Transcript: Alexander Baring (1773-1848) to his father, Sir Francis, 21 October 1803
Washington, 21 October 1803
I have written short letters by several opportunities, but have been always fearful of their fate; this goes by the packet and I can therefore venture to explain to you precisely the present situation of affairs here.
The Treaty, of which I have sent you copies, has been passed without any difficulty and with little opposition, and the accessory bills are moving through the two houses as fast as forms will permit. I read copies of them though they may perhaps yet undergo some immaterial amendments; every thing proceeds quickly and names have hardly been mentioned in discussion and still less in newspapers.
I had nearly made all my arrangements with the Treasury and should in a week have been ready to start had not a circumstance totally unforeseen and unexpected by every body interfered – Spain, through her Minister here, enters a formal protest against the Treaty of Cession on the double ground of France never having acquired a title by fulfilling the stipulations of the treaty of St. Ildefonso obligatory on her, and secondly of a formal promise made the court of Madrid that the country should never be disposed of by France.
It can not be of service to you that I should enter into all the details of this business nor of the arguments used, it is sufficient to say that the government have determined totally to disregard this interference and to set again at defiance. About a fortnight ago an order of the King was sent to Laussat by Pinchon. The former is to receive possession, and this day an express is gone / ratifications of the Treaty having been exchanged, with the order from the French government to deliver possession to the United States. It will be at Natcher in 14 and New Orleans in 17 days. We do not know that any counter orders have been sent by Spain to New Orleans nor of any intention of resistance there, on the contrary all was quiet there late in September and the American application is to be supported by a body of troops now near the spot who are to admit of no excuse or evasion but to take possession at all risks.
I do not myself apprehend resistance, if it is made it must be from Havanna and I think at all events must now come too late. If this interference had not occurred, certificates would have been issued on the ratification, but it has not been possible to prevail on the Government here to do so now, they are themselves well disposed but it is a responsibility they dare not assume. It is however agreed that on possession they are to be delivered in whatever manner it may be obtained and without reference to the clamor of Spain.
In this state the affair now stands, we shall immediately prepare certificates so as to have them ready to receive in three days after receipt of the intelligence from the Mississippi for which I give 40 days from this day and I shall take care to have a vessel prepared for my departure. I feel easy myself, though I fear I shall not succeed in making you so, that we have nothing to apprehend from the untoward circumstances but delay.
Baring Archive Reference: NP1.A4.19