SOUTH AMERICA. 



311 



between iis, is natural. We inhabit the same portion 

 of the globe, our cause has been once yours, and we 

 are in pursuit of the same objects, which you have so 

 happily achieved. 



^*You will see many things amongst us, to excite 

 your surprise. We are a people who are just begin- 

 ning to be. We have had great difficulties to encoun- 

 ter, and have labored under extraordinary disadvan- 

 tages. I feel confident, however, that when you come 

 to be better acquainted with our country, you will find 

 that the most ardent love of liberty, and indepen- 

 dence, pervades every part of this community; that in 

 pursuit of these great objects, we are all united; und 

 that we are resolved to perish, sooner than surrender 

 them At the same time, we must confess with deep 

 regret, that dissentions still prevail between different 

 sections of this republic, and which have unfortunately 

 placed one of the most important portions of our coun- 

 try, in the hands of a stranger. 



^^With respect to the objects of the mission, T am 

 anxious to meet the wishes of the commissioners in 

 every particular. I hope all forms of diplomacy may 

 be waived; that all communications may be held as be- 

 tween friends and brothers; that whenever it may suit 

 the pleasure or convenience of the commissioners, they 

 will address themselves personally to me, or to the 

 secretary of state, who will always be found at leisure 

 to attend to them." 



Mr. Rodney having made a suitable reply to this 

 address, of which I have given the substance, we took 

 our leave. 



In the course of the forenoon, a general Ascuenaga, 

 and some other officers of distinction made their ap- ' 



