The receipt, and perusal, of the governor's letter, could butrecall to the mind of the president, that of the preceding Octo ber; which produced a contrast as striking, as the effect was painful. The president, had at once a clear conviction, that a total defalcation had taken place in the governor—that having the prejudices of the man to contend against, he could not rely upon the co-operation, of the officer, to repress the hostile designs of the French agents in Kentucky--and he appealed, to the good sense, and real patriotism of the great body of the people, by proclamation bearing date the 24th of March, 1794: in this, he informed them of the illicit project, and warned them of the danger of embarking in it. This measure had been de layed, from motives of delicacy, and respect, towards the governor of Kentucky, from whom it had been expected; as well from the communications made to him, as from his early assurances. This proclamation, operated as a real check, to a considerable extent-several persons who had received commissions, and one, of the rank of general, whose name could be mentioned, and his personal communications recited, (but that it is intended to withhold the names of those who abandoned the enterprise,) which he said he "had been induced to believe, by a member of congress, was agreeable to the president of the United States--and that he did not know to the contrary, until undeceived by his proclamation." Those who adhered, could but feel some embarrassment; notwithstanding they might apprehend no danger from the high public functionaries. of Kentucky: who existed in a most singular state of disaffection, and enmity against the general government. The sole federal judge, Harry Innis, and one, or more, of the judges of the state court of appeals, implicated in the former intrigue with Spain, were reduced to silent observation; with what predominant feelings, is not exactly known: while other public characters, of official importance, were in similar predicaments.

The judge, whose name has been mentioned, shall himself be the witness of his own privity, and connivance. The following extracts are from a deposition given by him, in the case of Sebastian, hereafter to receive more particular attention.

"This deponent observes, that it must be known, and recollected by some of the committee the violent heat that pervaded this state, arising from the publications and proceedings of the Democratic society in Lexington, and some other places—that it must be known and recollected, that the French minister, Genet, had sent his emissaries to this state to excite the people of Kentucky to offensive measures against the Spanish province of Louisiana-that officers were appointed to command an army to be raised for that purpose; and that report said it was to consist of two thousand men.

"The truth of these facts, the deponent has no doubt can, if necessary, be proved."

Again-"The deponent further states that such was the heat of the public mind at that period respecting the navigation of the Mississippi, that he avoided the meetings of the Democratic societies, lest their measures should lead to acts which would attract the nice of the general government, and prosecutions be instituted, which could only be done in the court in which this deponent presides."

The deponent, to support his statements, as it is conceived, produced, an address from the Democratic society of Lexington dated the 13th of December, 1793: and also a letter signed Auguste Lachaise, dated it is supposed in May 1794, stating that two thousand brave Kentuckians had been recruited to march against the Spaniards in Louisiana, to assist the French regain that country.

.

On these evidences no comment is deemed necessary. The more clearly however, to represent the state of things into which this French intrigue, by the aid of the Democratic societies, on the one hand, and the connivance, and the countenance of those whose official situations on the other, required them to suppress it, had placed Kentucky-and to exhibit still further, a picture of the times-some extracts will be given from the address, referred to, by Judge Innis. They follow:

"This measure is not dictated by party, or faction--it is the consequence of unavoidable necessity. It has become so from the neglect shewn by the general government, to obtain for the citizens interested therein, the navigation of the Mississippi."

"The navigation of the Mississippi was solemnly given and confirmed by Great Britain to the citizens of the United States, by the provisional articles entered into at Paris, between the two nations." It then proceeds to represent that more than cleven years had elapsed, during which this irrefragable right had been denied. Asks what has been done by the former or present government-states that repeated memorials had been presented to congress, which had been treated with neglect, bordering on contempt. Once a disgraceful offer had been made to barter away the right. The government was changed; new hope had arisen, only to be disappointed—latter memorials were treated as the former had been. Six years had passed away, and the right not yet obtained. "Money is to be taken from us by an odious excise: but the means of our obtaining our just right is denied. In the mean time, our brethren on the eastern waters, possess every advantage which nature, or contract, can give them."

