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A knowledge of this timid policy aroused intense indignation among the settlers in the upper valley, who determined to assert their rights by force if abandoned by their own government. They proposed to organize an army and seize the Spanish posts, capture New Orleans and compel the recognition of their claims.
The Spanish governor, Muro, realized that some concessions must be made or his province might be invaded by an army of backwoodsmen whose fame as expert riflemen was a terror to the Spanish authorities. He therefore granted the privilege of free trade to James Wilkinson and certain other Americans in tobacco, flour and other products. Spanish emissaries were sent into the settlements with promises of great commercial advantages if the people would declare their independence of the Federal Government. Spain in this event proposed to forever guarantee the free navigation of the Mississippi. Many citizens who had waited long years for relief through their own government were disposed to enter into the scheme that promised such great and immediate benefits. They would establish an independent government. But a large majority of the settlers were loyal to their country.
In 1788, after years of fruitless negotiations with Spain, Congress declared “that the free navigation of the Mississippi River is a clear and essential right of the United States and that it ought to be enforced.” The western people rejoiced greatly over this declaration and became convinced that the government would protect their interests. Spain finally realized its danger. A war would almost certainly result in the loss of Louisiana and probably Florida.
General Washington, who was President, began to prepare for a conflict which seemed likely to come. Spain still delayed making any concessions, hoping the western people might be won over to separation from the Union. Untiring efforts were made, through secret emissaries
