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Wv \ v y> ’» r own n ime, by Mr. Hamilton I must 3i*y inai l cannot see iri your statement the I as{ axcus* for withholding from me the in formation requested; nnd 1 am constrained to odd, that I hare looked is vain in the course which you have pursued for the evidence of that frankness which vou assured me, in sub mitting the copy of M r . Crawford's letter to ran, has ever characterised your conduct to, ward3 those with whom you tnd h-en in the habits of friendship As connected vvilb tins point l$t me call your attention to a fact which has nut been explained, though in mv opinion it ought to bo It now appears that when Mr Forsyth placed tlie copy of Mr Crawford’-* I -si er »n your band •», he also placed with it a c.uny of his letter referred to bv Mr. Crawford VV »v was it (hat a copy raft bis letter ot Mr F-'-sytb did not accompany Mr. Crawiord* weenyou placed a copy of the letter in nn hand?? C ailing upon me in the spirit of frank ness and friendship, as you informed me you did, I had a rig lit to infer that very document Connected with the charge, and m y«*ur posses sion, calculated to afford light, would ha pi;: end in my possession; and such in fact, wa-. lr»y impression. hut which ] nr>w find to b err inoo-us. It is w t i rn/ret that I feel myself 1> urn! to state that Mr F jrsytb’s letter, with t -nhsequant c .rrospomlence, ha* given ar> aspect to the affair very different from what I received from your first letter Y u have stated some suggestions o! the Marshal of (he I) -.tnct, winch were com mu oicatcd to you, as the rea-on why \oii hav agitated this old affair at this tone You have not stated what > hey were, to whim made r by whom communicated; which ofcour.se ieuv - me in toe dark as to their nature or character B n whatever Uiey may he, the course you ft-. ;>te.|, considering thefriendly relation which 1 nod reason to suppose existed betwe- n is well calculated to exc.ife tirprisc I-istt o* cf applying to the Marshal, in order to a -cert am what he did say, and from whom he derived h reformation and then submitting hi* stab- CTK it to me, which course fr-er.d-h h gb tnd the opinion, which you say you entertai ie< - I ; n' jr icier “t-jr lair u,;ci: and honor.due GO' In-v, tu ;,u things, manifestly dictated, y . i. Jtpidie-I ior nformation, .ss to my conduct, to tan man who you knew felt for me the strong er enmity. I wish not to be understood tha. y had more gen- r»| information of It is it frill towards me. Your information was of the n. »st vpecihc cnanrcier, and was of such a na turo as ought to hav-. made you dis‘ru-1 any state<iidut of his, calculated to aff 'cl my repu (atom Knowing the political machinations that were carrying me and wishing to place roe on m v gu.ud. a friend of mine placed m m v hands somo lime since a c«* iy of a letlei written by Mr Crawford to a Nashville cor re-pon<it»ui of his in 1827. It constitutes one Of U>e uiauv means rciortt-d to in order to exc-to susnicion against me In ii Mr Craw f l makes .«n abusive attack upon me; hut r. content with thu. a‘-sa.|mg my char.icier in the dark, be offers to bring into the mark - the : Ouence wiiich Georgia m gut have on thu Pres dentiai election, as a means whereby to depress my poht'ca! pr .-p. cis. J o , v<>nt the possibility of mistakes, f will give extract- from the letter itself, m full confirmation of what I have stated. Speak mg of the Presidential election, M . Crawford says. that iheonly d-fficufty that t.it- State (Georgia) J»a- upon the uhjv £ or election) is, <hat, if Jack-on should hi elected, C.i Uoun will come rito power " A ga:u : “if you can ascertain that Calhoun will n- t b; nuefiled by Jackson’s lection, you will do Jinn a benefit t»y commumra:mg the mlor i. lion to mo. M ike what n-m >uu please of«i . letter and show it to whom you ph ase ” That the letter was clearly iniemfed tbi your mipection cannot be doubt- d. The an fho-iiy l<> his corrcspondeni to show it to whom he pleared, and to make what use he pleased with the nature of the information s ughi W ilier I was to be benefited bv vour elect .on Tvhich could only he derived from yoursef leaves no doubt on that point: and i urn accor dmgly ininrraed that you saw the letter A proposition of the kind, at that particular period, when the Presidential election was rn **t doubtful, and most warmly contested, needs no comment as to its object To f«i» nothing of its m -ral and political character, stronger pmof c>nld not bo offered of the dec; ns* enmity towards urn on the p :ri of > < write* which at least ought to have pl.ir. d ymi oil j >ur guard against all attacks on im* C om litai quarter, The loiter will not ho de nied; bn-. if contrary to expectation, it should, I stand ready, hv highly respectable authority to maintain its authenticity. You well knew ihe disinterested, op n, and fearless course which myself and my friend* w-.