280 SPANISH AMERICA. 



in the name of the Spanish American de- 

 puties and commissioners, make such offers 

 to the British government, as might, pro- 

 bably, induce it to lend the requisite as- 

 sistance. 



For this purpose a document was drawn 

 up, and put into the hands of Miranda, con- 

 taining the proposals of the Spanish Ame- 

 rican Representatives to the British Cabinet. 

 This instrument, which is dated at Paris, 

 the 22d December 1797, consisted of eleven 

 articles, and it may of course be consider- 

 ed as complete evidence of the views and 

 plans then entertained by the Spanish Ame- 

 rican leaders, with reference to the pro- 

 jected independence of their country. The 

 first article stated the determination of the 

 Hispano-American colonies to proclaim their 

 independence, and to apply to Great Bri- 

 tain for assistance. The second stipulated 

 that the sum of thirty millions sterling 



