A statement of the case of the Marquis de Casa yrujo is inclosed;1 with a view to enable you to answer fully the several letters of Mr Cevallos, and to do justice to the course pursued here in relation to that Envoy. You will make the statement therefore the matter of a communication to the spanish Government, giving to it, at the same time, the form of a reply proceeding from yourself, tho’ pursuing the sentiments of your Government. You will perceive that the statement, whilst it prepares the Government of Spain for any rigorous steps towards the Marquis de yrujo, which may become necessary, leaves this Government uncommitted as to the time and degree of such a resort. Be careful not to depart from this ground.

I forward also sundry publications, which will make you acquainted with the perfidious conduct which Spain has long been pursuing towards the United States, through her diplomatic and other Agents on this side of the Atlantic.2 The overtures of Mr Gardoqui made to Mr Brown in the year 1787, proves that, whilst that Minister was employing all his arts of negotiation to draw the federal Government into a relinquishment of the use of the Mississippi, he was insidiously taking advantage of the disgust excited by the project among the Western people, in order to alienate them, if possible, from their atlantic brethren, and to bring about a dismemberment of the union.3

You will find also that at a subsequent period in 1796, the project of dismemberment was again contemplated by the Baron de Carondelet, the Governor of Louisiana, and was arrested solely by the conclusion of the Spanish Treaty of 1795.4

Lastly you will find that, in the year succeeding the Treaty, the same officer entered into the most scandalous and corrupt intrigues, for the avowed purpose of exciting rebellion and dismemberment; and with explicit declarations that the faith and friendship, solemnly pledged by that Treaty, should be no obstacle, on the part of the Spanish Government, to the prosecution of the execrable plans recommended by him.5

It is proper that you should be possessed of this information. But you will understand that it is not, either directly or incidentally, to be brought into your official communications with the Spanish Government; much less to be made the subject of formal representations to it. The facts are of too serious and weighty a character to be used, otherwise than on the occasion, and in the manner, which may be particularly prescribed by the authority of the President.

To the preceding documents are added, other publications as they have appeared in the Gazettes, which will inform you, that an expedition has been lately projected, within the United States, having for a leading object, the invasion of Mexico; and that the most prompt and vigorous measures were taken by the Government here and the subordinate authorities in the Orleans Territory, for defeating the plans of the Conspirators.6 The progress of these measures is known to have been such as to leave no doubt of their final and full success. For the present it is sufficient to have said thus much on the subject. It will enable you to controul misrepresentations, and, as far as may be expedient, to present just views of what has passed. I have the honor to be with great respect & Consideration Sir, your most obt Svt.