101To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 14 Feb. letter with its enclosure on the evening of 24 Mar. Forwarded the New Orleans packet to Hũlings by express on 25 Mar. “It is reported that several french Officers have arrived at Orleans and Certain information received of the sailing of the fleet with the army for Louisiana.” He will learn if the report is true when the...
102To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 10th of July reached New-Orleans, during my late absence from that City, and was not received by me, until my return from Nachitoches. This circumstance will I hope, plead my apology for the delay of my answer. Your Letter to Mr. Reibelt has been delivered; that gentleman (with his family) is now in this City—I have not yet seen his Lady, but she is spoken of as a...
103To 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...
104To 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...
105To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 5 December 1805, New Orleans. “Mr. Graham has this moment returned from Pensacola, and brought me Governor Folch’s reply to my communication of the 31. of October last. “The answer is not as explicit as I could have wished; but it is probable that the difficulties to which our commerce is at present subjected at Mobile may soon be removed. I will inclose you a...
106To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you on the Glorious issue of the contest in which was involved the Safety of this Section of the union. It has this moment been officially announced to me by one of the aids de camp of Major General Jackson, “that the Enemy evacuated their camp in the course of last night, and that the State of Louisiana is now probably free from the presence of an Invader.” I cannot on this...
107To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On yesterday the House of Representatives recommended, as Councillors, Dominique Bouligny, and Julian Poidrass.—Mr. Bouligny is a young man of Sense, and supports an amiable character;—but in my opinion, Mr. Poidrass is the most deserving man in this Territory;—he was President of the late legislative Council, and acquitted himself with great credit;—he has been a uniform friend to the...
108To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosures No. 1 & 2 are Letters I lately received from Governor Folch, and that No. 3 a Copy of the Answer I have returned. Governor Folch in these Communications has discovered an irritability of temper, which the occasion did not call for, nor could I avoid taking exception to the Stile in which he thought proper to address me. The Embargo , always disagreeable to our neighbours of...
109To 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...
110To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 August 1805, New Orleans. “On the 30th. ultimo, Mr. Gurley the Register of the Land Office, left this City, on a Visit to the several Counties of the Territory, with a view, of making such explanations of the late Act of Congress ‘for ascertaing and adjusting the Titles, and Claims to Land within the Territory of Orleans,[’] as may tend to check any...
111To 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...
112To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 December 1804, New Orleans. “I have the pleasure to inform you, that the Council progress in Business, with great Harmony, care and industry, and that the well disposed Citizens appear satisfied. The enclosed Paper contains the address of Mr. Poidrass on the opening of the Cession. His influence is considerable and there is no doubt but his sentiments will make a favourable impression. “The...
113To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1810 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you the Names of the ten Citizens, nominated by the House of Representatives of this Territory, for the ensuing Legislative Council, and to furnish you with some information respecting them. Messrs. Thomas Urquhart, Etienne Boré, Jean Noel Destrehan, Manuel Andry & Arnaud Beauvais, are Natives of Louisiana; Messrs. Jean Blanque, Matarin Guerin, Magloire Guishard &...
114To 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....
115To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1802, Natchez. Encloses a letter received from Mississippi attorney general Harding regarding land claims in the territory. Believes that the information contained in Harding’s letter, if true, will affect legality of the Supreme Court decision referred to in his own letter to JM of 20 Dec. Asks JM to lay enclosed letter before U.S. attorney general and to request his opinion on...
116To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 [sic] June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 [sic] June 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Acknowledges JM’s letter of 11 May enclosing the opinion of the attorney general. Observes that the Spanish governor was “extremely liberal in his donations, after the promulgation of the treaty between the United States, and Spain. And there is no doubt but many tracts of land in this District are claimed by antidated grants; and I believe the fraud may...
117To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present to you, a copy of the Laws of the Territory of Orleans: You will attribute to our inexperience, whatever may be improper—and for that portion of our Laws which is wise, we acknowledge ourselves indebted to the several States of the Union, whose prudent and wise policy, we shall be proud to imitate. With sentiments of great Respect, I have the honor to subscribe...
118To 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...
119To 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...
120To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, New Orleans. “In the commencement of my late illness I received from the Commandant of Nachitoches the letter No. 1, enclosing the petition of which No. 2 is a translation, and returned the answer No. 3. These papers would have been forwarded to the Department of State at an earlier period had not the rapid advance of my indisposition totally prevented me from attending to any...
121To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Letter of this date, to the Secretary at War, will inform you of the state of things in this quarter,—the reasons which occasioned my visit to this Post, and the part I have acted since my arrival. In addressing you therefore at this time, I have only to announce an event, which unpleasant as it may be, is nevertheless proper to acquaint you of.—Lieutenant Lewis of the Army, who I...
122To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day received from on Board a Barge, Several Trunks & Boxes directed to you; one Cage with some Birds, and a Small living Animal, somewhat resembling our common gray Squirrel. They were Sent by Captain Lewis to Mr. Chauteau of St Louis, and by him transmitted to me. Finding that Some of the Trunks and Boxes contained Peltry of various kinds, I had them opened. The Skins had been...
123To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a copy of three Ordinances which I have lately passed; one of which contains a Charter for a Bank. “The establishment of a Bank in this city was much wished for by the inhabitants and I believe will prove of great utility: but I must confess I should not have ventured upon the measure from these considerations alone.” Learned of efforts to make the...
124To 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...
125To 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...
126To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 June 1806, New Orleans. “I have this moment held a conversation, with a gentleman of respectability from the County of Appalousas. He represents that a considerable emigration is about to take place from that County to the Spanish settlement on the river Trinity, where great encouragement is given to settlers. “The Gentleman adds, that the ancient inhabitants...
127To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I shall be detained here longer than I had anticipated. The extreme heat of the Season, and my state of health will render it inconvenient for me to return to New-Orleans by Land, & a Water Conveyance has not yet presented; I however expect one in a few Days, and shall avail myself thereof. By Letters from New Orleans, under date of the 7th: Instant, I am advised that a Town Meeting was called...
128To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 6 February 1806, New Orleans. “Late on the Evening of the 4. instant, the Marquis of Casa Calvo arrived in this City from Nacogdoches via Nachitoches—which last place he left on the 22. ultimo—and having passed by water, he was not met by Captain Ross, to whom my Dispatch of the 10. of January was committed. “I have, on this morning, addressed to the Marquis a...
129To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 25 March 1806. “I fear the Garrison of Fort Stoddart will experience serious Inconveniences for the want of supplies; Judge Toulmin, who has just arrived from the Tombigby, informs me, that at the period of his Departure, there was at Fort Stoddard, 25 Barrels of flour, 8 Barrles of Beef, & a small quantity of Spirits; he adds that when this is gone, the Troops...
130To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 May 1804, New Orleans. “The enclosed proclamation of the Captain General of Cuba, was transmitted to me, yesterday by the Marquis of Casa Calvo, who has often expressed to me the desire of his Catholic Majesty to observe the Strictest neutrality during the present War. “The emigration from the West Indies to Louisiana continues great; few vessels arrive from that quarter, but are crowded...