251To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 January 1805, New Orleans. “In consequence of the Death of my private Secretary, and the temporary Absence from the City of one of my former Clerks, I have not yet been enabled to forward a general statement of my public’ expenditures during the temporary Government. But it shall be done in a short time, and I trust you will discover that I have had a due regard for œconomy. “The existence...
252To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1805, New Orleans. “I now enclose you the Correspondence between the Marquis of Casa Calvo and myself, upon the Subject of his Guard. I had not considered this Guard as an object of serious concern; it was small and for Some time did not seem to excite disquietude among the Citizens. “I was certainly impressed with an opinion that the Marquis could not maintain his Guard as a Matter...
253To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 January 1805, New Orleans. “I have understood that the incipient Capital of the Louisiana Bank is Subscribed, and the Stock-Holders will meet on tomorrow for the purpose of choosing Directors. “I had hoped that this measure would not have been carried into effect, Since it had been disapproved of at the Seat of Government: But the Spirit of adventure which for a length of time was dormant...
254To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 2nd. Ultimo, together with its several enclosures.— Your Letter to Mr. Brown was immediately delivered;—that to Colonel Kirbey is returned to you, & whose death I presume you have by this time been informed of.— Mr. Brown has mentioned to me his Intention to decline serving either as Judge or Secretary; the Salary is not sufficient to support him comfortably,...
255To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 January 1805, New Orleans. “The Incipient Capital of the Louisiana Bank has been Subscribed, and the following Gentlemen Elected Directors, to Wit.—Paul Lanuse, James Pitot, Julien Poydrass, Daniel Clark, Michael Fortier, John Soulie, Thomas Harman, Thomas Urquhart, William Donaldson, John F Merieult, Francis Duplessis, James Carrick, John Mc.Donogh, John B. Labatut, and Nicholas Girod. The...
256To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1805, New Orleans. “I have this moment received your Letter of the 15th. December enclosing my Commission as Governor with the approval of the Senate, and Sundry other Commissions for officers of the Territory of Orleans. I am greatly indebted to the Government for their renewed evidence of confidence, and I pray you to be assured that every effort will be used by me, to Support and...
257To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 January 1805 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself bound in duty to myself and the Government I have the Honour to serve, to forward to you the enclosed papers containing some severe strictures on my late administration, general public character and private manners; and I hope I shall be excused for offering some observations on the principal matters of accusation. I trust the Executive will not readily believe, that the Affairs...
258To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 January 1805, New Orleans. “On perusing the Copy of my Letter of the 19h Instant, I find that my feelings (when speaking of the difficulty of my situation) led me to introduce a Military simile, which is inapplicable & improper. You will oblige me therefore, if you will correct that part of my Letter of the 19h. where the simile of the ‘forlorn hope’ appears, in such manner, as to make it...
259To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1805, New Orleans. “I enclose you the third number of the Public Accuser. You will see the Gall of my Enemies, and the zeal with which they embrace every occurrence to annoy my feelings. I feel as if I was trespassing upon your important duties, in Soliciting your attention for one moment to News-paper Publications. But when you perceive the malignity of my opponents, I trust you...
260To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 January 1805, New Orleans. “The Last Northern Mail met with a misfortune. The Rider reported that (about twelve leagues from this City) he was thrown from his Horse in the Night, and when he overtook him the Portmanteau was missing. It was found a few days ago by an Inhabitant floating in the Mississippi near the shore and was immediately forwarded by the Civil Commandant of the District to...
261To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have forwarded a Commission as Councillor to Doctor John Sibley; he is certainly a Man of Information, & is capable of making a good member of the Legislature. I must confess that I felt terror on seeing the Paragraph concerning the Doctor, which I enclosed you by the last Mail —My personal acquaintance with him is limited, but as an interesting Correspondent I had respected him, & formed an...
262To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 6 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 February 1805, New Orleans . “The Press in this City is indeed becoming licentious; it even menaces the tranquility of private life, but hitherto the Executive of the Territory has been the principal object of abuse. I am happy However to add, that the Louisianians have no concern in the abusive publications, and very generally disapprove of them. The discontented party are composed...
263To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 10 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
10 February 1805, New Orleans . “Colonel De Lassus formerly Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana (with thirty Spanish Soldiers) is now in this City on his way to Pensacola; his Arrival was Announced to me by a Letter from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, of which the enclosure No 1 is a translation, and to which I returned the Answer No 2. The delay attending the evacuation of the Ceded Territory...
