opinion that it is virtually a dissolution of this Union; that it will free the States from their moral obligation, and, as it will be the right of all, so it will be the duty of some, definitely to prepare for a separation, amicably if they can, violently if they must." (Ibid., 525.) The bill passed the Senate with some amendments, and finally became a law by receiving the President’s signature February 20, 1811. (Ibid., 1326.)
The eastern boundary of the State of Louisiana was established to follow the line fixed by the French cession to Spain in 1762, the middle of the Mississippi to the Iberville, thence along the Iberville and the middle of Lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, West Florida was left as a separate territory, to be held by the United States, subject to future negotiation with Spain.
In the meantime, the President sent a secret message to Congress (Annals of Congress, 1810-1811, p. 369), stating that the portion of Florida east of the River Perdido (East Florida) was in a deplorable condition, and recommending the expediency of authorizing the Executive to take temporary possession, in pursuance of arrangements which may be desired by the Spanish authorities. The message was accompanied by communications from the British charge d affaires. Vincente Folch, Spanish governor of West Florida, addressed two communications of the same date, December 2, 1810: one to the secretary of state and one to Colonel John McKee. (Ibid., 1259, 1262.) These two letters set forth his helpless and deserted plight. The affected condition of the province forced him to invoke the assistance of the United States, and to tender the temporary possession if he should not receive speedy relief from Spain. The letter of Mr. J. P. Morier, the British charge d’affaires, written December 15, 1810, was a protest against the occupation by the United States on the part of Great Britain, as the friend of Spain, and was somewhat
