Nevertheless, although it was his own friend who had been murdered, Innes refused to try the murderers, on the ground that they were Spanish subjects; a reason which was simply nonsensical.

He forwarded them to Wilkinson at Fort Warren.

The latter sent them back to New Madrid.

On their way they were stopped by the officer at Fort Massac, a thoroughly loyal man, who had not been engaged in the intrigues of Wilkinson and Innes.

He sent to the Spanish commander at New Madrid for an interpreter to interrogate the men.