No 7 Extract of a letter from Lieut^t [undecipherable] Harry Pope to the Secretary for the department of War, dated Camp 9^th May 1797. — recd [undecipherable] — Sir, I arrived at the Walnut Hills on the 13 of last month. Previous to my arrival at this place orders were lodged with the [undecipherable: Commandant] of that post not to suffer my troops to come any lower down untill further orders. At this place I remained for Eight or ten days [when?] I received a letter from Governor Gayoso informing me, that he should be happy to see myself and detachment arrive. I immediately embarked all my troops and marched on to Natchez at which place I arrived the 28 April, was received extremely well and every thing appeared [undecipherable] perfect [undecipherable] for several days the [undecipherable] appeared to be going on with great life, when all at once the military stores were [undecipherable] ordered back, their troops [undecipherable] all night [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] this kind of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and still appears [undecipherable], they are strengthening the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and every day, the whole of which [undecipherable] are [undecipherable] and [undecipherable: fortifying] themselves. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] which [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] up to The Walnut Hills [undecipherable] the purpose [undecipherable: strengthening] that place. The [undecipherable] is a [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. This however [undecipherable] though I believe a very [undecipherable] which [undecipherable] the Inhabitants among who are [undecipherable]. I am [undecipherable: likewise] informed this evening that what is called the Mexican [undecipherable: Regiment] are now on their way to [undecipherable] garrison