NEW MADRID, June 27, 1796.
* * * * *
FORT WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 1796.
Ill health and many pressing engagements must be my apology for
a short letter. I must refer you to my letter to the Baron for
several particulars, and for a detail of my perils and abuses.
I must beg leave to refer you to our friend Power, whom I find
of youthful enterprise and fidelity. He certainly deserves well
of the Court, and I don’t doubt but he will be rewarded.
What political crisis is the present! and how deeply
interesting in its probable results, in all its tendencies! …
and thereby must hope it may not be carried into execution.
If it is, an entire reform in the police and military
establishments of Louisiana will be found immediately
indispensable to the security of the Mexican provinces. I beg
you to write me fully on this question in cipher by Power,
whose presence in Philadelphia is necessary, as well to clear
his own character, attacked by Wayne, as to support the fact
of the outrage recently offered to the Spanish Crown in his
person, and to bring me either the person or the deposition of
a man now under your command, who had been suborned by Wayne
to bear false witness against me, and afterwards, for fear he
should recant, bribed him to leave Kentucky. Power will give
you the perfect of this infamous transaction, and I conjure
you by all the ties of friendship and of policy to assist him
on this occasion. If Spain does not resent the outrage offered
to Power in the face of all Kentucky … My letter to the Baron
will explain the motives which carry me to Philadelphia: from
thence I will write again to you. Power will explain to you
circumstances which justify the belief of the _great treachery
that has been practised with respect to the money lately sent
me_. For the love of God and friendship, enjoin great secrecy
and caution in all our concerns. _Never suffer my name to be
written or spoken._ The SUSPICION OF WASHINGTON IS WIDE AWAKE.
Beware of Bradford, the Fort Pitt refugee--he seeks to make
peace--there are spies every where. We have a report here that
you are appointed Governor of Louisiana. God grant it, as I
presume the Baron will be promoted. I am your affectionate
friend.