Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-06-10

and whether should not have failed in my duty,
had not pursued the Course did at Foxardo
have as yet SAID nothing to my motives.
The motives of Gen. Jackson, it is said were
founded in the purest patriotism;' and il is pre-
sumed the motives of the other officers have
cited were equally pure, or their conduct would
not have been approved; how their motive were
ascertained, except from their conduct s. assu-
rance, do not know. On my own part offer
no assurances, but leave every one TO Judge OF my
motives by my conduct alone. Had my motives
been bad or Miscellaneous, ! should have proceeded
drecilyto hostiies, without giving notice TO the
authorities of Foxardo, and allowing them time
10 choose between tie two alternatives offered
them; and should not have taken the precaution
did to guard the persons and property of the inla-
bitants OF Porto Rico from injury Had, in fact
my motives been bad, should have insisted on Sc
verer terms than those cxacied, and should not
have retired Immediately after the concessions and
assurances were made, but should have remained
mere, TO ENJOY the inimidated humble, and degra-
ded condition ofthe authorities aud the people.
| That my motives disin,erested, is certain,
rom the circumstance OF my combining myself TO
The single object ofproection to the persons of our
citizens. had nothing personally TO hope for, or
gam, by securing their safety; and had certain
ly much 10 lose in making the attenpt for piac-
| cd my iJe at hazard
II have failed in justifying myself, trust that
| cate duties which have been confided to me, in
volving nice and intricate questions of national
rights, and Jealous desire to act fully up to the
wishes OF the government; and not from wish TO
act IN opposition TO It's views TO infringe on the
territorial rights and immunites of others. Should
! there appear the slightest evidence of nv having
Tor moment, wilfully disresarded what was due
10 my own country, and the respect due to the go
vernment OF Spain, shall submit with resignation
| and cheeriulness TO the severest punishment that
can be inflicted on me, if ii extends depri-
wing me OF my commission, which | should then
! be unworthy of bearing.
Formerelv doing my duty, have never asked
nor expected any reward beyond the appreciation
OF my country; and if it should appear that have.
In this instance done more than nv duty, con-
| hdently hope ard expect that shall escape all
punishment, beyond what have already felt
! have stated all the grounds which, in nv o.
pinon, JUSTIFIED my undertaking the expedition 10
FoXardo acted on letters of an Official character
already referred 10, and statements which had no
! doubt could be relied on. l acted on what | Le-
lleved a fair construction of the Laws of Nations.
the intention of those who framed my orders. and
Ire public voice. did not think it necessary to
so through the formality of collecting evidence ON
oath, to justify me in the attempt was about ma
KING TO secure, in future, our officers from insult
! Had done 30, my object would have been defea-
| ed In the time thai would have elapsed, and the
alarm that W oud have been excited by an inquiry,
winch could not have been kept secret.
Promptness was necessary, and | felt satisfied
that the letters which already possessed, were a
sufficient justification FOR my proceedings
The following Documents, which have been re-
Jected by the Court, and which do not now offer
IN vindication ofmy conduct, but in confirmation
OF the letters OF Lieut.. Plat,, Mr.. Cabot, and Mr.
bergeest, ae so full the subject of the robbelies
and practical depredations from Foxardo, and the
ulrdtical character the autboria-
that part of Porto Rico, that deem it unnecesso-
TO make any comment on them. The complicated
system OF villany they unfold is dsgraeeful TO the
nation to which they belong, and a continuation
OF 1t will be disgraceful the rest of the void
and particularly to those nations most EXPOSED IN
their depredationy The pirates of Cuba, OF AL
glers' funis, and Tripoli, offer no parallel.