This letter explains the deposition of Derbigny, and also makes mention of the letter in cipher from General Wilkinson to Gayoso, then Governor of Natchez, of which a translation, in the handwriting of Gayoso, has heretofore been laid before the House. It may be proper to add that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of Gayoso, in which the translation is written, and that he has been dead more than eight years.
No. 2. A translation of Portell’s answer to the foregoing, dated Madrid, on the same day, June 27, 1796. The original is subjoined in the handwriting of Portell, with which I am acquainted.
The object of this correspondence seems to have been to furnish to Portell the means of explaining to his superiors his motives for delivering the money without a written order.
Nos. 3 and 4 are two original papers in the handwriting of Philip Nolan, with which I am well acquainted. Nolan was the confidential agent of Gen. Wilkinson in 1796, and has been dead several years.
These two papers are stated by Mr. Power to be secret instructions given to him by General Wilkinson, after the latter received money from Portell, mentioned in Nos. 1 and 2. The instructions, according to Mr. Power’s statement, were given in the handwriting of Nolan, as a measure of precaution against the danger of detection. The six hundred and forty dollars, of which they make mention, are stated by Mr. Power to be a part of the sum received, for Wilkinson, of Portell, which Power, after his arrival in Kentucky, was obliged to use for the expenses of his journey.
No. 5. Is the translation of a letter to the Baron de Carondelet from Mr. Power, dated at New Orleans, May 9, 1797, after his return from Kentucky. The original letter in Spanish is subjoined. It is in Mr. Power’s handwriting, with which I am acquainted. It explains the affair of the six hundred and forty dollars, mentioned in the secret instructions, Nos. 3 and 4, and refers to and quotes those instructions as the instructions of General Wilkinson.
No. 6. Is the translation of the Baron de Carondelet’s answer to this letter. The answer is in Spanish, and in the handwriting of Don Andres Armesto, Secretary to the Government, which I know. It is signed by the Baron de Carondelet, with whose signature I am acquainted.
DANIEL CLARK.
No. 1.
Translation of a letter from Thomas Power to Don Thomas Portell, Commandant of New Madrid, dated