cuate the territory of Chile. They passed the Rondeau, the general of the army of Peru, supreme Cordilleras, and took refuge in the province of Men-director. This officer, who had formerly refused to resign his command to Alvear, preferred remain In this state of affairs, intelligence of the resto-ing at the head of the army, and a supreme direc ration of Ferdinand the seventh reached South tor pro. tem. was nominated until he should think America. The government of Buenos Ayres, not-proper to assume his command; another attempt withstanding they had changed their national flag was made to dispossess Artigas of Santa Fe, but the and cockade and had coined money with the arms troops of Buenos Ayres were defeated with great of the republic, had always issued their decrees in loss. General Pezuela, who had fortified himself the name of Ferdinand the seventh. It was resolvin Oruro, having received reinforcements from Lied, therefore, to send a deputy to Spain, to profferina, attacked the army of Peru on the 22d of Nutheir allegiance, on conditions which would secure (vember, 1815, at Sípesipi and after an obstinate enthem in the free exercise and enjoyment of their gagement, the patriots were forced to retire. rights; and hopes were entertained that the present The army of Buenos Ayres retreated to Salts, administration would adopt a conciliatory policy and the royal forces remained in possession of all towards the colonies, in opposition to the violent the upper provinces of Peru. The people were measures of the regency. These hopes were disap-displeased with the administration of the supreme pointed; and their agent returned to Buenos Ay-director's substitute, and assembling tumultuously, res, without effecting his object. they forced him to resign the command; another The capture of Montevideo, had put into their was appointed, who was soon after treated in the hands a valuable armament, and abundant war-same manner, and the government was then placed like stores; and the ships which had contribut. in the hands of a committee of safety. ed so materially to their success, were now em- The congress, which had been convoked accordployed to harass the commerce of Spain. Some ing to a provision in the last estatuto, assembled of their cruizers doubled cape Horn while others in June, 1816, at Tucuman. They nominated don proceeded to intercept the return of Spanish ships, Juan Martin Pueyrredon, supreine director; who off the port of Cadiz. immediately repaired to Buenos Ayres, and assum Don Carlos Alvear, who had commanded the ed the reins of government. Don Manuel Belgrano, forces of Buenos Ayres, at the capitulation of Mon-who, since the battle of Velcapugio, had remained tevideo, ambitious to conclude the war in Pt ru, in- in retirement, resumed the command of the army duced the supreme director to appoint him gene-of Peru. The troops received with enthusias n the Pal in chief of that army, and leit Buenos Ayres general who had so often led them to victory: who at the head of a large reinforcement. On the road, had generously distributed to the widows and or. he was met by the unpleasant intelligence that the phans of those soldiers who had fallen in the battle officers and troops refused to receive him as their of Saita, the money voted to him by the govern commander; and he returned with his forces to ment of Buenos Ayres, as a reward for that distin Buenos Ayres. The supreme director was glad to guished service; and who had preserved his politi resign his title to one who had, for some time, ex- cal integrity amidst the changes of party, and the ercised the chief authority. Alvear was in conse-intrigues of faction; and had manifested no other quence proclaimed supreme director in Buenos Ay. res; but not being acknowledged in the provinces, or by the army of Peru, the greatest confusion prevailed in the state. Af er the conquest of Montevideo, the government of Buenos Âyres concluded a treaty with Artigas; but upon their afterwards sending him a commission, he returned it, telling them that he desired his authority from the free election of the people of the eastern shore. That the inhabitants of that province were willing to be the allies, but would never submit to be the vassals of Buenos Ayres. The troops which were sent to reduce him to subjection, not only failed in their object, but were forced to abandon Montevideo. Artigas, after driv. ing the forces of Buenos Ayres from the eastern shore, crossed the Parana, and took possession of Santa Fe; two thousand men were despatched to recover this important post; but the officers came to an understanding with Artigas, and turned their arms against the supreme director.Under these circumstances, and threatened by a revolt of the citizens, Alvear withdrew his forces from Buenos Ayres, and encamped a short distance from the city. A town meeting was immediately | assembled, which deposed both the supreme director and the sovereign assembly, and vested the authority in the cabildo. The city was placed in a state of defence, but Alvear, after some threats, resigned his command, and, with his family, took refuge on board a British frigate then stationed in ambition than that of devoting his life and fortune to the great cause in which he was engaged. An army was assembled at Mendoza, to protect that frontier against the royal army, which was in the possession of Chile; and the command of this force entrusted to San Martin, who bad distinguished himself by repulsing, with a small corps of ca valry, a detachment of the royal forces at San Lorenzo, on the Parana. On the 9th of July, 1816, the