The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
 |
TO ROBERT SMITH. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO ROBERT SMITH.
The letter from Govr. Holmes,[26]
with that from Mr.
Lowry & copy of the answer, which were inclosed
to me, are now returned.
I think Govr. Holmes should be encouraged in
keeping a wakeful eye to occurrences & appearances
in W. Florida, and in transmitting information concerning
them. It will be well for him also to be
attentive to the means of having his militia in a state
for any service that may be called for. In the event
either of foreign interference with W. F. or of internal
convulsions, more especially if threatening
the neighboring tranquility, it will be proper to take
care of the rights & interests of the U. S. by every
Will it not be advisable to apprize Govr. H. confidentially,
of the course adopted as to W. F. and to
have his co-operation in diffusing the impressions
we wish to be made there?
The anecdote related by Mr. L.[27]
is interesting in
several respects. I take it for granted that the
papers to be sent him from the Dept. of State will
be adapted to the unsettled state of things in Caracas;
yet I do not recollect to have recd. for signature any
commission varied from the ordinary consular form.
Accept my respects & friendly wishes,
Robert K. Lowry, of Maryland, left for La Guayra, Caracas,
towards the end of July, but no regular commission was issued to him
until Feb. 3, 1812, when he was appointed Consul at that place.
From Baltimore, July 10, 1810, he wrote Secretary Smith: "In the
course of conversation two days since, Mr. Bolivar informed me that
a considerable order for muskets has been received by him for the Govt.
of Caraccas.
"Mr. De Orca, the other deputy, who sailed for Laguayra this morning,
has related to me an interview which took place between him &
Mr. Jackson last week in Philada. Don Onis, the Span. Consul, &
Ex Governor of Caraccas being present. The impression left on his
mind is that the British govt. will not be so friendly to them as was
expected, especially if, as they appeared to anticipate, the revolution
ends in the total rejection of the authority of Ferdinand the 7th."—
Dept. of State MSS., Consular Letters.
| The writings of James Madison, | |