In this spirit,
he wished it to be believed that we were in unjustifiable co-operation
in Miranda's expedition. I solemnly, and on my personal truth and honor,
declare to you, that this was entirely without foundation, and that
there was neither co-operation nor connivance on our part. He informed
us he was about to attempt the liberation of his native country from
bondage, and intimated a hope of our aid, or connivance at least. He was
at once informed, that, although we had great cause of complaint against
Spain, and even of war, yet whenever we should think proper to act as
her enemy, it should be openly and above board, and that our hostility
should never be exercised by such petty means. We had no suspicion that
he expected to engage men here, but merely to purchase military stores.
Against this there was no law, nor consequently any authority for us to
interpose obstacles. On the other hand, we deemed it improper to
betray his voluntary communication to the agents of Spain. Although his
measures were many days in preparation at New York, we never had the
least intimation or suspicion of his engaging men in his enterprise,
until he was gone; and I presume the secrecy of his proceedings kept
them equally unknown to the Marquis Yrujo at Philadelphia, and
the Spanish Consul at New York, since neither of them gave us any
information of the enlistment of men, until it was too late for any
measures taken at Washington to prevent their departure.
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