Provided that the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to a decision of arms, Washington, from a variety of circumstances, has deduced that New Orleans and the Spanish posts above it on the Mississippi will doubtless be among the first attempts of Great Britain and that the reduction of them will be undertaken by a combined operation proceeding from Detroit. The consequences of havin g so formidable an enemy as Great Britain are too numerous to enumerate. Washington wishes to know what his answer to Lord Dorchester should be in case the latter should apply for permission to march troops from Detroit along the Mississippi. He should also like to know what notice should be taken if the British should proceed without having received the permission of the United States. A note at the bottom directs that copies be sent to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of War, as well as to John Jay, to ask for their written opinions.
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829