Inclosed, I forward You the copy of a letter from one of the most opulent inhabitants of West Florida. This letter, together with a personal knowledge of many of the inhabitants of that Province, impresses me with a strong belief, that a revolution of some kind may be attempted in that country, before a great while. It has been suggested to me from other sources, that two plans have been thought of. One, to disclaim all subordination or allegiance to the mother country, or the Usurper, and become associated with the other Spanish American Provinces, which might co[o]perate to form an Independent Government and a new Nation—the other, to declare themselves independent of the World and institute a government within themselves upon economical & liberal principles, with the view at present, to endure no longer, than it may be reciprocally eligible to become an integral part of the U. States.

I feel considerably assured that it is the wish of a large majority of these people to become American Citizens—and that they would not adopt & persue any measures calculated to embarrass & jeopardise that event.

It is therefore desireable to ascertain, if practicable, if either of the above suggested plans is any wise calculated to create obstacles to the future acquisition of these provinces by the U. States. Should you feel free to communicate on this subject, it will be received with great satisfaction—and my best exertions will be to influence events in that country most conducive to the interests of my own. For I have no local or peculiar interest in that country, nor in any other than this, where I have been bred from early youth.

This note, from an obscure & private individual, may perhaps be considered intrusive & therefore neglected. I too, would deem it such, & would not Obtrude it, if not actuated by conscious & earnest zeal for the interests of my country—and a wish to aid the emancipation of these people, as well as the acquisition of these provinces, which are so important; & to some parts of our territory, so essential.

The author of the letter, of which a copy is hereto annexed, is a native of North Carolina, and an American in principle—exclusively an agriculturalist from his youth and an honest man. He became reconciled to settle in that country 9 years ago from a positive confidence, that the U. States would speedily acquire it. His attachments, cautiously manifested to the principles of our government, have rendered him somewhat an object of suspicion & jealousy several years ago, with the immediate officers of that Government. From the malice of which, he has been secured perhaps only, by his popularity grounded on his own probity & worth—and by that ascendency which superior opulence obtains in all countries. I am very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.