[void] Letter of the 10th June from the Secretary of War State

Ellicotts conduct complained of & Maj: Guion sent to Natchez in consequence Maj. Guin sent in compliance with this letter. Department of State June 10. 1797 Sir: The Chevalier de Yrujo has just parted from me. He brought two letters in the Spanish language from the Baron de Carondelet which he said he would literally translate to me[parentheses mark inserted between sentences to designate a period and a mark to capitalize T in “these”]These letters mentioned his dissatisfaction with Mr. Ellicott the commissioner for running the boundary line between the United States and Florida on account of his conduct at the Natchez as communicated to the Baron by Governor Gayoso. The Chevalier has promised me copies of the Barons letters–After some conversation on this subect the Chevalier expressed his wishes (and I take it the wishes of the Baron de [inserted]Carondelet that Mr. Ellicot as a skillful man in his profession, might be confined to his appointment of running the boundary line [could also be lines but looks like the “s” was blacked out] and that a discreet cool and prudent officer might be appointed to command the American troops who should take post at the Natchez and whose arrival there was expected. The Barons two letters were dated, one about the 25 of March the other the 20 of April [no period] I asked the Chevalier where he supposed the American Troops would take post if the Spanish Troops did not withdraw from the fort. He answered that the settlement was large and there were plenty of houses in which they could find Quarters. One conclusion results that the Spaniards have yet entertained no idea of using force to prevent our troops making an establishment at the Natchez [no period] The Baron de Carondelet has written to the Prince of Peace for instructions about the manner of evacuating the posts–whether to leave the works standing or to demolish them. I am Sir etc Tim J. Pickering The Secretary of War [Copy]