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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In October 1795, Spanish Governor John Nepomucena de Quesada writes to Camden County, Georgia magistrates, protesting incursions by US citizens and Spanish rebels into Florida territory, including theft by William Ashley and William Downs, and General Clarke's crossing of St. Mary's River. He demands their apprehension and clarification on war status. Magistrates reply that they lack authority without affidavits, have taken preventive steps, and affirm no war exists, wishing to maintain harmony.
Merged-components note: Continuation of the same correspondence between the Spanish governor and US magistrates regarding border incidents.
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Letter from the Spanish governor at St. Augustine, to the magistrates of Camden county, Georgia.
St. Augustine, 9th Oct. 1795.
GENTLEMEN,
Under date of the 3d instant, and by the hand of Captain Andrew Atkinson, I informed you of the late insult committed by rebellious subjects of his majesty, William Ashley and William Downs on an inhabitant of this province, Daniel Plummer, robbing him of three negroes and threatening him to take away his life: and I concluded, requesting that they, and the rest of their class, should be apprehended and delivered up to this government as state criminals, restoring at the same time the property plundered from said Plummer: to all which I have received no answer. I have since learned that General Clarke with a number of citizens of the United States, and some of his majesty's rebellious subjects, have crossed over from the southern border of the river St. Mary to the territory and soil of my sovereign, and that Richard Lang, and all his followers, had the same intention, without your having taken the smallest step, as far as I can learn, to put a stop to proceedings so repugnant to the good harmony that subsists between his catholic majesty and the United States, the cultivation of which has been so earnestly recommended by both powers.
Such inaction places me in the necessity of calling upon you, to tell me categorically if said states are at war with Spain, and in that case to take such measures, offensive and defensive, as I shall judge proper, to guard myself against your citizens, and treat them as enemies.
I am however persuaded that such is not the case, by the recent circumstances of Captain Fauche having arrived at your town, with fifty horse, to oppose in virtue of the order of his excellency the governor of Georgia, the designs of said Clarke and his followers: but the little effect so laudable a measure has produced makes me believe that the aforesaid Capt. has not met with such assistance amongst you as he ought to expect for the discharge of his commission.
Thus circumstanced, I feel myself impelled to acquaint you, that the bearer of this has my orders not to return without your answer, which will constitute the rule of my future proceedings; and in reality it will be disagreeable to me to be put to the necessity to vary from those that I have observed during the course of my government with the citizens of Georgia.
I embrace this opportunity to repeat to you my offer of service.
God preserve you for many years.
JOHN NEPOMUCENA DE QUESADA.
Gentlemen magistrates of County of Camden.
St. Mary's 14th Oct. 1795.
SIR,
We this moment received your communication of the 9th inst. handed by sergeant Christopher.
The bearer had left town before we came in, or you would have received this by him.
You complain of the magistrates of Camden county for not having acted friendly towards your government, and offer as a reason, that they have not apprehended the revolted subjects of his Catholic majesty, and that they have been remiss with respect to Gen. Clarke, and other citizens and inhabitants of the United States, who you call his followers.
The magistrates of Camden, or any other of the United States, have no power to divest a citizen or inhabitant of his liberty, but on a particular charge, and that supported by a special affidavit.
You say General Clarke has crossed the St. Mary's and the magistrates have not taken the least step to prevent it. We can only add, you have been wrongly informed; we have done our duty, and shall continue so to do. As for your question, whether the United States are at war with your government, we have no reason to suppose it, neither do we believe you have.
It is our wish to support a good understanding between the subjects of his Catholic majesty and the citizens of the United States.
We are, sir; with due respect your excellency's most obedient humble servants,
Thomas King, J. P.
William Johnson, J.P.
Richard Carnes, J. P.
P. S. As to Ashley and others, neither they nor the property you mention have crossed the river St. Mary's to our knowledge, since the depredation you complain of.
We are credibly informed from St. Mary's, that the magistrates have used every legal method in their power to prevent the enlisting or embodying of men in that neighborhood for foreign service.
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
St. Augustine
Event Date
9th Oct. 1795
Key Persons
Outcome
no war declared; magistrates affirm preventive measures taken and good relations desired; no apprehension without affidavit; property not crossed into us territory.
Event Details
Spanish Governor Quesada protests to Georgia magistrates about rebels Ashley and Downs robbing Plummer of three negroes and threatening his life, demanding their capture and property return. He reports Clarke and US citizens crossing St. Mary's River into Spanish territory, questioning if US is at war with Spain. Magistrates respond they lack authority without charges, deny inaction, confirm no war, and state efforts to prevent enlistments.