[N^o 17 From Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos to Lieutenant Piercy Pope — dated Natchez 6^th May 1797 —] Sir. I received your letter dated the 5^th instant, delivered me by Lieutenant John McClary, in reply to mine of the 3^d, by which, and by our conferences, I am persuaded of your disposition to cultivate that good harmony that is justly due to our Nations — on my part I pledge my honour to you that I shall invariably continue considering you not only as I do every Individual of your Nation, but yet more particularly under the sacred views of the Representative; as likewise every person under your command, and under the direction of the Honourable Andrew Elliott. I do assure you likewise, that my conduct shall be such, as not to merit the reflection of your Nation, nor expose mine to any contest on account thereof, being answerable by my duty, and by my honour, to act with such propriety as will justify me in my public capacity. With regard to the person that gave the information, that in our familiar conversation I communicated to you, must be despised, and others discountenanced both by you, and by me, as our situations are sacred, and only subject to the alterations unanimously agreed upon by our Nations. I have the honour to be with the highest consideration your most able And Servant Manuel Gayoso de Lemos.