User:Gilberto Jaimes-Correa

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COUNT DE ROUVRAY Diary of an Officer in Miranda’s Expedition of 1806 by Gilberto Jiames-Correa

It was decided, to maintain the English spelling of the original documents. A modo de Introducción Las noches en el Exterior, en el Servicio Exterior, son generalmente largas, no solamente nos ocupa nuestras programaciones y objetivos gubernamentales, pero también el problema de los nuestros en tierras ajenas, que aunque cerca a nuestro corazón, siempre ajenas fisicamente. También son las noches, donde la mayoría de mis colegas, se sientan a escuchar sus pensamientos y en mi caso en particular, a crear castillos y puentes que unan a nuestros pueblos, ya en desvandad cultural, llenos de retórica de globalidad. Una de esas noches, donde ya el cansancio había tomado mi cuerpo casi por completo y donde sentía la pesadez de la oscuridad de mi oficina y mas allá de los pasillos del inmueble diplomático, fue cuando sentí unos pasos que inundaron el pasillo y luego mi oficina hasta el espaldar de mi silla. No quise voltear a mirar, porque ya sabía que no había nada ahí y claro, ya mi cuerpo estaba encrespado, cerré los ojos y esperé sentir el próximo movimiento o sonido de lo que estaba en mi espalda. En ese silencio, en esa pesadez, solamente escuché—susurrar su nombre—Rouvray—fue todo lo que escuché. Semanas después, visitando las prisiones del país, por una parte consolando, por otra simplemente escuchando, por lo demás sirviendo de desahogo, la mayoría de las veces con improperios y amenazas de mis compatriotas detenidos, se me acercó un oficial de prisiones con lo que para él y luego para mi sería un tesoro.

Este oficial, cuyo nombre no viene al caso, ya que el mismo lo pidió así, me mostró un diario o mejor dicho un cuaderno, ya deteriorado y casi ilegible y me contó una sorprendente historia que a su vez nacía de una aún mayormente sorprendente. En la Prisión de Puerto España de 1807 pasó un huésped muy particular, de nombre André Froberg, ciudadano suizo, valet de otro ilustre personaje, del General Francisco de Miranda y quien al regreso de éste (Miranda) a la isla, se dedicó (Froberg) a tomar y caminar los bajos mundos hasta llegar al final de ese camino, que siempre ha sido la Prisión.

En efecto, luego corroboré dicha información en los Archivos de Francisco de Miranda (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones y Diversos 1806-1808; tomo XX; editorial Lex La Habana 1950). Froberg sí estuvo en prisión entre enero y junio de 1807, entonces todo concordaba, porque el diario que tenía en las manos, se le había entregado presuntamente en noviembre de 1806.

Cuenta el oficial de prisiones que en aquel entonces, como hoy en día, el Gobernador Hislop por solicitud de Miranda, soltó a Froberg, sin embargo, ante tal vergüenza, dicho personaje fue inmediatamente embarcado y de regreso a Europa y en efecto Froberg regresó antes que Miranda a Europa y luego allá tuvo un destino parecido al de Puerto España.

Sin embargo, el diario se quedó en una bolsa de tela junto con su ropa y otras necedades de Froberg en el bote en el cual fue transportado al primer barco que saliera a Europa. El bolso regresó a manos de las autoridades de prisión hasta varios años después, que en una limpieza, por curiosidad, más que por higiene, un oficial antes de votar el citado bolso se encontró con éste insignificante cuaderno cargado de una gran aventura, escrito para el amor de una dama que nunca lo llegó a recibir. Ya habían pasado un centenar de años del incidente, ya era imposible llevárselo a esa misteriosa dama, y por lo demás, el nombre de ella no figuraba. (quedó en las pocas neuronas que Froberg consumió en alcohol en Trinidad). Ese oficial, entonces tomó el diario y es aquí la primera sorpresa, lo que tal vez nadie se imaginaría que algien en su oficio haría….se lo regaló a su amor, a su compañera como prueba de sus sentimientos y por ese extraño gesto de amor, que llega a nuestros días el citado manuscrito, del cual apenas tuve algunas semanas en mis manos antes que su dueño con un gesto de un celo nostálgico, ya que pertenecía a su bisabuela, me lo quitara para no verlo jamás.

Pero quien fue Rouvray?, los Archivos de Miranda arriba citados, nos dice mucho y tal vez poco de esta interesante figura, quien he bautizado como el primer Canciller de la Colombia de Miranda. Sabemos que es un huérfano más de las luchas sociales del Caribe Francés quien termina su largo peregrinar en la isla de Trinidad. También sabemos, que su título de Conde, no fue parametro para señalarlo como conservador, más bien sus ideas revolucionarias son impresionantes y se traslucen en dos cartas que menciono al final de este trabajo, en una de las cuales, incluso presenta, basado en el espíritu mirandino, un sistema de gobierno para la naciente república, en la mejor tradición democrática socio-cultural.

Asimismo, conocemos que Rovray es uno de los personajes principales de la Expedición Libertadora de Miranda de 1806. Fue a quien se le entregó bajo su comando la plaza de la Vela de Coro y son los Rouvray Hulan’s los que presiden en ataque inicial, el desembarco principal. Luego Rouvray, se constituye en la única esperanza de Miranda en Inglaterra. Hay un sin fin de frases con su nombre en los mencionados archivos y es que para los precarios expedicionarios, aún en la Trinidad de 1807, el nombre de Rouvray se mencionaba casi a la par de la palabra “socorro”. El mismo Miranda en su oportunidad mencionaría, “sin noticias de Rouvray, sin esta esperanza, nuestra expedición no es nada”. (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones y Diversos 1806-1808; tomo XX; editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

Con qué se va a encontrar el lector en esta obra? con una historia verdadera en todos sus detalles, pero expuesta en ficción, el diario es una recopilación, hecho en el inglés de la época, escrito de la forma como los documentos de entonces, con sus abreviaciones y modismos que resultan para hoy día no solamente fuera de uso, si no hasta de usos inpropios del idioma. Le ruego al lector abrir, no solamente su imaginación, sino su creatividad y no caer en la ignorancia y en la simpleza de esperar una obra escrita perfectamente en el idioma, sin alma, sin sabor a una época a la cual se me permitió viajar y estoy compartiendo con ustedes. El diario de Rouvray, es el diairio de los expedicionarios de 1806, en cuanto a la historia de su amor—bien! ésta, ya estaba escrita, y su final en mis notas de autor.

Gaston Le Comte De Rouvray, indudablemente necesitaba surgir de la oscuridad histórica en la cual ha estado ya por 200 años. Esta obra trata de resaltar a un ser que caminara la faz de la tierra con un sueño de justicia y de libertad. Esta obra habla de Rouvray, quien desde Trinidad le demostró a la historia de nuestros pueblos que la libertad no tiene color ni orígen específico, que la libertad es un sólo idioma, un sólo código.

Es en Trinidad donde llegaron, después de Jacmel, Haití, los colores de la patria nueva, los colores de los uniformes de la libertad. Es de imaginarse la algarabía en el puerto, los cañonazos de bienvenida, las tropas, el Gobernador Thomas Hislop, la escuadra Inglesa que acompañaba al gran Don Francisco de Miranda. El diario se inicia en la llegada de éste a Trinidad en junio de 1806 para tomar refuerzos, voluntarios para atacar el continente de nuevo, ya había fallado, y en el intento perdido dos barcos, sus tripulantes sentenciados y ejecutado. Miranda llega a Trinidad con la fama de un libertador, cuyo revés solo le daba más fuerzas para seguir la lucha. Es ahí donde nuestro héroe entra a formar parte de lo que en la historia latinoamericana conociéramos como la Expedición Libertadora de Francisco de Miranda de 1806. Cierro mis ojos en el silencio de la historia y solamente escucho un susurro—es un nombre—Rouvray—es todo lo que escucho.

Puerto España, Trinidad y Tobago, Enero de 2006.

Port of Spain 20th June 1806.

It is some time since ten Americans of the 54 taken in the Schooners in the first attent of Miranda’s expedition were executed, & their heads fixed on Pikes—

I had the hope of seeing Miranda today, as we were informed that he would certainly leave Barbadoes last Tuesday, when the “Alexandria” arrived with the unpleasing Intelligence that some French Line of Battleship had arrived in those seas, which I am much afraid will impide our Business unless Miranda should have been so fortunate as to fall on with them, in which I have not the smallest doubt he will before this have win a good account of them. As far as lay in my power I have done every thing to promote our Cause, and a Number of people have assured and that they will go with us but until Miranda come here nothing decicive can be done, But in forty eight hours after his arrival every thing can be arrang¬ed.—I am desired to assure him many active & sincere friends in this Island who are most exceedin¬gly anxious to see him. By information from the Main. I find that a very high price has been offerd for his Head, & two men were yesterday put in Jail here on suspicion of having been sent here for the purpose of assassinating Miranda. The information came from Mr Espagne whose fa¬mily is well known to me & who is most anxious to see him and very deserving his attentions.—myself have assure him of my warmest at¬tachment.—The Governor has been exceedingly kind and attentive to me & has given me every assurance that nothing in his power shall be left undone to assist us, and that he will be happy to be of the Party if he can be procure leave, for which I have reason to be¬lieve he has applied.

I find every person in this Island is a Pictonian & Pittite, tis therefore necessary to be very guarded on those subjects. A meeting broke out lately at Carraccas amongst the few Regular Troops that are there, which was with difficulty quietd. They are in the greatest Alarm all along the Coast; Letters from thence say that they are anxiously looking for our arrival & that no opositions will be made but by the Offrs of Government. I have a considerable Body of Horseman in readiness to go with Miranda, I can only hope the best for our future.

Trinidad 26th June 1806.

It is a matter of particular regret for me that Miranda did not receive that which I had sent to him some weeks ago by a very particular friend; It contained information of importance & my friend would have been able to have informed him of all that we had done here to favour him at his arrival, & which was more than I dare say he could have expected, if he had met with them. I understand Cap1 Campbel of the Lily told him of my friend having gone in search of him with a Letter, but I suppose he coud not learn it was from me. An other particular friend of mine whom I often mentioned has been of the greatest service he went on purpose to look for him and would have been if he had met him of the greatest effective service. It was very unfortunate, he did not meet in proper time those who had gone to his assis¬tance. I hope we shall see him soon dawn, & that he will find in the Admiral very great ressources for assistance. If the Commanders in Chief are determi¬ned to assist him we shall have here a Corps of about one thousand men ready in a very few days, an other thousand men which might be added to it in the spot would form a legion as we have been planning it com¬posed of, Hussards flying Artillery, and light infantry and which wou'd be allways employed in the Avant Pastes; the officers are all fixed upon, some of them men of the first military distintion and all tryed sol¬diers. But it must be observe that unless the comman¬ders in chief do promote & countenance the Business, it will not at all be the same thing, & that the most res¬pectable part would be those who would then non engage in the Business, as their idea would be at first to be employed as English or French troops. I have a great deal to say to Miranda when we meet & I hope it will be soon.

Trinidad 29th June 1806.

Finally he has arrived………….. Newspaper Cutting MEMORANDUM FOR THE COMMANDING OFFICERS OF THE CORPS OF MLLITIA It being desirable that a Corps of Light Cavalry, and of Infantry, and of Artillery should be formed to be put under the Command of the Count de Rouvray, as Colonel of the former, and of Colonel Kingston of the Infantry and Captain Harvey of the Artillery, who have volunteered their services with General Mi¬randa — The Governor will sanction for this purpose the offers of Volunteers from each corps of Militia not however exceeding in number, twenty out of each hundred, that is to say — A corps consisting of one Hundred, may furnish twenty men — One of two hondred, forty and so on in proportion — Command¬ing Officers of Corps and other Officers are expected not in any manner to discourage the Voluntary offers of such of their men as may be desirous of going upon the proposed service, from the result of which the most important benefits may be expected to result to the British Empire and in a peculiar degree to this Co¬lony, the prosperity of which cannot fail to be raised to the highest pitch by the success of the enterprise which under the skilful guidance of an experienced Captain such as General Miranda has proved himself to be, cannot be doubted — at the same time that the reflexion of the possibility of their bitter est enemies getting possession before hand of the Spanish neigh¬bouring Dominios, would not only be a most serious stab to the interests and Welfare of Great Britain, but would place this Island in a state of imminent danger and at all events blast the hopes of its future prosperity — These are considerations worthy of every reflecting Mind.

Governor Thomas Hislop

Rouvray’s Hulans uniform 1806 (Design by Gilberto Jaimes from the documentation of the Archivo del General Miranda; editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

3d July 1806

Today was a glorious day!...... if I could only share this with you my dearest L. If I could only!…Today by General Orders at the Leander by the Commander in Chief I have being promoted to Colonel and under my suggestions the “Rouvray's Hulans” have being created. Under my commad, for the moment will be, Trelawny de Bilhay as Chef d'Esquadron and 2d Officer the Chevalier Loppinot, Lieuts: Philip Mhil, Gent De Sene and Calamier and Cornet Mr. William Keating. Loppinot to be Aid de Camp to the Commander in Chief. My ever dear L—God Bless you, my ever Dear—and the only wish in my life is for your happiness—now, more than ever and near my destiny I embrace every opportunity of writing in this dairy to you, my dear friend, my dear L, for wile I am at night it seames as if I was speaking with you, I thrust the time is not far distant when I shall see or hear of your happiness, my anxiety encreses every day to see you I hourly pray to God to Protect you from the many dangers that soround you—and to bless—I feel the love of you very much, it is only my though of the cause that I have engage, that can give me comfort, and when I look at what I have done my anxiaty for your safety encreases—I sackle lines against my self, for I am not so well as could wish, I thrust when I see you again all my pains and trobles will be removed—Adieu for now, from my mind, my ever dear L, I will pray to the divine Providence to protect you, and bless you with health and happiness and restore you soon to me… God bless you my love as I will be ever yours-

7th July 1806

As it is necessary for the Accomadation and movement of the Army that as much room as possible should be made on board the Ship Lily; All Officers and Sol¬diers having Trunks of Chests in the Ship are imme¬diately to reduce their Baggage into as small a compass as possible by taking no more than is absolutely neces¬sary on a Compaign, The remainder to be sent on shore to Port of Spain to the Store of Messr Robert Pendleton VCr (proper¬ly marked) where they will be received and taken care of. The Subalterns of the Colombian Army at present on Shore are order 'd to repair on board the Leander immediately and to arrange their Baggage agreable to the proceeding Order.