congress published their formal declaration of independence. In December following, the Portuguese troops entered the territory of the eastern shore, which is claimed by that government. The invading army, after oc cupying the towns on the frontiers, took possession of Maldonado, and advanced upon Montevideo. This important military post was surrendered to them without opposition. Artigas, with the desultory forces under his com mand, opposed in vain the progress of the invaders; but still continued to harass them by every means in his power. Ministers from South America. Message from the president of the United St des, trans mitting a report of the secretary of state, of applicutions by certain of the independent governmeniz of South America, to have a minister accredited by the United States, and the answers of the govern. ment of the United States to such applications. Jan. 30, 1819. Read and ordered to if on the table. WASHINGTON, January 29, 1819. The cabildo then appointed a junta of observa- I transmit to the house of representatives, in tion, published a new constitution, and elected compliance with their resolution of the 14th of the river. this month, a report from the secretary of state of furnishing an exception, affords a direct confirconcerning the applications which have been made mation of the principle now advanced. The comby any of the independent governments of South missions issued by the diplomatic agents of the America, to have a minister or consul general ac- United States, in France, during our revolutionary credited by the government of the United States, war, were granted, with the knowledge and conwith the answers of this government to the applisent of the French government, of which the folcations addressed to it. JAMES MONROE. lowing resolution from the secret journal of congress, of 23d December, 1776, is decisive proof: 3. Commission to sir Gregor M'Gregor, March 31, 1817. 4. Mr. Clemente to don Vicente Pazos, January 15, 1818. 5. Mr. de Forest to Mr. Adams, Dec. 9, 1818. 6. Same to same do. 12 do. 7. Mr. Adams to Mr. de Forest do. 31 do. 8. Same to same, January 1, 1819. 9. Mr. de Forest to Mr. Adams, January 8, 1819. 10. Credential letter from the supreme director, Pueyrredon, to the president, delivered Mr. de Forest, without date. "Resolved, That the commissioners, (at the court of France,) be authorised to arm and fit for war any number of vessels, not exceeding six, at the expense of the United States, to war upon British property; and that commissions and warrants be for this purpose sent to the commissioners: provided the commissioners be well sutisfied this meusure will not be disagreable to the court of France." It is also now ascertained by the express declaration of the supreme chief Bolivar, to the agent of the United States at Angostura, that the government of Venezuela had never authorised the expedition of genera! M Gregor, nor any other enterprise against Florida or Amelia." Instructions. have been forwarded to the same agent to give suitable explanations to the government of Venezuela, of the motives for declining further communication with Mr. Clemente, and assurances that it will readily be held with any person not liable to the same or like objection. The secretary of state to whom has been referred the resolution of the house of representatives, of the The application of Mr. De Forest, to be accre14th instant, requesting of the president informa-dited as consul general of the United Provinces of tion whether any application has been made by any South America, was first made in May last: his of the independent governments of South America, credential was a letter from the supreme director to have a minister or consul general accredited by of Buenos Ayres, Pueyrredon, announcing his ap the government of the United States, and what was pointment, by virtue of articles concluded in the the answer given to such application; has the ho names of the United States of America, and of the nor of submitting copies of applications made by United Provinces of Rio de la Plata, between perDon Lino de Clemente, to be received as the repre- sons authorised by him, and W. G. D. Worthingsentative of the republic of Venezuela; and of Da- ton, as agent for this government, who seither had vid C. de Forest, a citizen of the United States, to or indeed pretended to have any power to negocibe accredited as consul general of the United Pro-ate such articles. Mr. de Forest was informed, vinces of South America, with the answers respec- and requested to make known to the supreme ditively returned to them. The reply of Mr. de Fo- rector, that Mr. Worthington had no authority rest is likewise enclosed, and copies of the papers, whatsoever, to negotiate on the part of the United signed and avowed by Mr. Clemente, which the States, any articles to be obligatory on them, and president considered as rendering any communica- had never pretended to possess any full power to tion between this department and him, other than that now enclosed, improper. that effect. That any communication interesting to the supreme director, or to the people of EueIt is to be observed, that while Mr. Clemente, in nos Ayres, would readily be held with Mr. de FoMarch, 1817, was assuming, with the name of de rest, but that the recognition of him, as a consul geputy, from Venezuela, to exercise with the United neral from the United Provinces of South America States, powers transcending the lawful authority of could not be granted, either upon the stipulation any ambassador, and while in January, 1818, he was of supposed articles, which