Jackson, Miss., March 17th, 1850.

To Governor J. A. Quitman,

This shall attest, that we, General Narciso Lopez, chief of a mediated expedition for the assertation and establishment of Cuban independence, and Ambrosio José Gonzales, member of the 'Patriotic Junta' organized in the United States of North America for promotion of the same object, do, on our own account and responsibility, and on behalf of our coadjutors in the United States, and of the people of Cuba in whose behalf all our proceedings are instituted, propose to the Hon. John A. Quitman, now Governor of the State of Mississippi, and late major general in the army of the United States operating in Mexico, to join and co-operate with us and all the good people of Cuba in their meditated struggle against the tyranny of Spain; and as inducement for a frank and fraternal co-operation with us Cubans in that behalf, and to insure to us, by the consideration of his popular and highly distinguished military character, and his well-tried experience in civil and political council, the active sympathies and confidence of his countrymen, to whom, in this behalf, we also appeal as brethren for their cordial assistance, we do specially and distinctly propose that, upon engaging personally in such service, the said General John A. Quitman shall be invested with the office and powers of general-in-chief of the organization, movement, and operations of all the military and naval force which shall or may be employed in behalf of the contemplated revolution, and in behalf of which organization and movement I, the said General Lopez, who, in conjunction with other patriotic Cubans, have instigated said revolution, do cheerfully consent and propose to act as second in military command to the said General John A. Quitman.

And we, the said General Lopez and the said A. J. Gonzales, for ourselves and on behalf of the patriots of Cuba, and in the cause of Cuban independence, do promise to the said General Quitman the united and fraternal support of the people of Cuba in sustaining the authority of the said General Quitman with all respectful and prompt subordination to his military command.

We also engage for the people of Cuba that the said General J. A. Quitman shall be liberally compensated in financial provision for his personal services, and that all officers and soldiers who shall join his standard from the United States or elsewhere shall also be liberally and fairly remunerated for their military services at rates and upon terms to be approved by the said General John A. Quitman.

That in consummating these ends and objects we pledge, on our part, zeal, devotion, and fidelity, and submit in confidence to the well-established honor and integrity of the said General Quitman that he will so discharge the high and delicate trusts of his great commission as to maintain good-will and harmony among the various departments and interests subject to his command, and in such manner as shall best achieve the prosperity and glory of the common cause.

To give better assurance to these propositions, it is intended that General Lopez shall repair to Cuba with all dispatch, and at once raise the standard of Cuban independence, and will, from the field of revolution, furnish General Quitman sufficient evidence that the people of Cuba approve these suggestions, and will welcome his presence to aid their cause as herein indicated.

It is believed by General Lopez that General Quitman will concede that he, General Lopez, with the approval of the Cubans, shall be the recognized head of the civil administration, and that so much of civil authority as may be safely confided to the civilian during the conflict of arms about to be waged is reserved from this proposition, and is to be exercised and put in operation as emergencies and the most judicious policy of the parties interested may from time to time suggest and approve, having ever in view the ultimate triumph and establishment of free democratic republican government, and ultimate annexation to the great confederation of the United States of the North.

If these propositions are favorably responded to by General Quitman, General Lopez, in proceeding to open the campaign, will point his proclamations and course of action with reference to such anticipated juncture, and will hope with greatest confidence, from such united action, for the glory and freedom of his country.

Narciso Lopez,

Ambrosio José Gonzalez

ADDENDA

All the means and expenses for fitting out military expeditions, and furnishing supplies and munitions of war from the United States or elsewhere, shall be provided for by Cuba, and General Quitman will in no case be expected to incur personal responsibilities involving his private fortune.

Narciso Lopez,

Ambrosio José Gonzalez
 

Jackson, March 18th, 1850.

General Narciso Lopez, chief, etc., etc.

Senr. Ambrosio José Gonzales, member, etc.

Gentlemen,

I received with profound gratitude the manifestation of your great confidence in my character and abilities contained in the proposals which you did me the honor to submit to me on yesterday.

My devotion to the cause of civil liberty, and to the extension of the glorious republican principles of our government to the adjoining states of America, powerfully urge me to accept your proposals.

Were I entirely free to act upon the impulses of my own inclinations, convinced as I am that civil liberty and human happiness would be promoted by the successful termination of your patriotic enterprise, I would at once embark in it, on one condition only: that the people of Cuba, by their own free act, should first erect the standard of independence. I am now, however, bound by official engagements to the people of my own state, which do not leave me at this time at liberty to contract obligations inconsistent with my assumed duties. It is possible, however, that, after a short period, these obligations, which my sense of duty now imposes on me, will cease to exist.

In that event, should circumstances be favorable, I should be disposed to accept your proposals. Leaving myself, however, free to decline your propositions under any contingencies which might make it advisable in my estimation so to do, I can not ask that you should remain even conditionally committed to your propositions. On the contrary, I recognize your entire right in the mean time to adopt any measures you may deem proper for the promotion of your great enterprise, without reference to the proposals you have tendered to me.

Under whatever circumstances they may be prosecuted, confident that your motives are purely patriotic, I hope that success may crown your efforts in behalf of your oppressed country.

John A. Quitman