been carried from this
country, he expressed his approbation that this step had been
taken, and added that the disinclination of the British cabinet to
comply with the two latter and to evade the former, as evidently
appears from the correspondence of Mr. Morris with the duke of
Leeds (the British minister for foreign affairs), was of a piece
with their conduct toward him whilst minister at that court, and
just what he expected, and that to have it ascertained was
necessary.

"He thought, as a rupture between England and Spain was almost
inevitable, that it would be our policy and interest to take part
with the latter, as he was very apprehensive that New Orleans was
an object with the former of their possessing, which would be very
injurious to us; but he observed, at the same time, that the
situation of our affairs would not justify the measure, unless the
people [of the United States] themselves should take the lead in
the business."

This was also considered a favorable time for the United States to urge
upon Spain their claims to the free navigation of the Mississippi river.
Mr. Carmichael, the American charge d'affaires at the court of Madrid,
was instructed not only to press this point with earnestness, but to use
his best endeavors to secure the unmolested use of that river in future,
by obtaining a cession of the island of New Orleans and of the Floridas,
offering as an equivalent the sincere friendship of the United States,
by which the territories of Spain west of the Mississippi might be
secured to that government.

Evidence was not wanting that Great Britain apprehended an alliance of
the United States with Spain in the war that seemed to be impending; and
also that, in the event of war, the arms of Great Britain would be
directed against the Spanish settlements in America, to the disadvantage
of the United States. Sir Guy Carleton (now Lord Dorchester) was
continued in the government of Canada. He had asked leave to pass
through New York on his way to England. It was readily granted. And now,
under the pretext of making a formal acknowledgment for the contest, he
despatched his aid-de-camp, Major Beckwith, to sound the American
government, and ascertain, if possible, its disposition toward the two
disputing nations.

Major Beckwith first approached Hamilton, the secretary of the treasury.
After acknowledging the courtesy