10th July 1806.

Today our General Orders where that if fair weather, a Review of Arms, Accountrements and Necessaries will take place tomorrow at Twelve Oclock on board of the Ship Leander, Lily and the Schooner Trim¬mer at which and place every Officer; Non Commissioned Officer and Private and every Person going with the Expeditions is required in the most positive Terms to attend. Whilst the Commander in Chief sees with regret the Incoveniences the Officers and Soldiers suffer by being so much longer confined on board Ship than could possibly have been expected, He has begs leave to re¬mind them that One of the first Qualities of a Soldier is to bear with patience the unavoidable deprivations to which a Military life is subject and at the same time assures them that he will always bear in Mind all they have suffered and as far as it is in his power study to relieve them. 21st July 1806 Yesterday, the General, see it fit to call upon those who would go alone with us, the following, with concent of Governor Hislop, where in display around the city.

My friends and Countrymen,

The glorious opportunity now presents itself, of relieving from oppression and arbitrary Government, a People who are worthy of a better fate, who ought to enjoy the blessing of the finest Country in the Uni¬verse, which bountiful Providence has given them, but who are shackted by despotim too cruel for Human Nature longer to endure — groaning under their pre¬sent afflictions, they haid with extended arms, the noble cause of freedom and independence and call upon you to share with them in the Godlike action of re¬lieving your distressed fellow creatures.

Hasten then to join the standard of one who has the happiness to call himself your countryman, and is determined to rescue his country, and to shed the last drop f his blood in promoting it's happiness; an object of which he has never lost sight for a moment of his life.

There will be made a liberal distribution of land at the expiration of a twelve month, according to ranks and privates from the instant of their enrolment, will be entitled to provisions and clothing, with a quarter of dollar & day, of pay, not subject to any deduction.

And you, brave volunteers of the Islands who have nobly come forward, to partake with us our honours; and to share with us our prosperity, hasten to follow those officers under whose care you have already been trained and who are impatient to lead you on to victory and wealth.

The Gulph that Columbus first discovered and honoured with his presence, will now witness the illus¬trious actions of our gallant efforts. Trinidad July, 1806.

About 25 men have answered the call as Officers, with then...a number of 200 perhaps just a few less of different origins…I am surprise that among then are men of colour…negroes.., free, from the french islands, that like my case feld to this Island seeking for liberty and in their case for equal treatment, jet they are willing to go and fight in the main…is it possible that they know more of the concept of freedom that those like me belive, because of our education are entitle to?... undouthly, it have beening a few, but a few brave…obiesly the Colours of Miranda will not please the royals in the Island, I am surprise even of Governor Hislop, because, under Miranda’s commad not only are men like those he has seem fit assigned as officers, but also, those of mixed origins, mulatoes, negroes and the such. I am sure, that this image is first seem and it will be the last time to be…………. William Gage Hall, Chevalier Loppinot, James Adrien, Chevalier Trelawney de Belhay, Phillip Nill, Alexandre Bruce, Samuel W. Walcott, Charles Carrington, Isaac Robinson, Count Le Frecier Loppenot, Daniel Crone, Dessein and Robert Roscow, Horace Hathaway and Robert Mc Cullagh…all have volunteer today……… H. M. Brig Attentive 23th July 1806.

In obedience to Miranda, I was commanded to Giiiria:

On Saturday evening at 9 0. C. we left Port of Spain, and arrived off the Town of Giiiria on Sunday morning about 10. 0. C. I instantly landed with Isaac, about 14 of a mile from the Town, and in the dress of a Shipsmate, or Super-Cargo; we were met on the Beach by several of the natives from whom we endea¬voured to purchase some Pigs, Poultry & when an armed man came, and tolds us the Commandant or¬dered us to walk to his House; in the mean time Isaac took means to inform myself that he overheard several of the people around us speaking of General Miranda and his Expedition, and warning several Officers to accompany him from Trinidad, particularly Colonel of the Trinidad Light Infantry John Downie , Chevalier Loppinott and myself, and Isaac discovered one Man who he had seen the day before in Trinidad, and who must have been sent off from Tri¬nidad, about the time we did, by (I suppose) Cipriani to inform his Brother of our coming, and to give them the alarm.—Isaac now wished to return on Board, which we did, and I desired the Commandants man to tell his master we were in want of some Fresh Pro-vissions and would send a Boat on shore in half an hour and have provided to gave permission. We went on Board and in half an hour put a Boat on Shore with Isaac, and a mulatoe man named Dungen, who Isaac recommended, and who said he know all the French coloured people at Guiria.— They ca¬rried a Flag of truce in the Boat, and on landing, went, by order of the Command to his House. Isaac by my desire told him that he was the Ship Steward sent to buy Provissions & and that a Boat be soon sent to the Commd with some Presents for giving Permission. This Commdant had the Boat soon after drawn up on the Beach, that is in half an hour the crew landed; and the crew made Prisoners off. Isaac in the mean¬time found means to came on Board who had delivered his Letters to Maturin and who promissed to send his answers on Board: Isaac also told no that the cause of the Boats Crew being made prisioners, was that while they were taking for Poultry & to buy Dungen told true on there different stories, among those, that we, were a vessell of General Miranda, came for volunteers and that we carried only two Guns; this reached the Commandants ears, and I suppose the cause of them being made prisoners: about this time a Boat come from shore, and to secure our Boat and crew being returned by the Comm., we detain'd. Two of the Gentleman who were in her as Hostages. A Note was now sent in a Cannoe to the Comm. by Captn Cano demanding his Boat & Crew, but an an¬swer was received, and we supposed he did not under¬stand it as it was wrote in English. At 4 O'Clock Capt. Cano gave me his Cutter and 12 Men taking muskets in the Bottom of the Boat, and I take Mr. Mc Culloch, with me carrying the two Hos¬tages, and a Flag of Truce in the Boat, for the purpose of delivering to the Comm. his Friends and receiving our Boat & Crew: As we thus approached the Shore this brave Commandant march'd to the Beach about 200 yards. looking Devils, some with muskets, others with Sticks & to receive us!!... and kept weaving his white Flag for us to land. About 50 yards from the Shore I caused one of our Hostages to desire the Comm. to dismiss those Devils & I would land: He then waited them off; excepting 8 or 10 on Horseback and on foot a few. Thus I landed, leaving Mr Mc. Cullock, some 10 to 20 yards from the Shore, with charge of the Boat: and making up the Commandant, I, in the name of the Commander of H.B.M. ship demanded the Boat and his Crew. He at once agreed to give them up; expressing at same time a desire that I should pay a visit to his Chief who lived a couple of leagues off: I told him my busi¬ness then on Shore was for our Boat & Crew, and that if he did not give them up to me in five minutes my order for the Com. of A.M.S. was to came off, and he would destroy the Town for him in one hour after: He then assured me our People would be down in a few minutes; and turned round, as he signified to me to order down the Prisoners, but actually order'd the Soldiers in armed Rabbet at some time calling in Spa¬nish to his Friends in our Boat to jump over Board: At this instant he desired some of his Devils near him to seize me himself, basely taking a grade at my friend; I called to Mr. Mc Culloch to secure the two Spaniards and fire, while in the same moment I sprang into the Sea, and soon reach'd the Boat, 2 of the Comts devils followed me into the sea, who I was told me shot by the Boats Crew: the Comm. Party kept firing at us as we made to the Brig, but our firing from the Boat & Brig soon destroy them. Since as we got on Board about 6 O'C. a letter was wrote to the Commandant, The first letter was sent on Monday morning. An Hour after a note was sent, the Com. sent on Board Mr. Harvard as Commissioner, to give an assurance that he had not the Honor to send on Board any of the inhabitants, but Mr. Harvard pledged his Honor along with the Commandant that the Boat & her Crew would must certainly be sent on Board by 10 O'C. next day. Mr. Harvard was on Board about 2 hours, and while we managed to entertain him below, I had an opportu¬nity of engaging one of his Boatmen as a volunteer, and who engaged to came off at midnight with from 10 to 15 men. At midnight this Spaniard come off, with the Brigs Boat and 2 others volunteers, and to secure their getting off, without being delated, set fire to two Houses in the Town. I immediately engaged these Spaniards to go on shore and get more Recruits, and an hour after that is 2 in the morning, they came on Board I sent them off again with the Boat had brought on Board ordering them to leave the Boat, where they found it; and from the encouragement I held not to them, they assured me that they would next forenoon, have from 20 to 30 perhaps leaving that number ready for me, I engaged them to meet me next day with their Contrymen three Miles above Guiria, where they were to have a Fire as a Signal. Tuesday Morning the four men belonging to the Attentive along with the Boat were returned by the Commandant, along with a Note saying that Dungen had escaped. I then made this Commandant a Note in my own name. At noon get under weigh, and by 2 O'Clock, get off my appointed place for my Volunteers and actually saw the signal of their fire.—Capn Cano and myself went on shore, and without arms to prevent all suspi¬cions: We called on Mr. Harvard, wrho took care to be from home. We were a Bargaining for Poultry, Pigs, & to prevent any alarm, and on Mr. Cipriani House, next neighbour to Mr. Harvard we had brought some sticks, and were in the act of sending them to the Boat and of expecting my volunteers instantly to join us, where one of the Boats crew came express to tell us a number of Cavalery were making for us along the Beach; by the time we get to the sea they were within 200 yards of us on one side, and the Boat twice the distance on the other, and as we had no arms, we had to make the best of our way to the Boat which we bravely could do for the Horseman. We now went on Board and get Muskets put into the Boat, returned as soon as we could while took us at least one hour: the Brig lying 2 Miles off.—By this time they had mustered their forces, and as we get near the Shore fired on us from among the Bushels and be¬hind the Tress, and while we returned from 10 to 15 minutes. I now told Capt. Cano that it was either our business to dash on Shore at once or be off, as they from behind their trees had us at great disadvantage. His answer was that he would land, if particularly required, but that it was contrary to the Admirals orders, and to lose a few men & perhaps a Boat; he could not be well ans¬werable to the Admiral.—He would however have taken this Responsability, but from the Patroler being thus planted along the Beach, to a Certainty those Volun¬teers would have been permited joining us; of Course it would have served our good purpose on landing ex¬cepting burning Mr. Cipriani's House. Some of the Boats Crew was wounded, one through the palm of the Hand seriously, the other slightty on the leg. We now came on Board, and finding What some information from Trinidad, and from what Dungen, had told them that the Commandant, had get the alarm, and had placed all along the Coast this Patrolers of Infantry & Cavalery, thus to prevent the chance of any of their volunteers joining us; Under all these Circunstances I judged it proper to make the best of our way to Port of Spain; Lest we should see the means of Detaining the Expedition; and satisfied as I was in my own mind that alarm'd as they were, nothing could now secure my geting off. Volunteers, but my landing on their Coast, hoinsting a Standard, and calling on the natives to join us: and this was utterly out of my power as besides myself, I had only 4 Officers, & some 3 or 4 Volunteers along with me from Trinidad. Lilly 25" July 1806. The Armourer of the Ship at present on board the Lilly to be sent for, and Lieut. Stedman to see that he and any other man capable of assisting him, be kept constanly employed in puting all the Arms (in want of repair) in goodfiring Order. Whenever the weather will permit, the Commanding Officer on board the Leander, the Lilly and Schooner Trimmer are to see that the Men under their Command are proprely drilled particularly in the firing motions, and that such Men be pratised firing Ball at March. Five /4 Barrels of Powder with three or four Flints for each Man, a proportion of Musket Balls with Car¬tridge paper and formers to be sent on board the Trimmer, where 2d Lieut Feryra is to take charge of them and set the Men under his Command to make Cartridges, of which he is to keep and exact List. Lieut. Stedman is also directed to employ every Man off Duty or Drill on board the Leander to make Cartridges of all which he is to keep an Account booth of the Quantity made and Expenced. This few lines are merely directed to acquaint mine memoir with the resolution I have taken of embarking for the main—It is only liberty that I have in mind—justice above all. With me I am taking the letter given to me by you, my dearest L. in your eyes I could see you daily expectations and after my resolution I should go on with my broken spirit, for I never until now felt so much the lose of a love for a higher cause—Adieu my dearest frien. I wish I could be with you only one day to bear with you good advice upon all matters, and how we ought to keep our love alive—Adieu my ever love, and belive me, my prays are for your happiness, and that if it be Gods will that I see you again may it be soon—my baggage, and all of my stores are received to the Lilly— I most depart… Adieu!

