The Nootka Sound affair of 1789 developed when 'both the Spanish and British governments planned to take effective and exclusive occupation' of the area. 1 Jefferson firmly believed 'that in order to protect America[n] neutrality in a future wart between England and Spain, and to secure an outlet for the West, the whole bank of the Mississippi must become American territory.' 2 Also if Louisiana was captured by British forces, as the British had proposed to do by traveling overland from Canada to capture New Orleans, the US would be hemmed in on all sides and would be no match to British power. 3 Indeed, Jefferson suggested to 'disgruntled westerners' that it might be wise to bide time in America making a move on the Louisiana territory, advising that 'Those, therefore, who have influence in the new country would act wisely to endeavour to keep things quiet till the Western parts of Europe shall be engaged in war.' 4 'Instead of seeking an alliance with Spain against the common threat, he [Jefferson] proposed to guarantee her claims west of the Mississippi, which Great Britain might otherwise gain by conquest, in return for cession of New Orleans and West Florida.' 5 When this proved unfeasible, America offered to negotiate settlement between Spain and Great Britain - Spain consented to negotiation over navigation rights of the US in the Mississippi but Britain flatly refused. 6