Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/622

606 he availed himself of the opportunity to obtain letters of marque from the pirate headquarters at Barataria Island, none of which were used how ever. He also joined Toledo in planning an expedition against Tampico, but the government at Washington was advised and forbade its formation. About the same time Rayon appointed Bustamante minister to the United States. He failed to depart on his mission, and in the following summer of 1815 Doctor Herrera was charged therewith by the congress, on the strength of Toledo's representations that aid could be obtained in the northern United States.

He was also to arrange with the papal nuncio for confirmation of ecclesiastic appointments by the congress and permission to dispose of church revenue till the close of the war. Herrera did little or