1

nication with those, who were his acknow ledged agents and advocates. We have, as yet, made no definite engagements with him, nor he with us; and I presume, if upon fur ther insight into the business, or experience of the service, we shall be dissatisfied, we may if we please, withdraw; though it must be confessed our destinies, now we have proceed, ed so far, are seriously joined with those of Miranda. Do you ask, whether our taking a part in this enterprise consists with our rela tion to our country, or with moral right, to say nothing of common discretion? I hope it 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 mate 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 are

not desperadoes, though they are adventurers ; 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 dishonourable part.

7 ཉིན་༥

We are encouraged in the belief that our government has given its implied sanction to this 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 of force against Spain. Under such impressions, we think we shall not be called to account as violating the pacifick relations of the United States. The project of appearing for the relief of the oppressed, under the banners of a celebrated chief, who is said to be their greatest friend and favorite; of lending our assistance to found an independent state, in extensive, fertile and populous' regions, where the spirit of the people is crushed and the resources of nature are kept down by a vile colonial policy, presents itself to our imaginations and hearts in the most attractive light,

ર

If

and makes us rejoice that it has fallen to our lot, to attempt the deliverance of a large portion of our fellow men. We flatter ourselves it is honourable and humane to be thus engaged; still I am sensible that nothing short of complete success will ensure such a design the approbation of the mass of mankind. we succeed, our fame will take care of itself, To quiet the revoltings of humanity and satisfy 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 remove 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 expectations of success. It is also intimated that we shall receive, as far as occasion shall require, the countenance and co-operation of the British. After all, it must be confessed, we may be plucking a thousand dangers on our heads:" but we presume our conductor knows

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

LETTER II.

Account of Miranda. His age.-Leander spoken by the British Frigate Cleopatra, and near being sent into Bermuda for trial.-Sailors impressed.-Happy 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 comprehensive and accurate information, improved by extensive reading, by travelling and observation. According to his own account he is

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 pleasing. In the treatment of us, his volunteers, he is all affability and condescension. This may be his habit, or it may proceed from the interest he has at present in conciliating our esteem and good will. May his courteous demeanour continue when he shall have accepted our commissions, and have come under his power. He is very much disposed to conversation. 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. of 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 illustrate the opinions which he seems anxious to inculcate. It is evident enough, that he aims to sow in the minds of his followers, the