The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-01-28


S;ates, take upon themselves to obtain the
navigation of the river by force. which they
were we'll able to DO, u measure for some
time before much dreaded by this govern
ment, which had no force to resist them. If
such plan was put in execution. Hints
were likewise given that Wilkinson was. "a
very popular man, who could influence the
whole OF that country, and probably that his
sending boat before him, with wish, that
she might be seized, was but a snare at his
return to influence the minds of the people
and having brought them to the point he
wished, induce them to appoint him their
leader, and then like a torrent spread over
the Country and carry fire and dcsolation
IRON one end of the province to the other.
Governor Miro, weak man, unacquaint-
ed with the American government, ignorant
even of the position of Kentucky, with res
pect to his own province, but alarmed at the
very idea of an Eruption of Kentucky men,
whom he feared without knowing their
strength, communicated his wishes to.the
intendant that the guard might be removed
from the boat, which was accordingly done
and Mr.. Patterson, who was the agent of
the general. was permitted to take charge of
the property on board. and to sell it free of
tthty. The general ON his arrival in Orleans,
some time after, informed of the obligation
he Jay under to the merchant who had inn
pressed the government with such an idea of
his importance and influence at home, wait
: cd ON him and in concert with him formed
plan for their future operations. In his in
terview with the governor, that he might
not seem to derogate from the character CIV
On OF HIM by appearing concerned in so tri-
iiinS business, as a boat load of tobacco
hams and butter, he gave him to understand
that the property belonged to many citizens
ot kestucky, who awaiting themselves of his
return to the Atlantic. states by way .; Or
leans, wished to make a trial of the temper
OF this government, as he ON his arrival might
inform his own, what steps had been pursu-
cd under his eye, that adequate measures
might be afterwards taken TO procure salts
faction. He acknowledged with gratitude
tite attention and respect manifested by the
governor towards himself in the favor shewn
TO his agent bat at the same time menti-
oned, that he would not wish the governor To
expose himself to the anger of his court, by
restraining from seizing on the boat and car
go, as 1t was but trife, if such were the
positive orders from court, and that he had
not power to relax them according to Cir
cunstanccs. Convinced bv this discourse
that the. general rather wished for an oppor-
tunity OF embroiling affairs, than sought to
eyoio II, the governor became more alarmed
For two or three years before, particularly
SINCE the arrival of the commissioners from
Georgia, who had come 10 Natchez to claim
that country, he had been fearful of an inya-
sion at every annual rise of the waters. and
the news of n few boats being seen was e.
nough to alarm the whole Province He re
voived in his mind what measures he ough,
10 pursue consistent with the orders he had
from home TO permit the free navigation OF
the riverl in order to heep the, Kentucky
people quiet, and in his succeeding inter.
views with Wilkinson, having procured more
knowledge than lie had hitherto acquired OF
their character, population, strength and dis
positions, he thought he could do nothing
better than hold out bait to Wilkinson &c
nse his influence in restraining the people
from an invasion of this province. Till N,
"o'iUG co III. evurt, ana REQUIRE
further Instructions. This was the point Z,
%nich the parties wished TO bring him. anc
Deins informed that in Kentucky. two a,
three corps were on hand, for which. if ar
i'h''eaiate vent was not found, the people
cnnta not be kept within bounds, ne made
Wilknsonthe offer of permission to import
on MS own account TO New-Oreans, free O,
on'y' al the productions of Kentucky. think
ing oy TINS means to eonciiate the good will
Q, the people, without yielding the point Of
navigation, as the commerce carried on voold
appear the effect of an indulgence to an in
Hfiaaal which could be Withdrawn at plea
sure on consultation with his friends. who
49, ~" "ini Iurtnef concessions Wilkin-
SON could e1toId from the fears of the Spani-
ARDS, by the Promises of his good Offices in
preaching peace, harmony, and good under
standing with this government, until ARRANGE
ments were made between Spain and Ameri-
Ga, ne was advised to insist that the governor
should insure him a market for all the Aon,
and tobacco he might send, as in the event
OF an unfortunate shipment, he would be ru-
med whist endeavoring to do a service to
Louisiana. This was accepted. Flour waS
always wanted in New.Orleans. and RI.
KING OF Spain had given orders to purchase
more tobacco for the supply of his manufac-
tories at home. than Louisiana at that time
produced, and which was paid for at about
~ dollars pcrcwt. In Kentucky it cost but
two, and the profit was immense. In cmse-
quence, the general appointed his friend
othleI LARK his agent here, returned BIZ
way OF Charleston, in a vessel with a parti-
GUAR permission to go to the United States
even at the very moment of Gardooue's in
FORMATION, and on his arrival in Kentucky
bought. up al the produce he conld collect
which he shipped and disposed Of az before
mentioned. and for some time, all the trade
Tor the Ohio, was carried on in his name a
lire from him sufTicing to ensure tothe own
En- OF the boat every privilege and protection
he could desire On granting this privilege
70 Wilkinson, the government came to a re-
solution 0f encouraging emigration from the
western country, and offered passports to ali
settlers, with an exemption Of duty, on all
the property they might bring with them
invested in the produce rf the countrv tLov