[In a move to provide the protection essential for Spanish control of the Mississippi River, Governor Carondelet in 1792 established the Squadron of the Mississippi, which was to guard the river and Louisiana against the Americans to the east and against naval attacks from the Gulf. The Squadron consisted of six galleys, four galliots, one bombera, and six cannon launches (cañoneras).] Carondelet, having stationed a small squadron of galleys and other vessels near the Natchez post "to provide for the safety and tranquility of the Province," now appointed Army Captain Pedro Rousseau as commander of the river fleet. Carondelet further ordered all persons serving on the ships to recognize Rousseau's authority and to obey his commands.