On board of the Lilly, July 26th , 1806

We are at sea, behind the gulf…., in front, the Bocas…the men are anxious—, with us, all the hope of success—the officers, we belive in Miranda, and more, that will be join in land with a greater force, my great—to me at least— the “Rouvray's Hulans”, to my dream will constitute in a considerable force and I will bring glory to our cause……in total I belive we are 400. On board, on the main deck is a printer and various of young fellows wich are egerly working preparing the proclamations of Miranda and the General Orders of the day. Further my fellow officers preparing their swords and reading, or trying to do so—and the General— ah! The General Miranda surrounded by a group of officer and volunteers, and all analasing the worlds politics, history…is quite an image men of all races and background, French, Spanish, English, mulatoes, negroes, mixed as one unit—for a moment—just a moment—we where all equal—nearby the blacksmith with an ever ending task preparing the bayonets, the swords—and a few steps away—the rest of the volunteers, among then the military tailor and with him a group of young fellows all working on our uniforms—the carpeters, preparing the lance and the spears to be used by my men and futher—the seamen in their duties—such is the image on board—At sea, and around—our fleet: “The Leander”, with ten cannons; “The Express” with twelve; “The Attentive”, with fourteen; “Provost”, ten cannons; “Bull-dog”, “Dispatch”, “Mastiff” two or three cannons; the “Trimmer” and the “Commodore Barry”, merchants ships, and ours, the “lilly with twenty four cannons…..

Flags of Francisco de Miranda’s Expedition 1806 (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones; editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

July 27th , 1806 We pass the island of Margarita, as we where passing, the people did not seemed pleased…from the fortification on land a couple of shots where made, no harme was account for…the men now wanders if a similar reception is to await us on shore…..

Miranda’s Expedition 1806 (“La Armada de Venezuela en la Guerra de Independencia”; Hadelis Jiménez López) July 30th , 1806 We stop in the Island of Coche and we have received our orders….. General Order

Parole: Colombia Countersign: Victory. Order of Attack.

As son as the first division, under the command of Col. Comte de Rouvray, has disembarked a sufficient number of troops, he will attack the battery of the punta, in conjunction with the detachment from the navy. Having carried that, he will leave it in posses¬sion of detachment of the navy; and then proceed with the rest of the troops, & tane possession of the custom¬house & enemy's artillery near it, where he will leave the remainder of the naval detachment; & then pro¬ceed on the road leading to the town of Coro, where he will halt until informed of the landing of the 2d di¬vision. After receiving this information, he will proceed and take possession of the town of Coro, on the suppo¬sition that he will be supported by the 2a division. The naval detachment, charged with the care of the battery & town of Vela de Coro, will take care to send piquets on the roads leading into town, with orders not to allow any person into go out without a pass from the commanding officer; and any person coming in, to be atrictly examined and acknowledged as a friend. A picket of Indias, under the command of Captn. Leon, is to be posted on the road leading to Paraguana. Every species of plundering is in the most positive terms prohibited; & the General expects, that every person composing this army will conduct himself to all such of the inhabitants as appear friendly, in such of the inhabitants as appear friendly, in such a manner as wil Iconciliate their affections; and only treat as enemie sail such as appears in arms, and make resis¬tance. The proclamation and pamphtets attached to them to be placed & distributed in every conspicuous place, by the commanding officers of the different detach¬ments, agreeable to the ninth article of the same. All reports to be forwarded to the head quarters of the army at La Vela de Coro. As it will in the course of a dayor two to be easy to get any thing that may be wanted from on board the fleet, no baggage of any king is to be carried on shore at the time of de de¬barkation. Each man may carry on shore with him two or three biscuits. Lieutenant Colonel Boorbach is to join the detach¬ment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland, and to do duty with it until further orders.

Miranda

This order of attack is to be executed, as nigh as possible, conformable to the preceding mode laid down; should circunstances oblige any officer to deviate from it he is to do it with the utmost circumspection and caution.

The men, as well as myself—has not be able to close an eye, we do not known our fate tomorrow and now more than ever I feel I am in God’s hands—I think of you—I think of my land at “BuenosAires” at Trinidad— I think of Saint Domingue, Cap. Francois, before the dreadful August 22 of 1791 in 13 years the revolt swallowed the entire colony and my family with it—my family……….my father Laurent-François Le Noir Marquis de Rouvray, Chevalier de Saint-Louis et de Cincinnatus Maréchal de Camp des armées, Député de la partie du Nord, Colonel des Chasseurs volontaires de couleur—like him I will command les volontaires de couleur de la Trinite—you see my dearest the generous Haytian contribution to the cause of the independence of the United States is scarcely known, in 1779, 24 yrs before Haytian independence, responding to the call of the Comte d’Estang, the Haytain freedmen numbering about 800 blacks and mulattoes under the command of my father Le Marquis de Rouvary, left their families and their homes and went to fight side by side with the soldiers of George Washington. At the seige of Savannah, the colored sons of Hayti fearlessly shed their blood for the independence of the United States. Now, I am here— between the revoltes and the maronage—longing for justice and for liberty of “Colombia”—closer to death and doubting my own existence—there most be—there better be, a live beyond—all this can not just be without a purpose—althought I am not sure—there most be—justice for our souls!

2nd August, 1806

After living Trinidad on the 25th Ultimo, with 400 Men Volun¬teers in our Troops, We could not attempt any fortified place on the Costs, nor even the Island of Margarita with any probability of success: on that supposition we came to Coro, where we have completely succeeded in the first instance, and not withstanding a concate¬nation of Blunders in Pilots, and our raw hand Offi¬cers, that is really unaccountable. We arrived at the Port of La Vela de Coro, on the 1st Instant. The landing that was to take place that night, was by the mistake of the Pilots deferred till the next day, and why the streess of weather unavoidably : led until 2d at day light—These circumstances gave time to the Agents of the Spanish Government collect all the forces they could command in the Country, for the purpose of opposing us. We effected it however in spite of all their opposition with the force of 200 Men against 400; we stored-the Fort of St Peter, and carried a redoubt just it, with a Battery also on the shore, in less than Hour's time; The Enemy left us in absolute pos-of the Town, Port, 20 Pces of Artillery and Ammu.—The inhabitants soon came to us. And having been informed of our friendly and patriotic intentions, filled the Town with satisfaction. And many of the Indians that served with the Enemy, joined us with alacrity in a few hours afterwards. With this force, 200 Additional Men, and two Field Pieces, we marched at 10 Oclock p. m. toward the City of Coro, (12 Miles from La Vela) and before day light the next day we took Possession of it without any resistance. My Troops 1st Instant. The leading that was to take place that fled towards the interior Mountain, and left us in quiet possession of the Capital, and principal Port of the Province; this operation, only required 24 Hours time. The desire of shewing confidence and friendly to the inhabitants may induce us in a short time to with¬draw the Troops from this Town towards the Sea Shore, for the purpose of keeping a regular communi¬cation with the Navy, and following our operations in concert, towards Puerto Cavello and Caracas. I cannot express the satisfaction I feel in seeing the zeal, harmony, and good understanding, that has cons¬tantly prevailed between the different Troops and the Navy Officers during the whole time and we have been with Capt. Campbell. Those Officers that superin¬tended the landing of the Troops, and the Piquets of the Navy under Lieut. Bedingfield distinguished them¬selves as worthy Members of that illustrious Body.

3rd August, 1806

General Miranda issued a letter to the authorities of Coro….and to my surprise, I was assigned Commander of the advance posts of the Colombia Army and under my command the city of Coro……I transcribe:

Al, cablildo, y Ayuntamiento de la ciudad de Coro

Ylustrissimos Señores

Este requerinito se dirige a V.S.S. afin de que pre¬caviendo en tiempo las consequencias fatales de una resistencia inutil en las autoridades Civiles, y Militares de esa Ciudad; podamos de acuerdo y como miembros del Pueblo Hispano-Americano, concertar aquellas medidas indispensables para preservar la paz, la Union y la felicidad de nuestros compatriotas, y Amigos.

No dudo que la prudencia y el Patriotismo de V.S.S., se presten aun acomodo mutuamente util y honroso para ambas partes: de esta manera toda efuccion de sangre y todo desorden; que son las consequencias inebitables de la guerra; seran perf ectamte remediados.

El Senor Conde de Rouvray Comandante de los puestos avansados del Exercito, esta encargado de conferir con V.S.S. sobre este importante asunto; y de tomar poseccion de esa Ciudad, precaviendo todo de¬sorden o disputa con las autoridades Civiles u Eclesiasticas, que deven permanecer en ella conforme a la proclamacion adjunta.

En el Quartel General de la Vela de Coro a 3 de Agosto de 1806.

Francisco de Miranda

Head Quarters, La Vela de Coro, 5:th Aug:st 1806.

Captain Ledlie by order of Miranda is to embark in the next Dispatch, and to proceed with dispatches for the Admiral and Governor of Jamaica, in the first instance to the Island of Aruba where he will endeavour to learn if any Vessel attached to the Jamaica Station is there,—If so, he must take his passage on board of her; or in default of any of H. M. Vessel of War, he may pro¬ceed in anyone of the Spanish Licenced Traders bound to Jamaica, provided this can be done immediately, and without delay; otherwise the schooner Dispatch will carry him to his destination. He is to impress upon the Admiral and Governor the necessity of sending those succours in Troops and Vessels as soon as possible to this Port. In case that the succours are not ready, and may be so in a few days, he is to wait and write us by the return of the Vessel. He is to impress in the minds of the Merchants of that Island, the great advantages that may accrue to them by a free Trade with these Provinces, and the necessity we have of arms & ammunition of all kinds and Volunteer for the service, who will receive every future advantage. Any legal and reasonable advance of Money that they make to these Volunteers or any other Person attached to the Expedition will be amply repaid. He is to distribute with prudence the Pamphlets and Proclamations that are delivered to him, and shew them to the Admiral and Governor.

Head Quarters, La Vela de Coro, 8:th Aug:st 1806

The people of the Coro are excessively shy, seeing that our Troops are so few in number & that we may ultimately be driven out of the Country, and leave them totally destitute of Pro¬tection. If we had with us only one Regiment of Infan¬try and one or two Squadrons of Cavalry, with one Company of Artillery, the whole might be settled in a few days & our success would be completely obtained. Miranda have evacuated the Town of Coro with the view of inspiring confidence to the inhabitants, and going back again, if necessary, after having received a rein¬forcements of Troops. In the secret correspondence that We intercepted at Coro, at the Commandant's House, we found a Letter dated the 11th July 1806 the following intelligence. "letters from Puerto Cavello by a frigate from Martinique says that they had news that the French has taken Portugal, and that Spain in order to safe the Kingdom of Portugal will give to France the Province of Coro" if this information is true, (which would not surprise me in the present circumstances) this Province instead of be¬longing to us, the Colombians, as was intended will become a province of France, and the foot stool for the invasion of the whole south American Continent. We have no time to lose, we need the reinforcements, with them I belive we could be at Caracas before this Month expires. Miranda will hold on this Coast and keep some of the small Ports, until we hear from Cochrane, and to direct our steps towards Puer¬to Cavello by the sea shore, in proportion as we shall receive reinforcements from him, from Jamaica, or from any other Frigate that will give support to our galant small Squadron, with ins¬tructions that may enable the Commander to land a proportion of their Seamen, and support our efforts on shore. Any Fire or side Arms are most necessarily wanted at this moment to give to the People that most anxious¬ly demand them.

POR CORREGIR AUN……..

 Head Quarters. La Vela de Coro 10 .-th Aug-.1806.

Mr Mc Cullough is to embark on board H. M. Brig Express this evening, and proceed in her to Curacao: on his arrival at that place, he is to wait upon the Go¬vernor, and give to him, in private, the dispatch that he is charged with. He will deliver to the Merchants Mr Corser and Mr Besden also, the Letters he has from Mr Fitzwilliam, and act if possible by their friendly advice. If the Governor receives him with friendship and confidence, he will communicate to him, on the same footing, the secret Business that he is intrusted with. If it is possible to write to St. Thomas to our friends there, he must do it immediately, and to follow if possi¬ble the advice of Fitzwilliam's friends at Curacao.— The principal object is to engage the Merchants to send immediately to us, Arms of all kinds, Ammuni¬tion & Volunteers for the Land service; whose rewards will be in proportion to their services, and the dangers they may run in the execution of the present Enterprise. If any contract for Arms or other necessary sup¬plies, is to be entered in with the Merchants at Curacao or St. Thomas's, it is to be understood that handsome and liberal terms ought to be granted to them, but not excessive or extravagant, on any account. If circumstances should oblige Mr M° Cullough to remain at Curacao, or proceed to St. Thomas's for the sake of obtaining the object of his mission, he will write to us by the Brig Express, and by every opportunity, acting in either case with prudence, caution & gravity, as a matter of such weight and importance required.

Head Quarters, Puerto de la Vela de Coro 13th Aug. 1806.

