[N°. 12] Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos to Lieu^t. Percy S. Pope. Natchez, 17.^th April 1797. Sir, By the Commandant of that Post I am informed of your arrival there, with the Troops under your Command; and he has also sent me the letter that you wrote to him acknowledging the reception of my two. The particular reasons that for the present have suspended the evacuation of the Posts, do not affect the Treaty in any other respect; and these will soon be settled between his Catholic Majesty and the United States of America, they being of a nature that only wants an explanation, therefore it has been my most earnest wish to keep the settlements in peace and quiet until that political change takes places. As I expected you might come down before an information of this incident could reach you, I provided the most convenient Barracks that I could for your Troops, at that Post wishing to shew the U. States the greatest attention to their Troops; and in consequence of this disposition having conferred with the Honorable Andrew Elliott, we have agreed that you should remove to this place to encamp in its vicinity, where you may be furnished with every thing more conveniently. By this opportunity I forward the correspondent Orders to the Commandant of that Post who will do every thing necessary to facilitate and expedite your descent, which I hope will be speedy, as I flatter myself with the prospect of much satisfaction in forming your acquaintance. I have the honor to be with due consideration, Sir. Your most Ob^t. Servant. Manuel Gayoso de Lemos. B.el Pope Esq^r.