1 September 1804, New Orleans. “I have this moment received from Captain Turner, Commandant at Nachitoches, the enclosed letter from a Mr. Davenport to Doctor Sibley, and hasten to transmit it to you. “This letter appears in some degree to confirm the information heretofore given by Captain Turner, (already forwarded to the Department of State) relative to a decree of the Spanish Government...
8 September 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a letter which I addressed to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, upon the subject of the alarm excited at Nachitoches, in consequence of the reports from Nacogdoches , together with a translation of his answer thereto. “I should at an earlier period have addressed the Marquis on this subject, but was prevented by my late...
8 September 1804, New Orleans. “Enclosed is a translation of a letter to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, which will shew you the favorable disposition of the Governor-General of Cuba, towards the commerce of the United States, and the desire he feels to prevent Privateers from making sale of their prizes within the limits of his Government. “I have the pleasure to inform you, that the most...
16 September 1804, New Orleans. “Enclosed is a copy of a circular Letter I have addressed to the several civil commandants in Lower Louisiana. “I am not certain, but the Act of Congress does, on the first of October, virtually withdraw all Judicial Powers from the Authorities now existing in this Province; But in order to prevent those Scenes of anarchy and confusion which might arise in the...
21 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a petition addressed to me, and signed by a number of respectable Inhabitants of this City: You will discover, there is some apprehension of an Insurrection among the Negro’s, and that much alarm exists. Altho’ I am not myself of opinion, that we are in as eminent danger as the Memorialists seem to think, I have nevertheless taken every means of...
21 September 1804, New Orleans. “From the great havock which the diseases of this Climate, have recently made among Strangers, and the frequent embezzlement of the property of deceased Persons by unprincipled Men, I have been induced to make special provision for the care of the Estates of certain Intestates. A Copy of my Ordinance in this subject is enclosed, and I hope it will meet the...
23 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose for your perusal a late Letter to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, relative to the Insurrection in West Florida, together with a Copy of my Answer thereto. “ The Marquis has considerable Influence among the old Inhabitants of this Province, and being on that account particularly desirous that a good understanding between us should exist, I have...
25 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a communication, which I have this Day received from the Commandant of the District of Nachitoches. I fear some of the Indian Tribes West of the Missisippi are disposed to be troublesome, and if as is stated, they are encouraged by the Spaniards to war against the U. States, there is no doubt, but the Lives and property of the Citizens on our...
9To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
In my Letter of the 25th. I mentioned the Illness of Mrs. Claiborne, and my little Daughter: They have since been called to the Abodes of rest and happiness. My misfortunes have been uncommonly great; to loose in the same Day my whole family was indeed a heavy affliction. But my God willed it, and I must submit with fortitude and Resignation. I have received your Letter of the 30th. Ultimo,...
10To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to introduce to your acquaintance Messrs. Derbigney, Sauve, and Detrahan, and to request that you would be so obliging as to present them to the President. These Gentlemen have been selected by many of their fellow Citizens to bear a Memorial to Congress, which treats upon subjects interesting to Louisiana, and to make such explanations as may be...
11To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1804, New Orleans. “Mr. Darbigney will deliver to you, a little Box containing a Model of a Cotton Machine, upon a new and improved Plan, and for which Mr. Obadiah Crawford a Citizen of the Mississippi Territory, solicits a Patent as the Inventor. “If Mr. Crawford’s invention should be deemed worthy of the encouragement he asks, I will esteem it a favor, if you would enclose the...
12To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 October 1804, New Orleans. Acknowledges JM’s 30 Aug. 1804 letter enclosing his commission as governor of Orleans Territory. Asks JM to tell the president how sensible of the honor he is and that he will strive to merit continuance of the president’s confidence. “On this morning the Oaths of Office was administered to me, by Mr. Pitot Mayor of this City, and a Copy of a short Address which I...
13To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 October 1804, New Orleans. “On Tomorrow Messrs. Derbigney, Sauve and Detrahan (the Agents of a part of the Louisianians) to Congress, take their passage for Washington, via New York, on board the Ship Louisiana. “These Gentlemen go with high expectations of being gratified in all their Wishes—they are encouraged to expect entire success, by the opinions of Mr. Edd. Livingston, who continues...
14To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1804, New Orleans. “Your Letter dated ‘Virginia August 28th.,’ reached me on the evening of the third instant. “A number of Spanish Officers are yet in Louisiana, and there is no doubt with me, but they encourage the Discontents which arise here. I shall take an early opportunity to intimate to the Marquis of Cassa Calvo, that the continuance of these Officers in our Territory, ‘so...
15To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1804, New Orleans. “I have by Letter advised each Member of the Legislative Council of his Appointment, and requested his Acceptance: two answers have been returned; the one from Doctor Watkins; the other from Mr. Jones, & both of which are herein enclosed. Doctor Watkins Accepts, and will make a valuable Member; But Mr. Jones declines, and the Reasons which influence him will, I...
