Autograph Letter Signed

Information Regarding Diplomatic Situation Surrounding Enforcement of Treaty of Madrid (U.S.-Spanish Florida Border)

James McHenry expresses hope that Isaac Guion has distributed annual presents to the Chickasaws; notes that Spanish officers have obstructed enforcement of the treaty in the U.S.-Spanish Florida border region, but opines that they have been doing so out of fear of a British invasion down the Mississippi. Reiterates that the President and Secretary of War have issued orders to Guion and Wilkinson aimed only at executing the treaty. Directs Guion to leave a small detachment at Chickasaw Bluffs, if necessary, to prevent the Spanish from re-occupying it; registers alarm that citizens of the region have armed themselves and declared independence from Spain, though Spain's jurisdiction over them theoretically ceased some time before.

1797

09

22

Near Downings Town

Cited in McHenry to Guion, 09/29/1797.

Cited document sent from the War Office

Isaac Guion

James McHenry

Chickasaws

Spanish

English

President

Secretary of War

Wilkinson

Downings Town

Chickasaw Bluffs

Mississippi

Florida

fear of invasion

enforcing treaty

border disputes

armed citizens

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