332 The Winning of the West 



in the scheme ; but that to very few did he reveal an 

 outright proposition to break up the Union. Many 

 of them were very willing to hear the distinguished 

 Easterner make vague proposals for increasing the 

 power of the West by means which were hinted at 

 with sinister elusiveness; and many others were de- 

 lighted to go into any movement which promised 

 an attack upon the Spanish territory; but it seems 

 likely that there were only a few men Wilkinson, 

 for instance, and Adair of Kentucky who were 

 willing to discuss a proposition to commit down- 

 right treason. 



Burr stopped at Cincinnati, in Ohio, and at one 

 or two places in Kentucky. In both States many 

 prominent politicians, even United States Senators, 

 received him with enthusiasm. He then visited 

 Nashville, where he became the guest of Andrew 

 Jackson. Jackson was now Major-General of the 

 Tennessee militia; and the possibility of war, espe- 

 cially of war with the Spaniards, roused his hot nat- 

 ure to uncontrollable eagerness. 10 Burr probably 

 saw through Jackson's character at once, and real- 

 ized that with him it was important to dwell solely 

 upon that part of the plan which contemplated an 

 attack upon the Spaniards. 



The United States was at this time on the verge 

 of war with Spain. The Spanish Governor and In- 

 tendant remained in New Orleans after the cession, 

 and by their conduct gave such offence that it finally 

 became necessary to order them to leave. Jefferson 



10 Adams, III, 221. 



