f the United States, that he might, on his return,
influence the minds of his countrymen; and, having brought them
to the point he wished, induce them to choose him for their
leader, and, spreading over the country, carry fire and
desolation from one part of Louisiana to the other.

"On this, Miro expressed his wish to Navarro that the guard
might be removed. This was done; and Wilkinson's friend was
permitted to take charge of the boat, and sell the cargo,
without paying any duty.

"On his first interview with Miro, Wilkinson, that he might not
derogate from the character his friend had given him, by
appearing concerned in so trifling an adventure as a boat-load
of tobacco, flour, &c. observed that the cargo belonged to
several of his fellow-citizens in Kentucky, who wished to avail
themselves of his visit to New-Orleans to make a trial of the
temper of the colonial government. On his return he could then
inform the United States government, of the steps taken under
his eye; so that, in future, proper measures might be adopted.
He acknowledged with gratitude the attention and respect
manifested towards himself, and the favour shown to the
merchant who had been permitted to take care of the boat;
adding, he did not wish that the intendant should expose
himself to the anger of the court, by forbearing to seize the
boat and cargo, if such were his instructions, and he had no
authority to depart from them when circumstances might require
it.

"Miro supposed, from this conversation, that Wilkinson's object
was to produce a rupture rather than to avoid one. He became
more and more alarmed. For two or three years before,
particularly since the commissioners of the state of Georgia
came to Natchez to claim the country, he had been fearful of an
invasion at every rise of the water; and the rumour of a few
boats having been seen together on the Ohio, was sufficient to
excite his apprehensions. At his next interview with Wilkinson,
having procured further information of the character, number,
and disposition of the western people, and having revolved, in
his mind, what measures he could take, consistently with his
instructions, he concluded that he could do no better than to
hold out a hope to Wilkinson, in order to secure his influence