Brooks: Diplouaoy end the Borderlandu


such a treaty, whether the Florida officials would obey his order to
evacuate, what effect the Constitution of 1812 would have," and,
if Onfs had full powers, when it would be convenient for him to
come to Washington to negotiate."
 Ons, in the despatch which related these propositions, stated
that he thought they were "ridiculous" and insincere. He listed
a greater number of Spanish grievances toward the United States
than Monroe had considered, including the old protest of the ille-
gality of the Louisiana Purchase, the damage caused by Miranda's
expedition to Venezuela, that caused by Captain Pike in his jour-
ney through northern Mexico, claims for injuries by French priva-
teers who brought Spanish vessels into United States ports, the
damage caused by the embargo (which he said should not have
applied to Spanish ships), and that done by a presidential proc-
lamation which, Onis stated, urged the provinces of Spanish Amer-
ica to declare their independence."
 He then stated his intention, in view of the progress of Spanish
 arms in the Peninsula and in Mexico, and of the weakness of the
 United States' military forces, to delay until Spain could send
 effective reinforcements to protect the Floridas. Accordingly he
 answered Monroe on only one point, saying he did not have full
 powers to treat.
 The Regency in Spain made short shrift of Monroe's proposi-
 tions, writing Onis that they had
 no great confdence that that government will fulm what it promise, s it
 already appear. to be its eonstant maxim to aggravate by deed and make
 reparations by word.
 As to powers it has already been repeated to you, at different time, that
 only those of an ordinary minister to a friendly government will be ment aad
 not those of a negotiator of eedions, and that neither does the eonstitution
 permit nor the decorum of this most punetillion and valiant nation consent
 that you should even talk of eemion."

 Spain, growing more and more confident during the war in view
 of its successes against Napoleon and the miserable performance
 of the United States against England, received with avidity all
 news of the war in America, and planned to be on hand when the
 spoils were divided. To this end she strove to have her interested
 considered in any peace negotiations-but she strove vainly. Onia'
 only participation was to recommend such an effort, to discus it