Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-09-27

ate both the charge ana deIence on TINS
head. it will be necessary to state, that al
though I always had the slncerest attach
ment 70 the United States, and frequently.
pursued their interest to the utter disregard
of nv own, could never claim the privi-
leees of a citizen until the year 1898, when
the establishment of the American govern
ment in the, Mississippi territory below
Matches. and an oath of allegiance then
took. gave me a title I had endeavored by
previous services to merit, and which no
Subsequent conduct has tended to disgrace.
Previous to this period, though had an
intimate knowledge of general Wllklnson's
treasonable designs, was under no parlleu-
lar obligation to reveal them. resided IN
Spanish territory, and, though not sub
iect of Spain, was employed and trusted
by the Spanish government, and l might
have been excusable, if, under these circum-
stances. should have regarded Wilkn-
sons project rather in the light of a revo-
luton, favorable to the government under
whose protection | lived, than as a rebellion
against his own. Becoming an American
citizen, however, l thought it my duty to
discover whether this disgraceful connex-
ion continued, and then had the CONVEX
sation with general Wilkinson at Loftus's
Heights, which is detailed in my affidavit.
The result of this was, as ! have stated, an
Acknowledgement of the guilt which he
knew was before acquainted with; but an
assurance that the disgraceful connexion
should be broken off an assurance to WHICH
gave credit, and for several years from
that period considered him as totally olsen
Gagged from the reasonable engagements IN
TO which he had entered. Perhaps 1t was
wrong to weld this ready credence to the
professions of man, whose conduct ought
10 have convinced ne thar he wanted priu-
ciple; but when the generals insinuatin9
manners and my comparative youth are con-
sidcred, it will not, believe, be imputed
to me as a crime sufficient to destroy my
credit, that should continue with him on
terms OF civili,y, for really all the letters
which he has adduccd amount to no more.
At any rate, feel it as fault, and am
sure it has been one OF the greatest mlstor-
tunes of ny lite, ever to have been number
ed among bis friends, or even acquaintan
ces; but if society in error or misfortune
could console me, should find comfort in
the number and rank OF those, who viii
soon have as much reason IS have had to-
regret the countenanee and support thy
have afforded him.
1t is next said, shat my evidence has been
contradictcd by other testimony. l have
anticipated the answer to one point, which
T understand has been much relied On by
the general and his friends, VIZ: the encamp
ment, and my stay at I.oftus's Heights.
NV conversation relative to the ten thou
sand dollars lad. out for sugar at New-Cr-
leans is also adGuced as conclusive proof,
that my deposition was not founded in fact.
But how fuilesis this objection Because
told Mr.. Smith AID Mr.. Aston that !
was then Convinced gen. Wilkinson had not
received this particular sum OF money IN
the wear 1904, is it conclusive evidence that
7 am not 10 be believed, when | say on oath
hat he had received; other sums IN 1896!
Let !, he remembered, that had not charg.
cd gen. Wilkinson with the corrupt receipt
of this 5000 dollars and even now, tho,
| firmly believe the fact, yet / have, as !
before stated, no legal evidence on which
70 Ground The charge. The truth is, that
in the spring or summer OF 1901 after gen.
Wilkinson's departure from New-Orleans,
on nv return from visit to the country,
was informed by DR.. Watkins, who was
then in the confidence of.gov. Claiborne,
that gen. Wilkinson had purchased cargo
of sugar for $4,000; that it was suspected
this money had been received from. the
Spaniards and that gov. Claiborne was de-
siirous of investigating the business, that ne
nigh, communicate 1t to the government o.
the u. States. Relying on Wllkinson's as
sarance to me that the. Spanish connexlon
cho,,lI