264To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately had but too much occasion to Solicit from your feelings a tribute of condolence for the private misfortunes which have marked my residence in this Country. Once more I have to resume the unfortunate recital by announcing to you the Death of my Brother in Law, and private Secretary, Mr. Micajah G. Lewis, who on Tuesday last, was killed in a Duel near this City. You have no doubt...
265To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 21 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 February 1805, New Orleans . “In my Letter of the 19th Instant, I stated that about the last of July or first of August, the Petition of Hulin was presented to me. I have since found (among my Papers) the original Petition, which is without date, but one of the Documents refered to, bears date on the eleventh of August. “I had no recollection myself, as to the particular period of...
266To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 27 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
27 February 1805, New Orleans . “The Collector of the Revenue Mr. Brown has just informed me that the Captain of the Revenue Cutter had lately proceeded up the Lake, and finding a quantity of Coffee stored in a House on the Shore of the Bay of St. Louis, which he supposed had been illicitly introduced, The Captain had entered the House, taken possession of the Coffee, and was now at the Balizo...
267To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 28 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
28 February 1805, New Orleans . “I have the Honor to enclose you an act to incorporate the City of New Orleans. The provision which allows the Citizens to elect aldermen is very popular. It will be the first time that the Louisianians ever enjoyed the right of Suffrage and I persuade myself they will on this occasion use it with discretion. “The news of War between England and Spain, and the...
268To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 1 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
1 March 1805, New Orleans . “I received this morning a Visit from the Marquis of Casa Calvo; He came as he said to ask my advice as to the conduct he should pursue to obtain redress for the King his Master against Don Juan Ventura Morales the late Intendant who had exceeded his powers in the case of Peter Villamil, and not accounted properly for certain monies due the King from said Villamil....
269To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 3 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 March 1805, New Orleans . “The Prize Brig Active and her Cargo are sources of great litigation. It has I understand been made appear that the Captors had sold their Interest in the Prize to three different persons, and on the investigation of the case in the District Court, I learn a tremendous scene of fraud was unfolded. The French Consul having esteemed it his duty to make enquiries upon...
270To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 4 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 March 1805 , New Orleans . “Messrs P Madan and Joseph McNeill two respectable Merchants of this City were requested by Captain Davis and myself to examine the old Custom House and to give their opinion as to the Rent per month which should be paid to the United States for the use thereof. “I now enclose you a Copy of the Award, and of an agreement which I have entered into with Captain...
271To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 8 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
8 March 1805, New Orleans . “The late Election for City Aldermen was conducted with great order, but the apathy of the people on the occasion astonished me. But few voted, and none appeared interested as to the issue. I have appointed Mr. James Pitot Mayor, and Doctor John Watkins Recorder of the City. The former is a French Gentleman of Talents and respectability who has resided here for many...
272To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 18 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 March 1805 , New Orleans . “We have not received a Northern Mail for five Weeks; of course I am without any late Letters from the Department of State; or recent information from the seat of Government. “Much anxiety exists here to learn the issue of the Memorial to Congress. We have seen the Report of the Committee of the House of Representatives, and as you may have conjectured, the Plan...
273To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 24 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
C. Claiborne. 24 March 1805, New Orleans . “The disposition on the part of the Catholicks of this Territory (which I mentioned in my last Letter) to assume the prerogative of electing their own Priests, is extending itself. On yesterday, I was informed by the Civil Commandant of the District of St: Bernard, that a Priest who had been superseded by the Vicar General, had assaulted his Successor...
274To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The late Indian Agency which has been confered on Doctor John Sibly has occasioned an investigation of his private character, and I discover that it has received many injurious reproaches. Mr. Bradford the Editor of the Orleans Gazette has addressed to me a Letter upon the Subject, which I deem it a duty to lay before you, more especially since in some of my former Letters to you, I spoke...
275To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 26 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 March 1805, New Orleans . “Your private Letter of the 14th. of January with its enclosure was duly received. I have not yet attempted to select any additional Members for the Council, inasmuch as few persons here would accept until the issue of the memorial to Congress was ascertained. “Eugene Dorciere, James Mather and George Pollocks Commissions bear Date the 30th of August, and William...