were a nullity, or upon commissioning in language disrespectful to this the commission, or credential letter of the supreme government, Vicente Pazos, in the name of the re-director, without recognizing thereby the authoripublic of Venezuela, to "protest against the inva.ty from which it eminated, as a sovereign and insion of Amelia Island, and all such further acts of dependent power. the government of the United States, as were con- With this determination, Mr. de Forest then detrary to the rights and interests of the several reclared himself entirely satisfied. But shortly after publics, and the persons sailing under their respec- the commencement of the present session of contive flags, duly commissioned;" he had himself, not gress, he renewed his solicitations, by the note datonly never been received by the government of the ed the 9th December, to be accredited as the conUnited States, as deputy from Venezuela, but sul general of the United Provinces of South Amehad never presented himself to it in that charac rica, founding his claim on the credentials from his ter, or offered to exhibit any evidence whatsoever, government, which had been laid before the presiof his being invested with it. The issuing of com.dent last May. missions, and authorising acts of war, against a fo- A cenversation was shortly afterwards held reign nation, is a power which not even a sovereign with him, by direction of the president, in which can lawfully exercise within the dominions of ano- the reasons were fully explained to him upon which ther in amity with him, without his consent, Mr. the formal acknowledgment of the government of Pazos, in his memorial to the president, communi Buenos Ayres, for the present, was not deemed excating the commission signed by Mr. Clemente, at pedient. They were also, at his request, generalPhiladelphia, and given to general M'Gregor, al.ly stated in the note, dated the 31st of December. leges, in its justification, the example of the illus. It has not been thought necessary, on the part trious Franklin, in Europe; but this example, instead of this government, to pursue the correspondence with Mr. de Porest any further, particularly as he It was stated in conversation to Mr. De Forest, declares himself unauthorised to agitate or discuss and afterwards in the note of the 31st December, the question with regard to the recognition of Bue that it would be desirable to the United States to nos A res as an independent nation. Some observa- understand, whether Buenos Ayres, itself, claims tions, however, may be proper, with reference to cir- an entire, or only an imperfect independence.— cumst. nces alleged by him, as arguing that a consul That the necessity of an explanation upon this general may be accredited without acknowledging point arose from the fact, that in the negociation, the independence of the government from which he of the supposed article with Mr. Worthington, the bas his appointment. The consul of the United States, who bas resided at Buenos Ayres, had no other credential than his commission. It implied no recognition by the United States of any par'i cular government; and it was issued before the Buenos Ayrean declaration of independence, and while all the acts of the authorities there, were in the name of the king of Spain, were to be allowed to others, and denied to them; and that while an indefinitive power should be re served, of granting to any nation advantages to be withheld from the United States, an acknowledg. ment of independence must be considered prema supreme director had declined contracting the engagement, though with the offer of reciprocity, that the United States should enjoy at Buenos Ay res the advantages and privileges of the most favor. ed nation. That the reason given by him for refus ing such an engagement was, that Spain having claims of sovereignty over Buenos Ayres, the right must be reserved, for granting special favors to her During the period while this government declin- for renouncing them, which other nations, having ed to receive Mr. Onis as the minister of Spain, no no such claims to renounce, could not justly ex consul received an exequatur under a commission pect to obtain. Without discussing the correct. from the same authority. The consuls who had ness of this principle, it was observed that the been received before the contest for the govern United States, in acknowledging Buenos Ayres as ment of Spain had arisen, were suffered to continue independent, would expect either to be treated on the exercise of their functions, for which no new the footing of the most favored nation, or to know recognition was necessary. A similar remark may the extent and character of the benefits which be made with regard to the inequality, alleged by Mr. de Frest, o result from the admission of Spanish consuls, officially to protest before our ju dicial tribunals, the rights of Spanish subjects ge nerally, while he is not admitted to the same privileges with regard to those of the citizens of Bue-ture. nos Ayres. The equality of rights to which the Mr de Forest answers, that this reservation must two parties to a civil war are entitled, in their re-appear to every one contrary to the inclination, as Jations with neutral powers, does not extend to well as interest of the government of Buenos Aythe rights enjoyed by one of them, by virtue of res; that it must have been only a proposition of a treaty stipulations contracted before the war; nei- temporary nature, not extending to the acknow. ther can it extend to rights, the enjoyment of ledgment by the United States of the