and one night we were informed that they intended attacking us, and they actually came part of the way from their camp towards ours, but whether for the purpose suggested I am not certain. In consequence of these repeated insults, and to be able to make some stand if attacked, the following letter was written to Governor Gayoso. DEAR SIR, Natchez, March 11th, 1797. The conduct of the Indians yesterday, and last night, owing principally to their constant state of intoxication, renders it absolutely necessary in my opinion, to have recourse to my military escort for protection. The discipline of our army is such, that you may rest assured none of the inconveniencies mentioned in your first communication to me, are to be apprehended from the escort being stationed at this place: And as the attendance of the guard, forms a part of the treaty now carrying into effect between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, and which I am authorised to declare will be observed by the nation I have the honor to serve, with good faith and punctuality. From these considerations I must request the favour of you, to withdraw your objections against my escort's joining me at this place as soon as possible. I am, Sir, with great esteem and respect, Your Excellency's friend, And humble servant, His Excellency Manuel Gayoso de Lemos. ANDREW ELLICOTT. Immediately Immediately after sending the foregoing letter to Governor Gayoso, the following was received from the Governor General the Baron de Corondelet. SIR, TRANSLATION. New Orleans, 4th March, 1797. I received with much satisfaction your favour of the 27th of February last, in which you are pleased to communicate to me your arrival at Natchez, in the character of commissioner on the part of the United States of America, for settling the boundary line between the territory of his Catholic Majesty, and the said United States. I am equally well pleased, with the testimony you have given of the civilities and attentions which were shewn to you from the commanders of the different posts; which has been conformable to the intentions of the Sovereign, to my orders, and to the general principles of the nation, and I doubt not but that on every occasion Spaniards would receive a like attention from the citizens of the United States. May God preserve you, Mr. Andrew Ellicott. &c. BARON DE CORONDELET. It may be observed, that the Baron de Corondelet wholly omitted saying any thing about commencing our operations, this omission was not expected, though I was well aware that delay would be attempted. Very soon after the letter was received from the Baron, Governor Gayoso called at my tent, and informed me, that the Baron in consequence of some pressing concerns below, had declined to attend, and that the whole business had devolved on him, with which I expressed my entire satisfaction, and particularly as we were were both on the ground, we might immediately proceed to make our arrangements. He assured me, ⚫ that no time should be lost, although it would be impossible for him to be ready by the 19th. He added further, that though the Baron could not attend on account of other pressing business, he was nevertheless very desirous of having an interview with me at New Orleans, and for that purpose had given orders to have a galley fitted up for my accommodation to New Orleans, and from thence, wherever my curiosity might direct. In reply, the Governor was informed, that the proposal would be taken into consideration, and an answer given the next day. The day following, a number of gentlemen (in the Spanish interest,) waited upon me with assurances, that the Baron was anxious to see me at New Orleans, that he had written to them upon the subject, and that I might depend on every attention in his power. By this time my mind was made up. The invitation appeared calculated to produce delay, divide my small party, and leave no rallying point for such of the inhabitants of the district, as were in our favour, if the commotions and intrigues in Europe should produce hostilities between the United States, and his Catholic Majesty. From these considerations the invitation was not accepted. Having an opportunity the same day of writing to New Orleans, the following letter was written to the Baron de Corondelet. SIR, Natchez, March 12th 1797. Your favour of the 2d of this month has been duly received, but contrary to my expectation, does not contain any information respecting the time you will be ready to proceed to the ascertaining of the boundaries between the United States and his Catholic Majesty. This appears to me the more extraordinary, as his Excellency Governor Gayoso informed me in his first communication, that your Excellency was the person with whom I must have the first interview relative to the arrangements, and manner of carrying into effect that part of the late treaty, so far as it respects the boundaries between the nations which we represent. Although my detention here at a great expense to the United States, gives me much uneasiness, my concern would be greatly increased, could I for a moment suppose, that any impediment would be thrown in the way, to prevent a speedy and full execution of a treaty, in which both nations from their local situations are so deeply, and mutually interested: that these in-. terests, and a reciprocity of good offices, may produce a perpetual friendship between the nations we have the honour to serve, is the sincere wish of Your Excellency's friend, and ANDREW ELLICOTT. His Excellency the Baron } de Corondelet. In the afternoon of the same day, the following letter was received from Governor Gayoso. MY DEAR SIR, Natchez, 12th March, 1797. This morning I had the pleasure to receive your amicable communication dated of yesterday. I give you my sincere thanks for having established this form of intercourse, as it will make our business more easy, and indeed it is more conformable to the sincere friendship that we have contracted. H *This letter was never answered. In In answer to your said letter, I will remark, that such conduct of the Indians is not customary here, I foresaw that it would happen, from the moment you shewed a desire of having your colours flying, before all the transactions were terminated; knowing the Indians as well as I do, this was the reason of the objection I offered the moment I saw it hoisted, for otherwise I know very well, that it is frequently used by the representatives of any nation in a foreign country, it is even done in Spain by foreign consuls. I am sorry that you should have experienced any inconvenience from this particular circumstance, and that urged by such effects, to wish to have by you your escort. I have not the least objection that it should be called from its actual station, but as it is my duty, and that I am answerable for the tranquillity of the country that is entrusted to my charge, I must propose to you a method that will answer every good and satisfactory purpose. Had you not been unluckily stopped on your voyage to this country, you would have had immediately the General of the province here to begin the operation, of demarking the divisory line between the territories of his Catholic Majesty, and those of the United States of America, he had every necessary to attend to the business, but since the time that he had a right to expect the commissionary of the United States, the war with England has taken place, and his cares thereby encreased, yet he expected to have it in his power, to come to meet you at Daniel Clark's, Esquire, which place is near the point of the 31°, but he has found it impossible, as it would oblige him to make too long an absence from New Orleans, therefore it is myself that will have the honour to accompany you on that important commission on behalf of his Catholic Majesty. This is the moment that I am in want of |