[8] *Mr. Mohroe, Secretary of State, to Dr. Robinson.

Sir: I have just received a letter from you, bearing date the 25th of January, but without any designation of the place at which it was written. From other sources I learn that you are at Natchez. This will, therefore, be addressed to you there. The measures in which you are engaged, being contrary to law and wholly unauthorized, have excited no little surprise, especially as you knew this to be the case from your instructions while acting under the authority of the Government, on the recommendation of the late General Pike. Your conduct is the more reprehensible from the circumstance that, as you were employed some time past in making a friendly communication to the governor of the internal provinces of New Spain, it may be inferred that you are still in the service of the Government, and acting in conformity to its views and by its authority. On hearing of your proceedings at Fort Pitt, I instructed the attorney of the United States for the district of Pennsylvania to take the proper measures, in compliance with the law, to put a stop to them; and I now write to inform you, that if you do not immediately desist from your illegal measures and pursuits, the most decisive steps will be taken to give effect to the legal restraint applicable to them.

  • JAMES MONROE
  • Dr. Robinson.