The History of Don Francisco de Miranda's Attempt to effect a Revolution in South America. In a series of letters ... Revised, corrected, and enlarged. To which are annexed, sketches of the life of Miranda, and geographical notices of Caraccas

Front matter

HISTORY OF DON FRANCISCO DE MIRANDAS ATTEMPT TO EFFECT A REVOLUTION IK SOUTH AMERICA. IN X SERIES OF LETTERS. BY JAMES BIGGS. REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED. TO WHICH ARE ANNEXES, SKETCHES OF THE LIFE OF MIRANDA, AND GEO- GRAPHICAL NOTICES OF CARACCAS. Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot Unlikely wonders. — Siiak. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY T. GILLET, CROWN-COURT, FLEET-STREET, AND SOLD BY GODDARD, PALL-MALL J AND SHERWOOD, NEELY, AND JONES, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1809. [Entered at Stationers' Hall.~\

ADVERTISEMENT.

TO THE LONDON EDITION. When a book is submitted to the public, they have a right to expect an avowal of the author's reasons for laying it before them. No time, perhaps, could have been more proper than the present, for the publication of the matter contained in this volume. Every political eye is now directed towards South America***; and the moment is fast approaching, when that immense and valuable section of the globe must effect its independence, or change its master. Whatever, there fore, tends to throw light upon the at tempts which have been already made to accomplish either of these purpo,ses, cannot fail to command serious attention, a2

Preface

. THE Letters in this volume give an account of the commencement, pro gress, and termination of Miranda's at tempt to effect a revolution in South America. The facts came within the observation of the writer, or were obtained by careful inquiry. In history, says a great moralist and critic, the whole should be told. The author has told

PREFACE.

. all that appeared to him at once proper to be related, and interesting to the reader. These letters were written for the information of the author's friends, and to assist his own memory. After much deliberation and some doubt, he has been induced to commit them to the press. The expedition of Miranda excited attention and expectation at the time it was in operation ; and has not ceased to be a subject of .speculation. It had a certain aspect upon 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 enterprize should be detailed, and the impression he made pii the minds of his unfortunate sol-

PREFACE.

. IX lowers should be known. By the disclosure of the facts, the persons concerned with him may hope to be considered with more equity, and perhaps more favour, than they would find, if the public opinion were left to be formed by the fictions of rumour and the exaggerations of ignorance. It is possible that its developement 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 communicate liberty. This enterprize, and its incidents, afford a curious exhibition of human nature. The bold-* * See an account of their situation and fate, in the Monthly Magazine for March, 1809. X

PREFACE.

. ness of the design, and the variations of fortune in its progress and execution ; the sufferings and the actions of the ad venturers, 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 the pe rusal of eccentric adventures. CONTENTS.

Spanish schooner brought to. — Conjectures upon this unusual procedure. — Stratagem to deceive the master of the schooner. — Miranda appoints his officers.— Their names and distribution into corps. — Uniforms, &c. — Arrival at Jacquemel.— Accident. 14

Letter IV

Difficulty of getting into port. — A quarrel, and its apprehended mischiefs. — Scene on the deck of tha Leander. — Form of officers' commissions. — A sail CONTENTS. Page seen. — Complaint of the effects of delay. — Return of Captain Lewis. 2*4

Letter V

Columbian colours displayed. — Schooner Bee chartered. — Report from La Guira. — Aspasia. — Disturbance in the Bee. — Disappointment respecting the ship Emperour. — Schooner Bacchus engaged. Supposed to bring a spy. — Treatment of a Danish vessel. 36

Letter XI

The Leander attacked by two Spanish guarda costas.— « The 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, &c. 74

Letter XXVIII

Geographical and statistical notices of Caraccas. ERRATA V, 68, last line, for Ocumary, read Ocumars. P. 88, I. 22, for silent read silence. P. 288, I. 5, for two hundred and sixty, read one hundred and seventy. P. 252, 1. 17, for Redingfield, read Biddings eld. MIRANDA'S EXPEDITION.