-ra pursuing at this period, and the weight of enni'ty v*b cb it drew down upon us from your opponents Lt'.le did I then expect that these -ecret m ichin »tions were carrying on a gainst me at N a-Uville, or that such proposi tinn.-i could h • ventured to he made to you, or. if ventured, without being instantly disclosed to tn» Oft .is, however I complain not nor do I inten t to recriminate; but I must repeat tlm expression ot mv surprise, that you should apply to an individual who yon knew, from such decisive pro »?, to be actuated by the in inveterate hostility towards me, for infor mation of my course in Mr. M >nro ’s cabinet |. affords to my mind conclusive proof that you bad permitted y*'0r feelings to healenialed by the artful movements of those who have made you the victim of their infr.gue, long before the commencement of this correspondence Instead of furnishing me with the informa- .«i which 1 claimed in order to a full under- H odi-ag of this extr.iordmaiy affiir, and which y u could not justly withhold, you kindly un d.srvik - to exc-i- -. the •- dividual to whom you su- some aliutu->n of mine to be made. 1 k>: v notto whom you fer 1 mule no alhi' si. o to any one particular iad-,viunal. Rut be t .•»( a* it mav, you musl excuse me if. on sub jects: which concerns me 1 should preter my jo .-r nent to yours, and, of course, if I should no* be satisfied with ypur opinion, as« substi- tut ' ihe facts by which 1 might be able lo fjrbt ». - .>wn. and sincerity w ith which I have acled through out this vffiir, I did not suppose that you would reiterate your former charges ; but hav ing done so, it only remains for me to repeat, m the most po c itive manner, the contradiction. I never for a moment disguised my sentiments on this or any other political subject. Why .should I in this instance ? I had violated no duty—no ruie of honor nor obligation ol friendship I rial yoor’motives lull justice m every stage ofihe cabinet deliberation, anil, after a full investigation, I entirely approved and heartily supported the final decision. In (his count- 1 vrascuided. it i" true, not by feel mgs id friendship, but solely by a si-n>e ol duty. When our country is concerned, th- :e ought to bp room neither for friendship or enmity. Y u conclude your letter by saying that you nod rstand the matter now, that you (eel no interest in this altercation, and that you would leave me and Mr Crawford and all corc<*rn- ed to settle this affair in their own wav, and that you now close the correspondence lorev- er. It is not for me to object to the manner you may choose to close the correspondence on your part. On mv part I have no desire to prolong it. The spectacle of the first and se cond officers ot this great Republic engaged in a correspondence of this nature, has no at traction for me at any tune, and is very far from !>ei>ig agreeable at this critical juncture oi our ffnrs. Mv consolation i*, that it wa it.>t mv seeking; and as Iain not responsible f <r its comme icement, I loirl no disposition to i cur any responsibility for its continuance — Forced info it, 'o repeal unju.s and base im putations upon mv character, 1 could not retir in honor while they continued to be reiterated Having now fuily vindicated my conduct, I will conclude the correspondence also with a mgle remark thai I too well know what i-> or- to my rights and self-respect, in 11»ss un- l»t« asant affair to permit myself to be diverted •om au altercation with Mr Crawford, or artv :*t her individual,.whom you may choose lo con sider as concerned in iliis aff ir * JOHN C CALHOUN. President Jackson * Mr. Cru-ford iiltenipb-il t-> ooen a c-orc-s^ondcnce with meun thin subj- <-t. I returned his Ici er, tiecbnmg all c -rtopundencf ivifh t'i n tKCijit through Gjnerai 1 tcivson. Sec Apaca ux Q Avn-.N i)X. Cs-fr-icts fr-*m tlie pr.v.itr C irrespondence be tween M- the Semin- of f nc 23ii Mr Mofiroe and Gen I k-->n. <>ii .!- ft .ir. referred to iu .no Idler May. A. M ,'iroe. I - Gen. Juckson. WAsnisoToN, July 19 1818. Deap. Sir: 1 reci..v ii lately your it-ftet ot June 2d, by Mr (1 oi.-ldy, at my faun in Lou doun to whie.h l i ; -d ret wed f-i await v -nr re port, nod the reurn of your conimr.-ioneis from Bu -nos Avres. 1 > r?