The Kentucky Gazette

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

An unfortunate event has lately taken place in this part of the world, which probably may break the good harmony established between the Spaniards and our state. You have no doubt been informed of the port of New Orleans being opened to our countrymen retired on the western waters in consequence of which the Mississippi has been crowded with boats from Cumberland, Kentucky, &c. containing down great quantities of produce, lumber, plank, &c. which on account of the high duties levied on them as contraband, the inhabitants were reduced to the necessity of going to Havanna &c.

… The flat boats (as we are informed here) arrived from the Cumberland settlements, at the Natchez, about a week ago consisting of five large boats manned by 30 hands. On landing unmolested or without wishing to pay their duties demanded, the commandant refused to grant the necessary passport to proceed to New Orleans: Our people however determined to repair to some Americans settled at the Natches, and were on their return home, when the commandant of the fort, sent an officer with 20 Spanish soldiers after them, to arrest Col. Armstrong, and bring 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 control 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 still persisting to execute his orders, and ordered the Spanish soldiers imprudently presented his musket at the Colonel's breast, upon which the Americans took to their rifles, the Spaniards fired first. An engagement followed; and the 24 Cumberland men made the Spaniards take to their heels, leaving 5 killed and 12 wounded on the field of battle; the officer being amongst the dead.
This affair has made a great noise in this place, and exposes those few of our countrymen now residing here, to the mercy of the Spaniards: they have branded our countrymen the name of
* A fort still in possession of the Spaniards on the Mississipi, within the limits of Georgia.
No American boat is permitted to go to New Orleans, without entering at the fort, and producing a passport.

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