Letter I

Commencement of the expedition. — Ship and Commander. — Author's views and expectations in joining Miranda. — Supposed destination. — -Reasons for believing the enterprise sanctioned by the government of the United States. Ship Leander, at Sea, February 5th, 1806, to Mr. R. S. G***n of Philadelphia. DEAR FRIEND, PUBLIC rumour has probably given you some information of a mysterious expedition, 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 spe culate too largely on the favours of fortune It may be so ; but I have deliberated much on the subject, and think I am justified in the re solution I have taken.

I confess, however, that rn forming it, the opinion of men, whose for tunes and characters are staked on the issue, had great authority. My new situation will no doubt furnish a variety of subjects and events for a correspondence, 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 address to you an account of all the interesting occurrences that may happen in this expedition, remaining silent only when it shall be enjoined by an honourable 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 Captain Thomas Lewis, who is reputed to be a man of iutrepidity, and a thorough master of his profession.

He is said to have proved his spirit aud 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 element. 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 un able 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 I to make it my business to importune for particular information.

I deem it proper, at this moment, to suffer my curiosity to remain un satisfied, till the period arrives when inquiry will not be considered impertinent, or an ex posure of our plans and intentions impolitic. This, I apprehend, will shortly be the case. I b2 for one, and most others, have embarked upon o-eneral information and assurances that more shall be disclosed at a suitable season. We rely much on our leader and on those who re commended 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 America, 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 pre pared.

For this purpose the Leander was en gaged and fitted out, as we understand, by the credit and funds of Don Francisco de Mi randa, the Commander-in-chief of the expedi tion. The vessel is laden with arms of various descriptions, ammunition, clothing, and every kind of military equipage necessary for a cam paign. A number of \mericans, some of them gentlemen, and persons of good standing in society, though mostly, I believe, of crooked fortunes, haved embarked. Few of us, before entering the ship, saw our leader, but had our communication with those, who were his ac knowledged agents and advocates. We have, as yet, made no definite engagements with him, nor he with us ; and I presume, if upon further insight into the business, or experience of the service, we shall be dissatisfied, we may, if please, withdraw; though it must be confessed our destinies, now we have proceeded so far, are seriously joined with those of Miranda.

Do you ask, whether our taking a part in this enterprise consists with our relation 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 thoughtless or ignorant enough to disregard these weighty considerations. Perhaps it is a matter of indifference to many of the volunteers in what cause they act, if it do but promise them au opportunity of distinguishing themselves by martial achievements, and afford a chance of acquiring 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 emoluments, 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 dis honourable part.

We are encouraged in the belief, that our government has given its implied sanction to this expedition; and this circumstance, taken in connection 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 expect or intends, very soon, explicitly to authorise the use of force against Spain. Under such im pressions, we think we shall not be called to account as violating the pacific 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, aud the resources of nature are kept down by a vile colo nial policy, presents itself to our imaginations and hearts in the most attractive light, and make 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 com plete success will ensure such a design the approbation of the mass of mankind. If we suc ceed, our fame will take care of itself. To quiet the revolting of our humanity, and sa tisfy 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 thi^ disposition of the inhabitants to join the stan dard of our leader in such numbers as to com pel the few friends of the old order to make terms without delay, we place our expectations of success.

It is aiso 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. Your's truly, &c.

Letter II

dccount of Miranda. — Hi? age. — Leander spoken by the British Frigate Cleopatra, and near being sent to Burmuda for trial. — Sailors impressed. — Happy result. February 9th, 1806. General Miranda has heretofore employed, and sometimes agitated, the public 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 Revolution, 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 ex cels all men that ever I have known, in collo quial eloquence and power of persuasion. He discovers a full mind, furnished with compre hensive and accurate information, improved by extensive reading, by travelling, and obser vation.

According to his own account he is in the fifty-second year of his age. His ap7 pearance is that of sixty. Perhaps no man living can boast a more retentive memory. His manners and address are extremely plea sing. In the treatment of us, his volunteers, be 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 we shall have ac cepted our commissions, and have come under his power. He is very much disposed to con versation. With a fund of materials to render it instructive and amusing, he makes a judi cious selection of topics ; accordingly, to the young men, some of whom have just left col lege, he talks of literature, and recommends the study of the Spanish language and of ma thematics.

