To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1799
From James McHenry
Philadelphia, March 19, 1799. Encloses “copies of two Letters from General Wilkinson, one dated Novr. 6,1 the other Decr. 6, 1798.…”2
LS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. In this letter James Wilkinson wrote in part: “It is impossible for me to ascertain the Fact, but I have cause to believe that Governor [Manuel] Gayoso [de Lemos], notwithstanding his professions … has held connivance with [Zachariah] Cox, & entered into some population project with Him.… I observe that much discontent & disgust, prevail among the People.… Three things appear to me Essential to the repose & prosperity of this Territory —The presence of the Judges—The Settlement of the right of Soil & Jurisdiction—and the Establishment of some principle, by which to ascertain & fix Individual rights to Land, granted within the Territory …” (ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2. In this letter Wilkinson wrote to McHenry concerning the condition of the troops at Natchez, the escape of Zachariah Cox from Governor Winthrop Sargent’s custody, and relations with the Indians (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Sargent was appointed governor of the Mississippi Territory on May 7, 1798 ( , 272, 274).