§ From Cowles Mead. 15 December 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I have this moment received your communication of the 9th. of November, accompanying one of the same date from the War department, addressed to Govr. Williams—he is not returned nor have we had any late certain information of him.

“The perusal of the instructions of the Secy. of War to Genl. Wilkinson,1 have when contrasted with his conduct very much astonished me—they are directly at varience—they go to confirm my opinion that the General is not faithful in his duty, but is operating to the aid of an association designed to sever this Country from the United States. The Secy. of War directs that the convention between Genl: W—— and the Spanish Commandant be reduced to writing—this has not been done.

“Genl. W—— is there ordered even in case of a pacific issue to leave three companies at Nachatoches, this he has not done—but one company remains at that post.

“General W—— is ordered, in case of pacific issue, to repair to Fort Adams with the remainder of the army of the United States—this he has not done; but taken away the whole force, all the arms amunition &C &C & even dismantled the fort—all is gone to Orleans—where, he has ordered the troops from Mobile likewise. Sir, when I add to these measures his requisition of five hundred militia from this Territory I am compelled to believe that he acts in aid of the views of a certain association, of which you are now informed—and the equivocal conduct of the General brings me to this conclusion; that if Burr can reach Orleans with the force, which he has promised, that the Genl. will meet him with his best services—but if Colo. Burr fails, the Genl. will claim the merit of his communications to the General Government—and all this will be decided before the Government can take Stepts [sic] from his information, to defeat the plot.

“It is confidently asserted here, that Isaac Briggs Surveyor—has become the Express for General W——n and has like a thief stolen from this Country—he left Washington as he stated, to visit Tombigbee on land business; he has been since heard of, in the Creek nation on his way to the United States—should this Jesuitical Quaker reach you, you will see a villain—in politicks and morality—and young and ambitious as I am, I will hazard all my hopes in my persuit of political fame, that the Government will find him a traitor—three months—nay I fear, less time will prove to you that the Government has ever been deceived from this quarter.

“In consequence of further intelligence from Governor Cla[i]borne, of the views and plans of Colo. Burr I shall commence arrangements of defence, and if I have the aid of the Legislature, for which I am about to apply, I shall not only defend, but attack—for in my opinion the salvation of the City of New Orleans depends on the exertions of the Mississippi Territory.

“I will again state that the Genl. has left the Territory in a very defenceless state—not a single piece of ordnance—musket, pound of powder, or other means of defence—of this policy you may form some opinion.

“And I will again state to you that Daniel Clarke of New Orleans, Delegate to Congress is a man of the most profound intrigue and said to be a leading member of This diabolical plot.”