Miranda, considering that our Po¬sition is becoming every hour more critical from the increase of the Enemy's Forces, collecting from every Quarter; while our land Force was by the last return, reduced to Two hundred and three Men. That, being destitute of every kind of assistance from the native Indians, and without Horses or Mu¬les, from the Enemy having previously removed them from the Coast on our approach, and a Body of the Enemy's Cavalry, having taken possession of the only watering place for the squadron; a Council of War was held, composed of the officers of the expedition and Miranda. It was agreed that we should remove our Position to another point of the Continent, not far from this place, where we could with the Land Forces we have, secure a Post on the same Continent, which Post the Enemy could not force us to quit, until we received the succours promised by Admiral Cochrane; and those daily ex¬pected from the Admiral Commanding on the Leeward Island Station, and from the Governor of Jamaica. In consequence of this resolution Miranad order the inmediate evacuation of the Post of Puerto de la Vela, in the course of this day, and promises to make a written application to Captain Campbell, for the inmediate proceeding with the Ex¬pedition of the Island of Aruba, for the purpose of supplying the squadron with water, and to take there, any further steps that may be deemed advisable, for the safety and success of the present Expedition.—Any other Position on the same Coast to windward, appearing to us at the present moment untenable, with the small number of Troops that we possess; as the Enemy has concentrated the greatest part of his forces, between the Port of Puerto Cabello and La Guayra. In consequence of the resolution and for the purpose of evacuating this Place, and taking a better position on the Continent of South America, with the view of earring into effect the present enterprize. Miranda submited to us the following application on the subject. He conceive there is perhaps a small deviation from the letter of the instruction, and from the limits pres¬cribed in the stipulation made between Admiral Cochrane and himself, but as the substance of them both is to carry into execution the landing of the forces under his Command upon the coasts of South America, so as to secure a place of Rendezvous for the Natives to rally, and for the friends and Volunteers from abroad to join us—he did not see any other point within the limits prescribed by Adm. Cochrane that we may hold at this moment with safety, and that can afford us the opportunity of receiving the succours daily ex¬pected both from himself and the Adm. and Governor of the Island of Jamaica, but the Island of Aruba; on which supposition he request of us to assist him in taking possession of this island and waiting there for the answers of both Admiral and Governor; while we stregthen our position on shore by fortifying the town; which we may easily do with the assistance of the neighbouring Indians (perpetually at War with th Spaniards) & those of the inhabitants that may be willing to join us.

. Lilly, 20th Aug. 1806. We have intercepted a Spanish frigate and four documents in hands of one of the seaman, considering this information important to this dairy, in order for to have the thurth of this expedition—I transcribe:

"Caracas 16th. August 1806” "I have to inform you that this perverse man, who has incommoded us so long, arrived at Coro the 2d of this month with 9 or 10 Vessels between Brigs, Cor¬vettes, Schooners &, launches & having landed without opposition, he marched to the Town of Coro, in which he remained with his followers until the 7th & then returned to the Vela, without committing any act of hostility—Our Troops retreated to the heights of Bona Vista on the 3d, & on the 8th the Commandant was in hopes he would have a sufficient number of the people of paraguaina & Casigua & other parts assem¬bled to be able to attack & put the Traitor to the route. I don't believe however he will wait for the Attack, having seen that in place of being received with open Arms, as he expected, he finds nothing but Bayonets, pikes & Cutlasses—He landed on the weakest part of the Coast, however he will find himself compleatly di¬sappointed, for the people of the Country in those Pro¬vinces are generally Loyal & faithful, there are never¬theless, as in all countries, some bad subjects & mal contents—or rather Pools & Madmen. The General im¬mediately marched with the best of the Troops we have here & we consider them this day in Valencia, or per¬haps farther advanced, tho' he may not go, farther on learning that the Traitor has led or been taken by the Privateers & other armed Vessels that have come to our assistance".

"Caracas, 15th . August — Of the persons taken in the two Schooners of Mi¬randa's expedition—Ten or Twelve have been execut¬ed in Porto Cavello & their heads have been exposed on Pikes at Porto Cavellos, La Guayra & other places w-Last week in the middle of the Square of the Cathedral was burned the picture of Miranda, together with the Colours & proclamation he had prepared to insurge the Province—Since then we have learned that Miranda has taken The Vela of Coro & the Town, hav¬ing with him, as is reported, a Ship of 74, 2 frigates, 2 Brigs & some smaller Vessels, but the force of his army, or description, is not known, but are now gene¬rally supposed to be English from his hoisting English Colours." "Since the arrival at La Guaira of a Vessel from Spain—It is reported that a Convoy is coming out from Spain with 2 Regiments for the defence of this Province.” “Caracas 16th. Augt. "On the 3d of this Month was seen near Coro, the Squadron of Miranda & it anchored soon after in the windward side of that Port—On the 9th the first Intel¬ligence of his arrival was received from Don Juan Manuel de Salas, Captain of the Reg. of Caracas & Com¬mandant at Coro.—Advices having been previously received on the 7th from the Governor of Curasso, that the Expedition had been seen to pass that Island—On this confirmed news, the Troops began to move—The Regiment of Caracas 600 Men, the Companies of white Grenadiers & of Colour, One of Negroes & one of Light Infantry 100 Strong, mar¬ched under the command of Major General Matteo Perez & second in command Don Francisco Caraballo who will be the executive officer. On the 10th another express arrived from Cap. Sa¬las to advise that the Enemy had landed & surprised the Fort situated on the Vela of Coro—It was taken by 200 of the Enemy by assault & it is whispered we had 20 men killed, of which the eldest son of Caravuuo is of the number & the Commanding officer also Don Jose de la Vega, a poor Emigrant from Santo Domingo, whom the General had placed there in May last. Cap. Salas with his 400 men (for although they were more than 1000, they had no arms) retired to the Hills above Coro distant 2 leagues from the Town, which the Ene¬my took possession of—In consequence of all this the Cap. General has marched with the Troops (as men¬tioned before) According to the General's calculation, he can march against the Tyrant with about 10,000 Men, but this Multitude, being all maiden Soldiers, will do no good & even in the Battalion of Caracas there is not an Officer of Valour; the most of them think of nothing but fashionable Cut Coats & fine feathers in their hats—Ah! this is no more the Spanish Infantry of the Reigns of Charles the First & Philip the Second . . . The same day Miranda landed at Coro, he was burned here on the Publick Square, a small stage was erected, on which appeared the Hangman, accompanied by an Escrivano, who read aloud the sen¬tence pronounced against his Person & effects taken in the Schooners—The hangman held up the Printed Proclamations & having exposed it to the Crowd of People assembled, which was immense, threw it on the Pile—he then did the same with the Commissions, afterwards with the Colours of three Stripes (yellow, blue & red) & lastly a small Picture of Miranda, which had been found on One of the Prisoners at Porto Ca-vellos, was thrown on the ground, treaded under foot by the hangman & then burn't—We learn from Lisbon by a Vessel arrived at La Guayra thence of the death of the Princess of Asturies.—She is said to have died of Grief in consequence of the dethroning of her Fa¬ther the King of Naples by Bonaparte, who has placed on the Throne his Brother Josef & the King has taken refuge in Sicily. “It is said that on Miranda's Expedition being known in Spain & of his being at Jaquemel, Orders were given to fit out 4 Ships of the Line at Cadiz to bring out Troops for the defence of this Province—but I give no Credit to this News-Spain in Europe is even worse than Spain in America—They have neither money, Provisions or Soldiers—It is a Labyrinth of Miseries—We never see a Vessel arrive from home— Not one"

Exact Copies of the Originals in my Possession…… Head Quarters, Aruba 22 Aug:8t — 1806.

We have reach Aruba and we are here waiting for the suc¬cours expected in a few days, both from Jamaica and the Windward station.

Aruba 26th. Aug. 1806.

The Surgeon has just now given me a Report of 32 officers & soldiers who are sick for the use of Wine, Limes & Sugar; and report me the need for medication and food, which no doubt are absolutely necessary but from want funds!! is not in my power to procure!—In fact I am myself destitute of the common Necessarys of Life. There is on Board the Leander some tolerable good Claret belonging to Mr M° Cullough for which he asks $60. p. Cash or Bills on London!—the flour we are now beginning to use is also his end— and it most be paid for—.As an officer it is I whom all look up, trust¬ing that I will fall upon some mode of obtaining for them at least those things that are of the first Necessity.

After the Part I have taken to promote the success of Miranda’s Plans I hope he is convinced that I have his interest much at heart. From my late accounts from England it appears that he has some warm Friends in the present Ministry but I fear he has also some, that are not so much so as I could wish. Situated as I am now. My only road is to give him all the assistance in my power—but my authority extends no further—I most also limit the supplies of Provisions, but hope before this that we receive support from the British Gov.— I have already charge supplies to my private account here in aruba and I trust that, when Miranda have it in his power that the same will be repaid.

Off West end Aruba 2th. Sept". 1806.

I wait Cer¬tainly expect, both from Jamaica & Trinidad, particu¬larly from a Friend of mine who is Second in Com¬mand in Jamaica and who I wrote to & I am certain will leave nothing undone to send Volunteers with Capt. Ladlie. In the meantime Mr Green took all the Musquet Cartridges from here shortly after our arrival at Aruba, I desired him to enquire of Capt. London respecting them, impressing him as strongly as possible of the necessity of their being found, otherwise the Guns were useless, as independent of the small stores in the boxes, there was not plank or materials to be obtained in the Island to make either them or the shafts anew. I have never heard any thing since from Capt. London whether they were found, without which the Ammusetts, are useless, as there is not any ammunition of that nature. It could be order from the Leader other pieces and Ammunition to be lan¬ded to the Camp it can be done with safety, but while the present high wind continues it will be impossible to send them dry to the camp.

Off West end Aruba 3th. Sept". 1806.

Cruelty and abuse, to say the least, has Mr. Belhay done to my men, specialy his former servant George Fran¬cis a Sergeant in De Rouvray's Hulans—the motives is best known to Belhay—but this I will not tolerate—the Effect is uncalculated to excite disgust, and dissatisfaction in the minds of many our Followers, and of those who are not regarded equal in regard to colour, will not certainly yield to us in Zeal, and Perseverance in assisting us to accomplish the grand object we have in mind. Cap.Trelawny de Belhay, have requested, that Miranda should order a court to which Belhay, himself requested to determine whether he have offended the laws, by requiesting his colour servant returned to him—as well as beating him. At the same time, he expressed his complaints—that after having given up the servant he brought from America with all the good will, for the cause that his long journey to join us to be a soldier in our army—that after giving him up and trusting chance to get another or others, the servant was given his liberty—that he feels most sensibly hurt at the manner in which, most certainly Miranda has concurrence and given the servant his freedom—Miranda immediately order Belhay to be arrested and encampment.

Off West end Aruba 7th. Sept. 1806 Today Belhay send a note to Miranda as follow:

“five days I have been in arrest in this burning climate by your orders. I have threatened with cor¬poral punishment, and even torture, by one of your officers, my house has been burst open and my sword stolen out of it, and at last brought before an assambly of Gentlemen met together as a Court Martial—they refused after five days deliberation to take cognizance of my case:

It was then with great astonishment that I heard this day that, that assembly containning the only expe¬rienced soldiers amongsts us, had been dissolved—and that another had been substituted in its rooms consist¬ing of merchants & planters, who know absolutely nothing of courts martial, and who are, all but the president of inferior rank, to that which they pretend I hold. I have to request Sir, that the first court martial may sit, or none, and I am willing to hope, that after the cruelty with which I have been treted my desire may be heard. Cap.Trelawny de Belhay”

I am ashamed of Belhay, how can we talk of liberty and justice—equality if our own officer do not belive in this principals? —what about our free negroes and mulatoes? Are we prepare for this revolution that Miranda is trying to accomplish? Miranda dissolved the assembly by merchants & planters in order to deposit the law in the hands of the people. —“inferior rank…” for Gods sake! Copy of charges to be exhibited, at a General Court Martial to be held on Tuesday the 9th day of September Inst. against Trelawny de Belhay Captain and Chef D'Escadron in De Rouvray's Hulans

For unmilitary conduct and wanton cruelty in beating, abusing and ill—treating George Fran¬cis a Serjeant in De Rouvray's Hulans on or about the ninth day of August last at La Vela. For that the said Trelawny De Belhay did, on or about the Eighteenth day of August last while commanding officer of the troops on board the Schooner Trimmer, in a manner unbecoming an officer, punish Jose Cupida a private soldier in Captain Cassanas company, by causing him to be tied up by the hands and causing him to receive sixteen lashes more or less on his back without a previous trial by a Court Martial. For behaving unlike an officer and a Gentleman at the time & place mentioned in the second char¬ge in threatening to serve Captain Cassanas as he had served Jose Cupida, because he inter¬ceded in behalf of the said Jose Cupida and represented the impropiety of punishing him in that manner.

For behaving unlike an officer and a Gentleman at the time and place mentioned in the second charge in depriving John Hancock the Master of the said Schooner Trimmer of the command of the said Vessel, by ordering the troops on board under his command to get under arms and afterwards in a forcible manner taking the boat and going to hand contrary to the urgent request and refusal of the said Master.

For disobedience to the General orders of the twentieth day of August last in leaving and re¬maining out of Camp without leave of the Com¬manding Officer in Camp.

For disobedience to the order of the Comman¬der in Chief on or about the twenty third day of August las in refusing to return to Camp and to render himself there in arrest and for conti¬nuing to wear his sword some days after he had been ordered to deliver it up to the Commanding Officer in Camp.

Charge For contempt and disrespect to the Commander in chief in writing and sending to him on the seveth instant a contemptuous and disrepectful letter containing false assertions and reflexions on the character of his superior officers and those officers composing the Court Martial ordered to assembled on the 9th Instant.

Minutes of proceedings at general court martial held at Aruba

the ninth day of september 1806

Trelawny De Belhay was brought into Court and the evidence and audience ad¬mitted when the Judge Advocate read the general order of the seventh day of September 1806 directing the Court to assemble at the time and place above stated.

The Members of the Court and Judge Advocate being sworn in open Court and the Court formed the Prisoner was arraigned and the charges against him were read and he interrogated by the President as to guilty or not guilty of any or all of the said charges— The prisioner objected to the legality of the Court and denied their power to try him—The Court cleared and upon deliberation were unanimously of opinion that they were fully competent to try him. The Court opened and the prisoner and evidence being readmitted the President informed the prisoner of the opinion of the Court as to his abjection.

