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Washington Irving to John C. Calhoun, April 23, 1844 (excerpt)
Washington Irving, United States Minister to Spain, to John C. Calhoun, Secretary of State of the United States
MADRID, April 23, 1844 .
Information, derived from an intelligent Spaniard, commercially connected with the island of Cuba, gives an alarming picture of the state of affairs there.
It seems beyond a doubt that, under the new Captain General O'Donnell,
slaves are again admitted in great numbers. Under Valdes, the former governor, who
faithfully carried into effect the laws and treaties for the suppression of the slave
trade, the traffic in a great measure declined, and many abandoned it, discouraged
by the difficulties and losses attending its prosecution. These men have returned,
or are returning, to it under the present governor.
It is argued that the plantations and factories of Cuba cannot be kept up without
fresh importations of negroes; there not being a sufficient number born in the island
to keep up the necessary supply; few women being imported excepting for household
service. It is true, the introduction of a large number of African males in the present
excited condition of the blacks is hazardous in the extreme; but the proprietors
of the plantations and factories are chiefly Spanish Capitalists, and they reason
on the selfish principle, that, if affairs continue as they are for a few years only,
their fortunes will be made, and withdrawn from the island; with the fate of which
they will then be disconnected.
The Government of Spain appears to close its eyes to these dangers; and indeed could not, without timely and very urgent notice of troubles, send any considerable force for the protection of the island. The troops actually there are said to be about 20,000 men; one half of whom are regulars; the rest Militia. The Naval force consists of half a dozen vessels of various rates; the most efficient being two small steamers built some years since in the United States.
There is a general impression, among the planters, that the partial insurrections which occurred lately near Matanzas, were the result of a plan which extended throughout the island; and which still subsists, awaiting a favorable opportunity to strike a decisive blow.
In concluding I must again express my regret that I have so little information from home to guide me in respect to this delicate and critical subject; and that I have been left entirely in the dark as to the circumstances of the negotiation of the Chevalier D'Argaiz, which seems to have been so fruitful of doubts and jealousies. I feel this especially, whenever I have to converse with the Ministry here on the matter; fearing they may impute to a want of frankness that vagueness and reserve on certain points, which results from a want of full and accurate information.
I am [etc.].
Source: Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Inter-American Affairs,
1831-1860, selected and arranged by William R. Manning. Washington, 1939. Vol.
XI-Spain.
