Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1822-07-25

MINISTER'S Vi MOSS CoHiti toS W "'e" =.
the first time legislste tor themselves, u
mist, we presume, be satisfactory to learn
something of the history and character OF
the persons with whom we shall nave 10
negotiate and form contracts, Tor the con-
yenience. the advantage, and the honor
Of all parties.
We have been led to this observation
on perusal Of some newspapers publish
cd AT Santa Fe de 8agota, the seat OF the
Colombian government, in one OF which
there appears correspondence between
the British Admiral. Sir Charles Row
lev. commanding His BIN. ships in the
West-Indies, and Don Pedro GUAL, Sec
1etary of state and foreign affairs in Co
lombia.
The subject of this correspondence,
tho bearing on an isolated case, IS one OF
General interesl-it is one upon which
there exists a variety OF opinions, and
of practice too even in our own country
in fact, its principles does not seem to be
well understood, not having been clearly
defined OF fixed by jurists. However, the
line OF conduct which the Republic OF Co
lombia has marked out for herself in this
particular, is distinctly aud strongly stated
in the able and interesting letter OF the
Minister of Foreign Affairs. OF whose his
tory we shall present tew OF the leading
features.
When we know how a public man has
acted under circumstances of great difficult
ty and danger-when his talents, his for
titude, and bis honor have been brought
to the severest trial, we may form toler-
ably accurate opinion, and make pretty
fair anticipations Of what bis conduct IS
likely to be, in the situations in which the
the success of his cause and the triumph
OF bis principles may place him. 1t is
thus that biography becomes peculiarly
valuable.
Don Pedro GUAL is OF an ancient family.
His uncle, descended from noble house,
lived distinguished ID Caracas, was one
OF the eminent founders of the revolution,
and the first who fell a sacrifice 10 his
love of country. The nephew followed in
the footsteps of The mariyred uncle, act
ing boldly in the cause of Independence,
till at last, BovoIs, so remarkable tor his
cruelty. succeeded in driving the Patri-
OTIS from Venezuela into Grenada. Here,
though strong jealousy then existed be-
tween the people OF Caracas and Cartha-
gena, Don Pedro Cual was chosen govern
or OF the latter city, homage paid to his
talents and his patriotism.
He accepted Office in a crisis of meal
culable difficulty and danger, in the hope
OF saving his country; in the hour OF peril
he drew upon the resources OF bis expan-
ded mind; bis measures OF safety were at
once remarkable for their wisdom and
their energy-they were bold yet practi
cable, but the vigor of his administration
alarmed the timid, and, untortunate y for
Colombia, in the hope of reconciliDg par
ties. and to preserve union among the
chiefs, he had 10 give way to Don John
AsApoR, most amiable man, but wholly
unfit
ITO ride in the whirlwind
And direct the Storm"
To this circumstance may be attributed
the then loss OF the country, the factions
which arose, the repatriation OF the Illus
trious Bolivar, and of those attached 20
bis principles and objects. Had the able
and energetic GUAL continued at this Pc
riod at the head of the provincial gov
eminent, it is the opinion of intelligent
military men that bis measures must have
insured success. He would have had the
city abundantly supplied with provisions
every necessary arm would have been
been obtained, and regular plan OF de.
fenc would have been acted upon, The
inevitable consequence OF this would have
been the raising of the siege by MoRiLLo,
as the rainy season was approaching, and
the termination of the campaign would
have probably been not less disastrous to
the royalists, than that of the English ex-
petition under Admiral VERNON 1t was
ordered otherwise, and Ca,thagena fell
1t will be ever thus when the master spi-
rts of revolution are deprived OF COM
mand.
After the surrender Of Carthagena Don
PEDRO quail shaped his course for the u
nited States, country coDgenial to his
feelings and his principles. -Here he in
short time made himself master of the En-
glish language, qualified himself, by The
study OF our laws, to be admitted mem.
beT of the American Bar, and was actually
about 10 practice when Bolivar, undis-
mayed by defeat and glowing in the cause
of suffering humanity, mad second de
scent upon Venezuela. The cold prsc-
tice OF the Law could make no stand a.
gainst the impuls. impaired by such an e.
vent-all those feelings which dignity
our nature, and at times lift man above
himself, were quickly 10 play land GuAL as
quickly found himself once more aHoat on
the troubled ocean of revolution, identified
with the cause of Liberty, and bound to
the fortunes of his friend-to the fortunes
of that great mao, who is now so justly
called, the LIBERAToR OF HIS COUNTRY.
He has past through the trying ordeal