuous in projects, than dexterous in extricating 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 sush 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.

His

His hair is

ed, 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. chest is square and prominent. grey and he wears it tied long behind with powder. He has strong grey whiskers growing on the outer edges of his ears, as large as most Spaniards have on their cheeks. In the contour of his visage you plainly perceive an expression of pertinaciousness and suspicion. Upon the whole without saying he is an elegant, we may pronounce him a handsome man.

He

has a constant habit of picking his teeth. When sitting he is never perfectly still; his foot or hand must be moving to keep time with his mind which is always in exercise. He always sleeps a few moments after dinner, and then walks till bed time, which with him is about midnight. He is an eminent example of temperance. A scanty or bad meal is never regarded by him as a subject of complaint. He uses no ardent spirits; seldom any wine. Sweetened water is his common beverage." Sweetness and warmth, says he, are the two

Bb

greatest physical goods; and acid and cold are the greatest physical evils in the universe.

He is a courtier and gentleman in his manners. Dignity and grace preside in his movements. Unless when angry, he has a great command of his feelings; and can assume what looks and tones he pleases. In general his demeanour is marked by hauteur and distance. When he is angry he loses discretion. He is impatient of contradiction. In discourse he is logical in the managements 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 map.

men.

ners of a father and instructor to the young 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

hearers to the scenes of great actions and introduced them to the distinguished characters of every age. He took excursions to Troy, Babylon, Jerusalem, Rome, Athens and Syracuse. Men famed as statesmen, heroes, pat riots, 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 inexhaustible fund of learning; his probity, his generosity and patriotism. After all, this man of renown, I fear, must be considered as hav. ing more learning than wisdom; more theoretical knowledge than practical talent; too sanguine and too opinionated to distinguish between the vigour of enterprise and the hardiness 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 America extend from latitude 39 degrees 30