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Valentin de Foronda’s Memoir on the United States of North America, 1804

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 December 2015

José de Onís
José de Onís*
Affiliation:
Connecticut College
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Extract

In the Rich Collection of the New York Public Library there is a manuscript, Apuntes ligeros sobre los Estados Unidos de la América Septentrional, in which a Spanish diplomat and author, Valentín de Foronda, gives his impressions about the United States of America.

We cannot say with certainty what the history of this manuscript is, but from the few scattered facts which we have we can come to certain conclusions. At the time when it was written, in 1804, there must have been more than one copy. The perfection of the manuscript and the fact that ft is not in Foronda’s handwriting, tends to indicate that it was recopied several times. It is probable that there were at least three sets of copies. The original he must have kept for himself. One, in all likelihood was given to his immediate superior, who at that time was Casa Irujo. A third set might have been sent to the Spanish Minister of State. It is my belief that the manuscript that has come down to us is the one he gave to the Ambassador Casa Irujo. The reason on which I base this, is that twenty years later, long after Foronda and Casa Irujo had died, Mrs. Casa Irujo became a personal friend of Obadiah Rich, the bibliographer, and used to be a frequent guest at his house in Madrid. Rich obtained the manuscript about this time and it is very probable that he got it from her. Where the other hypothetical copies are would be difficult to say. The set sent to the Spanish Minister of State must be buried in some Spanish archive. The other one which he kept for himself was more than likely confiscated by the Spanish authorities, along with his other papers, and was probably destroyed during Foronda’s trial of 1814.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Americas , Volume 4 , Issue 3 , January 1948 , pp. 351 - 362
Copyright
Copyright © Academy of American Franciscan History 1948

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References

1 It was customary at this time that each Spanish diplomatic representative abroad should submit a historical-political memoir concerning the country to which he was sent. Foronda’s memoir might well have been written for this purpose. Casa Irujo, the Ambassador at the time, was the official representative and the one called to make a report of this nature, but then as well as now estimates of the situation were often written for the Ambassador by lesser officials. These reports were generally made in triplicates.

2 According to Brooks, the Irujo private papers in 1936 were in the possession of the Duke of Sotomayor in Madrid. Brooks, Philip Coolidge, Diplomacy and the Borderlands, p. 226. In one of the colonial rooms of the Benjamin Franklin Museum of Art in Philadelphia there are two excellent portraits by Stuart of Señor and señora de Casa Irujo.

3 Foronda’s memoir is listed in a catalogue of Spanish manuscripts that Rich published in London, c. 1845.

4 For information as to Valentin de Foronda’s life see: Baig Baños, A., “¿Qué se requirió para ser don Valentín de Foronda Caballero de la orden de Carlos III?” in Revista de Archivos, Bibliotecas y Museos, Oct.-Dec, year XXXI, pp. 393–420.

5 Jefferson to Foronda. Monticello, Oct. 4, 1809. Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress.

6 Alamán, , Historia de México, I, p. 145 Google Scholar. Asparúa, Blanco y, Documentos, I, p. 186 Google Scholar. The authenticity of Aranda’s memoir has been questioned by some historians. Please see: Lewin, Boleslao, “El informe secreto de Aranda en 1783 sobre la independencia de las colonias españolas. El ambiente de la época y dudas acerca de su autenticidad,” La Nación, Oct. 8, 1944.Google Scholar

7 Chandler, Charles J., Inter-American Acquaintances, p. 34 Google Scholar. Palacio Fajardo, M., Outline of the “Revolution in Spanish America, pp. 55–58.Google Scholar

8 Foronda, , Observación sobre algunos puntos de la obra Don Quijote, por, T. E., Londres, 1807 Google Scholar, (T. E. are the initials of Foronda’s middle names, Tadeo Echevarri)

9 Spell, Jefferson R., “An Illustrious Spaniard in Philadelphia, Valentín de Foronda,” in Hispanic Review, IV, 1936.Google Scholar

