Christophe Vuillaumes efterslægt - Christensen, Erichsen ...

―I regret that none of our vessels of war should be here as they might inquire into the conduct of the
commanders of these vessels.‖
Mr. Cortland L. Parker, American Consul at Curaçao to the Secretary of State, dated
AMERICAN CONSULATE,
Curaçao, September 27, 1822
SIR: On the 21st a brig under the Netherlands flag, and another, under the American, arrived at this place from
St. Bartholomew's; the former had on board Mr. Ducoudray Holstein, formerly a general in the Venezuela
service, and a number of others, mostly European French, composing his staff as general, on an expedition
against the Spanish Government of Porto Rico. On board the Mary, of Philadelphia, were several young men
from the United States, mostly citizens, and of considerable respectability, attached to the above expedition.
The vessels were brought in against the will of the General and all his foreign passengers, the masters
declaring that they would follow no longer in an expedition unwarranted by their country or any other, and
without either commission or force equal to the attempt.
The Dutch brig has been seized, and will no doubt be condemned, as her papers are false; the cargo I hope to
get released as American property. The American brig has been permitted to unload her cargo, as usual though
under very strict examination.
The most correct information I can give you is in the proclamations enclosed, which I have with difficulty
obtained permission to keep; but the most strange part of the affair, and of that which proved the unfitness of
Ducoudray Holstein to carry on such a plan, is, that he has bulletins ready written, in which he declares the
brilliant success of the expedition. There are also letters from Mr. Irvine to Mr. Duane, wherein the success of
the attack and landing is described at large.
I think it my duty to state these circumstances to you as soon as possible; and have the honor to be, with the
greatest respect your humble servant.
C. L. PARKER
Hon. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS,
Secretary of State, Washington
PROCLAMATION.
The General in Chief of the Army of the Republic of Boüqua (formerly Porto Rico) to the inhabitants of Porto
Rico.
To arms, Americans, to arms! come and join our standard; your reward will be independence, your reward the
name of free and brave Americans.
Our enterprise is easy and brilliant; the Spanish Governor has no other auxiliaries than those of the country,
and he confides in your generosity! And what American could be such a traitor to his country, to his family, as
to remain in the service of the King, and assist his tyrants to enchain us again.
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