constituted government there should be no conflict between the welfare
of the nation and the welfare of the individuals comprising the
nation. If the authority of an arbitrary government prove oppressive,
or if the liberties of those dwelling in a section be disregarded, I
hold to the good old democratic rule that the injured have a right to
protest and to resist. The principles for which you and I fought were
the principles of individual liberty and of State sovereignty. We were
revolutionists."

"Yes," said Wilkinson, playing with one of his brass buttons, "I fully
agree with your fundamental propositions."

"But you don't see how they are going to help you in adjusting the
boundary line between our country and the Spanish possessions. I have
a suggestion to make. There ought to be no boundary line at all
between the two countries. This republic, or perhaps I should say, the
Western people, should wash out that line with Spanish blood, and make
Louisiana and Mexico one domain. I go in for war."

"There is prospect of war, Colonel Burr, but Congress and the
President seem timid about making an open declaration. In case
hostilities should be precipitated by the Spaniards--"

"What in that case?"

"Why, then an invasion of Mexico might be a military necessity."

"Invasion? Would not the conquest of Mexico be easy? A sufficient
force can be raised."

Wilkinson left off toying with his button and looked far away--far as
Mexico, far as the Pacific Ocean.

"You are aware, governor--no man living has ampler knowledge of the
facts than you have--that only five or six years ago Washington and
Hamilton planned and were about to execute a project to seize the
Spanish provinces, with British aid. The pretext was war with France,
the real object was to take New Orleans, probably Mexico. You were the
person whom they wisely entrusted with the management of the
business."

"Yes, but not with the command of the troops."

"No; you were to organize the Legion of the West, not to lead it to
victory, as you surely would have done had opportunity offered.
Hamilton secured the leadership as his perquisite and was careful to
see that I was not advanced. He dissuaded Washington from choosing me
quartermaster. But they could not obscure my name nor dim your
reputation. The people know what is what and who is who. They know
'little Burr' and they know the 'Washington of the West.'"

Wilkinson sat up straighter in his chair.

"T