X 



APPENDIX. 3^9 



may be proper, in this place to introduce the subject of the irre- 

 gular conduct of the privateers under the patriot flag, against 

 which, the commissioners were directed to remonstrate. Having 

 taken an opportunity of explaining to Mr. Tagle, the secretary 

 of state, the proceedings of our government relative to Amelia 

 island and Galveztown, agreeably to their instructions, the com- 

 missioners embraced a suitable occasion, to urge the just cause of 

 complaint, which the malpractices of private armed vessels, wear- 

 ing the patriot colors, had furnished our government. On both 

 topics, they had long and interesting conversations. With the 

 conduct of the government respecting Amelia island and Galvez- 

 town, Mr. Tagle expressed himself perfectly satisfied, and he dis- 

 claimed for his government, any privity or participation in the 

 lodgments made at those places, by persons acting in the name of 

 the patriots ef South America. In reference to the acts of cruiz- 

 ers under the patriot flags, he said he was sensible that great ir- 

 regularities had occurred, though his government had done every 

 thing in their power to prevent them, and were willing, if any in- 

 stance of aggression were pointed out, to direct an inquiry into 

 the case, and if the facts were established, to punish those con- 

 cerned, and redress the injured individuals. He professed his 

 readiness to adopt any measures that would more effectually pre- 

 vent a recurrence of such acts, in which, he expressed his belief, 

 that the privateers of Buenos Ayres, had rarely participated, 

 though the character of the government had suffered trom the 

 conduct of others. He stated that they had, on one occasion, sent 

 out some of their public vessels to examine all cruisers wearing 

 the Buenos Ayrean flag, to see that they were lawfully commis- 

 sioned, and to ascertain whether they had violated their instruc- 

 tions. 



Among the causes of dissatisfaction, to which I have alluded,, 

 the preponderance of the capital has been mentioned. Its great 

 weight in the scale of national affairs, is to be ascribed to its 

 greater exertions in the national cause. These are owing to its 

 comparative wealth, and to its active, intelligent, and enterprising 

 population. The armies that have been raised in this city and 

 the neighboring country, with the supplies in money and muni- 

 tions of war, drawn from these sources, have been truly extraor- 

 dinary. 



VOL. I. 42 



