The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Philadelphia, Sept. 29.

Extract of a letter, dated "Natchitoches, 11th Aug. 1806."

"An opportunity serving to Fort Adams, I take advantage of it to make known to you the present state of things here. In my last I informed you of 600 Spanish horsemen which had arrived at Bayou Pierre, they have been since reinforced by between 3 and 400 more, and have extended their line within 30 miles of this post. A few days since major Porter went out to hold a conference with the Spanish commander, whom he met 56 miles from hence; the result of the conference we can only judge of by the effect, for no offensive measures have followed; though duty is performed with the same strictness, and no relaxation whatever in our measures of precaution. Indeed our troops are, though comparatively few, in excellent spirits, and anxious to be led against the Spaniards; if they were allowed to engage, I feel no apprehension about the result, for though they are very numerous, they possess neither the same discipline nor the incitements that we do: love of country is not a passion of theirs, and they come with very evident signs of reluctance, and if an excuse offered would be very glad to go back again. Two Americans who were taken at Bayou Pierre when the Spaniards arrived there, attempted to escape, one of them of the name of Watkins has succeeded, the other failed in the attempt.

"There are reports of the Spaniards having overtaken and obliged captain Freeman's party to return back; but this I do not credit."