* * * * *
FORT MASSAC, Jan. 5, 1807.
SIR: This day, per express, I had the honor to receive your
very interesting letter of the 2d instant; I shall pay due
respect to its contents; as yet I have not received the
President’s Proclamation alluded to, nor have I received any
orders from the Department of War relative to the subject
matter of your letter.
There has not, to my knowledge, been any assemblage of men
or boats, at this or any other place, unauthorized by law
or precedency; but, should any thing of the kind make its
appearance, which carries with it the least mark of suspicion,
as having illegal enterprises or projects in view, hostile to
the peace and good order of Government, I shall, with as much
ardor and energy as the case will admit, endeavor to bring to
justice all such offenders.
For more than two weeks last past I have made it a point to
make myself acquainted with the loading and situation of all
boats descending the river. As yet there has nothing the least
alarming appeared. On or about the 31st ultimo, Colonel Burr,
late Vice President of the United States, passed this with
about ten boats, of different descriptions, navigated with
about six men each, having nothing on board that would even
suffer a conjecture, more than a man bound to market; he has
descended the rivers towards Orleans. Should any thing, to my
knowledge, transpire, interesting to Government, I will give
the most early notice in my power.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, sir, your obedient
servant,