10 There was, about this time in Spain, a heated polemic on how philosophy should be studied. The progressives wanted to break away from Scholasticism, salvaging the essential radical elements. The conservatives wanted to retain the traditional precept “that philosophy was meant to sustain Religion and the State, interpret the laws, and guard the health and morals of men.” Foronda in this debate became one of the leaders of the progressive school. His attacks upon the Aristotelian philosophy were particularly obnoxious to the conservative elements, but won him many friends throughout the Hispanic World. In Mexico, the famous scientist Alzate wrote an article in his “Gazeta de literature,” 15 of February, 1788, entitled Quousque tandem abutere patientia nostra, supporting Foronda’s ideas.

11 Miranda’s Diary is also published in the Archivo del General Miranda, vol. I, Caracas, 1929.Google Scholar

12 In his letters he often complains of the American methods of doing business. In the Archivo Histórico Nacional of Madrid there are two letters on this subject: Legajo Estado 5633, No. 14 d. Philadelphia, August 4, 1807. Foronda to Cevallos. (He complains of the scandalous contraband trade from the United States and that “the Americans claim that their suits, their sentences in Spanish courts may be repealed, but those of Spaniards in these States nula est redentio. Admirable impartiality.”) Legajo Estado 5633, No. 38 p. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1807. Foronda to Cevallos. (He complains of the laws governing commerce; thinks existing treaties favor Americans) Hereafter the Archivo Histórico Nacional

13 Hirst, , Life and Letters of Thomas Jefferson, pp. 360–361.Google Scholar

14 This might have been true of Philadelphia but not of other parts of the country.

15 Foronda also expresses this same contention in several of his letters: Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Dec. 26, 1807, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5633, No. 38. (He advises of the bond demanded of the sheriff who attacked and shock-wounded Don Ignacio de Lema.) Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, June 21, 1808, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5634, No. 78. (Reports on the sentence passed on those who struck a French consul and an officer of the same nationality. “… the blows given the consul have not been held to constitute a criminal offence … for those given the officer the aggressors have been fined one hundred dollars.”)

16 Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Nov. 6, 1807, AH.N.. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5633, No. 55 p. (He reports the state of public health. “The people continue to enjoy the most perfect health.”) Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Dec. 8, 1807, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5633, No. 68 p. (Reports state of public health) Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Dec. 24, 1808, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 3634, No. 201 (New remedy for the cure of whooping cough) Foronda to the Secretary of State, Philadelphia, Jan. 11, 1809, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 3635, No. 213 (Public health excellent despite yellow fever) Foronda to Viar, the Minister of State, Philadelphia, July 31, 1809, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 3635, No. 26 A. p. (Rumors of yellow fever and its existence in a small town called Brooklyn a mile from New York.

17 Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Dec. 22, 1807, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5633, No. 76 p.

18 Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1807, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5633, No. 76 p. There is another letter in which Foronda says about the exports of the United States “… 108,343,150 pesos fuertes … What extraordinary wealth! But the embargo is going to dry the fountain of felicity.” Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, March 5, 1808, A.H.N. Madrid, Legajo Estado 5634, No. 113.

19 Washington, H. A., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5, pp. 337–339.Google Scholar

20 Jefferson to Foronda, Monticello, Oct. 4, 1809, in: Ford, , The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 9, p. 259.Google Scholar

21 Foronda to Jefferson, Philadelphia, August 26, Bureau of Rolls and library of the Department of State, Series 2, vol. 34, No. 120, (Sends a copy of his Spanish Constitution). F. to J., Philadelphia, Oct. 18, 1809, Dept. of State, Series 2, vol. 34, 121, (He discusses his publications). F. to J., Coruna, Nov. 30, 1811, Dept. of State, Series 2, vol. 34, No. 119, (Sends Pamphlets). F. to J., Coruna, May 6, 1812, Dept. of State, Series 2, vol. 34, No. 117, (transmits papers). F. to J., Coruna, April, 1813, Dept. of State Series 2, vol. 34, No. 118 (Sends Pamphlets).

