It was further shewn afterwards, by the act of hoisting the British flag instead of the Portugueze upon these forts, when they were first taken possession of by the British forces.

It is no excuse to say that this was not intended.

Such inattentions are among the most grievous faults which can be committed; and are _impossible_, when the affections and understandings of men are of that quality, and in that state, which are required for a service in which there is any thing noble or virtuous.

Again, suppose that it was the purpose of the generals, who signed and ratified a Convention containing the articles in question, that the forts and ships, &c.

should be delivered immediately to the Portugueze government,--would the delivering up of them wipe away the affront?
Would it not rather appear, after the omission to recognize the right, that we had ostentatiously taken upon us to bestow--as a boon--- that which they felt to be their own?
Passing by, as already deliberated and decided upon, those conditions, (Articles II.