The Judge Advocate then read an additional charge against the prisoner upon which the President asked the prisoner whether he was guilty if or not guilty of that charge—upon which the Prisoner obstinately re¬fused to plead guilty or not guilty observing to the Pre¬sident that if the Court thought proper to call evidence against him he too would call evidence on his part, the President advised the prisioner of the consequences of his refusal to plead to the charges and that if he per¬sisted that it would be the duty of the Court to pass sentence on him as if he had been found guilty on the most positive testimony, the Prisoner obstinately per¬sisted in his determnation not to plead to the charges and insisted to the last that the Court had no authority to try him. The Court cleared to consider the Prisoner case and upon deliberation determined that as it was almost time to adjourn they would indulge the Priso¬ner with time to reflect, The Court opened and adjour¬ned until to morrow morning ten oclock.

Sept 10th. The Court assembled pursuant to ad¬journment. The President proposed to ask the prisoner once more to plead to the charges, upon which the Court determined to give the prisoner another oppor¬tunity of pleading to the charges either guilty or not guilty—The Court opened and the prisoner—evidence and audience being admitted—The President expres¬sed to the prisoner the opinion of the Court and accor¬dingly asked him whether he was guilty or not guilty of any or all of the charges exhibited against him. Upon which the Prisoner reserving the sight of objec¬tion to the legality of the Court pleaded as follows, namely that he was guilty of the first charge except so far as relates to wanton cruelty which he denies—Guil¬ty of the second charge—guilty of the third charge except that he denies behaving unlike a Gentleman— Guilty of the fourth charge with the same exception as to third charge and not guilty of the fifth sixth and seventh charges. The Court then proceeded with the evidence for the prosecution—Sergeant Francis being duly sworn says that at the time the troops returned from Coro he went to the Prisoner to complain of cornet Heating upon which the Prisoner ordered him to leave him he left him accordingly and when he was about fifty yards to the windward to him of the Prisoner some of his com¬rades backoned to him that the Prisoner called him he immediately returned to him he then said to him you Scoundrel what did you not come back when I called you, he replied that he begged his pardon and that he did not hear him the Prisoner then struck him and knocked him down and when he was down beat him with a stick so that he could not walk wherefore some persons dragged him into the yard of the Prisoner's quarters where he laid upwards of two hours after which the prisoner ordered some water to be trown in his face to recover him, that while he lay there unable to get up the Prisoner stabbed him in the hand and pricked him in the leg with the sword that he lay on the ground helpless when a Spaniard officer came with the Prisoner servant and moved him into the shade. Question by the Court. What distance from you was the person who beckoned to you that Prisoner called you? Answered he supposed forty or fifty yards. Question by the Court—Do you recollect being carried into the yard ? Answered No that he was speechless.

Lieut. Moses one of the members of the Court being sworn the Prisoner objected to him as a witness that he was a member of the Court—The Court de¬cided that a member of the Court was a legal wit¬ness—Witness then stated that he saw the Prisoner knock down Sergeant Francis and afterwards beat him with a stick in order to make him get up that he either could not a would not but cannot say which that Prisoner ordered to be carried into the yard which was done immediately. Knows nothing further of it. The Judge Advocate proposed to ask Lieut. Moses if Prisoner's conduct to Sergeant Francis was wanton and cruel. One of the members objecting to the question as improper the Court cleared and upon deliberation decided the question to be improper. The Court opened and after the Judge Advocate had the decision of the Court. The Court then proceeded with the evidence—

Question by Prisoner to Lieut. Moses "What sort of a stick did I beat Sergeant Francis with"? Answer can not say positively what sort of a stick it was but thinks it was part of a wooden hoop. Question by the Judge Advocate—Was it a part of a hogshead hoop or keg hoop or of what size dit it seem to be. Answer that if it really was part of a hoop as he thinks it was it must have been part of a hogshead hoop.

Capt. Cassanas being duly sworn and Lieut. Adrian duly sworn as Interpreter Captain Cassanas says that the Prisoner ordered him to flog Jose Cupida to which the witness answered he could not for that he did not know that he had committed any crime the Prisoner then told him that if he did not flog Cupida he the Prisoner would him Capt. Cassa¬nas upon then told him if he did not which the witness told the prisoner that he the prisoner had already flogged Cupida and that before he should be flogged again he ought to be tried to know if he was culpable or not—.

Question by the Prisoner—In what language did I speak to you? Answer in French— Question by the Prisoner. How was you dressed when you spoke to me? Answer In the same dress I now wear— Lieut. Mhel a member of the Court being duly sworn said that as for as he understood french he hear the prisoner threaten to flog Captain Cassanas for refusing to flog Cupida but he is not positive it was for that— Captain Hancock Master of the being duly sworn says that on or about the eighteenth day of August last about four or five o'Clock in the evening the Pri¬soner asked him for his boat to go to town, he con¬sidered that it was too late to go to town, and that he was afraid of losing his men but that if he thought proper to be landed at the watering place in breast of the Squadron the boat was at his service or if he would wait till morning the boat should put him to town. The prisoner said no that he wished to go to town that night, in a few minutes he came up to the witness and said Captain You will not let me have you boat then to go to town to which he an¬swered No Sir it is too late the Prisoner then said to witness "Dont you know Sir I can take your boat if I please—I command a party of men here and I am stronger than you are" he then told him he should not have the boat, upon which the Pri¬soner ordered his men to fall in on the starboard side of the deck under arms and came to him and said" I convince you Sir that I am commanding officer here and will do as I please I will take your boat Sir and you too Sir and your Schooner too Sir if I think proper" Witness then ordered his men to the larboard goingway to hand the oars up out of the boat upon which the prisoner them or¬dered five or six if his with them—muskets to a Shoulder to the larboard side to prevent the oars from being handed out of the boat, the witness then walked aft on the quarter deck and said nothing more on the subject. A few minutes afterwards while the witness was in conversation with Mr Douglass an officer in the expedition the prisoner was landed by some of the crew at the watering place in breast of the Squadron.

Question by the Prisoner—Did you not give me the boat to go on shore with all good will and good nature? Answered that the Prisoner put it out of his power to give to him either with good will or good will or good nature— Question by the Prisoner—Did you not give me the boat ? Answered that the men were in the boat and that the Prisoner jumped in it and made them push off— Question by the Prisoner—Do you not remember that by the interference of Mr Douglass we shok hands and drank a glass of grog together before I left the Schooner? Answered that he did so with Mr Douglass but not with the Prisoner— Lieutenants Mhel and Moses confirmed substantially the testimony of Captain Hancock except as to any reconciliation between Cap. H. & the Prier of which they know nothing.

The Court then proceeded to the fifth charge when it appeared that the evidence summoned to prove that charge was not present—The court then pro¬ceed to the sixth charge to prove which Captain Canero was sworn but it being too near the hour of adjournment to examine Mm the President ad journed the Court untill to morrow morning ten o 'Clock—

September the eleventh the Court assembled puisuant to adjournment and the evidence to the fifth charge being present the Court & proceed therewith—5th Charge Coloned Downie being sworn could not say positi¬vely wheteher the Prisoner was absent on the twen¬tieth of August or not. Question by the Prisoner—Did you not give me per¬mission to leave camp on the twentieth of August last? Answered that he could not positively say whe¬ther he permitted the prisoner to leave camp on the twentieth, but that he permitted him to leave camp twice about that time but not to stay out all night. Question by the Prisoner—Did you not permit me to leave camp the last time you saw me there before the first Court Martial met to try me? Answered that he did give him to quit camp the last day he saw him there previous to the time the first Court Martial met and from what the prisoner then stated he conceived that an arrangement had been made between him and the General that Captain De Bethay was to go to Jamaica, but as this was not offi¬cially given to the witness and as he was absent from next morning parade the twenty third day of August he accordingly reported him to the Ge¬neral as absent without leave as his leave of absence did not extend to his being out of camp all night although the prisoner may have stated his intention of remaining out of camp all nigt— Colonel Armstrong being duly sworn said that a gene¬ral order was given out on the twentieth day of August last, directing that no officer or soldier should quit the camp without a particular permis¬sion from the field officer commanding in Camp. The Judge Advocate being duly sworn said that be¬tween the twentieth day of August last and the pre¬sent time he saw the Prisoner almost every day out of Camp— Question by the Court—Do you know that the prisoner slept out of the camp any night during the time you speak of I Answered he did not—here the Judge Advocate called a witness to prove that the prisoner slept constantly out of camp—When the priso¬ner voluntary admitted that he never slept in camp at all—

The Court then proceed with the evidence on the sixth charge—Captain Canero who was sworn yes¬terday was called but it appearing to the Court that his evidence was immaterial he retired without gi¬ving his evidence— The Judge Advocate being about to give evidence on this charge some of the members entertaining some doubt as to the propriety of admitting him as a witness The court cleared and after long delibe¬ration were unanimously of opinion that he is a competent witness—The Court opened and the pri¬soner and Audience being re-admitted the Judge Advocate read the decision of the Court—The Court then proceeded with the evidence on the sixth charge— The Judge Advocate proceeded to offer in evidence a letter from the prisoner to the Commander in Chief when the prisoner voluntary admitted the letter to be his it was then read to the Court and is in the following words : “five days I have been in arrest in this burning climate by your orders. I have threatened with cor¬poral punishment, and even torture, by one of your officers, my house has been burst open and my sword stolen out of it, and at last brought before an assambly of Gentlemen met together as a Court Martial—they refused after five days deliberation to take cognizance of my case: It was then with great astonishment that I heard this day that, that assembly containning the only expe¬rienced soldiers amongsts us, had been dissolved—and that another had been substituted in its rooms consist¬ing of merchants & planters, who know absolutely nothing of courts martial, and who are, all but the president of inferior rank, to that which they pretend I hold. I have to request Sir, that the first court martial may sit, or none, and I am willing to hope, that after the cruelty with which I have been treted my desire may be heard. Cap.Trelawny de Belhay”

The Judge Advocate stated that about the date of the foregoing letter he saw the Prisoner walk lame he thinks the Prisoner continued lame two or three days to the best of his recollection—said too that he saw the Prisoner wear his sword two several times subsequent to the order for his arrest—Colonel Armstrong being duly sworn was procee¬ding to give evidence, but it bing near three o'Clock the Court adjourned untill to morrow morning ten o'Clock.

