PREFACE.

THE letters in this volume give an account of the commencement, progress and termination of Miranda's attempt to effect a revolution in South America. The facts came within the observation of the writer, or were obtained by careful enquiry. In history, says a great moralist and critick, the whole should be told. The author has told all that appeared to him at once proper to be related and interesting to the reader. These letters were written for the information of the author's friends and to assist his own memory. After much deliberation and some doubt, he has been induced to commit them to the press. The expedition of Miranda excited attention and expectation at the time and has not ceased to be a subject of speculation. It

had a certain aspect upon our foreign relations, and occasioned a discussion of much delicacy respecting the conduct of the American government. It may be of some use to the world, that the agency of Miranda in this enterprise should be detailed and the impression he made on the minds of his unfortunate followers should be known. By the disclosure of the facts, the persons concerned with him may hope to be considered with more equity and perhaps more favour, than they would find, if the publick opinion were left to be formed by the fictions of rumour and the exaggerations of ignorance. It is possible that its developement will create an interest in behalf of that portion of Miranda's associates, now suffering imprisonment* or slavery in that country, where they dreamed they should enjoy and communicate liberty. This enterprise and its incidents afford a curious exhibition of human nature. The boldness of the

* See an account of their situation in I. H. Sherman's pamphlet printed in New-York by Mc'Farlane and Long.

design and the variations of fortune in its progress and execution; the sufferings and the actions of the adventurers are not wholly unworthy of the attention of those, who wish to be instructed by a view of the obliquities of the human mind or amused by the perusal of eccentrick adventures.