[Extract of a letter from L^t colonel Roomtiarnek to Brigadier Gen^d James Wilkinson — dated Delibera 21 May 1797. —] "The departure of the 1^t Regiment and now of the Artillery makes us very weak — It has reduced our Guards from Officers Guards to non commissioned Officers and our strength does not admit of three Relieves. I have had for a long time past, a large number of Indians I do not know well their intentions, but I think it would be prudent not to weaken the Garrison, more than it is, and I am pretty sure that both the French and Spaniards have emissaries amongst the Indians. I have it from indubitable authority, that a large Belt from the Spaniards is now travelling through the different nations."