Letter, Estevan Miro, New Orleans, La., to Pierre-Joseph Favrot, Mobile, Ala.

              1786, May II
ESTEVAN MIRO, NEW ORLEANS, TO PIERRE-JOSEPH
FAVROT, MOBILE. LS. 7 pp. French. Richmond.
Sir, in answer to your letter of the 30th of March, I ap-
prove the measures you have taken to prevent the spread of
rabies in your district, and I hope that you have succeeded.
With respect to the English and American families, I tell
you officially what is to be done. Concerning the English traders
and the store kept by Mr. [James] Mather [of Panton and Math-
er], I cannot help telling you that I have the impression from your
various reports
[End page 1]

that you are under a sort of illusion and contradic-
tion entirely of your own creation. The Indian chiefs come here
daily from all the villages, and not one of them has made any
complaint against this store kept by the English. When com-
plaints were made to you, it was your duty to answer and explain
that they are no longer English but that they have become
Spanish subjects. No matter what they think, because the mer-
chandise comes from England, they should not pay
[End page 2]

attention to this. The goods are English only as the result of trade. Merchan-
dise of much better quality than that of the trade is imported
from Spain, but this is sold at prices three and four times higher.
Since Spain has all the money, which is the best merchandise in
the world, the English are tempting the Spanish by bringing in
their merchandise. They think once we buy their goods, they will
be ours. 
[End of page 3]
The savages should consider it proof of our care and
protection that we make it possible for them to have the same
kind of merchandise to which they have been accustomed.
You insist that it is not fair that the store should be
operated by the English. I ask, can you find some Spaniard or
Frenchman to run the place? Moreover, you cannot overlook
the fact that Mather is a Spaniard and that the trade cannot be
conducted with merchandise other 
[End of page 4]

than that of the English, both
because the savages prefer it and because it is cheaper.
There might be found, however, some Englishman or
other individual whose conduct is against good order.  With
reference to these, you have authority to arrest them and even
to send them here if the case demands it. Such action should only
be taken with good reasons, however, and after having taken the
statements of at least three witnesses.
Regarding the last
[End of page 5]
paragraph of your letter, I repeat that
I am always disposed to assist you, but justice demands that I must
be fair and not overlook others. You have always had a com-
mand while [Manuel] P6rez, [Joseph] Pena, [Joseph] Valliere,
and others have had reasons to ask for some favor that I could
not grant. You must be patient. It is understood that you will
remain where you are until I receive other orders from the
general, when the officers of the 3rd battalion are at Pensacola.

P.S.
My respects and my friendship to your wife from me and
from my wife. Embrace her on behalf of my two children. I have
the highest regard for you, your most humble and obedient ser-
vant and friend.
DE MIRO [Estevan Miro]