independence which essentially depends upon the issue of the of South America; which he is confident would War. That Spain is a sovereign and independent have rendered any such reservation altogether un power, is not contested by Buenos Ayres, and is necessary, in the opinion of the government af recognized by the United States, who are bound Buenos Ayres, who must have seen they where by treaty to receive her consuls. Mr. de Forest's treating with an unauthorised person, and suggest. credential letter, asks that he may be received by vir- ed the idea, from an opinion of its good policy, tue of a stipulation, in supposed articles concluded and, he adds, that Portugal is acknowledged by by Mr. Worthington, which he was not autho- the United States as an independent power, alrised to make; so that the reception of Mr. de Fo- though their commerce is taxed higher in the ports rest, upon the credential on which he founds his of Brazil than that of Great Britain. claim, would imply a recognition, not only of the goveroment of the supreme director, Pueyrredon, but a compact as binding upon the United States, which is a mere nulity. It had not been intended to suggest to Mr. de Forest, that it was in any manner incompatible with the independence or sovereignty of a nation to grant commercial advantages to one foreign state, Consuls are indeed received by the government and to withhold them from another. If any such of the United States from acknowledged sovereign advantage is granted for an equivalent, other napowers, with whom they have no treaty. But the tions can have no right to claim its enjoyment, eres exequatur for a consul general, can obviously not though entitled to be treated as the most favored nabe granted, without recognizing the authority tions, unless by the reciprocal grant of the same from whom his appointment proceeds, as sovereign. equivalent. Neither had it been meant to say, that "The consul," says Vattel, (book 2. chap. 2 § 34) a nation forfeited its character of acknowledged "is not a public minister; but as he is charged with sovereignty, even by granting, without equivalent, a commission from his sovereign, and received in that commercial advantages to one foreign power, and quality by him where he resides, he should enjoy, withholding them from another. However absurd to a certain extent, the protection of the law of and unjust the policy of a nation granting to one, nations." and refusing to another, such gratuitous conces If, from this this state of things, the inhabitants of sions might be deemed, the questions whether Buenos Ayres cannot enjoy the advantage of being they affected its independence, or not, would rest officially represented before the courts of the upon the nature of the concessions themselves.United States, by a consul, while the subjects of The idea meant to be conveyed was, that the reSpain are entitled to that privilege, it is an ine-servation of an indefinite right to grant bereafter, quality resulting from the nature of the contest in special favors to Spain, for the remuneration of her which they are engaged, and not from any denial claims of sovereignty, left it uncertain whether of their rights, as parties to a civil war, The re- the independence of Buenos Ayres would be com cognition of them, as such, and the consequent ad- plete or imperfect, and it was suggested with a mission of their vessels into the ports of the United view to give the opportunity to the supreme diStates, operates with an inequality against the rector of explaining his intentions in this respect, other party to that contest, and in their favor. and to intimate to him, that while such an indefe nite right was reserved, an acknowledgment of in- no instance of it would again occur hereafter. No dependence must be considered as premature.-reply to this part of the note has been made by This caution was thought the more necessary, inas- Mr. De Forest, for it is not supposed that he meant much as it was known, that at the same time, while to disclaim all responsibility of himself, or of the the supreme director was insisting upon this reser government of Buenos Ayres, concerning it, unless vation, a mediation between Spain and her colo his character of consul general should be recogniz nies had been solicited by Spain, and agreed to by ed. As he states that he has transmitted a copy the five principal powers of Europe, the basis of of the note, itself, to Buenos Ayres, the expectawhich was understood to be a compromise between tion may be indulged, that the exclusive sovereign the Spanish claim to sovereignty, and the colonial authority of the United States, within their own claim to independence. jurisdiction, will hereafter be respected. All which is respectfully submitted. Mr. Ue Forest was understood to have said, that the congress at Tucuman had determined to offer a grant of special privileges to the nation which should be the first to acknowledge the independence of Buenos Ayres. He stated in his notes that he knew nothing of any such resolution by that congress, but that it was a prevailing opinion at Buenos Ayres, and his own opinion also, that such special privileges would be granted to the first recognizing power, if demanded. It has invariably been avowed by the government of the United States, that they would neither ask nor accept of any special privilege, or advantage for their acknowledgment of South American independence; but it appears that the supreme director of Buenos Ayres, far from being prepared to grant special favors to the United States, for taking the lead in the acknowledgment, declined even