276To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 26 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 March 1805, New Orleans . “I am Honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 25th Ultimo, and shall be particularly attentive to its contents. The Marquis of Casa Calvo is yet in this City, and I believe contemplates remaining for Some time; there at present exists between the Marquis and myself a friendly intercourse, and I shall embrace an early opportunity to make to him the...
277To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Robinson a passanger on Board the Brig Enterprise Bound for Baltimore has promised to convey to you a Barrell of excellent Brown Sugar, Manufactured by Mr. Fortier a respectable Planter of this Territory. Mr. Fortier has requested me to forward to you this Sugar, and to pray your acceptance of it as a Sample of the Production of this fertile District— I am my Dear Sir with great Respect...
278To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 30 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
30 March 1805, New Orleans . “Mr Chambers the United States Factor for the Chactaw Indians is now in this City. His Business here is to procure some necessary supplies for the Factory, and to engage a Vessel to transport thither a quantity of Peltry which he had collected; Colonel Freeman also is solicitous to send to Fort Stoddart some Military Stores which the Garrison greatly needed—and the...
279To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 31 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
31 March 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you Mr. Walsh’s Pastoral Letter. The City Council having heard that this production was in the Press, requested and obtained from the Printer the Manuscript Copy: After a perusal, the Council being apprehensive that its publicity would divide and inflame the Public mind, instructed the Mayor to use his best endeavours to have it suppressed. Efforts to...
280To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 1 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
1 April 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you an Answer to Mr. Walsh’s Pastoral Letter by Colonel Bellechasse. Neither the Letter or answer is yet in circulation, but I learn both will be distributed in a few days. This religious contest at present occupies much of the public attention!” Adds in a postscript: “The Post from the Northward continues irregular; we were much disappointed in not...
281To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 5 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 April 1805, New Orleans . “A Late letter from Captain Turner of Natchitoches contains the following Paragraph, ‘I fear the return of the Negroes who had escaped to Nacogdoches will not remedy the evil; the Commandant who restored them has been arrested for so doing, and his Successor has positive orders to carry the Royal Decree concerning fugitive Slaves into effect; my informant is a...
282To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 6 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 April 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you a translation of the Address [not found] recently made by the Mayor to the Board of Alderman. The translator has done great injustice to the original; a perusal however of the paper enclosed, will give you some information as to the present State of the City.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 6); letterbook copy (ibid.); letterbook...
283To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 16 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
16 April 1805, New Orleans . “Since my last, nothing has occur’ed worthy communication. The Schism in the Church is not yet adjusted; the enclosed reply to Colo. Bellechasse has greatly irritated him and his friends; and will I fear eventuate in a personal Combat. I have learned that the Marquis of Casa Calvo takes an Interest in the dispute between the Priests, and uses his influence on the...
284To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 19 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
19 April 1805, New Orleans . “In conformity to your Letter of the 25th of February, I have taken occasion to communicate (verbally) to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, the impressions of the Executive of the United States, upon the Subject of the late increase of the Spanish Armies within and near the disputed Territories, and also the provisional arrangements which were in consequence contemplated....
285To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 21 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 April 1805, New Orleans . “I was this Morning visited by the Marquis of Casa-Calvo: We conversed freely on various topic’s; ‘He lamented the part which Spain had been compel’d to take in the War; but he complain’d much of the Conduct of the English in attacking the Spanish Frigates, the treachery and cruelty of which, had excited throughout Spain a general spirit of indignation and...
286To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 21 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 April 1805, New Orleans . “I received by the last Mail your favors of the 18th, and 11th, Ultimo; the last covering a Copy of the Law for the Government of this Territory, the inaugural address of the President, and a duplicate of your Letter of the 25th of February, the original of which had previously been received and acted upon. “Having Sometime Since been advised by the President...
287To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 22 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
22 April 1805, New Orleans . “Mr. Brown the Collector, has just informed me of a contest which the Revenue Cutter has recently had with two Privateers in the Vicinity of the Balize. The particulars are as follow. For some time past, two British Privateers from Providence, have been cruising of[f ] the Mouth of the Mississippi, and were in the habit of Boarding every Vessel coming in and going...
