* * * * *
NATCHEZ, June 17, 1796.
MY DEAR FRIEND: I received your favor of the 12th instant, in
which you give me a proof of your sincere friendship by opening
your heart, without reserve, on the interesting subject of the
treaty. Following the same sentiments that have dictated to you
the confidence that you have in me, I shall unreservedly, and
in the most confidential manner, give you my opinion on the
same subject.
I have powerful reasons to believe that the part of the
treaty concerning limits will never be accomplished; and for
that reason so little has been said on what otherwise should
be detailed concerning the subjects and citizens of both
countries. The State of Georgia is as much displeased as you
express yourself, and several petitions have already been
presented to Congress against the treaty.
In the time that the treaty was signed, the political affairs
of Europe determined our Court to do any thing to keep the
United States in a perfect neutrality, and thereby destroy a
new plan that was forming to renew and continue a destructive
war. The treaty with England had a different object. It was to
attract the Americans to their interest in such a manner as
to have still in her power to keep them dependent; the plan
has fallen through, and the British will no longer deliver
the posts. Our treaty that was made to counterbalance that,
will suffer equal difficulties; for the circumstances being
altered, so will be the conditions on every side. Spain made
a treaty with the Union; but if this Union is dissolved, one
of the contracting parties exists no longer, and the other is
absolved from her engagements. It is more than probable that a
separation of several States will take place, which will alter
the political existence of a power that could influence on the
balance of that of others; therefore Spain, being deprived of
that assistance which could arise from her connection with the
Union, will alter her views. This is the political situation of
things with regard to the treaty; besides that, there are other
insurmountable difficulties with respect to the _Indians_,
which render impracticable the execution of the part concerning
limits; therefore, even when no change should happen in the
United States, the treaty will be reduced to the navigation of
this river.
Laying aside every obstacle, and only guided by the same
principles that have affected you, I have already represented
in the strongest and most energetic manner on the subject of
real property; without a solution from Court, it will be out
of our power to fulfil the contents of the treaty. When I told
you that your property should not suffer in this Government,
it was founded on all these principles, and several others
that are not vanished. I have constantly been a friend to the
country, and in this critical moment will not neglect its
interests. Be sure, and assure all your neighbors, that I will
do the needful, and that my exertions at all times shall be in
proportion to the exigency.
With regard to the debts of this Government, they will continue
to be paid in the manner prescribed; however, I shall act
in such a manner as to have them cleared much sooner than
what is expected. Every individual of this Government is
just now attending their crops of cotton, that promise very
advantageously; therefore in this critical moment they must not
be disturbed, or they will suffer essentially. I am waiting
anxiously for Mr. Dunbar to regulate several things in which
he has had, and is to have an interference. I really believe
that the Baron has him employed. I do not know for certain when
the Baron is to go to the Havana, nor do I believe that he
knows it. The first packet may perhaps throw some light on the
subject. The return of our Court to Madrid will be productive
of some very great change in the administration of our affairs;
therefore I wait that moment with impatience.
Nothing can affect the mortgage you have on Fuly’s property; he
has not yet appeared, but Mr. Ree acts for him.
I remain, with the most sincere friendship, my dear friend,
your most obedient,