[No. IX.] Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, to Lieutenant Pope. Natchez, 1^st April, 1797. Sir, SINCE I addressed you by Major Minor, I have received orders from his Excellency Baron Carondelet, General in Chief of this province, to suspend the evacuation of the posts within my jurisdiction, until our Court has settled, with the United States of America, some difficulties which can be levelled only by our respective Ministers. The perfect peace and harmony subsisting between the two nations, do not allow us to doubt but we shall shortly receive intelligence concerning the results of this suspension. It is my duty to inform you of this circumstance, and at the same time to offer you any assistance that you may be in need of, at the Walnut Hills, and give you every proof of our disposition to keep up a good understanding and sincere friendship with the United States. Notwithstanding I have already given the necessary orders to the Commandant of that Post to prepare convenient accommodations for your troops, I reiterate them by this opportunity, being anxious that you may meet with every possible conveniency at that place. I am, with consideration, SIR, Your most humble and obedient servant, MANUEL GAYOSO DE LEMOS. [Alexander Pope, Esq. commanding officer of the troops of the United States of America, at the Walnut Hills.]