288To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 29 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
29 April 1805, New Orleans . “Since my last, I have addressed a Letter to Governor Folch upon the Subject of the Road and no private opportunity having offered, I have forwarded it by Captain Carmick of the Army, who will also convey to me the Governors Answer. Colonel Freeman was obliging enough to grant me on this occasion, the benefit of Captain Carmicks Services. “Messrs Sauvé Detrahan and...
289To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 4 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 May 1805, New Orleans . “On this Evening the Legislative Council was prorouged [ sic ] to the 20th. of June; They have passed many Laws which I trust will prove promotive of the general good; lest however some material defects should be discovered, I thought it best for the Council again to be in Session, previous to their power expiring. The Acts of the Legislature are now in the Press, and...
290To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favours of the 10th. and 14th. of March, and am indeed happy to find that the ungenerous calumnies to which I have been subjected, have not made on your mind impressions unfavorable towards me.—I am aware that abuse , much abuse is the constant attendant on Office, under our Government; I have endeavored to meet it with compossure—But when I perceived a political conduct...
291To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 5 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 May 1805, New Orleans . “In a late Letter which I have received from Mr. Chambers the United States Factor at Fort St. Stephens, he states: ‘The Letter you were pleased to obtain from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, authorized the Vessel to pass by the Post of Mobile, and the Commandant of the Post assured me she should return freely and without hindrance.’ “A Copy of my Correspondence with the...
292To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 10 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
10 May 1805, New Orleans . “The Enclosures Nos. 1 and 2 are Translations of a Communication to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo; Nos. 3 and 4 are Copies of my answer to the Marquis and of a Letter which I have addressed to Governor Williams of The Mississippi Territory. “Upon a perusal of those Documents you will find that Kempers Insurrection is not yet Subsided, and, that the movements of...
293To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 13 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
13 May 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you a Copy of an Act for dividing the Territory of Orleans into Counties and Establishing Courts of Inferior Jurisdiction therein. The necessary Officers for the more distant Counties have been appointed, and I have been fortunate enough to have acquired the Services of very Suitable characters. But in order to a due organization of the Counties lying on...
294To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 18 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 May 1805, “On the Missisippie, 60 Miles, from New orleans .” “I left the City on the 14th. instant, and am this far on my way to Point Coupeé. The necessary appointments under the new Judiciary System, are made as I pass, and although I am not enabled on all occasion<s> to avail the public of the services of enlightened Men, yet I am persuaded that the conduct of those selected, will...
295To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 19 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
19 May 1805, “On the Missisippi .” “I am this moment informed, that the Marquis of Cassa Yrujo is greatly interested in the Florida Speculation, or in other words, that, he has either accepted or purchased a portion of the Lands East of the Missisippi which were recently sold by Moralis. I am not at liberty to name the Gentleman who has given me this information; from certain considerations he...
296To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 31 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
31 May 1805, New Orleans . “After proceeding as far as Point Coupée, and making many appointments under the new Judiciary System, I returned to this City on this evening. My excursion was a very pleasing one; I found the Citizens in the enjoyment of much happiness, and apparently well disposed to the American Government. I was often detained by necessary attention to civilities, and the...
297To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 3 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 June 1805, New Orleans . “I was this day Honored with your Letter of the first of April. The appropriation Law to which you allude has not been received by me, nor has it reached any public officer in this City. I hope however that in the contingent Fund for the Executive Department of this Territory, Congress has been liberal, for I find the expences are necessarily greater than I had...
298To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 5 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 June 1805, New Orleans . “Captain Edward D. Turner, the late Civil Commandant of Natchitoches is now in this City, and I have received from him much general and local information. Captain Turner believes that the Spaniards have increased their forces in the Province of Taxas, and is certain that they have erected Several New Forts, and Strengthened their former Fortifications. He is...
299To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 6 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 June 1805, New Orleans . “I pray you to lay before the President of the United States, the enclosed Correspondence (from No. 1 to number 11, inclusive) between the Honorable Judge Hall, Colonel Freeman and myself upon the Subject of appropriating a Public Building to the use of the District Court. You will perceive from the correspondence, that the only Building of the United States...
300To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 6 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 June 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you a Paper containing a publication of Messrs Derbigny, Detrahan, and Sauvé relative to their late Mission to Congress. You will find in this production evidences of discontent, a want of information and of prudence on the part of the Agents, but I believe the publication will excite but little Interest in the Territory, and be productive of no Mischief....