[undecipherable: probable reading "Galas"] 25 July 1797 Sir I reed some time since your letter of Jun 24 [undecipherable] from Natchez, and on the 22 last, [undecipherable] others of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] It may not [undecipherable] hereafter be [undecipherable] to write that [undecipherable] 8^th and 12 of June also dated Pensacola. the Papers which covered three of the latter were different, and that on which the letters were written, and the address apparently in a different hand writing. I will state to you briefly the difficulty, which prevents any final determination, at present, on the two propositions which respect the house of M^ss Panton [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and what I think that house may [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [strikethrough: look forward to]. As the application of their Indian debts or compensation for them in land, would require the consent of Congress, it would be [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to make any promises to the concern, [undecipherable] being obtainable. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] that [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [No authority] has [undecipherable] the power to conclude such an engagement, or make it binding on the U.S. In giving them this information you will mention how very sensible I am of the good offices which they have it in their power to render, and that whatever favours [underline: they] may can ask that can be granted by the [underline: President] will not be refused them. It would be easy I should conceive to afford them such indulgences as would greatly facilitate the effectual and prompt collection of their debts within our Indian nations, and this is what I think they may [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [strikethrough: look forward to]. considering how infinitely precious the friendship of the U.S. is to Spain, I can only ascribe the late conduct of some of her officers to an influence which controul their better judgment. War is not desired by the U.S. They will shun it if possible, and sure I am that Spain ought carefully to avoid forcing them into it. My last accounts from Natchez is up to the [undecipherable] of May, there every thing was [undecipherable] quiet. I do not wish you to return to [undecipherable: probable reading "Tensaw"] So long as [undecipherable] you can be more usefully employed [undecipherable] elsewhere. of this you will judge, and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of accomplishing [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] in the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] a confidential service of your country, [undecipherable] to present you to a satisfactory [undecipherable] to the President. I send you in post notes six hundred dollars, and give you permission to draw on me for an equal sum should it be wanted. with great respect &. N. John McKee [The [undecipherable] the ins[undecipherable] it 6 [undecipherable]]