1831.] Narrative of the late Conspiracy at Cadiz. 125 



different parts of the city, and raise the cry of liberty. The principal of 

 these were to proceed to the square of San Antonio, and there proclaim 

 the constitution. The soldiers would then join the conspirators, and 

 the governor be put to death, in case he offered any opposition to the 

 plot. The signal for the conspirators at the Isla de Leon to pronounce 

 themselves, was to leave the beacon-lamp in the tower of Cadiz nnli^hted. 

 This was to be a token that the blow had been struck, and succeeded. 



These arrangements made, Sanchez-Reza and Captain R , two officers 



of knov/n courage, and strongly addicted to the cause, were chosen to be 

 the leaders in the popular commotion. Every thing being in readiness, 

 the 2d of March was the day appointed to strike the decisive blow that 

 was to change the destiny of many, and be the herald of a general revo- 

 lution. 



The 2d of March arrived ; but — owing to those fatal casualties which 

 have so frequently accompanied attempts of this nature — some deficiency 

 in the plan, or other motives to us a secret, induced the leaders to post- 

 pone the undertaking until the following day. This was, in the end, 

 fatal to the enterprise that promised such brilliant results. Distrust had 

 began to dawn in the mind of the governor, Don A. Hierro y Oliver. 

 He had observed groups, which first fixed his attention, and then awoke 

 well-grounded fears. Throughout the fatal 2d of March, but more 

 especially towards the evening, the aspect which the city presented 

 led him to suspect that some secret plot was in contemplation. Some 

 partial and injudicious cries of liberty, on the part of some of the con- 

 spirators, came to strengthen his suspicions ; and he immediately applied 

 himself to make the most diligent inquiries. Although, in so short a 

 space of time he could not ascertain the magnitude of the conspiracy, 

 he yet obtained a clue to help him in his subsequent investigations. 

 Whether some one of the party betrayed the secret, or the governor was 

 guided by mere suspicion, from the well-known character of Sanchez- 

 Reza, it is certain that this officer received a preremptory summons to 

 appear immediately before him. The astonishment of Sanchez-Reza 

 was as deep as his apprehension for the discovery of the plot. However, 

 he determined to obey the order of the governor. Don A. Hierro y 

 Oliver received the officer with an austere countenance. 



" Sanchez-Reza, I know that there exists a conspiracy against the 

 government." 



The officer attempted to expostulate. 



" Nay, sir," interrupted the governor, " do not attempt to impose 

 upon me ; I am fully acquainted with the plans of the conspirators ; you 

 are one of the leaders chosen to direct the plot." 



The coolness and nerve which Sanchez-Reza had displayed on former 

 occasions failed him upon this. The governor perceived his consterna- 

 tion — his doubts were confirmed, and he proceeded — 



" A^ow, sir, give me your word that you will immediately repair to 

 your companions, announce to them that their plans are known to me, 

 and then quit this city without loss of time. On this condition, I shall 

 pardon you." 



Sancliez-Reza consented to quit the place as he was desired ; and this 

 want of decision was fatal to liis companions. If he had preserved that 

 calmness and composure which arc indispensable re((uisites in men who 

 emliark in dangerous undertakings, he would have discovered, from 

 the behaviour and deportment of the governor, that the conspirators had 