Friday Septr 12th— The Court met pursuant to adjournment and pro¬ceeded with the evidence of Colonel Armstrong— He says that on monday the first instant the pri¬soner applied to him for a horse to ride to camp to attend the General Court Martial there saying that he was unwill and unable to walk down, he returned for answer that he had no horses and could no pu¬nish him with any and referred him to General shortly after the General sent for the witness and told him to order a Corporal and file of men to take the Prisoner and deliver him to the Comman¬ding officer in camp, he then waited on the Prisoner and informed him of the General orders upon which he addressed the witness as Major Armstrong and asked him if he could put in execution those orders at the same time cautioning him against doing it— he then told the Prisioner that he was Captain de Betliay and himself Colonel Armstrong and that whatever orders General Miranda gave him he would by God put them in execution, that the rea¬son he made use of that strong expression was that the prisoner's manners and general conduct was such as induced him to believe that he would make resistance—after this the witness when going to see Lieutenant Stedman met the servant of Lieutenant De Senne and asked him when he was going, he replied he was going to fitch Captain De Bethay's sword for him—as it occured to the witness that the prisoner might have sent for his sword in order to resist the General's orders, he waited until the servant returned when he took the sword and put it in Lieutenant Stedman's lodgins that he afterwards procured a horse for the prisoner on which he rode to Camp. Question by the Court—Will you state to the Court whether the assertions contained in the foregoing letter are true or not according to the best of your knowledge and your acquaintance with the characters reflected on? Answered that with respect to the assertions that he was threatened with corporal punishment and torture, he denies positively that he ever used any such language to him or that he knows that any other person ever did here the Judge Advocate reserving the right of calling another witness to support the last charge rested the evi¬dence for the prosecution— The Court then proceeded to examine the evi¬dence for the Prisoner. Cornet Keating being duly sworn says that the day we returned from Coro Lieutenant Nihel mounted the Hulan's proportion of the guard, that in about half an hour or an hour after Lieutenant Nihel and the prisoner ordered the witness to post a sentry at Colonel De Rouvray's quarter, he went to Ser¬geant Francis and told him to furnish a sentinel for the purpose, Francis said he would not he was very sick and hungry, he replied he never knew a man to be sick and hungry at once and that he should furnish a man immediately, he said he would not that the witness had nothing to do with him as he did not belong his company—Witness then told him that he would go and post the sentinel himself and would report him as soon as he returned to quarters that when he had walked about four or five paces from Serg. Francis he heard him say, who the devil is he the fellow has not go a second pair of trowsers to his curse the witness said very well Sergeant Francis I heard what you say and I shall report that too, to which Francis replied very well that he did not care and said that he would report him first, he further stated that he posted the sentinel and when he returned he found Sergeant Francis lying before the door of the prisoner's quarters— that about an hour after the prisoner sent him for some water to throw on Francis' face observing to the witness that all that had happened on his ac¬count, that is was in consequence of what he had heard Sergeant Francis say to him over the wall— Question by the Prisoner—Do you remember at the moment Sergeant Francis was so insolent to you whether I ordered you to send him to me? he did not hear it. Question by the Prisoner—At what distance was I from you and Sergeant Francis when he was inso¬lent to you? He could not say, but thinks it could not be more than twenty or thirty yards from the tree where Sergeant Francis and he was, to the farthest end of the yard where the Prisoner was— Question by the Prisoner, where was Serjeant Francis when the conversation on this subject between you and him took place? he was sitting under a tree opposite the gateway— Question by the Judge Advocate—Why was water thrown on Sergeant Francis' face? he does not know whether it was to bring him too or what it was for— Question by the Judge Advocate—Will you state to the Court what was the situation of Francis when you was ordered to fitch water to throw on his face? he does not know whether he was asleep or in a swoon but the reason he thinks he was not in a swoon was the lenght of time which he lay in that situation, thinks about an hour or an hour and a quarter— Question by the Judge Advocate—Did you see any marks of blows or of any kind of violence upon Sergeant Francis? he did not for he did not go close enough to examine him— Question by the Judge Advocate—Will you inform the Court what was done with Francis after the water was thrown in his face? he did not know he went away— Colonel Counte De Rouvray being duly sworn was about to give his evidence when the prisoner began to read from a paper the particular evidence he wished him to give and upon the President informing him he was incorrect the prisoner persisted and told the Court that they had acted so with the witnesses and would not let him do it, here upon the Court cleared and after deliberation came to the resolution to re¬mand the prisoner to close continement unless he would submit to the authority of the Court—The Court adjourned until tomorrow morning ten o' Clock-Saturday September 13— The Court met pursuant to adjournment and upon sending for the prisoner it was found he had broke his arrest by leaving his place of confinement and that he sought an asylum on board of one of his Majesty's armed Vessels, the President then wrote a letter to Captain Sayer commanding officer of his Majesty's Squadron here after which the Court ad¬journed until monday morning next at 10 o'clock Monday September 15th The Court assembled pursuant to adjournment. The President after reprimanding the Prisoner for his conduct on Saturday last, informed him that they were ready to proceed with the rest of the evidence for his defence upon which he declined calling any more witnesses telling the Court they would not permit him to examine the witnesses as he wished— The Court cleared and after deliberation unanim¬ously resolved to proceed with the evidence for the prisoner. Mr Middleton being sworn and examined knew nothing of his own knowledge relative to the case in question and retired. Capt. Canero being sworn could state nothing of his own knowledge. Question by the Prisoner to Judge Advocate—Can you say you ever saw me wear my sword after the twenty sixth day of August last? cannot say posi¬tively— Question by the Prisoner—How do you know when you saw me wear my sword that I had received the order to put myself in arrest"? from common report . Question by the Court to Colonel Armstrong—Do you know who sent Lieutenant Desenne's servant for prisoner's sword at the time alluded to in your evi¬dence? Does not know of his own knowledge but the servant told him the prisoner had sent for it— Question by the Prisoner to Colonel Armstrong—Do you at all conceive I have ever made any false as¬sertions or reflections on your character? Answered he conceives that the assertions in one of the priso¬ner's letters inserted in the minutes "that his house was broken open and his sword stolen out" were applied to him and he further says that they are false and groundless— Question by Judge Advocate to Colonel Armstrong— Do you know when the prisoner was first ordered in arrest? cannot recollect— Question by Judge Advocate to Colonel Armstrong— Do you know whether the prisoner was ordered in arrest before or after the day I told you he con¬tinue to wear his sword? Answer he was ordered in arrest previous to that day— Question by the Prisoner to Colonel Armstrong—How do you know at the time you speak of I had received an intimation of my arrest? The commander in chief told him he had ordered the prisoner in arrest. Question by the Prisoner to Judge Advocate. Was what you said to Colonel Armstrong about my wearing my sword merely matter of conversation or not? It was— The President adjourned the Court until nine o' Clock to morrow morning— Tuesday September 16 The Court assembled pursuant to adjournment and proceeded with the evidence for the prisoner— Colonel Count De Rouvray was sworn and examined—His statement was that “He would not tolerate cruelty and abuse done to the men under his command and that prisoner had done to disgust and dissatisfaction the Colombian army, putting danger the accomplishment of the grand object this army have in mind.”—here the Prisoner asked the Court for half an hour to write his defence the Court offered him as much time as he wished, he said he wanted no more than half an hour—The Court adjourned for one hour and at the expiration of that time again opened when Lieutenant Douglass who had been summoned on the part of the Pri¬soner came into Court and being duly sworn said that the Prisoner asked Captain Hancock for the use of his boat to go to town he replied to the prisoner that he could not have the boat to go to town but he might have it to put on shore Prisoner said he was unable to walk to town and insisted upon having the boat, and Captain Hancock replied that he should not have the boat to go to town but might have it to go on shore, the Prisoner further insisted that he would have the boat and Captain Hancock denied, he then told Captain Hancock that it was useless for him to say he should not have the boat for that he had thirteen and fifteen armed men and he could take the boat and him likewise, Captain Hancock then replied we shall try that witness then interfered and to his satis¬faction he found that every thing was settled amicably between them and that then should be no more of it this took place at the larboard gang¬way and afterwards they all went aft and drank a glass of grog together and Prisoner went off in the boat with every appearance of friendship towards Captain Hancock, he was surprized to hear that the business was broached again and spoke with Cap¬tain Hancock who told him it was nok he who had made the complaint and he knows nothing further of the matter—

Question by the Prisoner—Do you conceive I took the Schooner's boat by force? Does not conceive any thing of the kind but conceives that Captain Han¬cock ordered the boat to put the prisoner on shore— Question by the Court—Did you see any men under arms and if you did will you inform the Court for what purpose they were under arms'? lie saw some men under arms but supposes it was only for the purpose of exercise as is usual with trops on board ship— Question by the Court—Did you see any men ordered out of the ranks with their arms, to the larboard side for the purpose of preventing the oars being handed not of the boat? he did not he saw two or three men without arms go to the larboard side to han the prisoner's trunks into the boat—Here the judge ad¬vocate proposed to ask some questions of the evi¬dence for the prosecution to settle and explain some contradictory evidence that came out in the evidence for the prisoner, and upon a members expressing some doubt as to his sight to do so. The Court cleared and after some deliberation the Judge Advocate waived his right to ask the questions pro¬posed—The Court opened and the prisoner having finished with his evidence read his defence and having nothing further to offer the Court cleared and proceeded to deliberate upon and form the sen¬tence—upon some members requesting further time to consider the proceeding of the Court before they made up their sentence. The President adjourned the Court until tomorrow morning 9 o'Clock. Wednesday the 17th September The Court assembled pursuant to adjournment and after considering the charges and the evidence on both sides find the prisoner guilty of the first charge except so far as relates to wanton cruelty of which they acquit him—and they find guilty of the second charge fully, also guilty of the third and fourth charges except those parts in both, which charge him with ungentlemanly conduct of which he is hereby acquitted, as to the fifth charge the Court find him guilty of remaining out of camp without leave acquit him of that part of the charge which charges him with leaving camp without permission— The Court unanimously acquit him of the sixth charge and find him guilty of the seventh charge—In consequence of all which the Court sentence the said Captain Trealawny De Belhay to be dismissed from the service— It being now near three o'Clock the President ad¬journed the Court until tomorrow morning eleven o'Clock

B. Roorbach—President Wm. Hosack— Judge Advocate. The Commander in Chief approves of the withing sentence, and orders it to be insert in General Orders of this day. Head Quarters Aruba 17th September 1806.

Head Quarters Aruba 18 sept. 1806.

The Wind being now from the south-west—Captain Geo Sayer has conceived it necessary to get the H.M.S.Galatea under sail, and if General Miranda orders the men coulb be embark tomorrow, on Board His Majestys vessels, as soon as we the orders the arrangement for embarkation will be attended and issue the orders for the Troops to be ready to embark at day light a proportion of Offi¬cers will be embarked in the different Vessels with the soldiers. My Person and suite may go where Miranda may think most convenient, and less troublesome…. In the event of the Surf on the Beach preventing the Embarkation taking Place here, I will instruct the souther part of the island for the matter—as for now— Captain Sayer and I have found it necessary to order to land no more pro¬visions

Head Quarters Aruba 20 sept. 1806.

—From a Letter that we have just re¬ceived from General Miranda, I conclude his mind is not made up to proceed immidiately to the embarkation—nevertheless I will proced to the “Leander”. Miranda, still waiting for support, that I belive will never arrive— In the meantime he is preparing his dispath for Great Britain and for Admiral Cochrane, which he will close when he shall have the pleasure of settling his de¬finitive arrangements with Capt. Geo Sayer “Protector upon sea of this Expedition”, and he will embark on board the Vessel that is likely to meet the Admiral the soo¬nest. —I will take charge of the final orders and proceed with the general embarkation.

The Leander, Cost of Aruba 22 sept. 1806

I have no doubt after this trial, what we have been able to do on the Continent, with the small land force we carried from Trinidad, of what we could with certainty obtain, if a small hand force could be collected, before succours arrive into this waters other from France or Spain. we thought it advisable to take this Island; where with safety and Health we might expect any succours from Windward of from Jamaica that may enable us, when we thought proper to take an advantageous position on the Coast of Caracas to wind¬ward, or that of Sta Fé towards Sta Martha or Rio de la Hacha. Miranda wrote to the Government and Ad¬miral of Jamaica, but could not obtain the succours he wished for, this crcunstance has prolonged our stay on this Island where we live upon Goats meat, and some indigenous flour we have been able to procure in it. We look with anxiety for the Admiral and the Governor of Jamaica answer every day, without which we should think it improper to quit this tenable Post until the question of peace of war at least ultimately decid¬ed.—I conceive by what I have read in the London Pa¬pers that arrive to Aruba, that this Point must be already settled, and that the first dispatches we shall receive here, will bring us this decisive intelligence. This singular information accounts well for the indecision and want of energy in the new British Ministres since they came into Admi¬nistration : and the same reason I expect that War if continue will be carried on with more Vigour that has been done by the past. Our plans are the only great resource that is left to Great Britain and they will be of course supported with superabundant Forces by Sea and hand. Like Miranda the officer and I belive the attack of Rio de la Plata by Sir Home Popham, is another corroborating proof of this Idea.

Miranda have been obliged to request Capt. Sayer to con¬tinue in a limited manner the supply of Provisions for the Troops, as necessity—compels us to keep this Posi¬tion for some days longer, until we receive either the dispatches, or any other favorable intelligence that may induce us to change, or quit it altogether. Capt Sayer lias complied with it, with zeal and good will— but soon he will quits us with the Galatea, the Express, the Brig and the Schooner Grooper. Miranda will send in the Express his Secretary Mr. Fitzwilliams with more dispatches, in hopes that he will meet with Admiral Cochrane at Barbadoes, or Trinidad and will rejoin us before a Month is elapsed. I know he will give him any further information con¬cerning our various movements and situation. Miranda hold himself answerable to the Admiral for any expenditure of Provisions for the Expedition that the British Government may not be willing to sanction, and will endeavour to reimburse them when ever it shall be in his Power to do it.

The Leander, Cost of Aruba 24 sept. 1806

Miranda have received a dispatch yesterday from Admiral Sir Alexr Cochrane, requesting him to sent news to the Ministers, by the Pickle schooner sent now to England for this purpose. The object is to give them an idea of the present state of the Provinces of South America, from the Orinoco to the Gulph of Mexico, alluding chiefly to the Provin¬ces of Caracas and Sta Fé. —It appears that the inhabitants of those two Provin¬ces are anxious for emancipation, and that they will join us at any given point, if we shew them sufficient force and strength to keep such point secure against the Enemy's Forces, that were likely to come and attack it. This experiment we have made at La Vela, and in the City of Coro, where the inhabitants had the disposition to joined our Troops that were at Coro, if we could have increased the number to 4 or 500 men of regular Troops. They were persuaded that our intentions were patriotic and friendly to them, and that our views tend¬ed principally to their emancipation and freedom of Trade; the preservation of their own Religion, and the Independence of the country from the Government of Spain. These sentiments were consonant to their own feel¬ings met with their approbation & destroyed the pre¬judices that the Spanish Agents of Government were trying to impress in their minds, that our intentions were plunder and immorality, and not for the good and interest of the country. The removal of these ob¬noxious Ideas have increased their affection and wishes for the success of this Expedition, and I have no doubt at this present moment that if 2 or 3,000 Regular Troops were landed near Laguaira, Puerto Cavello, Sta Martha, or any other point fit for the purpose on these coasts, the success would be complete, and the Civil arrangement of the Country would be obtained without much difficulty; provided that an Enemy's force should not anticipate our arrival and opposite greater difficulties. The various Papers and Documents that General Miranda have regu¬larly transmitted for the last 7 Months, to the Ministers will enable their Lordships to have a full idea of the origin, progress and actual state of this Expedition. The object has been to carry into execution those plans, that in the year 1790 were for¬med and approved by the late Mr Pitt were to be renewed and forwarded in the year I799; and at last were to be put in execution by Mr Aldington's administration in 1801, just at the con¬clusion of the late war.

The Leander, Cost of Aruba 25 sept. 1806

We have recived from Admiral Cochrane the news that he has been given recently the Instructions from England, that he is directed to limit the assistance the expedition, to the pro¬tection from the Naval Force of the Enemy; to prevent succours being obliged to leave the shore. In consequence of the above, we should not be led to expect a military force to arrive for our support— I -am very sorry to say that the sen¬timents about the Political state of Europe and this Expedition, do not altogether coincide; Miranda finaly has decided that we must quit soon this Posi¬tion to retire to any English Port in the West Indies, or that the Naval force and the supply of Provisions will be withdrawn; the retreat of course is decided, and we shall proceed towards Trinidad.

