The following extract from these instructions, it is presumed, will not be deemed an uninteresting part of American political history at this period. The ostensible object of the mission of Powers was, to convey a letter to general Wilkinson, requesting him to delay the march of American troops for the purpose of taking possession of the forts on the Mississippi, until it should be ascertained whether, before delivery, they were to be dismantled; but the real object, to sound the people on the subject of a separation from the Atlantic states.

"On your journey," said the governor to Powers, “you will give to understand adroitly, to those persons to whom you have an opportunity of speaking, that the delivery of the posts which the Spaniards occupy on the Mississippi, to the troops of the United States, is directly opposed to the interest of those of the west, who, as they must one day separate from the Atlantic states, would find themselves without any communication with lower Louisiana, from whence they ought to expect to receive powerful succours in artillery, arms, ammunition and money, either publicly or secretly, as soon as ever the western states should determine on a separation, which must insure their prosperity and their independence; that for this reason, congress is resolved on risking every thing to take those posts from Spain; and that it would be forging fetters for themselves, to furnish it with militia and means, which it can only find in the western states. These same reasons, diffused abroad by means of the public papers, might make the strongest impression on the people, and induce them to throw off the yoke of the Atlantic states; but at the very least, if we are able to dissuade them from taking part in this expedition, I doubt whether the states could give law to us, with such troops as they have now on foot.

"If a hundred thousand dollars distributed in Kentucky would cause it to rise in insurrection, I am very certain, that the minister, in the present circumstances, would sacrifice them with pleasure; and you may, without exposing yourself too much, promise them to those, who enjoy the confidence of the people,

with another equal sum to arm them, in case of necessity, and twenty pieces of field artillery.

"You will arrive without danger as bearer of a despatch for the general, where the army may be, whose force, discipline and disposition you will examine with care; and you will endeavor to discover, with your natural penetration, the general's disposition, I doubt that a person of his disposition would prefer, through vanity, the advantage of commanding the army of the Atlantic states, to that of being the founder, the liberator, in fine the Washington of the western states-his part is as brilliant as it is easy-all eyes are drawn towards him-he possesses the confidence of his fellow citizens, and of the Kentucky volunteersat the slightest movement, the people will name him the general of the new republic-his reputation will raise an army for him; and Spain, as well as France, will furnish him the means of paying it. On taking fort Massac, we will send him instantly arms and artillery; and Spain limiting herself to the possession of the forts of Natchez and Walnut Hills, as far as fort Confederation, will cede to the western states all the eastern bank to the Ohio, which will form a very extensive and powerful republic, connected by its situation and by its interest, with Spain, and in concert with it, will force the savages to become a party to it, and to confound themselves in time with its citizens.

"The public is discontented with the new taxes-Spain and France are enraged at the connection of the United States with England-the army is weak and devoted to Wilkinson-the threats of congress authorize me to succour on the spot and openly the western states-money will not then be wanting to me, for I shall send without delay, a ship to Vera Cruz in search of it, as well as of ammunition; nothing more will consequently be required, but an instant of firmness and resolution, to make the people of the west perfectly happy. If they suffer this instant to escape them, and we are forced to deliver up the posts, Kentucky and Tennessee, surrounded by the said posts, and without communication with Lower Louisiana, will ever remain under the oppression of the atlantic states." In his journey through the

western country, Powers intimated that from the change of circumstances and political situation of Europe, there was reason to suppose that the treaty with Spain would not be carried into effect by his catholic majesty.

This mission, however, entirely failed-no one listened to the propositions of the Spanish governor, except judge Sebastian. Wilkinson being now at the head of the American army, and the object so long desired by him and the people of the west, secured by treaty, refused to countenance the plan. The mission of Powers was known to the president, and the governor of the north western territory had orders to arrest and send him to Philadelphia. Of this, Wilkinson gave him notice, and to aid his escape, seut him back, under a military escort by the way of Vincennes and New Madrid.* Notwithstanding the failure of this extraordinary mission, the Spanish government on various pretexts delayed the delivery of the posts until 1788.

