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and the three memoirs, which I published in the United States, under the signature of Verus, marked with the Nos. I, II, and III, to refute the opinions of that government upon the points in question, and to oppose its attacks against our rights and possessions; and lastly, the correspondence which I held with that government, during these negotiations.
The sketch which I have given of the population, laws, industry, commerce, sea and land forces, and political system of the United States, while it may serve to explain the conduct of the representatives of the nation near the government of that Republic, should impressions, unfavorable to their reputation, have at any time existed, will, in some measure, contribute to the information of the public.
The Cortes have it in their power to carry their scrutiny further, by an examination of the secret instructions to be found in the Office of the Secretary of State, which I am not at liberty to publish, and, after seeing them, to decide, whether the negotiations have been constantly in accordance with the instructions given by the government, or whether advantage has been taken, as occasions arose, to extend them to subjects which, not having been foreseen by the government, had not entered into their consideration.
If this exposition shall be found to communicate all the light which a subject of so much importance demands, the decision of the Nation and the King cannot but be attended with the happiest consequences; and with the proud feeling of having, in part, contributed to produce a result so desirable, I shall regard the increase of our national prosperity and glory, as my sweetest and most flattering reward.
