The importance of the role of Simón Bolívar in the struggle for the independence of Spanish America cannot be overemphasized. It was a multi-faceted involvement, many of whose aspects may still be the subjects of more intensive studies. This is especially true of the periods of his enforced absences from the mainland, and for this reason any serious investigation of his activities during such periods is a welcome addition. Such is the attempt in Paul Verna’s book on Robert Sutherland.
The work deals primarily with the activities of Sutherland in Haiti as they affected Bolívar’s exile there. More important, it explores all the preparations behind the scenes for the Venezuelan’s two expeditions that sought to bring independence to his homeland. The author has very ably woven the activities of Sutherland, Bolívar, President Alexandre Pétion, diplomats, spies, various subordinates and rivals of Bolívar, and many other characters into an interesting fabric of intrigue and drama. The underlying and recurring theme is the unselfish and often vital role that Sutherland played in this phase of Bolívar’s career. Had it not been for the influence and performance of this English merchant, neither the expedition from Los Cayos nor the later one from Jacmel would have gotten off the ground. The final and successful assault against Spanish control in northern South America would certainly have been delayed.
As a monographic study, Verna’s book has important merit in setting the record straight on many points, among them the fact that Sutherland resided in Port au Prince and not Los Cayos. On the other hand, the author was unsuccessful in linking Sutherland directly with Bolívar on some occasions when he thought such linking was necessary. This is demonstrated at the time of Bolívar’s first audience with President Pétion and by the absence of any direct expression of gratitude from Bolívar to Sutherland during the Los Cayos expedition. These might be the subjects for further investigations.
Finally, it was doubtless the intent of the author that Robert Sutherland should occupy the center of the stage; but the very nature of the script not only gave Bolívar equal billing but allowed him to steal many scenes. It was Bolívar who gave importance to Sutherland and Haiti. There is no doubt, however, that Verna’s work has given new stature to the important contributions of the Haitians to the struggle for independence in Spanish America.
