Monette, John W. History of the Discovery and Settlement of the Valley of the Mississippi, by the Three Great European Powers, Spain, France and Great Britain, and the Subsequent Occupation, Settlement, and Extension of Civil Government by the United States, Until the Year 1846, in two volumes, Volume II . New York: Harper and Brothers, Publishers, 1846. [format: book], [genre: history]. Permission: Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, Aurora University
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=monette2.html

Note from page 429: 498. In this bombastic document, which was filled with ridiculous promises, he announced, in the name of the King of Great Britain, to the native Louisianians, that on them was made the first call to aid in liberating their native soil from a weak and faithless government. The same call was made equally to Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians, and Englishmen in Louisiana, whether sojourners or residents. He announced that he had brought a fine train of artillery, and every thing requisite for heading a large organized body of Indians commanded by British officers, and that he was supported by a numerous British and Spanish fleet. His object, he asserted, was to put an end to the usurpations of the United States, and restore the country to its lawful owners.

He reminded the people of the good faith and disinterestedness of Britains in Europe, which was an ample warrant for confidence in America. He would guarantee to them the free enjoyment of their property, their laws, their religion, the peace and tranquility of the country, free from taxes imposed to support an unnatural war. The Indians, he said, had pledged themselves in the most solemn manner to injure none but the enemies of their Spanish and British fathers. The flag of Spain, France, or England upon any house would be a sure protection to the inmates.

Above all, he had the assurance to address himself to the Kentuckians. He said they had too long borne with grievous impositions from the general government, and the whole brunt of the war had been thrown upon them. He informed them they might observe the strictest neutrality, or they might now revenge their wrongs under the standard of their forefathers; the free navigation of the Mississippi would be granted to them, and they might open a lucrative trade with his majesty's forces in the supply of provisions.

He reminded them of the atrocious conduct of the United States in declaring war against Great Britain at the time when she was spending all her energies, her blood, and her treasure in defense of liberty in Europe, which, by her arms, had at length been disenthralled in the restoration of the Bourbons, and the banishment of Napoleon to Elba.

All his promises were guarantied upon the "sound honor of a British officer!"