16To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 October 1804 , “ Near Nw. Orleans .” “Feeling myself very unwell, I have left the City, with a view of passing a few Days in the Country. “I have not learned whether or not the different Councellors will accept; so soon as I receive information on this point, I will forward you the Christian names of the Gentlemen nominated. Mr. Evan Jones has published his Letter of resignation in the...
17To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 October 1804, New Orleans. “I return’d to this City on this Morning, and find my Health much benefited from my late, tho short, Excursion into the Country. The Sugarcrops are very promising, and the Labour of the planter, will be rewarded abundantly. The Citizens, whom I visited, appear’d to enjoy Health and Contentment, and I was well pleas’d with their friendly Hospitality. I also...
18To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1804, New Orleans. “On the 19th. instant, a Duel was to have been fought between a French Citizen, and a British Subject, who are temporarily residing in this City: by some means, however, this affair of Honor did not take place, but on the same day, the French-man was can[e]’d by the Englishman in the Streets, and, this Circumstance had very nearly produced on Yesterday, some...
19To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 October 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a copy of a letter which I addressed to the Marquis of Casa Calvo on the 9th instant, relating to the continuance of certain Spanish Officers in this Territory, as also a translation of his answer. “I am persuaded that these foreigners are not well disposed to the interest of the U. States, and I thought it a duty to express my disapprobation to...
20To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
Two Days ago’, the Marquis of Casa Calvo, procured from the Printer 20 Copies of the Pamphlet (a Copy of which I have forwarded you by this Mail) and I understand approves highly of its Contents. I do not know that the Writers Intentions are Revolutionary; But his great praise of the Spanish Monarch, and in part of the late Provincial administration is well calculated to awaken the attachment...
21To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1804, New Orleans. Encloses a list that gives the Christian names of the men named by Jefferson as members of the legislative council and the man appointed as marshal. “Three of the Councellors, to wit Messrs. Dowe, Boré and Jones, have declin’d serving: Messrs. Watkins, Morgan & Debuys have accepted. I have taken measures, to inform the others of their Appointments, but have not...
22To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 October 1804, New Orleans. Forwards a duplicate of his 16 Oct. letter , which contains his reply to charges in a pamphlet also sent JM. “Perhaps this Publication will not receive any Credit to the Northward; But as the Attention of the American Citizens is turned to Louisiana, and from our great distance from the Seat of Government and other Causes, events in this quarter are too apt to be...
23To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1804, New Orleans. “In my Letter of the 16th. Instant, I mentioned only six offices that might properly be considered as lucrative; Perhaps to those, I ought to have added the Attorney General for the Province, the Physician for the Port of New-Orleans, the Secretary to the Municipality, and three Vendue Masters or Auctioneers, all of whom are commissioned by the Governor, although...
24To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 October 1804, New Orleans. “On yesterday I was informed by a Mr. Dubourg, a respectable Merchant of this City, that a Vessel of his with 40 Negroes on board had entered the Mississippi, Since the 1st. of October; that these Negroes belonged to his Father & another Inhabitant of Louisiana; that owing to contrary winds, & bad weather the vessel was prevented entering the Mississippi untill...
25To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1804, New Orleans. “On last Evening Mr. Prevo[s]t (one of the Judges) arrived in this City, and will proceed I believe immediately to organize the Supreme Court. … I sincerely wish, that the Judges may find their duties agreeable, and that the happiest result may attend their exertions.… But I fear the trial by Jury, the introduction of oral testimony, the Admission of Attorneys &c....
26To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, New Orleans. “On yesterday I received a letter from the Deputy Collector of which the enclosd No 1 is a Copy, informing of the arrival in the Mississippi of a vessell with a number of Frenchmen onboard, who had captured Said vessell on the high seas under particular circumstances. “I determined that under the Treaty, it would be improper to permit this vessell to find an...
27To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose for your perusal several Letters , which I have lately received from Nachitoches, together with Copies of several Communications (Nos. 1. 2. 3. & 4.) which in consequence thereof , I have addressed to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Colo: Butler & to Captain Turner the Commandant at Nachitoches. It will certainly require great prudence and caution to...
28To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1804, New Orleans. “Great exertions have been made to induce the Councillors named to decline. Mr Daniel Clarke has been particularly active on the occasion; I know one Gentleman who would have accepted, but being largely indebted to Mr. Clark, he was fearful, that the displeasure of his Creditor would ensue, & be productive of great injury to him . “I deem it my duty possitively to...
29To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1804, New Orleans. “Since my last letter Mr Canterelle and Mr Clarke have also declind accepting their commissions, as Members of the Legislative Council. There is no doubt but some of the promoters of the Memorial, have taken these means, to embarrass the local Government, and to force Congress to accede to their wishes; but such Imprudencies seem to me, illy calculated to benefit...
30To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 November 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a Petition from the Inhabitants of Point Coupeé, which was this day presented to me by two Gentlemen who mentioned that the News from Nacogdoches, was in circulation among the Negroes in that Settlement, and had produced in their opinion that Spirit of insubordination which existed. “In consequence of the Petition, I have requested Colo. Butler by...