Virginia Argus

FROM THE NEW YORK DAILY ADVERTISER.

MARQUIS DE CASA YRUJO.

[The ensuing letters, which were handed us last evening, have a strong claim to the attention, not only of our readers, but every citizen of the United States. Notwithstanding the dishonorable treatment which Major Jackson experienced is fresh in our recollection, and the numerous little intrigues with which the public prints have charged the representative of the king of Spain, we did not imagine that the Marquis de Casa Yrujo could be so destitute of every sense of honor, as to be capable of making a proposal so infamous as that contained in his letter to Col. Smith's friend. The reply of Col. S. is such as might have been expected from a Gentleman whose high sense of honor is paramount to every other consideration.]

To the Editor of the Daily Advertiser.

The following is a letter received from a valuable friend, with my answer thereto, which you will be good enough to give a place in your paper.

W. S. SMITH.

PHILADELPHIA, 28th June, 1806.

SIR,

I have just received from Caracas a list of the names of the Americans taken by the Spaniards on board of Miranda's schooners. The name of Smith is twice found in it. I suspect the last to be the son of Col. Smith, and grandson of Mr. Adams. Although I had some political differences with him when he was president, this circumstance has not deprived me of that particular regard and respect towards such a distinguished character, and particular consideration for his family. Not the least doubt exists but the greatest part of the prisoners will be put to death as pirates, and I would be very happy to be able, by a timely and immediate interference, to save the life of the unfortunate youth, grandson to the venerable Mr. Adams and his worthy spouse. But, to render my intercession effectual, I would require, as the only condition, that Col. Smith would disclose to me, through you, on his word of honor, all the knowledge he has of Miranda's plans, of his intended points of attack, of the persons with whom he had connexions in Caracas, and of the name of a Spaniard in this country, who shared in his scheme and expedition; in fact, all the material information he may be possessed of, the knowledge of which may be useful to my government, and for the preservation and tranquility of the provinces Miranda had in view to revolutionize.

As I remember your attachment for Mr. Adams, I take the liberty to make this suggestion to you, who no doubt will employ all the means to relieve from affliction a worthy and disconsolate family. At all events, I expect from you a prompt and decisive answer on this head, I remain, sir, with particular regard and consideration, your obedient servant,

(Signed) MARQUIS DE CASA YRUJO.

NEW YORK, June 30,

DEAR SIR,

Accept of my warmest acknowledgments for your very interesting communication of this date, presented by your son, accompanied with the letter addressed to you from the Marquis De Casa Yrujo, which after maturely considering I return agreeable to your request.

I am sure I shall do justice to the feelings of Mr. and Mrs. Adams, if in their name I thank the Marquis for his very polite attentions in a case, no doubt, near, interesting and affecting. I am sure, when I do him the justice to communicate his tender solicitudes for the protection of their grandson, it will not fail of exciting those sensibilities and acknowledgments, which from them the Marquis is highly entitled to.

For myself, not having the honor of his acquaintance, I had no right to expect any other attention to feelings or dignity of character, than what would naturally spring from his own mind, when making so interesting a communication.

He informs you he has just received from Caracas a list of the names of Americans taken by the Spaniards on board of Miranda's schooners, that the name of Smith is twice found in it, he suspects the last to be my son, and grandson to Mr. Adams, and says, that he should be very happy by a timely and immediate interference to save the life of the unfortunate youth, grandson to the venerable Mr. Adams and his worthy spouse; he having no doubt but the greatest part of the Americans will be put to death. But, to render this intercession effectual, he requires as the only condition, that I disclose to him through you on my word of honor, all the knowledge I have of Miranda's plans, of his intended points of attack of the persons with whom he has connexion in Caracas, and the names of the Spaniards in this country who shared in his schemes and expedition, in act all the material information I may be possessed of, the knowledge of which may be useful to the Spanish government, for the preservation and tranquility of the provinces Miranda has in view to revolutionize.

When the Marquis De Casa Yrujo takes a dispassionate view of the circumstances connected with general Miranda's visit to Washington, his subsequent conduct here, and clearly ascertains that the persons accompanying him in the Leander, were not informed of his projects and plans, he will permit his benevolence to expand and shelter all those taken in the schooners, from harsh treatment and unmerited punishment, he will induce the government of his country to view the question in other lights than those which may tend to expose it to more severe animadversions than have hitherto been made, or to the rousing of that spirit of indignation and resentment, which if once permitted to burst forth, cannot fail of being attended with strong marks of just revenge.

With respect to my son, he was not made acquainted with the plans of general Miranda, he went with him as a young companion, to share his fortunes and his fate, he was accompanied by some of his friends capable of deeds of hardihood and valor—Worthy their leader—worthy his cause.

Whatever may be the situation and fate of the persons taken on board the schooners, I can never tacitly sanction the lash of tyranny on his associates, and snatch my son from a participation in their fate, whatever it may be. Nothing but the Marquis's want of an acquaintance with me, can plead in excuse for the indelicacy of his propositions. Do me the favor my friend to assure him, that were I in my son's situation I would not comply with his proposals to save myself, and I would not cast so great an indignity upon my son, my family and myself, as to shelter him under the shield of infamy and disgrace.

I have no doubt the Marquis will give such advice to the governor of Caracas and make such a statement to his king, (by whom I may have the honor to be personally recollected) as will induce them not to tarnish the dignified character of the Spanish nation by any acts of passion and barbarity connected with the present case.

I am, dear sir,

With great respect,

Your obedient friend and

Humble servant,

W. S. SMITH.