[undecipherable] [undecipherable] Extract of a letter from the Sec of [undecipherable] to Gen[.] [undecipherable] dated [undecipherable] 8^th 1798 The public prints will have informed you of the [undecipherable] measures Congress has taken with respect to France, and your own reflections anticipated what we have to apprehend from that [undecipherable]— It is impossible we can conceal from ourselves, that should [undecipherable] be unable to resist the demands of France, and the latter obtain possession of Louisiana & New Orleans, it might be productive of serious consequences to the United States in such a situation of things it behoves [us] to be vigilant & attentive to every movement of France in that quarter, in order to the obtaining the earliest notice of her designs. You will be particularly observant of all French men who [undecipherable] the Posts and endeavour to ascertain the character & views of those especially who [undecipherable] appear to be to go to Louisiana. — You will distribute the troops on & around the Mississippi among the Posts on that River, and make such other arrangements as will best enable you Should France [take] possession of New Orleans & Louisiana, & Congress declare War against France to act most efficaciously for the interests of the United States. True Extract [undecipherable] Cap[t.] [undecipherable]