Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-01-11
Caracas, December IA 1924.

l Val dSoo3 A<SSShiDSA 1T
GAS rumours may reach the United
States highly coloured relative to the
Instruction, or reported insurrection
in the neighbourhood of this city, and
the cause of the city being placed un-
der martial law and as it is desira-
BILE with you to possess correct infor-
nation, take upon myself relation
of facts, as nearly as can ascertain,
with my own observations upon them
without colouring and without the in
fluence of fear. About six days since
this city was placed under "Martial
Law :" the cause was said to be fear of
invasion. The intelligent foreigners
ridiculed the idea, as ii is well known
that Spain can send no force to this
country at the present moment on the
other hand should the French Govern
ment interfere, we all well know the
course that would be pursued by our
Government, and the Government Of
Great Britain. The conclusion ! drew;
was that the object Of the Government
was to form their Militia and to enable
them to form this Militia without great
discomfort to the citizens Of the country,
there must be some ostensible reason,
to induce the people to submit to the
new regulations or l may say to be-
come Citizen Soldiers. About two
months since the Government issued
orders for the citizens to form this mi
litia (inclading foreigners after a resi-
dence of two months in the country
The militia was formed, but great
discomfort prevailed among the peo-
pie, as they looked upon it as unneces-
sary and oppressive. The Soldiers
met at first { rather) promptly but soon
as am told, it being prior to my arri-
vaD the business began to die away
and the citizens neglected to appear.
Then came the proclamation declaring
the city and province under Martial
Law"
Now for the Insurrection-About
eight or nine miles from the city there
is small village called Petare 1t is
said the Alcalde, or Commandante of
this village was very oppressive man
and gave great discomfort to the villa
gers. On Wednesday night last about
800 Blacks made an attack on depot
Of arms and ammunition in the neigh
bourhood Of Petare, consisting Of 300
muskets and 5000 cartridges defended
by eight men, who succeeding in defen-
ding them and beating off the Blacks;
wounding number, and some are sup
posed to be killed. The following day
company of fifty men marched out
to Pelar and all anxiety as regards this
attack has subsidized. A number Of
of prisoners are taken who will doubt.
less meet their fate. That they might
have friends in the city is possible and
even probable some arrests have ia.
ken place, and their cases will be soon
examined. The Militia, or rather two
or three companies are under arms by
night and by day, and patrols are es.
tablished throughout the city until (il
is said) they find how deep laid the plot
may be. That it is contemplate at.
fair seriously believe, without plan
and without concert. and perhaps got
up by the Government for the purpose
ofinducing fine citizens to join willing
| ly in their militia duties; if so I doubt
not, that they will effect their object,
from which much good must eventually
arise. There are only 24,o6o slaves in
Venezuela without arms or ammuni-