[Untitled.]
Though projects of hostility, some of them for plunder, some for permanent conquest, had been undertaken during the wars between this country and Spain, against particular parts of her transatlantic dominions, the first time, we believe, that a general scheme of emancipation was presented to the mind of a British minister was in the beginning of 1790, when the measure was proposed to Mr. Pitt by General Miranda. It met from that minister with the most cordial reception; and as the dispute respecting Nootka Sound was then subsisting, it was resolved, if Spain did not prevent hostilities by submission, to carry the plan into immediate execution.
[626] When an accommodation was effected and peace at last decreed, Mr. Pitt still assured the general that the scheme of emancipating South America was a measure that would not be lost sight of, but would infallibly engage the attention of every minister of this country.—(See page 13, “Documents Historical and Explanatory,” concerning the several expeditions of General *Miranda, by T. M. Ontepara. London, 1810.)