The Kentucky Gazette

GEORGETOWN. April 6.

Extract of a letter from an American Gentleman in New Orleans, to his friend in this country, dated Feb. 16, 1789.

An unfortunate event has lately taken place in this part of the world, which probably may break the late established harmony between the Spaniards and our citizens. You have no doubt been informed of the port of New Orleans being opened to our countrymen settled on the waters of the Mississippi, in consequence of which the Mississippi has been covered with boats from Cumberland, Kentucky, &c. to a great quantity of provision, flour, plank, &c. which on condition the duties were paid, the inhabitants were reduced to, by the dearness, have succeeded fair to go to Havana.

The last boat (as we are informed here) arrived from the Cumberland, demanded at the Natchez, about a week ago, owned by a Col. Armstrong, in large boats manned by 30 hands. The Spaniards finding no position deep enough nor willing to pay the price demanded, the commandant refused to grant the necessary passport to proceed to New Orleans. Our people however disposed of their cargoes to some Americans settled at the Natchez, and were on their return home, when the commandant of the fort, sent an officer with 20 Spanish soldiers after them, ordering Col. Armstrong, and bringing him to the fort; the Col. refused to obey the order of the Spanish commandant; told the officer that, as an American, and within the lines of the territory of the United States, he was subject to no controul of any power on the face of the earth, except the laws of his own country, he begged the officer to desist from any act of violence, as such would be accompanied with the most serious and fatal consequences.

The officer however still persisting to execute his orders, and about the Spanish soldiers imprudently presented his musket at the Colonel's breast, upon which the Americans took to their rifles, the Spaniards rung first. An engagement followed; and the 24 Cumberlandians made such good use of their rifles, leaving 6 killed and 12 wounded on the field of battle; the officer being among the dead.

This affair has made a great noise in this place, and exposes those few of our countrymen now residing here, to the machinations of the Spaniards: they have given our countrymen the name of

*A fort still in possession of the Spaniards on the Mississippi, within the limits of Georgia.*

No American boat is permitted to go to New Orleans, without entering at the fort, and producing a passport.

Blanca Savage owing to some of Col. Armstrong's men, handling the Tomahawk pretty freely in the late engagement.