-. iv to your letter, I shaft expre-s mvsolt wiih • h-*-freedom an.i . undoor which 1 uav- luva- j.-iov with my communications with y »u I ^il »il withtiobl nothing i ; legard to vour attack -ft the Span ;sh posit, -Ui.; occ i.- ati-’V ol iht-m, jrarticula Iv Pensacola, winch you ougtit to know, it neir.e •o occurrence of twe in »->. dt; cate and inter csting nature, and which vviiiiout a circum sjH'Cl an i cautious policy, to king to ah theob j i which claim ilt ntior., may produce tir- • i >st serious and unfav r.ild • consequences — M is hy a knowledge of all ihe cirr.ii.nstaucu - r*d a comprehensive; view of the whole su » i-ct that the danger to winch this measure is xposed mil /’ In* K.void:? ), *k. ail ilo* good which .<»u have contemplate d by it, as I trust, he iu y realised. Iti calling you i-ito active sorvics against the .Secninoles, and communicating to you the <-r l* j rs which had been given just before to Gen. Games, the views and intentions of the G >v- wnm 4K were fully di-cl <sed in respect to the >per.*jions in F.orida In transcending the Inn • prescnlted by ttiose order-., you acted on vour own respmsibihtv, on facts end circum •ances which wt-re u known to *he Guv-.-rn- nont when the orders were given, many of which, ind.->-d occurred afterwards, and witicf vou thought imposed on y-m the measure, as m act ol patrioti-m, ess nti-d lo the honor and iteresls of your country. The (J ilted Stases -lands justified in ord‘-r oig their troops into Florida in pursuit of their enemy. Th<-y have *ms right by the law of nations, if the Somivob-s were inhabitants of mother country, and had entered Florida toe- ude our pursU't B-trig inhabitants o! Finn da, wuri * species of sovereignty over that part ot iiio territory, and a tight to t -e sml, ur right to give such an order is *iie more complete and u -rpin-iionable It is not a i act of hostility to Spain. Ii i- ftie less so, because her Government is bound by reaty to restrain by force of arms, if necesssary the 1-idians ihere from committing hosliiiti-s against the United States But an order l»y the Government to attack a Spanish post would assume another character. It would authorize war to which, hv the prin ciples of our constitution, fho executive is incompetent. Congress alone possess iiiepow or. I am aware that cases may occur, where tne commanding general, acting on Ins own res ponsibility, may eith safety pass this limit and "i h essential advantage to Ins country. The officers and troops of the neutral power lor- gcl t he ohligalions incident to their neutral I character; ihey stimulated the enemy to make war; they furnished loom with arms and muni unions ol war to carry it on; they lake an ac tive part in other respects in their favor ; they afford them an asylum of their r -treat. The general obtaining victory pursues them (o this po-tj the gates of winch are shut against bun; be attacks and carries it, and rests on those acts for his justification The ;ff ir is then brought Kef.re hi- Government by the power whose posts has been ton- attacked and car ried 1: the G-tvernromt whose officer made the <tiark bah giv -n an order firii.ine officer would have no meri; in it. lie exercised no discretion, nor did he act on bis own responsi bility. The m^rit of tne service, it there be any iu it, would not be ins Tbi- is the gr .iind on winch this occurrence rusts, as to Ins pan. sons deemcil sufficient himself, and on bis own responsibility. I demand, then, the surrender of the posts, and his punishment. The evi dence justifying the conduct of the American general, and proving the misconduct of those officers will be embodied, to be laid before the sovereign, as the ground ou which their punishment will be expected. If the Executive refuse to evacuate the posts, especially Pensacola, it would amount to a declaration of war, to which it is incompe tent. It would be accused with usurping the authority of Congress, and giving a deep and fatal wound to the constitution. By charging the offence on the officers of Spain, we take the ground which yon have presented, and we look to you to support it You must aid in procuring the documents necessary for this purposed Those which you sent by Mr Ilain- bly were prepared in too much haste autl do not, I am satisfied, do justice t v o tile cause. This must he attended to without delay. Should we hold the posts, it is impossible to calculate all the consequences likely to result from it. It is not improbable that war would immediately follow. Spam would he stinmlat-. ed to declare it; and, once declared, the ad ventures of Britain and other countries would under the Spa nidi flag, privateer on our com incrce. The immense revenue which we now receive would be much diminished, as would he the profils of our valuable productions.