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States of America, without the necessity of engaging in the vicissitudes and affairs of Europe, and separated from it by an immense ocean, had it in their power to pursue a course of conduct, by which their real interests might be made to conform to the principles of justice, humanity and honour. This consideration, and the desire of securing peace and a good understanding between these States and Spain, and of settling, in good faith and sincerity, all the points in dispute between the two governments, upon the subject of limits, and claims for damages and injuries already recognized, governed the Central Junta as to the object of my mission: which likewise embraced all that might be necessary to maintain and preserve the Spanish possessions in the New World united to the mother country, and to watch over the adventurers and incendiaries who might attempt to pass from the United States with a view to excite commotions in them.
Anxious to employ all my zeal and all my labours in the discharge of so important an embassy, I repaired immediately to the City of Washington, and solicited an audience, that I might present my credentials to the President of the Republic. Mr. Madison, at that time, held this dignity; and Robert Smith, to whom afterwards succeeded James Monroe, was Secretary of State. It was promptly announced to me, that the American government, although it applauded the efforts of the Spaniards
