Application having lately been made to me by Mr. Dunbar—to obtain from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, a Passport for the Gentlemen who are about to ascend the Red River, under your Orders, I addressed to him a letter, of which the enclosure A is a copy, and received the answer marked B.—I have informed Mr. Dunbar of the Marquis’s refusal which I presume may occasion, for the present, the postponement of the expedition.

My official Letters to the Secretary of State will acquaint you with the state of things in this quarter.

If I am not greatly mistaken, the public sentiment here has, of late, undergone a change highly favorable to the American government: The natives of Louisiana are, for the most part, attached to the United States—and I am persuaded that most of the men of property would, in the event of War, rally around the American Standard.

I still hope you may be enabled to draw to an amicable and honorable close, our negociations with Spain,—but if this should not happen, I should indeed, be gratified if an opportunity was offered me, to evince in the Field, my devotion to the Interest and honor of my Country.

With sentiments the most respectful—I have the honor to be—Your faithful Friend.—