Immediately Miranda issue the following instructions: Colonel Downie is to take the Command of the Troops belonging to the Expedition under my Com¬mand, that are embarked on board the Lilly Sloop of War, and on board the Brig Attentive. He will take particular care that order and subordination, shall be punctually observed; that the Provisions shall be equa¬lly distribuited among the Men that the duty on board mio different Vessels shall be strictly attended to and on no account they shall be permitted to land on enemy's territory. The preservation of their Health, and the safety of the Men and Officers, are his main objects. When they shall arrive at Trinidad they must remain on board until he receives further orders. If no orders are given to him either from me or the Governor of the Place he shall act according to prudence and the good of the service.

The Leander, at sea 10th Oct. 1806

On the 27th Sept. 512 lib. of pork and 1,024 lib. of beef were received on Board this Ship from his Ma¬jesty’s The Express, which has since been regularly served out at the rate of 2 rations allowance for man. There now remains 184 lib. of pork & 160 lib. of beef which at the same rate is about three days provisions for 146 People now victualled on Board this Ship. Also the whole of the voyage we have been with¬out any small stores usually issued to Troops (unless which is Private Property) in consequience of which few on Board have had any thing to live upon be¬side their scanty allowance of Bread & Meat, and their allowance two quarts of water a day, which on ac¬count of the great number of people on board it was thought proper to fix it at—

The Leander, Prince Bay Grenada 17th Oct. 1806

On the 14th of Oct. we received from His Majestys Ship La Seine, 24 Bags, which had they contained each 112 lib. of good bread for twenty nights and days bond for the number of people on Board in this ship at the rate of 10 ounces for man for Day. But on opening them we found so large proportion of dust that we have now I suppose only 10 and the rest is good only to feed Hogs, & not a month full of Bread for the troops as every thing to make it with but the remain of one Barrel of Damaged flour along with the last Provisions from La Seine.— also we have only few days water remaining & some of that exceedingly sewn & bad over it having been put in claret Casks.— on Board this ship the provisions are almost enterely expended, that is to say there may be perhaps two or three days provisions remaining but not more— then As when that is expended we shall be enterely without provisions—As we are now by Prince Bay Grenada, General Miranda has order to get the necessary articles, of which not withstanding we have beeing obli¬ged to restrict every person on Board to two Quarts for a Day.—

The Leander, Price Bay Grenada 22th Oct. 1806

On Miranda’s expense the crew and the men of the Leander were able to survive and finaly the provisions arrived—I have being order to go ashore for an special mission and from there, to meet General Miranda on Board of the H.M.S. Seine—As for Col.Armstrong he was order with the ship Leander, to quit this harbour for Trinidad this day. On Board H. M.S. Seine Grenada 26 Oct. 1806.

We weigh the anchor at this moment for Barbadoes, where Admiral Cochrane is at this moment— a captured French Brig, the Austerlitz a 18 Guns and a small Schoo¬ner, after an action in His Majestys Schooner Prevost late under the command of Lient. Stout, on his going on board, found her full of regular Troops and being sent to Guadalupe was informed there, of then being upwards of 300 Men on board both vessels, we learned a French Frigate and a Brig have arrived at Martinique; being part of a squadron that sailed from Rochefort with 2,000 Men and train of Artillery destined for the continent of S. America. If Great Britain intends to deliver South America to France, let it be done at once, if not, let us be suppor¬ted soon and efficaciously.

On Board H. M.S. Seine Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes 3rd Nov. 1806. Miranda shall proceed tomorrow to Trinidad on Board H. M. S. Northumberland — as for me— I have being sent to England with dispatches of importance for His Ma¬jesty's Ministers. Miranda’s only desire is to call upon them and for me to communicate every information that they may wish concerning this Expedition. Miranda requested from his friends in England to be kind and useful as I am an Officer under his Command and I “deser¬ve attention and consideration”. Miranda offer me a bed in his house at Grafton Street, once I arrive at Londo I shall see my quaters —I have only ask of Miranda is to permit me send this diary to you my ever dearest L. with his valet André Froberg— no word can describe the plesure I feel just thinking about you as you will be shown near in the heart of your husband, as you do, and ever will in mine.

LE Count. DE ROUVRAY.

Notes of the author Gaston Le Comte De Rouvray es un personaje verdaderamente digno de resaltar, para el pueblo Latinoamericano vendría ha ser el primer Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, el primer diplomático de la Colombia de Francisco de Miranda. Después de este diario, encontramos en los archivos de Francisco de Miranda, entre sus documentos, una centena de informes de Rouvray sobre sus negociaciones en Londres, muchos de estos documentos en código, como a continuación transcribimos: In order to keep the secrecy of the matter in hand, I will code the key elements of my meeting with its Magesty’s Ministers 7. 9672.— 3837358934786. 83321222. 812. 4287202. 669. 842.71. 392. 5988. 3722. 65. 3999233. 71. 392. 54283223. 2132474732. 2024. 9122438021. — 81. 2132474732. 980715. 71. 0727. 392.98777=1233. 65.17887613. 65. 694. 528867.121.7641. 2691. 9739. 392.6602. 65. 6774233761.—— 694. 9691346. 83. 88452. 5228. 20246. 52124693. 5867. 574. 6694.399233. 6. 7. 81. 71. 28786. 20729383761. 65. 42920715. 3837358 99346. 96119179837613. 20729383761. 65. 42920015. 383 735893646. 96119179837613. 5461. 669. —— 73. 7788. 42. 233213788. 71. 392. 57433. 81338192. 3983. 844815212133. 42. 7417386.18221. 564. 392. 2252192. 65. 6694, 96833. 6. 392. 18483712. 746071923. 3873. 7788. 4219742. 0233 283. 65. 8. 784379884. 961334993761. 397322. 36. 6694. 396423. 76433. 6. 98446943. 275523213. 5461. 39632. 217 06622. 46. 63924. 767243. —— 39232. 91224. 8. 746724. 27429364. 981. 42. 74617386. 4469593. 56439. 5461. 694. 98446943. 64. 7249873. 96133499322. 71. 6694. 671. 46. 1299817903. 8919871322. 7739. 18088. 849973293942. 3213. 5461. 3973. 7739. 39274. 36683. 6. 877840393. —— 7. 9802. 961024322. 7739. 961162642. 3490361. 81. 65579 24. 65. 9759. 27337193761. 2088322. 96164.6. 7465233761 80. 016782252. 92. 73. 3288693. 71. 6694. 98932. 6. 764396.65. 392. 9759233. 9615722192.92. 7788. 8671. 669.

7739. 392. 1633. 2733715973922. 66915.121. 65. 6941806. 75. 74672486. 7107322. 46. 669. 92. 7788. 9612. 7739. 12. 61. 8. 07373. 6. 392. 129233846. 844815212133. 75. 669. 7739. —— 92. 769982. 42. 9613722422. 81. 89197373761. 71. 392. 324. 3240792. 65. 816. 18473712. 76724. 6. 784379988486. 71. 392. 7423213. 373983761. 65. 6694. 9691346. 73. 76982. 46. 973. 96164. 016782252. 6. 20724 772122. 42. 5984222. 8587133. 39632. 0833. 20721923. 7979. 7. 1837613. 9802. 4221. 2076322. 36. 71. 39274. 28486. 23384873912133. 46. 392. 20J2123. 042. 65.16126. 366. 65321.1378778722. 46. 392. 75164813. 64. 223751715. 792446. 392. 728839. 65. 8. 726782. 73. 65321. 2733778322. 7739693.39632.423983716. 8208138523. 7979-9. 8.183761. 983. 8. 47593. 36.207293. 6. 7979-9. 46. 7732. 6. 7492213. 844815112133. 61. 39274.54733. 23384873912133. 76982. 42. 7139422. 36. 3921. 6. 7788. 7465423370286. 207812. 5461. 8. 7288. 64581322. 363321.42715. 71. 392. 57433. 338523. 773286. 27523322. 6.72418 181386.57022. —— 75. 392. O847693._392123. 3946/7979-6. 669. 9802. 783322. 9802. f63.~129233~84786. 8282. 669. 7136. 3612. 74207~693. 844815212133. 61. 392. 18493712. 1923_3761 3490361. 7788. 26. 961.64. 36. 6694. 98932. 46. 42715. 877671322. 1713324. 65. 6694.18412. 64. 8217488. 65. 3_92. 58223. 65. 96891478. — 823. 12. 9284. 74617386. 61. 3973. 3948293. 64. 396982. 669. 3212. 9611733761243. 823. 3921. 42. 7133499322. 42883702. 36. 3973. 521382181. ————Such personal arrangements may then be made as will be satisfactory to them, complimentary to him and Honourable to the cause. Honors Laurels and Life to our cause!

REMARKS The end of every word will be signified by a dot. as. The first Alphabet is to be made use of in writing a letter in Cyphers, and the second to decypher the same letter.. . —————

Rouvray, igualmente sorprende con la tenacidad y la lealtad que no solamente tuvo con Miranda pero con los ideales del mismo. Rouvray se muestra en sus escritos, en sus informes, un hombre convencido de los cambios sociales que implicaba el intento de Miranda en el Continente y más que pretender fama o gloria de la gesta que se estaba realizando, nos encontramos con un Rouvray ansioso de justicia y libertad, un patriota de una causa espiritualmente en común, pero muy distante de lo físico. Es por ello, que encontramos a un Rouvray preocupado por una invasión francesa en el Continente, siendo él francés. A continuación transcribo dos notas que Rouvray enviara a los Ministros Inglés, donde se puede observar la alta capacidad de análisis de su pensamiento, pero sobre todo, su imparcialidad y su extremorealismo de la situación que le tocaba representar y en la cual estaba involucrado: Sir. Commisioned by General Miranda to solicit the Protection, and Assistance, of the British Government, in the Accomplishment of the Plans, which, since his earliest years, has occupied his Mind, that of rescuing his native Country of South America, from the debased State in which it has long been held, by its Subjection to Spain; I feel myself most gratefully sensible of the polite attention, with which you, Sir, and others of His Majesty's Ministers, have been pleased to listen to my Representations, on this most important Subject. It is the anxious Wish of General Miranda to render the Emancipation & Happiness of South America, in great measure dependant, upon the support and Protection of Great Britain; and intimately to connect the Inte¬rest of His Country, with the Prosperity & Welfare of the British Empire. Perfectly convinced, that these are the real sentiments of his Heart, I presume from myself, to suggest, and submit, with great Deference, the following observations to your superior Judgement, as His Majesty Principal Secretary of State, for the Colonial Department. It is a Fact, universally known, and admitted that the whole Mass of the Inhabitants of South America, have been for many Years, disaffected in the highest degree, to the Spanish Government, and that such Di¬saffection is daily increasing—In the recent Instance, they were so much so, that with the handful of Men which General Miranda had with him, on his late Expe¬dition could the Natives have felt any Hope of Security or Protection, in case of Mischance, there is not a doubt, that a great Body of them would have joined him—Very little would be necessary at this Moment to induce them to come forward, and appear oppenly, in the cause of their Country: they only want a small degree of support and some safe Posts for their Pro¬tection. As to Support no further military Assis¬tance would be required, to make an extensive Progress in South America, than about 4000 Infantry, 2 or 3 Troops of Cavalry dismounted (as Horses could be readily found in the Country) 40,000 Stand of Arms, with Ammunition, Field Pieces, Cloths & Accoutre¬ments in proportion—It is not wished, that even any possible Danger of Loss, should be occasioned to the British Government, by such Assistance. If, from Circumstances that may not be forseen, nor can be rea¬sonably apprehended, Naval and Military Commanders on the Station, should not, at the time, approve of the Expedition, of course its Execution would be deferred, & neither the Troops, nor the Stores, be made use of: on the other hand, if it should take place, and be suc¬cessful, which there is every reason to hope, South America would be amply able and would thankfully repay, any Expence, that might have been incurred.— It may be next incumbent on me, to submit, with respectful Diffidence, to the Consideration of His Ma¬jesty's Ministers, my Ideas of the System of Govern¬ment, which, in case of Success, General Miranda might be inclined with their Approbation, to establish. I am sure, that he is far superior to every indirect Motive, and that the only Objects of his Soul, are the Happi¬ness and Independence of his Country; and from what has passed in Conversation between us, I think myself warranted to say, that until national Independence could be obtained, and general Tranquility established, he would much wish, that those Establishments which are now existing, both of a religious and civil Nature, should be maintained, as they now are, without the least Change or Variation whatever—The Spanish Laws, tho infinitely inferior to those, that prevail in this happy Country, are however, well adapted to the Religion, the Climate, the Manners, & the Mode of Living, of the In¬habitants of Spain, and the Colonies of South America —It is a fortunate Circumstance, for the Plan in Con¬templation, that the System of internal Regulation and Police, that now prevails all over the Southern Conti¬nent, and the Mode of its Administration, naturally and essentially tend, to promote its Success—The highest Officers of the State, the Viceroys, & Captains Gene¬rals can intermix but little, with the People, or take part in their Sentiments or Affairs—In every place, the executive Magistracy, & the Administration of the internal Police, are vested in a certain Tribunal, called the Cabildo.—This Tribunal is always composed, of the most respectable Persons of the Community, in point of Birth, Fortune, and Character, in the different Towns of South America.—Its number generally con¬sists, of nine to thirteen Persons, and none, with very few Exceptions, are admitted, but those who have been born in new Spain, or married to Women of that Coun¬try—From this Body three Alcaldes, or Magistrates, are annually chosen; the Alcalde Mayor, the Alcalde de primera Eleccion and the Alcalde de secunda Elec-cion who sit as Judges, and decide all Causes, criminal and civil. Neither the Alcaldes, nor the other Members of the Cabildo, have any Salaries or Advantages; and consequently, if they are to retain their Employments, their Importance would be much increased, by the In¬dependence of their Country. At the present Moment South America solely rests for its Existence, on the generous Aid and Protection of Great Britain. Spain can no longer retain it; and it must either be plundered and devastated, by North American — from internal Derangement break into Anarchy and Confusion or fall into the Hamds of France, who is exerting every means in her power, to throw in Troops, from her Islands—Indeed it is well known that Governors of Spanish America ap¬plied to the different French West India—Setlements for all the Assistance and Force, that can be possibly conveyed to them.—The Alarm from the Capture of Buenos Ayres and the long impending, tho far from formidable Expedition of General Mi¬randa, have induced them most warmly to urge the French, to undertake their Support and Protection; & the Vigilance of the British Naval Commander, if they should arrive, would render future Enter-prizes infinitely more difficult, than they would have hitherto been. Besides, from recent Information, that has been obtained in the West Indies, there is reason to believe, that considerable Supplies of Troops & Ammunition, are meant to be sent, during the Winter, from the Ports of France and Spain, in small fast sai¬ling Vessels, to any Ports they can reach, on the Coast of South America.—Some may be taken, but a great many must be expected to arrive; and it is therefore submitted, with the utmost possible Deferences that nothing can be so injurious, to the Success of the Un¬dertaking, as, under present Circumstances, the sma¬llest Delay in its Execution—On the speedy Decision of the British Cabinet, I may presume to say, that the Fate of America will for ever depend—Thus circums¬tanced, the Gratitude of that Country to its Benefac¬tors must be great, and must be anxious to prove its Sincerity, by every Manifestation thereof, that it may be capable of affording.—Whatever might therefore, be wished for, on the part of the British Govertment, would be most willingly granted.—On this Subject, I do not hazard to suggest an Idea; but can with Confi¬dence assert, that whatever may, in the superior Wis¬dom of His Majesty's Ministers, be thought to be just and expedient, for establishing the Conection between the two Countries, and for maintaining it in its full force and Efficiency, will be with the highest satis¬faction, acceded to, by General Miranda, and the Con¬tinent of South America.

