There is no doubt but that the transaction at New Orleans, between Ortega and the British officer with the prize sloop Guadaloupe, has been a mere fraud, to evade our regulation against the sale of prizes in our harbors; and his insolent letter intended merely to cover the fraud. His ready abandonment of the vessel, and Ortega's resumption of her, are clear proofs. Should not, or could not, process be ordered against Ortega and the vessel? I think a copy of Reeve's letter to Governor Claiborne, and of the proceedings of the court, might be sent to Mr. Erskine, with proper observations on this double outrage, and an intimation that the habitual insolence of their officers may force us to refuse them an asylum, even when seeking it in real distress, if the boon is to be abused as it has been by this insolent and dishonest officer. And as it is very possible the rascal may push his impostures to the making complaint to his government, this step with Mr. Erskine may anticipate it. I salute you with sincere and constant affection. TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR. MONTICELLO, August 5, 1808. DEAR SIR,--I enclose you a letter from the Path-killer and others of the Cherokees, the object of which I do not precisely see. I suppose they are of Van's party. The sentiments are unquestionably those of a white man. Sibley's letters present a disagreeable view. It will be troublesome if we are once compelled to use acts of force against those people. It is the more difficult as we should have to pursue them into the country beyond the Sabine, on which an understanding with the Spaniards would be necessary. But what is the meaning of our not pursuing deserters over the Rio Hondo? I thought we had so far settled that matter, as that it was understood by the Spaniards that until a final settlement of boundary, the Sabine was to be that to which each was to exercise jurisdiction. On the same principles ought we not immediately to suppress this new appointment of a Spanish Alcalde at Bayou Pierre? I ask this for information, because I do not precisely recollect what we finally intended as to Bayou Pierre, and I have not the papers here. I suppose the trial and punishment of the guilty Alibamas, and Sibley's reclamations with the tribe for reparation, will give us time till we meet to consider what is to be done. Has any and what step been taken for the recovery of Pike's men?