of the condition of the negotiation, and the attitude of the administration toward the West. About this time John Edwards, one of the first Senators, was called up before this society, and in a long series of questions was catechized as to what the Senate had done, especially in secret session, what secret oaths were required of Senators, if any, and what part he had played in the secret drama. Edwards answered in a dignified and manly way, and the society got little satisfaction.
In the autumn Washington not being satisfied with the way things were going forward again communicated with Governor Shelby. The action of the general government was throughout dignified but firm, while the governor, asserted that if any man had a right to leave the State any number had the same right; that the State recognized the right of its citizens to bear arms, and could not set up an inquisition to inquire into the intent for which they bore arms; in short, that the government desired him to arrest respectable citizens on the suspicion of an intent, which was unthinkable.
The French schemes gradually fell through, and a return was had to the old channel of a treaty with Spain. In July, 1795, Governor Carondelet sent one Thomas Power to see what could be done. A letter was sent to Judge Sebastian of the court of appeals of the State, who had belonged to the old coterie of Spanish inclinations. It was shown to others, and General Wilkinson who was on the northern frontier was again communicated with. It is unnecessary to attempt to unravel the tortuous
