as may injure the expedition; which steps he says are justified by the laws of nations, and very probably she will not be allowed to leave this before us.

This morning arrived here the Aspasia from Baltimore, mounting fourteen guns, commanded 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 within 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 taking in sail and making ready to anchor. Captain B. confirms our suspicions respecting the schooner.

March 18th. The Bee lies close under our stern; last night between eight and nine o'clock, a voice from her called for assistance, nd at the same time the noise seemed to indithere a mutiny or riot. Several of the Lean! that all the cipal officers, armed, hastened on (I don't'known produced silence, bringing four the best of his waway, who were put in irons account this blockadt a ears, however, that

the disturbance was nothing but the effect of the liquor drank to the honour of St. Patrick's

day.

But it seemed to give the general as

much alarm as if it had been a concerted mutiny. Two of our non-commissioned officers were yesterday turned into the ranks for insolence to their superiors. Miranda is growing more strict, and not without necessity, in my opinion. Many of our people seem as if too well instructed in the right of self-government, to be governed by the authority, or submit to the ordinary and indispensable restraints of military service.

March 23d. After all our delay, we are not to be joined by the Emperor. A week ago intelligence was received, that she had put to sea with the intention of joining the Leander. A gentleman this morning from Port au Prince, gives information that she has returned into port. The reason is supposed to be, that the law of Congress, prohibiting intercourse with St. Domingo, and the news of which, had just come, induces captain Jacob Lewis to remain, 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, regarded with suspicion by the general, is certain. The night after the arrival of the Bacchus, 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 respecting 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 seamen by profession; and was appointed a major in the Columbian army, on the 19th inst. and Jonathan Smith, esq. supercargo, was the same day made a brevet major.

This night three American vessels sailed, homeward bound. The Leander has been taking upon herself airs, that I for one, cannot

approve. But when there are no laws to be followed, it is well understood, that those who have the power, makes laws for themselves. It being suspected that the Charleston packet, (one of the vessels just mentioned) has taken away two of our sailors, the second mate with a party of armed men was dispatched for them, and upon. search found that no man belonging to us was in the suspected vessel. On setting out to return, the mate ordered the muskets and pistols of his crew to be discharged to prevent injury in rowing back. The flashes were seen by us, the packet being about two miles 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 with 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. master protested against it as a usurpation in such language as such conduct would naturally provoke, but without effect. He was not only obliged right or wrong to open his hatches, but received much personal insult and abuse

The

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 sworn to by the officers --Compensation of the officers.

March 25th, 1806.

THE last three days have been particularly employed in preparations for sea; and I pre. sume from the arrangements lately made, wo shall not remain here much longer. We have accepted our commissions as officers in the Columbian army, and made the following engagements 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