a reciprocal stipulation, that they should enjoy the same advantages as other nations. Nor was this reservation, as Mr. De Forest supposes, defeasible, by the acknowledgment, on the part of the United States of South American independence. The supreme director could not be so ignorant that it was impossible for this government to ratify the articles prepared by his authority with Mr. Worthington, and yet to withhold the acknowledg ment of independence. He knew that if that instrument should be ratified, the United States must thereby necessarily be the first to grant the acknowledgment, yet he declined inserting in it an article, securing to each party, in the ports of the other, the advantages of the most favored nation. It is, neverless, in conformity to one of those same articles, that Mr. De Forest claimed to be received in the formal character of consul general. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. Department of state, 28th, January, 1819. No 1. Don Lino de Clemente to the secretary of state. (TRANSLATION.) Most excellent sir,-Having been appointed by the government of the republic of Venezuela, its representative near the United States of North America, I have the honor to inform you of my arrival in this city for the purpose of discharging the trust committed to me: to effect this, I have to request, that you will be pleased to inform me at what time it will be convenient for you to afford me an opportunity of presenting my respects to you personally, and communicating to you the object of my arrival in the federal city. I avail myself of this occasion to tender to you the assurance of the high respect and consideration with which, I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) Washington, 19th December, LINO DE CLEMENTE. 8th year of the republic, A. D. 1818. The secretary of state to Don Lino de Clemente. Washington, 16th December, 1818. Don Lino de Clemente, SIR-Your note of the 11th instant, has been laid before the president of the United States, by whose direction I have to inform you, that your name having been avowedly affixed to a paper With regard to the irregularities and excesses drawn up within the United States, purporting to committed by armed vessels sailing under the flag be a commission to a foreign officer, for underof Buenos Ayres, complained of in the note of the taking and executing an expedition in violation of 1st January, it was not expected that Mr. De the laws of the United States, and also to another Forest would have the power of restraining them, paper avowing that act, and otherwise insulting otherwise than by representing them to the su- to this government, which papers have been transpreme director, in whom the authority to apply mitted to congress, by the message of the presi the proper remedy is supposed to be vested. The dent of the 25th of March last, I am not authoris admission of Mr. De Forest, in the character of ed to confer with you, and that no further comconsul general, would give him no additional means munication will be received from you at this departof suppressing the evil. Its principal aggravation ment. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. mission. arises from the circumstance, that the cruizers of I am, with due consideration, sir, your very Buenos Ayres, are almost, if not quite, universally obedient servant, manned and officered by foreigners, having no permanent connexion with that country, or interest No. 1. Translation of Sir Gregor M'Gregor's com in its cause. But the complaint was not confined to the misconduct of the cruizers. It was stated The deputies of free America, resident in the that blank commissions for privateers, their com United States of the north, to their compatriot, manders, and officers, had been transmitted to Gregor M'Gregor, general of brigade in the service this country, with the blanks left to be filled up of the United Provinces of New Grenada and Venehere, for fitting out, arming, and equipping them, zuela, greeting: for purposes prohibited by the laws of the United Whereas, it is highly important to the interests States, and in violation of the laws of nations. It of the people whom we have the honor to rewas observed that this practice, being alike irrecon-present, that possession should be taken, without cilable with the rights and the obligations of the loss of time, of East and West Florida, and the United States, it was expected by the president, blessings of free institutions, and the security of that being made known to the supreme director, their natural rights, imparted to their inhabitants: In pursuance of our instructions, and in confor-¡United States, in justification of their hostile mity to the desires of our respective governments, measure, serves to prove their own futility, and we have commissioned brigadier general Gregor clearly demonstrate, that the sole object was the M'Gregor, for the purpose of carrying into execu acquisition of the Floridas; without forming any tion, either wholly or in part, an enterprise so in other calculations than those founded on the more teresting to the glorious cause in which we are or less exhausted state to which the patriots may engaged: reduce the Spanish government; and in conse. Therefore, taking into consideration your zeal quence, the pretext of a want of authority in the and devotion to the republic, we request you, in parties who took possession of Amelia and Galves the name of our constituents, to proceed on your ton, was one while resorted to; and at others, that own responsibility, and that of the above named those establishments were