I have the Honor to be with high Respect, Sir.Your most obedient & most humble servant.

LE Count. DE ROUVRAY.

London 31st. December 1806.— the Right Honorable WILLIAM WINDHAM . (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones y Diversos 1806-1807; tomo XIX; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950).

Sir, In the paper, which I do myself the Honor, to sub¬mit herewith, to Your Consideration, I have commu¬nicated, the most correct Information, that from the best of my Judgement, I conceive to be the Views & wishes of General Miranda, on the present occasion -1 now beg leave, with great Deference, to add such Ideas, as after mature reflection, and the Experience of many Years, which I have passed in the neighbourhood or South America, I have been able to form, in regard to the Military operations, that may be undertaken, with a prospect of success; & the opposition from the enemy, that in such an enterprise, may be expected. The extent of Coast from the River Oronoco, to the Lake of Maracaibo, offers almost in every part points of easy access; the only Positions of any considerably Strength are La Guaira & Puerto Cavello; neither of them is meant, in the first instance, to be attacked—but it may be well, in the beginning, for me to give my sentiments, in Regard to them: the former tho not a regular fortress, could only be attacked with any probability of succes, after a landing had taken place, at some little distance from it, either to the wind¬ward or leeward. Puerto Cavello is regularly fortified, and very strong;—but one part of the Town, where almost all the Trade is carried on & the Rich Merchants reside, would be easily taken possession of, by a body of Troops who could land at Bombardement out of the reach of Guns, and proceed almost without opposition to that Part of the Town already alluded to; the Dread of a Bombardement would, (I am certain) force to capitu¬late, in a few Days, a Garrison composed Chiefly of the wealthy inhabitants of the Place, that would cer¬tainly wish to save their Houses, Stores, and other property, by a Capitulation.—I would by no means, however, be of opinion, that the operation should begin by the siege of this Fortress, or that of La Guaira; the first object to be desired both in a political and mili¬tary point of view is the possession of the Capital of the Province, which can be with no great Difficulty obtained by effecting a landing either at Ocumares, Higuerote, or any other point to windward or leeward of La Guaira.—It is reasonably to be expected, that the Captain-General will have with him the strongest and the best portion of the disponible part of his Army; and that Corps being once beaten it is not probable, that his disheartened and already dissafected troops would afterwards rally and make a Stand; nor can it be ap¬prehended that the Governors of Cumana, Barcelona, Puerto Cavello, or Sta Fe, could be easily prevailed upon, to send any considerable detachments to the suc¬cour of the Captain General; their respective Districts being equally threatened, both with attacks of the enemy, and from internal commotion; they would cer¬tainly be unwilling to part with any of their means of Defence; Sl Leon de Carracas once taken possession of, the adjacent Country would fall, an easy conquest, to a victorious Army, La Guaira then could be attacked by land from the heights of La Cumbre which commands it entirely, the strength of that position consisting Chiefly of Batterys, one above the other on the side of La Guaira, none on that of Carracas; consequently, the highest once turned, & stormed, the Rest must su¬rrender— the Force that the Captain General could possibly oppose (in case new reinforcements have not been sent since the Month of November) consist in the following List of Corps: The Regiment of Carracas recruite partly from Europeans, partly from Nations of the Canaries & partly of Creoles of South America; this Regiment is 800 men strong 5 or 6 Companys of the Regim. de la Reina, 200 men; 3 Companys of Arti¬llery 140 men, or about; and a Detachment of french Troops of about 200 Men, which the Captain General has kept near his person at Carracas since their arrival in the Country, added to these, a Militia of 9.000 or 10.000 Men of all Colours, deficient in point of Arms perfectly ignorant of the Military profession and above all extremely dissafected—in addition to what I have now stated, I feel my Duty to represent to his Majesty's Minister that the Season where Military operations can be carried on, is only from December to July—the heavy fall of Rains, and overflowing of Rivers, during the remainder of the Year, renders the Communication from one place to another, not only difficult and dan¬gerous, but often intirely impracticable.—I would fur¬ther take upon me to recommend Granada, in stead of Trinidad, for the Place of Rendez-vous; it is so easy at any time for the Spanish Government to obtain in the Space of a few hours exact information from Tri¬nidad of what passes there, that General Miranda found in the Papers of the Spanish Commandant at Coro, a Copy of a most accurate List of our force, which had been obtained by Lieutenant General Don Manuel Vasconzelos from one of the Spaniards settled at Trinidad; Grenada being to windward of that part of the Spanish Dominion offers every avantage found in the Position of Trinidad and none of its disadvantage.

I have the Honor to be most Respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient most humble servant. LE Count. DE ROUVRAY.

London: 31st. December 1806.— the Right Honorable WILLIAM WINDHAM (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones y Diversos 1806-1807; tomo XIX; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950).

En lo que se refiere a su misión en general, el éxito de la misma ha quedado entre Miranda y Rouvray, según el diario de viaje de John Downie del regreso de Miranda a Inglaterra bajo el título “Journal and Remarks on Board the Ship British Queen, Capt. Robert Gilbert From Trinidad to Bristol” nos informa que el martes 3 de Noviembre de 1807 ocurrió lo siguiente: “ This morning I left the Ship British Queen to join the General I found with him a Spanish Officer of Merchant Vessel capture by our cruisers lately from Laguira (say 7 days) who reported that the Captain of Caracas (Vasconcelos) was at the moment of his departure, said to be dead or dying. About Noon the Count de Rouvray arrived from Barbadoes on board H.M. Ship Alexandria, and came to pay his respects to the General, who in return with tears in his eyes hug him as a son, then the Count give him every information respecting the object of his Mission. By 4 pm, the General give to De Rouvray a toquen in forme of a book of his friendship and gratitude, once again they hug la father and son”. (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones y Diversos 1806-1808; tomo XX; editorial Lex La Habana 1950).

También sabemos, gracias al diario de John Downie, ésta vez titulado “ Journal of an Excursion from Port of Spain, Trinidad to the Quarters of North and South Naparima in said Island in March 1807” que la propiedad de De Rouvray se encontraba a unas “6 good miles” de Point Pierre, comenta “we rode through some beautifull, and rich Estates, beginning with Perseverance already named, then Mr. Nugants, then Mr. Drapes, and Mr. Rouvray…” (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones y Diversos 1806-1808; tomo XX; editorial Lex La Habana 1950).

Rouvray, a partir del mes de junio de 1808, aparece en varias comunicaciones dirigidas a Miranda desde Trinidad, entre ellas del propio Gobernador Thomas Hislop, ya no como punto de referencia a una negociación suya, sino en numerosas condolencias por su muerte. Por ejemplo, el 5 de septiembre de 1808, escribe el Señor W. Holmes lo siguiente: “You of course have long since learnt the Death of Poor De Rouvray, on my arrival in this Kingdom, in the beginning of last year I found him here as your accredited Representative & tendered to him all the Good Offices in my power, Lambot has written me a most Affecting Account of his illness & least moments, & I assure you I did not peruse them with dry Eyes, it is a great source of confort to me to Reflect that I have been serviceable to him. Altho his gratitude for it, deprive his lifless Body of the of the accostumed Respects, as I understand that Party Spirit against me, pursued him to the Grave. The time must come when Reflection will afford but few sources of conf ort to the advices of such illiberal conduct, however it appears that Trinidad is to be for ever a sum of Party, & I am borne out in saying that altho Providence in its wise dispensations has exampted it from external Huricane it has over over balanced the Account by im¬planting in it, an inexhaustible source of intense Dissention, & if the Pitch cause in Obedience to the com¬mand of God was to overflow its Banks & overwhelm tbe entire Island with the exception of a few indivi¬duals. Nothing would be lost that was worth Remem¬bering, & if remembered it would be without Regret.” (Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones 1808; tomo XXI; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950).

Nuestro héroe, desconocido finalmente, es abatido por el destino y es cuando algo sorprendente se encuentra en los archivos de Miranda, es el siguiente recorte de periódico:

Newspaper Cutting

COUNT DE ROUVRAY The following lines are an impromptu, by a Lady, on hearing of the death of this gallant and amiable Officer, who, at the age of 35, fell a victim to the yellow fever, in the island of Trinidad; and are offered as a tribute of regard to the memory of the deceased, by a Friend, who had numerous opportunities of appreciating his merit: Let Fortune grace with adulation high, The glaring meteors of her golden sky, While brighter, purer beams, so oft are hurl'd, Amidst the shadows of a stormy world; Yet fall they not unmark'd— nor unfelt part, Still lives their memory in the generous heart; Then shall thy merit meet a common lot, Thy name DE ROUVRAY sink unknown—forgot? No! while remembrance can thy worth revere, Thine shall be honour's praise-thine friendship's tear’; For every noble wish or though refin'd, Each varied grace of an exalted mind, Living, were thine— then just the tribute paid, Regretted spirit to thy parting shade.

(Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones 1808; tomo XXI; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950).

La misteriosa “Dear L.” lo más seguro escribió este impromptu, que surge del alma—y es el siguiente trabajo que finalmente los une, porque ni la misteriosa Dear L. recibiera el diario de su amante y éste no escucharía de sus labios estas palabras del corazón.

Puerto España, Trinidad y Tobago, Enero de 2006.

Appendix

FORM OF THE OATH.

As Law is the basis of discipline and regularity in an army, we the subscribers, do agree to accept from General Don Francisco de Miranda, the different comissions & ranks (as specified therein) in the army of Colombia, now raising, or to be raised by him, for the service of the free people of South America, -----------of Spain. And we do also hereby solemn.------------ promine to be governed in all things agreeable to the Articles of War of the United States of North America; with such alteration in form only (as have been read & exhibited to us) so as to adapt them to the difference of govern¬ment under which we now are or may be; and until regularly discharged from the said army by him, or his successors, legally appointed by the supreme authority of that country after the service of a least two cam¬paigns; and we acknowledge to have taken the oath hereunto annexed, as prescribed by the third section of the articles of war, viz. "I swear to be true and faithful to the free people of South America, independent of Spain, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever, and to observe and obey the orders of the supreme government of that country le¬gally appointed; and the orders of the general and offi¬cers set over me by them.

On board the Leander, Jacquemel Harbour 24th day of March, 1806".

(Archivo del General Miranda; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

(Archivo del General Miranda; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

(Archivo del General Miranda; Editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

(Design by Gilberto Jaimes from the documentation of the Archivo del General Miranda; editorial Lex La Habana 1950)

Works Consulted

-Archivo del General Miranda; Negociaciones, tomos XV hasta XXIII, La Habana, 1930-1950 (Francisco de Miranda’s Documentes, Volumes XV to XXIII). -Jhon Sherman; “A General account of Miranda’s expedition including the trial and execution of ten of his officers, and an accoint of the imprisonment and sufferings of the remainder of his officers and men who were taken prisoners”; New York, Mc Farlane and Long 1808. - James Biggs; “The History of Don Francisco de Miranda’s Attempt to effect a revolution in South America, in a series of letters”;Boston,Edward Oliver,no.70,State Street 1810. - Mariano Picón Salas; Obras selectas, “Miranda”; Ediciones Edime. Carcas, Venezuela, 1953. -Miranda’s Expedition; “The Atlantic Monthly”; Volume 5, issue 31, 1860. -Hadekis Jiménez López; “The Venezuelan Navy in the War of Independence, Caracas, Venezuela, 2001.