War Office 10 June 1797 Sir, I enclose you a copy of my letter of yesterdays date. I flatter myself it will arrive in time to regulate your instructions to Captain Guion so as to prevent him from giving or relinquishing any part of his Artillery or Stores to [undecipherable] the Spaniards. It is expected that he will be able without committing the [undecipherable] States [or?] offending the Spaniards to take such positions [undecipherable] of their Garrisons at Walnut Hills and Natchez. [undecipherable] a good understanding with them should the [undecipherable] be [undecipherable] respecting the rights of [undecipherable] effectual to produce their more. [undecipherable] it be proper to direct Captain Guion to write to [undecipherable] as soon as possible after he has assumed his [undecipherable] at Walnut Hills and Natchez. He may send [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] by a trusty Indian through the [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] to the [American?] post on the [Oconee?], and from Walnut Hills through the [Choctaws?] and Chickasaws to Knoxville or [undecipherable] to be forwarded by the commanding Officer of the [undecipherable] and by the Agent of the War department on the latter. I add an extract of a letter dated off the Gulf of [undecipherable] 29 May 1797 and a copy of a letter from the Secretary of State received this morning. From the one it would appear that a reinforcement of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] made the [undecipherable] the other that our troops would be received in a friendly manner [that] at the Natchez at least, they were expected there and would not meet with any opposition in taking their ground. I observed in my dispatch of yesterday that it appears to me adviseable that you should keep your Head Quarters at Fort Washington if not at Massac for the present in [till?] further orders. I do not mean however should it be your opinion that derangement can happen in the affairs of or accident to the [undecipherable] for the Natchez which could not be immediately [undecipherable] during your absence as by your presence, [undecipherable] should delay your visit to the posts on the lakes. I [undecipherable] you will [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] and if [undecipherable] it will be [undecipherable] run an express a few [undecipherable] with your instructions — I am Sir with great Respect Your obd't Servant Brigadier Gen^l Wilkinson