22 Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, July 13, 1807, Legajo Estado 5633, A.H.N. Madrid, No. 1 d.

23 Madison Calendar, No. 4, p. 298.Google Scholar

24 Archivo Histórico Nacional, Madrid; Diplomatic section; Correspondence of the Spanish Legation in the United States, including supplementary notes in each ‘Legajo”. We have used photographs of these letters found in the Library of Congress, Division of Manuscripts.

25 Some of the letters on this subject found in the Legajo Estado No. 5633 are: Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, January 14, 1807, No. 232. (He forwards a newspaper which tells of Burr’s plan to attack Mexico). F. to C., Philadelphia, Jan. 14, 1807, No. 234 (He forwards newspaper which intimates that the main plan of Burr is to invade Santa Fe). F. to C., Philadelphia, Jan. 27, 1807, No. 236 T. (He forwards the President’s message on Colonel Burr’s hostile intentions). F. to C., Philadelphia, Feb. 21, 1807, No. 242T (He reports Colonel Burr’s arrest). F. to C. Philadelphia, Nov. 19, 1807, No. 60 (He advises that David Floyd, Burr’s agent in the crime of the project to conquer Mexico has been condemned to the heavy penalty of ten dollars and three hours imprisonment. “… and this after having pleaded guilty …”).

26 In the coming struggle with England, Foronda followed step by step every development. His sympathy was definitely on the side of the United States. He has six letters dedicated exclusively to this subject in Legajo Estado 5633, and one in Legajo Estado 5634: Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, August 4, 1807, No. 13 p. (He reports Congress called to meet Oct. 26, and set forth the state of affairs in this country in the present circumstances, “… The Democrats and the Federalists have united to defend their outraged honor … They show spirit … tranquilly they await the break with England”). F. to C., Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1807, No. 36d. (The latest Extra concerning the country breaking with England). F. to C., Philadelphia, Nov. 19, 1807, No. 59 (He gives his views as to what may happen to this country if they break with England). F. to C., Philadelphia, Dec. 13, 1807, No. 71p. (Transmitting a vehement representation made to Jefferson by the State of New Jersey against the English. He explains that private interest works contrary to patriotism). F. to G, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1807, No. 72p. (He reports the consternation into which business’has been thrown by news in circulation to the effect that the Emperor of France recognizes no neutrals). F. to C., Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1807, No. 73d. (Transmitting a translation of a summary of the atrocities committed by the English in the War of Independence with this country). F. to C., Philadelphia, Jan. 4, 1808, Legajo Estado 5634. A.H.N. Madrid, No. 83. (Reporting the embargo, the energy of the States, and the arrival of the English Minister Extraordinary. “Political affairs are much disturbed. A rupture is feared, particularly with England … I would have never believed this government capable of the energy it is showing. I fear the Congress, as well as the administration are disposed to face all nations”).

27 The British expedition to Montevideo was greatly publicized in the American newspapers and Foronda studies the reactions it had upon the people of the United States. He has a number of letters on this subject in the Legajo Estado 5633: Foronda to Cevallos, Philadelphia, Sept. 8, 1807, No. 33. (Transmitting the latest news concerning the British expedition which has left Montevideo for Buenos Aires). F. to C., Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1807, No. 57T. (He advises at the pleasure with which this people received the news of the defeat of the English at Buenos Aires. “Self-interest … plays a great part in the rejoicing, for they believe that English arrogance toward them will lower many degrees”). F. to C., Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1807, 58T. (He transmits a translation concerning the surrender of Montevideo to the Spanish from a newspaper (Boston, Nov. 10.)

28 Foronda to the Secretary of State, Philadelphia, January 30, 1809, Legajo Estado 5635, No. 219.

29 Jefferson to Colonel Duane, Monticello, July 25, 1811, in: Washington, H. A., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 5, p. 603.Google Scholar