the will of the people, corrupted as it now is, prevails, the Independence of the country will be established also, in favour of which the great majority of the natives is undoubtedly decided.
12.—This last assertion may, perhaps, require some proofs, but, unfortunately, it is but too easy to adduce them.
No rebellion can prosper without it be countenanced by public opinion;—on this account, the French made no progress in Spain; but here, without any other protection or assistance, the rebels have sustained themselves for three years against the heroic valour and fidelity of the troops of the country, against the forces which have been sent from Spain, and against the efforts of many loyal Americans, and of all the European residents.
13.—This fact alone proves that the general wish here is the same as that which has been manifested in various other parts of America. It is confirmed by the spontaneous breaking out of the Revolution in the different Provinces, without any sort of compulsion being necessary in order to induce them to declare against the government; (although force has been hitherto applied in vain, in order to oblige them to return to their obedience,) by the conspiracies and disturbances in the Capital; and by the result of the elections, in particular, which were celebrated by the rebels, (as well they might be,) since they themselves could not have selected persons more after their own hearts.
14.—The Audiencia does not deny that many Americans of all classes, besides the troops, have given proofs of exalted loyalty; and it admits that, in many instances, it was impossible for defenceless towns and villages to attempt any resistance against an armed banditti; but it is not the less true that the majority of the people, and almost all the towns, are in favour of the rebellion; and that whereas, in Spain, although some few traitors have sided with the French, not a single village has declared in their favour; here, on the contrary, although many individuals have embraced the just cause. Provinces, towns, and villages, have all shown a disinclination to support it.
18.—Your Majesty has heard that the rebellion by which this, and other countries of America, are devastated, "was