"Alas! is the energy of our government not to be exerted against our enemies? is it all to be reserved for her citizens?" "EXPERIENCE, fellow citizens, has shewn us that the general government, is unwilling that we should obtain the navigation of the river Mississippi. A local policy appears to have an undue influence in the councils of the union. It seems to be the object of that policy to prevent the population of this country; which would draw from the eastern states their industrious citizens.". Again-"But if they are not unwilling to do us justice, they are at least regardless of our rights and welfare."

After this, a remonstrance to the president and congress, is recommended. It is said, the crisis is favourable; that Spain, is engaged in a war with France—that if we wait for peace, "we must then contend against her undivided strength."

"But what may be the event of the proposed application, is still uncertain. We ought therefore to be still upon our guard, and watchful to seize the first favourable opportunity to gain our object. In order to this, our union should be as perfect and lasting as possible. We propose that societies should be formed in convenient districts in every part of the western

country, who shall preserve a correspondence upon this and every other subject of general concern. By means of these societies we shall be enabled speedily to know, what may be the result of our endeavours--to consult upon such further measures as may be necessary, to preserve union, and finally by these means to secure success."

The following pargraph is the conclusion:

"Remember, that it is a common cause which ought to unite us, that that cause is indubitably just, that ourselves and pos terity are interested, that the crisis is favourable, and that it is only by union that the object can be achieved. The obstacles are great, and so ought to be our efforts. Adverse fortune

We may for a

may attend us, but it shall never dispirit us. while exhaust our wealth and strength--but until the allimportant object is procured, we pledge ourselves to you; and let us all pledge ourselves to each other, that our perseverance and our friendship, will be inexhaustible."

This was signed by JOHN BRECKENRIDGE, chairman; attested by Thomas Todd, and Thomas Bodley, clerks:" and addressed, "To the Inhabitants of the United States west of the Allegany and Apalachian Mountains."

The following extracts are from another democratic publication, called "The Crisis."

The president of the United States, in his message of the 5th of December, 1793, to congress, having said, that the state of negotiation with Spain should be the subject of a confidential communication; it made the text, of the ensuing commentary: "If ever a free people have been more degraded and insulted, or borne degradation, and insult with a more submissive patience, than you, ye people of Kentucky! let an example be produced. To search for it in the government of despots, would be fruitless, for though partiality and oppression are there found, yet they are devested of duplicity; and the oppressors and oppressed understand each other. The latter expect what they receive, and are not mortified, or disappointed. To freemen, the mortification, and disappointment are exquisite: because having no right to calculate on par

tiality or oppression, the actual experience of either is intolerable."

Again "From government you have nothing even to hope. They never did intend--nor will they ever invest you with the right to use the Mississippi. Its procurement depends solely on ourselves. And this, my fellow citizens, is the crisis--the critical moment."

Next, the war in Europe is sels, put out of the question.

alluded to; and American counThen follows:

"Louisiana, groaning under oppression and tyranny, is im ploring you with uplifted hands."

But to conclude this farrago, of democratic excitement, to anarchy, or to war; take what follows.

"To those remaining veteran patriots, whost footsteps we followed to this distant desert, and who by their blood and toil have converted it into a smiling and delightful conntry; we now look up. Under your guidance we fought, we bled, and we conquered this country: under your guidance we still wish to fight, and bleed, while any appendage to its complete enjoyment remains to be procured. Strength, courage, and firmness, are now at your service, ready to be directed by your experience and wisdom. Our lives and our fortunes we are free to hazard in the attempt-and so long as we can wield a sword, or raise a shilling, they shall, if you lead the way, be devoted to the procurement of this right."

This was indeed, a crisis-in the affairs of the union, as well as in the character, and fate of Kentucky. Defection and treachery infected their councils-faction, and discord, disturbed their repose; menaced their peace; and endangered their safety. This faction, coextensive with the United States; but more particularly active in the southern, middle, and western, sections of the country, was stimulated by that infuriated Frenchman, Genet, at the seat of the federal government; formed into corresponding societies, reduced to system-directed with skill, unrestrained by truth, or justice-determined by a most inveterate spirit of opposition to the administration of the government-heated by the restraints which were opposed