tranquillity of its inhabitants, it is therefore my duty, and the continuation of that vigilance which I have constantly exerted not only to promote the happiness of every individual of this government, but likewise to support their interest and secure their tranquillity, that I step forth to warn the publick against being led by their innocent credulity against any measure that may be productive of ill consequences, and frustrate all the advantages they have a right to expect: And by the present I assure to them if they continue as they have always done, with strict attachment to the welfare of his catholick majesty's government, from which will depend the following favourable events,-viz.-His majesty has offered to support the rights of the inhabitants to the real property, and until that is ascertained, I am bound to keep possession of this country, as likewise until we are sure the Indians will be pacifick.

Contrary to the general expectation the same indulgence that until now protected the inhabitants in distress will be continued during his majesty's sovereignty in this country; and this being the season in which the planters are employed in preparing for an ensuing crop, none shall be disturbed from that important object on account of their depending debts. The misconstruction of what is the enjoyment of the liberty of conscience is hereby positively explained to be, that no individual of this government shall be molested on account of religious principles, and that they shall not be hindered in their private meetings, but no other publick worship will be allowed but that generally established in all his majesty's dominions, which is the catholick religion.

These important objects, that until now have not been published, though resolved, I acquaint the publick with, apprehensive of the dangerous insinuations of several persons that have made it their business to dazzle the publick with false notions to serve their own purpose in the speculation of lands that are lawfully held by all the inhabitants of this government, therefore I firmly rely that no person will deviate from the principles of adhesion to our government until the negotiations that are now on foot between his majesty and the United States of Ame

rica, are concluded, and thereby the real property of the inhabitants secured.

Given under my hand and the seal of my arms, and countersigned by the secretary of this government, by H. M. at the government house, Natchez.

March 29, 1797.

MANUEL GAYOSO DE LEMOS.

No. 16.

JH. VIDAL.

WHEREAS the alarming circumstances that prevailed for a while in this government, obliged me to circulate proclamations, wherein I warned the people of their immediate danger. Now, that these troubles have subsided, I cannot but publish my approbation, and applaud that upright sense of duty that the inhabitants have shown to the laws of our gracious sovereign, by seconding his representative, the right they have so justly acquired of being considered the most loyal subjects of his majesty. In my last publication I mentioned that until the real property should be secured to the inhabitants, this country should be considered in the same situation as before, as likewise while the pacifick disposition of the Indians was not ascertained. I find it my duty to explain that a negotiation is now carrying on to secure the right of the said real property. As that right cannot be secured but by an additional article to the late treaty, and until that article is officially communicated to me, I am bound to keep possession of the country, and continue to its inhabitants the same indulgence and the same anxious protection as until now. The negotiations with the Indians will produce the same effects, as it is impossible for his majesty to leave unprotected so many of his faithful subjects, and expose other settlements to the revengeful disposition of discontented Indians; these important objects are of the greatest moment to every person in this government; their interest and allegiance to his majesty binds them to keep steady in their principles of loyalty, until by the definitive arrangements of both nations a change takes place. Being informed that some persons are apprehensive that violent measures will be taken against those that seemed pleased with the prospects of becoming citizens

of the United States, I declare that such a notion is unfounded, as likewise the suspicion, that individuals would be prevented from moving to any part they please, either within his majesty's dominions or elsewhere, as it is notorious that no such obstacle was ever offered to any body, it being contrary to one of the greatest prerogatives that are enjoyed by his majesty's subjects.

DON MANUEL GAYOSO DE LEMOS.

March 29, 1797.

No. 17.

From Andrew Ellicott, Esq. to his Excellency Manuel Gayoso de Lemos. Natchez, March 31, 1797.

