F,·om Sa1t Lorenzo to Rctroccssion of Louisiana, li9S-I8or
221
against any surprise. The friendly Indians had been propitiated by gifts. and a detachment had been sent to San Bernardo Bay. 29 It was at this time that Ellicott, exasperated by the hesitating policy of Gayoso in putting into effect the terms of the treaty of 1795, was stirring up trouble in Natchez. His activities among the Choctaws have been noted. Nava explained to Godoy in September that these Indians, urged by American agents, were molesting the friendly tribes in order to convince them of the Spaniards' impotence to protect them. 30 In 1798 Franco-American relations became seriously strained. Nava warned Muiioz in August of this year that Congress had authorized American ships to attack French vessels found in coast waters. He expressed fear that the close relations binding France and Spain might cause American hostility to extend to the dominions of His Catholic Majesty. Vigilance along the frontier and the Gulf coast should be redoubled. He suggested that Nacogdoches be reenforced by fifteen or twenty men from Bexar or La Bahia, and an advanced post be estab- lished beyond Nacogdoches to keep a closer watch on developments in Louisiana. All foreigners without passports were to be arrested; only licensed traders were to traffic with the natives; and constant com- munication with Natchitoches and the governor of Louisiana was to be maintained. The instructions were repeated in October, but there was added a strong recommendation to watch the natives in particular. 31 This interesting adventurer was a native of Maryland, who fought on the side of the British during the American Revolution. ·while in Florida in 1777, he was dismissed for insubordination. He took refuge among the Indians and married the daughter of one of the Creek chiefs. He now became an irreconcilable enemy of Spain. For some years he preyed upon Spanish commerce as a pirate, and later became the agent of English trading houses in tht! Bahamas. Bowles was among the Creeks in Florida early in 1792. GoYernor Carondelet sent an expedition which succeeded in capturing. him. After he was brought to New Orleans in !\'larch, his attracti,·e personality and his plausible manner made the governor put more faith Activities of William Attgustus Bowles. !9Nava to Principe de la Paz, August 1, 1797. A. G. I., Pajel4s d11 Estado, 11Ur:ico, Legajo 18, Num. 21. (Dunn Transcripts, 1792-1799, pp. 181-183); Elguezabal to Munoz, August 3, and 7, 1797, Bexar Arcl1ives. 30 Nava to Principe de la Paz, September S, 1797. A. G. I., Pajeles de Estado, Mexico, Legajo 12, Num. 22. (Dunn Transcripts, 1792-1797, pp. 222-226.) 31 Nava to Munoz, August 28, and October 30, 1798. Be.rar ArcAives.
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