He also told him that the harassed Cherokees, weary of ceaseless warfare, had asked permission to settle west of the Mississippi--although they did not carry out their intention.

He ended by pressing Robertson and his friends to come down and settle in Spanish territory, guaranteeing them good treatment.

[Footnote: Robertson MSS.
As the letter is important I give it in full in the Appendix.] In spite of Miro's fair words the Spanish agents continued to intrigue against the Americans, and especially against the Cumberland people.

Yet there was no open break.

The Spanish governor was felt to be powerful for both good and evil, and at least a possible friend of the settlers.
To many of their leaders he showed much favor, and the people as a whole were well impressed by him; and as a compliment to him they ultimately, when the Cumberland counties were separated from those lying to the eastward, united the former under the name of Mero [Footnote: So spelt; but apparently his true name was Miro.] District..