— The war would probably soon become general; and we do not foresee that we should have a single power in Europe on our side. Why risk these consequences T The events which have occurred in both the Floridas show the incompetency of Spain to maintain her author ity; and the progress of the revolutions in South-America will require all her forces there There L much reason to presume that this act ml) furnish a strong inducement to Spam lo cede (he terriiory. provided we do not wound too deeply her pride by iioldmg it. If we hold the posts, her government cannot treat with honor, which, by withdrawing the troops, we afford her an oppor. unity to do The manner in which we propos~- to act will exculpate you from censure, and promises to obtain aft the advantages which vou contemplated from the measure, and possibly very soon. From a «Ff e-rent cohr-e no advantage would he likely to result, and there would be great danger ot ex- tensive ?nd serious injuries. I s:»a!5 rommun'C'ito lo you, in the coofi dance m which I write this letter, a copy ol the answer which will be given to the Spanish minister, that you may see distinctly the ground on which we rest, in the expectation that you will give it a'l the support in your power. Thu answer will be drawn on a view, and with at tention lo the general interests of our country, and its r lations with other powers. A charge, no doubt, will be made of n breach of the Constitution ; and, to such a charge, the,public feeling will be ulii'e. It will be saitf (bat you have taken all ttie power into your own hands, not from the Executive alone, 1 u. likewi-e from Congress. Tire distinction wl.ic • J have made above, between the act of the Government, refutes that rh.irg Thi- .to, a- to the General, will be rigid, f ;h- 1'icth on which he rests made it a measure •f nere-->ity, and they bf* vvell ’proved.— There is no war, or bre teb of the Constitution, unless the Government should reiuse to give up the posts; in which event, should Spain embargo otjr ves-eL, &. war follow, the charge ol such br. ach would tie laid against the Gov- eminent with great force. Tire last im-.uia (ion to winch I would consent justly to expo^o myself, is that of iniruigmg a Constiiulton, to the support of w-iich, on pure principles, my public hie has been dcv-Ped In this scriti- men 1 am satisfied, you fully c meur. Y ur letters to tb^ department were written iu in Me, under tire pre-sura of fatigue and in firmity, m a spirit of conscious reel.Iude; and, m consequence, with less att-.niton to some Darts of their contents than would otherwise have br*t’.n bestowed on tin-m The passage to which I particularly abide, from memory, fori have not the letter before ine. is that in which yon speak of iucompefency of an ima ginary boundary to protect 'is against the ene my, being the ground on which vou bottom all you; measures. Tbi - L liable to llio imputa tion that you took the Spanish pos;-> for that reason, s a measure of expedience, ami not on icount of the misconduct of the Spanish offi cers. The effect of this and ‘-u- fi passages, be-idea other object ion- to them, would be to irival -fate the H round on whi'.h _<«-u stand, and Hirriish w*.-ap ns to adversaries who would be glad to se«zs them li you think proper to authorise the Secretary, or mi-eii t<» correct tiso-e passages, it will be don? noth caTe, ! hough, should you r ave c pies, as I presume v u have you had b iter do n your-tdf 'I’he p >hc\ of Em opn resp c?ing Soufh A- nierica is not yet settled. A congress of ti e di ed powers is to h« held tiris year, (Novem ber is sp.ftien of) to decide t'oat question.— E .gland proposes to restore the colonies to Spain vvit b ir^e 1 rade and colonial governments. Russia is less f-vorable, a= are all tie oihers. We have a Ru-aian document written by or der ol the Emperor as the basis of uisiruc- ' ions to lus Mmi-fors at the several courts •.peaking of Uie B uish proposition favorably, v-nt stating iliat it must be considered and de cided on by the allies a nd the result publish ed, to produce a moral effect on tire colonies, on the failure of which, force is spoken of.—- 'I';!'.’ settlement of tire dispute between Spam and Poiiugal is made a p r elinunary. We par take in no councils whose objects is not their complete independence. Intimations have been given us that Spam is not unwilling, and is even preparing for war witn the United Stdtes, m the 'hope ol making m general, and uniting Europe agriust its and her colonies, on the principle that she has no hope of saving them Her pertiuacousrefusal to cede the Fiondas to u-. heretofore, though evidently her mtere-t to important occasions for your services which will he relied on. You must have the object in view, and be prepared to render them. B Gen Andrew Juckson to Mr Monroe. Nashville, Angu-t 19 1818 Sir: Your letter of the 19th July, apprising me of the course to be pursued in relation to the Fiondas has been received. In a luture communication it is my intention lo submit my views of all the questions springing Irons a reference to others previously given, <o guide and govern me. The fullest discretion was left with me in the selection and applica tion of means to effect tire specifical legitimate objects of the campaign; and for the exercise > f a sound discretion on principles of poli cy am I .liono responsible. But allow me to repeat, that re^ponsib.hty is not (cared by me, if the general good requires its assumption — I never have shrunk irom it, and never will; but against its imposition on me contrary to principle, and without the prospect ol any poli- the subj ict, with the fulness & candour which t c resub, I must contend with all the feehngs itie importance of the topic, and the part I: ot a soldier and a c.it zcn. Being advised that have acted in it, demand. At present, 1 will! you are at your country seat in Loudoun, where confine myself lo the consideration of a part -1 expect this will reach you, I one.loss you a of your letter, which lias a particular bearing ! copy ol the order to me ol the 26th December* on myself, and which seems to have originated! 1817, and copies ot (he orders ot Gen. Games in the misconception of the import of the or-j therein referred to; from a perusal of which der under which I have commenced the Semi- j you will perceive that the order to me has no nole campaign In inakiiu this examination, i reference to those prohibitory orders to Geue* I will make use of all the freedom which is rai Gaines that you have referred lo. courted by vour letter, and which I deem nc- It will ;AL-rd me pleasure to aid the govern* cessarv to aff»rd vou a clear view uf the con- tnent in procuring any testimony that may be struction winch was given to the order, and the necessary to prove the hostility of the officers motives under which i proceeded to execute jot Spain to the United States. 1 had suppos es intentions. f ed that the evidence furnished had established It is stated in the second paragraph of your! that fact—-*-1 hat the officers oi bpain bad identi- letter, that 1 transcended the limits of my or- j fied themselves with our enemy, and that St. der. and that l acted onmij own responsibility, j Marks and Pensacola were under ttie complete To these two ponds 1 mean at present to ! control of the Indians, although the Governor confine myself But, before entering on a proot j ot Pensacola at lea-t bad force sufficient to of their applicability to my acts in Florida, al j have controlled*!be Indian*, had he chosen ter low me thirty to state, that the assumption of ( have used it in ti» *t way. Tor the purpose of responsibility will never be shrunk from when i procuring the necessary evidence ot the hos- the public can thereby be promoted I have | tile acts ol the Governor of Pensacola, 1 des- pas.cd through difficulties and exposures for patched Captain Young, topographical engi- the h.-nor and ben.fit of iny country; and whenever still, for this purpore, it shall be come necessary to assume a further liability, no scruple will be urged or felt. But w hen it siia 1 be required of me to Jj jo, and tlie result be danger and injury to that country, the in ducement will be lost and rny consent wifi be wanting. 'Phis principle is held fo be incontrovertible, that an ordvr, generally , to i»erform a certain service, or effect a certain object, with nt any specification of the means lo he . d pted, or bruits to govern the executive offi-ier, leaves oi entire discretion with the officer as to the choice and application of means, but pre-erves tne responsibility for his acts oc the •amhorpy from which the order emanated Uil>i.:r such au order m.U the acls -uf-Ah« *ni'om*r ..r>> »on ( ,i the superior; and 10 no way can the suhordi n.itc officer be impeached for his measures, ex cepl on the score of deficiency in judgment and skill- It is hIso a grammatical truth that i tie limits of such an order cannot be transcen ded Without an entire desertion of the objects it contemplated, for as long as the main legit i mate design is kept in view, the policy of tbc measures adopted to accomplish it is alone to b<i considered. If these be adopted us the proper rules ol construction and we apply hem t> my order of December 26, 1377, ii will be at once seen, that buth'in description and operative principle, they embrace that or der exactly. Tfi» requisitions of the order are for the commanding general to assume the immediate command at fort Scott, to concen irate all the contiguous and disposable force of the -division on that quarter, to call on the ex- ecu’ives of adjac-.