formed to serve as a provinces, to adopt such measures, as in your judg-shelter to pirates and smugglers; finally, that no ment, may most effectually tend to procure for our foreign power could be permitted to establish itself brethren of both the Floridas, East and West, the in the Floridas, alleging a secret act passed in speedy enjoyment of those benefits, to which they 1811, which is applicable to the present case. are invited by the importance of their geographical I flatter myself it will be very easy for you to situation; and for that purpose we authorise you, prove, that the United States have no other grounds without departing from the usages and customs of for this step, than their own convenience, supported civilized nations in like cases, and the due obser- by force. vance of the laws of the United States, and par- I have repeatedly transmitted an account to my ticularly those regulating their neutrality with government, of the occurrences at Amelia Island, foreign powers, to cause vessels to be armed after its occupation by geñeral M’Gregor, request. without the limits of their jurisdiction, and pro-ing it to communicate the same to the government visionally, to grant rank to naval and military of New Granada, at Casanare; and to enable me to officers, until the government, to be established continue my communications, which existing cir by the free will of the said people, can provide, cumstances make interesting, I request, sir, you in the most suitable mode, for the arrangement of will be pleased to inform me, as speedily as possible, their several departments. In the execution of all of the result of your mission. which, the instructions delivered, to you of this date, will serves your guide. I have the honor to be, with the highest con sideration, sir, your most obedient servant, (Signed) LINO DE CLEMENTE. Philadelphia, 15th January, 1818-8th. A true copy. (Signed) Signed, sealed and delivered at the city of Philadelphia, the 31st of March, 1817. (Signed) Lino de Clemente, Deputy for Venezuela. Pedro Gual. Deputyf om New Granadu, and as proxy for F. Zarate, Deputy from Mexico. To Martin Thompson, Dep. from Rio de la Plate. A true copy of the original in my possession. Philadelphia, 15th January, 1818—8th. (Signed) LINO DE CLEMENTE. A true copy. No. 4. PAZOS. senor Don Vicente Pazos. No. 5. Mr. De Forest to the secretary of state. I have the honor to announce to Mr. Adams, that I have again arrived in this district, in order to renew my solicitations to be accredited by this government, as the consul general of the United Provinces of South America, founding my claim on the credentials from my government, which were laid before the president in the month of May last. From Don Lino de Ciemente to Don Vicente Pazos By letters from general Don Luis de Aury, and Don Pedro Gual, dated at Fernandina, the 26th The information recently acquired by this go December last, I have been informed that they vernment respecting the provinces of South Ame have commissioned you, for the purpose of pre-[rica, I presume, has established the fact beyond a senting to the president of the United States, a doubt, that Buenos Ayres, their capital, and a large protest in the name of the independent govern- proportion of their territory, are, and have been ment of South America, against the invasion of free and independent of the government of Spain, Amelia Island by a naval and military force of the for more than eight years; and possess ample ability United States, on the 23d of December last, and to support their independence in future. That's to demand the restitution of the vessels captured regular system of government is established by from the enemy, which have been detained, and their inhabitants, who show themselves, by the sent to different ports by American vessels of war. wisdom of their institutions, sufficiently enlighten Although the government of Venezuela, of whose ed for self government: and, that they look up to powers I am bearer, is included in your commission this great republic as a model, and as to their jomntly with those in whose name possession was elder sister, from whose sympathies and friendship, taken of Amelia Island, yet it has seemed to me they hope and expect ordinary protection at least. to be proper, specially to authorise you, as I do The messages of the president of the United hereby, to protest, in the name of my said govern States, as well the last as the present year, have ment, against the invasion of Amelia, and all such created a general belief, that the United States further acts of the government of the United have placed us on an equal footing with Spain, as States, as are contrary to the rights and interests it respects our commercial operations; but, sir, it of the several republics, and the persons sailing is found not to be the case. A consul of Spain is under their respective flags, duly commissioned. known and respected as such by your tribunals of And to enable you satisfactorily to prove, that Amelia Isiand was taken from the Spaniards by competent authority, I enclose a copy of the commission granted to general M'Gregor, on the 31st of March last, by the deputies of the independent republics. justice, which enables him, ex-officio, to protect and defend the interests of his countrymenWhereas, the verbal permission I have to act in the duties of my office, will not avail in your tribunals; and a number of instances have already occurred, where the property of my absent fellow-citizens The motives alleged by the government of the luas been jeopardised, for want of a legally authoris |