5 1 4 Documents but he adds that the partizans of this cause in the Island are considerably alarmed at the possible result of a mission sent to the Black Colony of S! Domingo, they pray for the protection of the British Government which in either case of war or peace will ensure a most beneficial com- mercial intercourse with the River Oronoque and the neighbouring con- tinent and make the island one of the first possessions in the Western Hemisphere.' The mission to which I allude may have been urged probably by some of the emigrants from S! Domingo resident at the Caraccas, on the de- pending societies pressing the activity of their countrymen to espouse so good a cause, and stating in stronger colours than it can possibly deserve, the apathy and disinclination of their European Friends. The force which General Miranda thinks fully sufficient is two thou- sand infantry two corps of dismounted cavalry, two companies of artil- lery with permission to raise as many free corps as there are emigrant officers to embody at Trinidad, yet he only asks this force to be at his disposition, not intending to withdraw it from the island but in such pro- portion as may be found absolutely necessary. I cannot however resist pressing the policy of having such a force ; as it may be proper to estab- lish a permanent English garrison at Caracca or some other place on the coast. The Naval Force to be specifically nominated for this operation should be one 64. or 74. one 50. one frigate, one Sloop of War, two bombs, three gun brigs, two cutters, and three coppered transports, these may carry out the troops to Barbadoes, from whence seasoned troops should be removed to Trinidad — they will also carry out all the stores necessary for this expedition, a list of which has already been submitted by Miranda to Lord Melville. The Naval Force may be curtailed if His Lordship cannot spare it, but with what I have mentioned, there can be no doubt of succeeding in every point of view ; provided always that our expectations of assistance from the Inhabitants are realized. I do not think it an object that the whole of this force should sail until there is a moral certainty of war ; at least till the Cabinet decides that war shall take place at a given time, but it really is an object of the last importance that Miranda should quit this country without a moment's loss of time ; his arrival at Trinidad in the simple character of a settler would give new life and spirit to the principal people in the country and shake in pro- portion the existing Government of Spain, it would also set aside the doctrine of the French emigrants who have instigated this mission to S? Domingo and prove by his presence that Great Britain waited only a proper opportunity to give him her countenance and to act in a manner consistent with the policy of the times, and the existing relations between France and Spain. Before I proceed any further in detail of operations, I shall ask a few simple questions. Is Spain independant of France ? No! Is she vir- tually under the dominion and controul of that new Empire ? Yes ! Will France allow her to be on terms of peace with Great Britain one moment ' ■Irinidad had been lately acquired, in 1797.
