very full account of the relations then subsisting between this country and Spain, pointing out the efforts being made to secure the use of the river, and the present prospects of success, and closing with an injunction to be on the watch. Says Mr. Randolph:[1] "Let this communication then be received, sir, as a warning against the danger to which these unauthorized schemes of war may expose the United States, and particularly the State of Kentucky. Let not unfounded suspicions of a tardiness in government prompt individuals to rash efforts in which they cannot be countenanced; which may thwart any favorable advances to their cause; and which, by seizing the direction of the military force, must be repressed by law, or they will terminate in anarchy. Under whatever auspices of a foreign agent these commotions were at first raised, the present Minister Plenipotentiary of the French Republic has publicly disavowed and recalled the commissions which have been granted." This letter bore date March 29, 1794. It did not have much effect in quieting the State. Extreme views were expressed in the Democratic Society at Lexington in the middle of May, and a public meeting was called on May 24th, at which the most violent and inflammatory resolutions were passed. The only step taken was the sending of a large part of the letter above mentioned to Mr. John Breckinridge, the president of the society, to advise him
- ↑ Letter and enclosure of copy to John Breckinridge, Pres't Lexington Democratic Society, from Isaac Shelby, Gov'r Kentucky.—Breckinridge Papers.
