“the criminal attempts” might not the word illegal be added or substituted,? or the words “contrary to law” be inserted in the first paragraph when speaking of the combination? It is merely in order to introduce the idea that the enterprize is expressly forbidden by law & that it was therefore the duty of the Executive to stop it.

It does not seem to follow absolutely that the enterprize if carried into effect should have decided the question of peace or war. For then it would follow that Miranda’s expedition must necessarily have produced, or was to Spain a just of cause of, war.

It seems to me that the last line should read “should be” instead of “ought to be”    it was due to good faith &a. that the attempts &a ought to be should be suppressed—