NEW ORLEANS, July 10, 1796.
I suppose, sir, that you are now at the Bluffs, and in
possession of a command which requires firmness, vigilance,
conciliation, and prudence, as well with regard to the savages
as to the Americans; for the evacuation of that important
post is not yet so certain as not to admit of doubt, at least
so long as the savages remain attached to us. Besides, it is
proper to keep in view that the neighboring States, that is
to say, Kentucky and Tennessee, are interested that it should
remain in our power, for political reasons which cannot be
trusted to paper. You must, of consequence, keep them in those
sentiments, by treating their inhabitants, to whom the liberty
of the navigation is granted, with kindness and regard. Let
the friendship of the Chickasaws and the satisfaction of the
Americans who navigate the river, be the basis of your conduct;
as for the rest, I have not yet received any official news from
the Court concerning the treaty, which we know nothing of but
through the American gazettes.
All the appearances of an approaching peace in Europe have
vanished; but it is probable that we shall not have war with
the English. Fourteen French ships of the line, with ten
thousand men, are actually to take possession of the Spanish
port of St. Domingo; and France and Spain appear more united
than ever. The Spanish inhabitants have lost their slaves.