The Indian Wars, 1784-1787 291 



Gardoqui was much interested in the progress of 

 affairs in Franklin; and in the effort to turn them 

 to the advantage of Spain he made use of James 

 White, the Indian agent who was in his pay. He 

 wrote 51 home that he did not believe Spain could 

 force the backwoodsmen out of Franklin (which 

 he actually claimed as Spanish territory), but that 

 he had secret advices that they could easily be 

 brought over to the Spanish interest by proper treat 

 ment. When the news came of the fight between 

 Sevier's and Tipton's men, he judged the time to 

 be ripe, and sent White to Franklin to sound Sevier 

 and bring him over; but he did not trust White 

 enough to give him any written directions, merely 

 telling him what to do and furnishing him with 

 three hundred dollars for his expenses. The mis 

 sion was performed with such guarded caution that 

 only Sevier and a few of his friends ever knew of 

 the negotiations, and these kept their counsel well. 



Sevier was in the mood to grasp a helping hand 

 stretched out from no matter what quarter. He 

 lilad no organized government back of him; but he 

 was in the midst of his successful Cherokee cam 

 paigns, and he knew the reckless Indian fighters 

 would gladly follow him in any movement, if he 

 had a chance of success. He felt that if he were 

 given money and arms, and the promise of outside 

 assistance, he could yet win the day. He jumped 

 at Gardoqui's cautious offers; though careful not 



51 Gardoqui MSS., Gardoqui to Florida Blanca, April 18, 



1788. 



