Documents N^o 1 Extract of a Letter from the Secretary of War to Brigadier General James Wilkinson — dated War Office 9 June 1797. "Yesterday the Secretary of State received letters from M^r Elliott, by which it would appear that scruples on the part of Governor Gayso had retarded the evacuation of the posts. These scruples or objections are 1^st. That in his opinion the forts ought to be demolished 2^d. That he thought it necessary to continue his force in that quarter till the claims of Spanish subjects to lands should be adjusted by negociation. As to the first our Officer may be instructed to agree to the demolition of the works if insisted on. As to the second he will assure the Governor that he is authorized to say that no person shall be disturbed in his possession or property till an opportunity has been afforded to apply to Congress and that they may rely upon their claims being adjusted upon the most equitable principles. It is to be presumed that on receiving these explanations the Spanish Garrisons will be withdrawn. If however contrary to expectation this should not happen, our Officer is to take a secure position but not so near them as to give any cause to the Spanish Garrisons to apprehend insult or injury. — N^o 2 Extract of a Letter from the Secretary of War to Captain Isaac Guion commanding a detachment of the Troops of the United States destined for the Natchez, dated War Office June 10 1797. — I enclose you duplicate of my letter to Brigadier General Wilkinson of yesterdays date for your Government in case he should have