MY DEAR SIR,-I was last evening addressed by a number of respectable inhabitants of the district of Natchez. They are very much alarmed for their situation, in consequence of having expressed their pleasure, since my arrival at this place, in speedily becoming citizens of the United States. Your proclamation of the 28th instant, they conceived renders that event doubtful. They have therefore from considerations of personal safety, and to avoid the insults which many of them have experienced from one or more officers of a small grade in this district, called upon me to use my influence with your excellency to grant them, and all others who incline to leave this country, the privilege of disposing of their properties, and passports to enable them to reach the frontiers of such states as they may be inclined to remove to. I have now stated the substance of their application, and assure your excellency, from the respectability of the applicants, it is a subject in which I feel myself interested, and to which I request your excellency's attention.

Ever since I arrived in this district, I have uniformly recommended to the inhabitants a quiet submission to the government now in force; at the same time they have been in the most explicit manner assured, that the period would not be far distant when the jurisdiction of the United States would be extended to them. But they are not satisfied; they have their suspicions; and it is your excellency alone that can quiet them. Let the cannon and military stores be again taken out of the fort; withdraw

your objections to the arrival of the American troops; and their apprehensions will subside. I do not pretend to say that their apprehensions are well founded; it is possible they are not; but your objection to my escort's being stationed with me, your hauling back and remounting the cannon at this place, your despatching major Minor to delay the arrival of the troops of the United States at this post, added to your excellency's proclamation, however well meant, have had a contrary effect by increasing their fears.

I have enclosed two paragraphs of the address which was handed to me last evening. I am, &c. ANDREW ELLICOTT.

No. 18. Copy.

MANY whose ideas of allegiance had been preponderant from the treaty until the time of your arrival at this place, thought themselves at full liberty to announce their sentiments in any way that might not affect the operations of peace and good order in society. But the result is a melancholy contrast to the construction. Some have been already torn away from the bosom of agricultural life, and conveyed to prison with every indignant epithet that malevolence could invent. Scouts are crossing the country in various directions, breathing threats of vengeance against those who had unguardedly thrown aside the mask of duplicity; and a number are waiting with solicitude the moment of their fate.

There are many in this country to whose exertions America is much indebted for her political existence. We call upon you in the name of such; we call upon you in the name of every friend to that emblem of peace and science which has been recently displayed to us; to stand forth with a confidence suitable to the dignity of your commission, and demand of the governour, passports, with leave for all such as would dispose of their property and avail themselves of a change of situation by withdrawing to the United States.

No. 19.

From his Excellency Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, to Andrew Ellicott, Esq. Natchez, March 31, 1797.

MY DEAR SIR,—I have just now received your favour of this day, in which you informed of the application of several respectable inhabitants of this government to you, requesting your interposition to facilitate to them a privilege that they never ceased enjoying, and in which consists the greatest liberty of a Spaniard. There is not one single instance in our government of having made opposition to a person's selling his property, and leaving the country, whenever they called for a passport; and as our system is not altered, I shall not refuse the same privilege to any person that may apply for it.

ed

I am sorry to find, that those persons who have addressyou, have imposed upon your credulity and goodness, in making use of remonstrances proper to make sensation on the feelings of a good citizen of the United Statesbut there is not a word of truth in what they have advanced. I have not taken notice of the satisfaction that some persons have expressed on the prospect of becoming citizens of the United States-nor has any body been apprehended for it--nor have I issued any order for such a purpose, but against Mr. Green, senior, who had made his escape, conscious of the criminality of his conduct, which is notorious; and indeed in all the extent of this government, there is but one single individual confined, and that is for a criminal proceeding. There is not a single patrol out in search of any one-nor just in this moment do I find occasion for it; but if I should, I would employ every means in my power to suppress disorder, and to keep the peace of the country, as I have always done.

I doubt not of the assurances you please to give me of the good advice you have uniformly given to the peopleit being conformable to the character of a gentleman, whose object is another than that of interfering in the matters of government.

My proclamation I found absolutely necessary to calm the minds of the people-stating to them the true situation of the political arrangements between his majesty and the United States, which does not dissolve the treaty, but re