Proficiency in these branchps, he tells them, will ensure promotion in his army. The gentlemen more advanced in years are en tertained with his ideas on the subjects of politics 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 sollowers, the seeds of heroical deeds ; of liberty, and re.olution. 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. 12th, 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 consider able anxiety on board — particularly with the General.

We shall probably know something more of this strange sail before long, as she is sailing 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 questiop able shape. If she is English, perhaps " all may be well." I must conclude, as we 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 after 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 Britannic Majesty's ship Cleopatra, of forty guns, commanded by Captain John Wight. The first lieutenant of the frigate came on board and examined our ship and crew. We were detained nearly twenty-four bours, 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. Domingo.

These were, on examination, de clared by Captain Wight to be unsatisfactory. A gentleman then by the name of Armstrong 3-yenl on board with instructions from the General, and joined with Lewis in expostulating with the commander of the frigate, but without effect. At last the General himself was obliged 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 proceed. This event has confirmed our impressions, 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, authorising, or at least protecting him in the undertaking.

This idea is strengthened, by Miranda saying that Captain Wight had promised to assist in the enterprise. The General remained on board the frigate all night, and returned 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 afterwards. in whispers, through the ship. Besides, the expedition is now placed on a respectable foot ing, by having, as we presume, the acknow ledgment and countenance of England. We are all in high spirits and high hopes. The General speaks now more openly about the en terprise ; he expresses great anxiety 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 ad vantage 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.

Your's sincerely, &c. LETTER Us. Spatiish schooner brought to-— Conjectures upon this unusual procedure. — Stratagem to deceive the master of the schooner. — Miranda appoints his officers. — Their names and distribution into corps. — Uniforms, 8t;c. Arrival at Jacquemel. — Accidents. February 15th, 1806. We are now in the Mona passage, between the islands of Porto Rico and St. Domingo. A circumstance occured this morning 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 schooner ; 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 which we dis charged several shot; and she was at last oblig ed, for fear of being sunk, to heave to under our lee.

The master was immediately ordered on board with his papers; and, upon examina tion, the vessel proved to be a Spanish schooner, from St. Martins, loaded with logwood, and and bound to St. Bartholomews. After an hour's detention, she was permitted to pro ceed. Previous to the master coming on board, the General and Lewis had some private conversation, at the conclusion of wTiich, the latter ordered all those of our crew who could French, to use no ther language 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 gangway was instantly crowded with fifteen or twenty sailors and servants, who be gan talking in French. When the master came over the side and found himself among Frenchmen, he brought his hand forcibly to his breast and exclaimed, " Vive 1' 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 usages ? 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 Was this schooner fired at, compelled to heave to, the captain ordered on board, and his papers examined ? These questions, I confess, I cannot answer to my own satisfaction ; and therefore, probably not to yours. The only apo logy which I can imagine is, that our chief had it in view to gratify his curiosity, or obtain in telligence which might be important; I 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 con sented.

Feb. \7th. Last Thursday General Miranda assigned to his volunteers the several ranks which they are to hold in his army, in a Gene ral 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 * " Leand-r,Feb. 14th, 1806, Latitude 21 . 2/. N. Longitude 64. 3 W." " G. O." " Parole, America. Countersign, Liberty." " TheCommander-in-chief has thought proper to makes the following appointments of officers, in the Columbian Army, and different corps thereof, as hereafter mentioned with which you are acquainted, and a number of others, whose distinction is yet to be ac quired. to commence rank and pay from the first day of January, 1806." 1. William Armstrong, 2. Thomas Lewis, Colonel. do. 3.

