Miraiic/a and the BritisJi Adi)iiraltv 5 1 7 ultimately annihilating one fleet, of cutting off fifteen millions from the Revenue of France, and probably adding it to our own, and raising in that proportion our consequence in Europe, Then I submit the propriety of taking up without a moment's loss of time the consideration of Trin- idad as a colony, a naval station, a military and commercial position with respect to Oronoqiie and the Caracca's. And then send Miranda there, and ascertain the countenance or assistance that it will be expedient to give him personally, for I think no more imputation can attach to any moveable protection than does already by keeping him here for this specifick purpose, to apply him and his resources, whenever it shall be considered that this country is politically justified in doing so. II. William Armstrong to Captain Edward Moore.' Leander, Lat. 28, 12"' Feb. 1806 My dear Moore, I wrote you twice lately from New York from whence I sailed on the 2° inst. informing you of my having engaged in a spec in which I wished you to take a part. Having just fallen in with the Cleopatra I embrace the opportunity of saying I am now on my way with a number of very good fellows to put it in execution and provided we meet with no unexpected interruption have little doubt of success. If therefore you wish to put yourself in for- tune's way come to me as soon as possible, I shall keep the situation I mentioned vacant for you and you may rest assured nothing in my power (which is not trifling) shall be left undone to serve you. If you come get to Barbadoes or Trinidad as soon as possible ; at the first you will hear of me from Phill Amiel [ .'] to be found at Conders, the other from W? M. or Lamboth. I will thank you to write to M? A and inform her we are all well and desire her to communicate it to S. and all my friends. If the Admiral or Capt Beresford is with you remember me to them, tell the last I saw G. R. very well the day I embarked. You will prob- ably meet W" A. T. remember me to all friends with you and believe me unalterably yours. W. A. All friends at New York were well excepting J. C. P. who is on his last legs. Capt. Edw. Moore Bermuda ' Admirals' Despatches, North America, Vol. 17. Probably an enclosure in Captain Wight's letter. No. v., post. The writer was no doubt William Armstrong, a half-pay captain of the British army whom Miranda made " colonel of the first regiment of riflemen in the Columbian army" and his quartermaster-general. See Biggs, History of Don Francisco de Miranda' s Attempt, Boston, l8lo, pp. 17, 19, 237, 238, 245.
