To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, [5 April 1791]
From Francisco de Miranda1
[London, April 5, 1791]
mon Cher Tresorier Genèral.
Ayez la bonté d’agreer mes Complimens, et mes Respects, dans I’ocasion du depart de notre mutuel ami le Col: Smith,2 qui a passé quelques Semaines dans cette Capitalle ici: qui m’a fait l’amitié de passer bien des moments ensamble; et a qui, J’ai êu le plaisir de voire parffaitement acueilir par tout le monde qui l’a connue antèrieurement, et vue dans l’ocasion actuelle.
Il pourrá vous dire l’etrange Sistheme Politique que l’Angleterre poursuit actuellement &c. et je peut vous assurer que vos Plans des finances; de Banc-nationalle; des colection des Taxes &c. non seulement ont merité l’admiration des gens de la plus grande consideration ici; mais ills ont donné aussi la plus haute idée du Nouveaux Gouvernement, qui se conduit a cet egard, par des principes d’honeur, et de dignité tres peu comuns dans les gouvernemens modernes! Je vous en felicite de tout mon Cœur, en atandant que les progres Repides des vos institucions produisent une prosperité general dans ce Pais-fortuné, et votre bonheur eternel qui est le prix immancable!
Portez-vous bien toujours, donnez moi des vos nouvelles (si vos ocupations vous le permetent), et croiez moi sincerement
Le votre,
F. de Miranda.
The Rig: Hon: Alexander Hamilton.
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Miranda was a Venezuelan revolutionist who had become friendly with H during a visit to New York City in 1784. In 1789 he went to England to attempt to interest the British ministry in aiding his plans for a revolution in Spain’s Latin American colonies. He apparently received some encouragement from the British government, especially during the Nootka Sound controversy in 1790. With the settlement of that dispute, however, British interest waned, and early in 1792 Miranda went to France to bring his proposals to the attention of the French Revolutionary government.
2. William Stephens Smith, John Adams’s son-in-law. In 1785 Smith had served as secretary of legation under Adams in London and later had been sent on a diplomatic mission to Portugal and Spain. During his stay in Europe he had accompanied Miranda on a tour of the Continent. In 1788 Smith returned to the United States where he engaged in various business enterprises. In 1789 he received an appointment as United States marshal for New York, and in March, 1791, he was appointed supervisor of the revenue for the District of New York. In December, 1790, Smith had applied for leave to go to Europe on private business.