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Cragfort 15th apl [april] 1803 Sir
I received your Excellency letters of the 6th and 7th instant accompanied by a Copy of a letter from the president, one from the secretary of State and one from the Secretary of war all of which should be duly attended to__ With relation to hostile intentions against the province of Louisiana I have not heard the most violent in this part of the country express an idea, favoring an unauthorized Expedition against any part of His catholic majestys [majesties] dominions__ on the contrary the people here generally are well pleased with the measures pursued by the Executive of the United States , believing if negotiations fail that our Expedition will be authorized by government and that they can then take by force what they been deprived unjustly & refused to be restored peaceably__ Every attention in my power shall be used to carry into effect the Militia System in conformity with existing laws.__
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I believe the returns have not yet been from this District entirely correct with respect to arm's ammunition and accountiments owing partly to a want of prescribed forms and partly to inattention in the commanding officers of Regiments and Companies__ which is now in part done away By blank returns being furnished from the proper officer I send by this post to [added: the] Adjutant Genl [General] my Brigade return It has been delayed owing to the great difficulty in geting [getting] Returns from the commanding officers of Regiments__ It is however my determination to visit & review all the regiments in my Brigade at the fall General Musters immediately [added: after] which I trust it will be in my power to make a correct & [unclear: complete ] Return [added: I am with great respect Your Excellencys [Excellencies] obedient Servant ] J. Winchester [added: His Excellency Archibald Roane ]
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