-nt Stales tor an auxiliary militia force, and concludes with this compre hensive command : “With this view you may be prepared to concentrate your forces, and adopt the recessary measures to terminate a Cv-nfl ct, which ,t has ev«r been the desire of tue President, from motives of bumanit v, toa- void, but which is now made necessary by their settled hostility ” In no part of this document is there a refer ence to any prevmus order, either to mysel; or another officer, with a view to pond to me the measures thought advisable, or the limit- of my power in choosing and effecting them. It states that Gen Gaines has been ordered to Amelia island, and then proceeds to inform rno that “ subsequent orders have been given to Gen ral Games, (of winch copie*- will be fur nished you.) that you would he directed to taki- the command, and directing him to re as-ume should he deem the public interest to require it, the command at fort Scott, until you should arrive there.” Lastly, it mentions thni • hu was instructed to penetrate the Seimm h- towns through the Fiondas,-pr. vided the strength of hi* command a: Amelia would jastilj his cn- necr, and as soon as obtained wdl be furnished you I tru«t, on a view of aft my communica tions, (copies of which have benn forwarded by Captain Gadsden ) you will find that they do not bear the construction jouliave given them. They were written under bad health, great fatigue, and in haste. My bad health con times: I labor under great bodily debility. Accept assurances of my sincere regard and esteem; and am respectfully vour most obedt- out servant, ANDREW JACKSON. James Monroe President U. Stales. r<-* i James Mtni'oe to Gen. Andrew Jackson, Washington, Oct. 20ih, 1818. Dear Sir—1 received v*ur letter of the m.b ±*1'. A iijn-I xvhiir. Ljjus ut fi ifliu, Gtl my farm in-Albemarle; and tb re appearing to be no necessity for giving it m immediate answer, I delayed it until mv ream here. I WcS sorry lo find that you understood vour instructions relative to operations in Florida, differently from what we intended. 1 was sat- rfefi'ed, however, that you had g od reason f. r your conduct. & have acted-n il J.i g out at principle By su >pwsing that you uodersUioif them as we did, I concluded that you proceed ed on your own ro. ponsib.li r .y alone, in which, knowing (he purity of your motives, 1 have done all that I could !<> justify the mea-ure. 1 well knew, also, the niLconduct of the Spanish authorities is that quarter, not of recent d »te only Finding that you had a diffsrent view of your power, it remains only to do justice to vou on that ground. Nothing can be further from niy intention than to expose y r u to a responsibili ty, in any se ise, which you did not contemplate. The best course Co be pursued seems to mo lo be f=..r you to write a letter to the Depart ment. to which you w ill state, tli.it, having rea son to think {tint a difference of opinion exief- ed between you and the Kxecutrv , relative fo the extent of your powers, vou thought it dm; to yourself to state vour view of them, and on which you acted Tins will be answered, so as t>. explain ours, in a friendly winner by Mr. Calhoun, who lots v rv just and libera! senti- monts on the subp-ct. This will be necessary in the r*«e of a call for papers by Congress or may be. Thus we. shall all stand on the ground of honor, each doing justice to the other, which is the ground on which we wish to place «ach other. I hope that vour health is improved, and Mr«. Monroe unites ia her best respects to Mrs J ickson Wit ft great respect, and sincere regard, I am, dear sir, yours, JAMES MONROE- Maj Geo. A Jackson Nashville Term. D. gaging in offensive operation^ Tne p-meude Extract from Gen. Jackson's letter (f November' fo, J818, to Air. Monroe. Dear Sir—On my return from the Chicka saw Treatv. 1 t.-nud it necessary to pass by determining the weight of rdT&rences, in sill -cquenl orders, to instructions previously giv en, is well settl-jd. Such references are usual. ly made with one of lh-.