The growth of the teeming folk who had crossed the Alleghanies and were building their rude, vigorous commonwealths in the northeastern portion of the Mississippi basin, decided the destiny of all the lands that were drained by that mighty river.

The steady westward movement of the Americans was the all-important factor in determining the ultimate ownership of New Orleans.

Livingston, the American minister, saw plainly the inevitable outcome of the struggle.

He expressed his wonder that other Americans should be uneasy in the matter, saying that for his part it seemed as clear as day that no matter what trouble might temporarily be caused, in the end Louisiana was certain to fall into the grasp of the United States.

[Footnote: Livingston to Madison, Sept.