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During the first period, which lasted about six years, although I received the most polite and respectful attentions, as well from the authorities of the Republic as from all its citizens, still I was exposed to vexations from the populace, and to angry resentments from the insurgent agents, who abounded in the country. As the privileges allowed by the laws of nations to all diplomatists, were not extended to me, all I could do, was to utter complaints and remonstrances, as a private agent, to the government of the United States, against the infractions of the existing treaties, and other excesses, by which peace and the public faith were broken in the territory of the Union, and hostilities committed against Spain; while she had never ceased, even in the midst of her struggle against the invading armies of the tyrant of Europe, to maintain the most perfect harmony with the United States, and to give them signal proofs of her sincere and generous friendship. That my memorials might reach the Secretary of State, I availed myself, sometimes, of the Attorney General, and at other times, of the Spanish Consul resident near the federal city; and although he received them at all times with marks of politeness and civility, and in the name of the President renewed to me (but always verbally) assurances of the good wishes and affectionate sympathy of his government for Spain, yet all amounted to no more than idle compliments,
