934. BOUNDARIES, Louisiana.—[further continued].
You know the French
considered themselves entitled to the Rio Bravo,
and that Laussat declared his orders to be to
receive possession to that limit, but not to
Perdido; and that France has to us been always
silent as to the western boundary, while
she spoke decisively as to the eastern. You
know Turreau agreed with us that neither
party should strengthen themselves in the disputed
country during negotiation; and [General]
Armstrong, who says Monroe concurs
with him, is of opinion, from the character of
the Emperor, that were we to restrict ourselves
to taking posts on the west side of the Mississippi,
and threaten a cessation of intercourse
with Spain, Bonaparte would interpose efficiently
to prevent the quarrel going further.
Add to these things the fact that Spain has
sent five hundred colonists to San Antonio,
and one hundred troops to Nacogdoches, and
probably has fixed or prepared a post at the
Bay of St. Bernard, at Matagordo. Supposing,
then, a previous alliance with England to
guard us in the worst event, I should propose
that Congress should pass acts, 1, authorizing
the Executive to suspend intercourse with
Spain at discretion; 2, to dislodge the new
establishments of Spain between the Mississippi
and Bravo; and, 3, to appoint commissioners
to examine and ascertain all claims
for spoliation that they might be preserved for
future indemnification.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. iv, 587.
Ford ed., viii, 379.
(M.
Sep. 1805)