-sa tvro intentions—ej j Milton’s Biuff where I bud established some ther the order is given to a second officer, to; hands for the culture of col.on hearing it had off. sc a certain purpose which was intended to; been laid out for a town and the lots sold, to be effected b< another officer, and the instruc- have as much of nay crop preserved as exisUng lions of the first are referred to as the guide j circumstances would permit. From thence I of the second; or the order contains and is j took Huntsville m my r<-u!e, and did not reach designed for an extension of authority, and otr : the Hermitage until the 12th inst. and on the Iv refers to anterior communications to give a I3ffi received your letter ofihe 20th ult ; from fuil view of what has bf-en previously attempt- j an attentive perusal of which, 1 have conclud- d ed and performed. In the first case it is al j that you have not vet seen my despatches from ways necessary to connect the d.fferent orde-s Fort Gadsden, ofihe 5,h of May last which :t I will now look to the future. The loreign Government demands—was this 1 >rbt •• ’ <>vvn. vour act I->r did \ou authorize it? 1 did not: it was A'ier 1 out! so fully demonstrated ttw candor j thu act ofihe general, lie performed it for reu- do it, gives some coloring to the suggestions. If w« engage in a war, it is of the greatest im portance that our people he united, and, with that view, that Spam commence it; and, abov all that the government be free from the charge of committing a breach of the Consti tution. I hope that you have recovered your health You see that the state of the world is unset- lied, and that any fu-ure movement is likely t be directed against qs. Thor* may be very by a specific provision that no doubt may ex ist as to the extent of the command; and thus the several requisitions and instructions are a- maigamaled, and the limits of the agent plain ly and securely established. In the second, no such provision is necessary; for an entire dis cretion in the choice and use of means being previously vested, (h • reference, if there be any, is only descriptive of the powers antece dently given, and the results of measures at tempted under such specifical limitation. But admitting, that, in my order of December 2G, 1817, there is such a reference as I contempla ted in the first case, allow me to examine its character and amount. It is stated that •' or ders have been given to Genera! Gaines, (co pies ot which will bo furnished you,)” but without affirming that they are to be consider ed as binding on me, or in any way connected with the comprehensive command that 1 should terminate the Seminole confl ct On the contrary, so far arc they from being desig nated as my guide and limits in entering Fieri da, that, in stating their substance in the en suing sentence, no allusion whatever is made it her to means or limitation. How, then can it be said with propriety that I have transcended the limits of my orders, or acted on my own responsibilityT My order was ds comprehensive as it could he, aod contain cd neither (fie cuiuotq original instructions, or is reported reached the Department of War, by due course of mail and owing to the negli gence of the Clerks was thrown aside as a bun dle of volutionary and pension claims. This t sincerely-regret, as it would have breugni to y<»ur vi.-w the light in which I viewed my or ders. The closing paragraph of tual despatch is in the follow ing words. * I trust, therefore, that the measures which have been adopted in pursuance of your in structions, under a firm conviction that they alone are calculated to ensure peace and secu rity to the Southern frontier of Georgia.” The moment, therefore, that you assume the ground that I transcend my power, the letter referred to above, will at once, unfold to your mind the view I bad taken of them, and mako manifest the difference of opinion that exists. Indeed there are no data at present upon which such a letter as you wish writteo to the Secre tary of War can be bottomed. I have no ground that a difference of opinion exists be tween the Government and myself, relative to the powers given me in my orders unless I ad vert either to your private and confidential letters, or the public prints, neither of which can be mad - f ho basis of an official communica tion to the Secretary of War. Had I ever, or were I now to receive an official letter from the Secretary of War, explanatory of the light in which it wa| intended hy the Government