William Steuben SmithA * Aide-de-camp to the f ' . , _ , . , . - > Lieut.-colonel, Commander-in-chief, I with the rank of J 4. Henry Sands, Major. 5. Bareut Roorbach, Captain. 6. Thomas Billop, do. 7. - David Heckle, do. S. Daniel R. Durning, do. .9. James B. Gardner, do. 10. Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do. 11. Samuel C. Lowdon, do. 12. William Hosack, First Lieutenant. 13. Charles Johnson, do. ,14. JohnOrford, do. 15. Paula Theodore George, do. 16. Daniel D. Kemper, do. 17. Miles L. Hall, do. 18. John T. O. Sullivan, do. J 9. William Lowdon, do. 20. Edward Yates, (Adjutant) Second Lieutenant. 21. Francis Farquharson, do. 22. Henry Newton, do. 23. James do. 24. Thomas Gill, •&». c There are several others who have as yet eceived no particular appointment, but who are on probation for something.

Besides the twenty-six names just mentioned, there are two others in place, who are said not to belong to the military catalogue. Mr. Jonathan Smith, supercargo of the ship, and Mr. Thomas Mo lini, secretary to his excellency the General. The first of these gentlemen is commonly called Major, but I believe incorrectly, as he has not yet taken a Columbian commission. What we now see and hear justifies the supposition of an expectation in his Excellency 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 arrival on the Main. With thi9 employment, and the study of the Spanish language, to make themselves under stood by their new friends, all will have enough to do.

It is no time for play now ; though it is easy to see that some of them, even those of sedate years, think of nothing else, and the General has seemed to encourage it. He sup- 25. John Moore, Second Lieutenant. 26. Djvid Burnett, do. poses, perhaps, that in our situation, thought might " make thick our blood," a id merri ment will rob our ambiguous voyage of some " taste of tediousness." We are stationed in the different corps of the Columbian Army, in the manner of the follow ing recapitulation, which I also place in the saargin for your inspection ;* this form I shall * RECAPITULATION, Engineers. John Orford, First Lieutenant. Artillery. Samuel Lowdon, Captain. William Hosack, First Lieutenant. William Lowdon, do. James — — , Second Lieutenant. Francis Farquharson, do. Corps of Artifctrs.

David Heckle, Captain. First Regiment Light Dragoons. Daniel R. Durning, Captain. Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do. Edward Yates, Cornet. First Regiment of Riflemen. William Armstrong, Colonel. , . . — Lieut. Colonel. , — Major. Barent Roorbach, Captain. c2 observe, when most convenient, with all do cuments 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 (Lieute nants and Newton), until further orders, Captain Roorbach, major of brigade, and Cap tain 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- Thomas Billop, Charles Johnson, Miles L. Hall, Thomas Gill, Captain.

First Lieutenant. do. do. Fust Regiment North American Infantry. Thomas Lewis, Colonel. Colonel. Henry Sands, Major. James B. Gardner, Captain. Daniel Kemper, First Lieutenant, John T. O. Sullivan, do. Henry NeVton, Second Lieutenant. David Burnet, do. John Moore, do. Dr. Samuel Scofield, of New York, is appointed Surgeon to the Army. tween you and me, the patterns, whether in tended for his excellency, the officers, or pri vates, do not meet our ideas of either taste or elegance. The order pointing out our uniforms is thus headed. I have transcribed tbc introduction, with a view of showing you to what importance the affair of regimentals is exalted by the sagacious author, to say nothing of the beauty of its composition. " G. O." " Parole, Warren. Countersign, Bunker's Hill. As the first step towards establishing discipline in an army, is a fixed uniform for each corps, from which no par tial 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 description of our particular regi mentals. The infantry dress in blue and yel low ; the artillery in blue and red ; the en gineers and artificers, in blue and black vel vet ; the riflemen in green ; and the dragoons in yellow 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 re spectively designated. 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. Jac 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.

ISth meridian. The harbour of Jacquemel is now in sight, and we have a fine steady breeze. Major Smith and Captain Lewis are 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 Jacque mel to expedite their journey. Half past 1, P. M. It is but a few mi nutes since we recovered from a most terrify ing accident. The jolly-boat, by the care lessness of some of the sailors, upset in lower ing down a-stern, the crew being in at the same time. They were struggling in the sea fifty miputes ; but were all fortunately saved by the spirited exertions of three seamen, who jumped overboard to their assistance. In this work of humanity, Captain Gardner set the example, by first throwing himself into the water ; and he merits the highest praise for his feeling and his courage, to which two of the sailors owe their lives.