The president was dissatisfied with the conduct of the American minister in France, particularly in delaying to present to the French government an explanation of his views in concluding a treaty with Great Britain. He, therefore, in June, 1796, determined to send a new minister to France; and at first contemplated doing this, without recalling Mr. Munroe. But finding this could not be done in the recess of the senate, he appointed Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, of South Carolina, to succeed Mr. Munroe, whom he recalled.

Mr. Pinckney arrived at Paris about the first of December, and soon after, in company with Mr. Munroe, waited upon the minister of foreign affairs, and presented his credentials. These were laid before the directory, and on the 11th Mr. Munroe was informed by de la Croix, that the directory would "no longer recognize a minister plenipotentiary from the United States, until after a reparation of the grievances demanded of the American government, and which the French republic has a right to expect." The French minister, however, declared," that this determina

* Clark's proofs against Wilkinson, and H. Marshall's history of Kentucky, vol. 2. pp. 219, 220, 223.

tion, which is become necessary, does not oppose the continuance of the affection between the French republic and the American people, which is grounded on former good offices, and reciprocal interest; an affection which you have taken pleasure in cultivating, by all the means in your power." Informed of this determination of the directory, Mr. Pinckney addressed a note to the French minister, requesting information whether it was their intention that he should quit the territories of the republic. He was immediately informed by a secretary in the foreign department, that the minister could hold no direct communication with him, as this would be acknowledging him as a minister. With respect to his remaining in France, he was told, there was a general law prohibiting all foreigners from remaining at Paris, without special permission; and as the directory did not intend to grant this permission, the general law would apply to him. Mr. Pinckney stated to the secretary, that the directory was in possession of his credentials as a minister of the United States; and, therefore, could not consider him in the light of an ordinary stranger, subject to the laws of the police. Possessed of high honorable feelings, and duly appreciating the character in which he appeared, Mr. Pinckney refused to quit France without a written order from the government. In this unpleasant situation he remained for some time, not without serious apprehensions, he might be arrested and sent away by order of the police officers.

About the last of December, Mr. Munroe took leave of the directory, with much ceremony. Mutual addresses were delivered on the occasion. After expressing his wishes "for a continuance of a close union and perfect harmony between the two nations," Mr. Munroe concluded his address by saying "I beg leave to make to you, citizen directors, my particular acknowledgments for the confidence and attention with which you have honored my mission during its continuance, and at the same time to assure you, that as I shall always take a deep and sincere interest in whatever concerns the prosperity and welfare of the French republic, so I shall never cease, in my retirement, to pay' VOL. II.

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in return for the attention you have shewn me, the only acceptable recompence to generous minds, the tribute of a grateful remembrance."

The address of the president of the directory, was calculated to flatter the people of the United States, whilst it severely censured their government.

"By presenting this day to the executive directory, your letters of recall," the president said, "you offer a very strange spectacle to Europe. France, rich in her freedom, surrounded by the train of her victories, and strong in the esteem of her allies, will not stoop to calculate the consequences of the condescension of the American government to the wishes of its ancient tyrants. The French republic expects, however, that the successors of Columbus, Raleigh and Penn, always proud of their liberty, will never forget that they owe it to France. They will weigh in their wisdom the magnanimous friendship of the French people, with the caresses of perfidious men, who meditate to bring them under their former yoke. Assure the good people of America, Mr. Minister, that, like them, we adore liberty; that they will always possess our esteem, and find in the French people that republican generosity which knows how to grant peace, as well as to cause its sovereignty to be respected.

"As for you, Mr. Minister plenipotentiary, you have contended for principles; you have known the true interests of your country-depart with our regret; we restore, in you, a representative to America; and we preserve the remembrance of the citizen, whose personal qualities did honor to that title."*

Mr. Pinckney was permitted to reside at Paris until about the first of February, 1797, when the directory, elated by their victories in Italy, gave him written orders to quit the territories of the republic. He immediately retired to Amsterdam, where he remained until joined by Mr. Marshall and Mr. Gerry, who, under the administration of Mr. Adams, were associated with him as envoys extraordinary to the French republic.

* Munroe's View, pp. 398, 399.