51To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Mail has this moment arrived, and brought me your Letter of the 28th. of October.— The communication you made to Mr. Gelston fell into proper hands, and has been used as you intended.—As the Mail will leave this early in the morning, I shall defer replying particularly to your Letter until next Week.— Accept Dear Sir assurances of my respectful attachment RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The...
52To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now relieved from fever, but am so enfebled that I cannot complete the Journey, which I had contemplated;—Instead of visiting the Country on the Mississippi, as high as Natchez which was originally my intention, I shall pass over to Atakapas & Opelousas, where I shall breathe a healthy air, & where probably my health will soon be restored. The Route by water to Attakapas will be...
53To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1804, New Orleans. “I now enclose you the answer of the Marquis De Casa Calvo to my letter of the 28th ultimo. Having obtained for my own use a translation of the Marquis’s letter and the documents accompanying it, I have forwarded to you, the originals.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 4); letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 13). RC 1 p.;...
54To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, New Orleans. “The Treaty ceding Louisiana to Spain in 1762 and her act of acceptance I have not been able to meet with among any of the records in this City. In the Archives of the Cabildo (now in possession of the Municipality) I find no traces of any events prior to the arrival of General O’Reilly. “The proceedings of the Supreme Council of New Orleans (under the Government of...
55To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1803, Fort Adams. “Yesterday evening and until about noon this day we had so heavy a fall of rain as greatly to retard our embarkation. The General however expects that we shall be able to proceed in the course of tomorrow. “I understand that there is a small corps of rifle men on their way hither from Jefferson County. But I should Suppose that the volunteers already here together...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3rd. of May together with its inclosure.— Judge Sprigg departed from this City on the 23rd. of May for New York; he had not then resigned, & was undetermined, whether or not he should return as Judge; he was at one period extremely obnoxious to a party here, (of Americans) who can render any Man’s life disagreeable, & received of course a great share of their...
57To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1804, New Orleans. “In the District of Atakapas where party feuds and much general disquietude prevailed on our taking possession of this Province, I have the pleasure to inform you that the most perfect good order now exists, this favorable change is attributed in some degree to the conduct of a very young but I believe a very deserving young officer of the name of Hopkins, who...
58To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
A Mail from Washington, by the way of Fort Stoddart arrived on this morning, but has brought me no official Communications. Mr. Julien Poydras, (who is avowedly friendly to the General and local Administration) has been elected by the Territorial Legislature a Delegate to Congress, for the ensuing two years; Doctor Watkins, was the candidate in opposition & is understood here, to have received...
59To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1802, Natchez. Encloses “an Original Copy of a Communication (together with a translation thereof)” received “this morning” from the governor general of Louisiana, in answer to Claiborne’s 28 Oct. letter. Letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal); Tr ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 7A-D1); Tr of enclosure ( DLC : Jefferson Papers)....
60William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
In the suit brought by Edward Livingston Against Le Breton D’orgenoy late marshal of the District of Orleans , The Honorable m r Hall , Judge of the District of Louisiana , has decided, the dispossessing of m r Livingston of the Batture , by order of the late President to be illegal, & he directs the Plaintiff to be reinstated in his possession.—The Public Sentiment on this occasion is...
61To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 November 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 November 1809, New Orleans. His official letters to Gallatin will give details of the rascality of William Brown, the local customs collector who has absconded with a large sum of public money. The office thus vacated is lucrative, and the collector can reside a mile from the city during the summer so that “he may calculate on enjoying health.” Sounded out Benjamin Morgan to see if he would...
62To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you, a copy of Some Resolutions which have been adopted by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of this Territory, in consequence of my message of the 10th. Instant. You will perceive by these documents, that the power of suspending the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, is supposed not be vested in the Territorial Legislature; an opinion which...
63To 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...
64To 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...
65William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a paper containing a late Report of the Adjutant General of this Territory upon the subject of the militia ; It will shew you the great difficulty which will attend the rendering of that force efficient.— Assured as I am, that in your retirement the welfare of your Country will be most dear to you, I shall do myself the pleasure from time to time, to acquaint...
66To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 May 1804, New Orleans. “I was honored on last evening with the receipt of your letter of the 1st. Instant. “I consider peace as the greatest of national blessings, and there is nothing I should more lament than to see my country involved in war with any of the European powers. The formal recession therefore of the King of Spain from his objections to the transfer of Louisiana to the United...
67To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The letter from the American Commissioners will inform you that we are now in possession of this City; and I hasten to inform you of the measures which I have taken as Governor of Louisiana. A proclamation of which the enclosed is a copy was issued by me immediately after the surrender of the province. You will observe that it is silent concirning the Militia (a subject deeply interesting to...
68William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 24 December 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
You will no doubt have seen the Proclamation by the President , which made it my duty to take possession of the Country extending from the Mississipi to the Perdido , in the name & in behalf of the United States .—In the discharge of that duty I now occupy the Fort of Baton Rouge , its dependencies & the Several adjoining Districts.—On my arrival at Baton Rouge, I had reason to apprehend...
69To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 10 August 1805, New Orleans . “I now transmit you a Copy of the Marquis’s answer (marked No 1) to my Letter of the 3rd. Inst. You will perceive Sir, that Morales has authority to continue his Sales in West Florida; that he contemplates residing in this City, and proposes to issue Official orders from hence , as Intendant of East and West Florida . I consider a...
70To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
The special messenger whom I despatched to New Orleans on the 18th instant, returned this evening, and brought with him the enclosed communications from Mr Clark and M. Laussat. The French officer, M. Landais, whose arrival at New Orleans was so much wished for by the Prefect, passed thro’ Natchez three days ago; And I presume that, before this time, he has placed in the hands of the French...
71To 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...
72To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
73To 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...
74To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There is not in this Territory, all that political Union, which I could wish; But I verily believe that the Discontents are not extensive, nor do I think them of a serious nature.—The Memorial no doubt, was signed by many Citizens; But I nevertheless do not view that Instrument as a fair expression of the public will.—Twenty persons composed the first meeting; three or four Sketches of a...
75To 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...
76William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 30 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a Communication, I made on yesterday to the Territorial Legislature;—The Batture has not been introduced; But that shall be made the Subject of a Special message.— General Hampton left this a few days since for Baton Rouge ;— It is reported that on his Journey, he purchased the greater part of Mr D. Clarks landed property, and that the Consideration...
77To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 4 December 1805, New Orleans. “I have had no late intelligence from Mr. Graham; it is probable he has met with some detention at Pensacola, for it is (I presume) well known to you, that dispatch in business is not a trait in the spanish character. “I am sorry to inform you that much confusion exists in the County of Atachapas; the Citizens in that quarter are...
78To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 January 1802, Natchez. Reports that “nothing very interesting” has occurred since his letter of 20 Dec. Territorial legislature transacts business slowly, but with care and prudence. “Political disquietude is nearly exiled,” and the judiciary is the sole subject of popular discontent. Regrets that territorial Supreme Court is “so deficient in Law Knowledge.” The chief justice “was...
79To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is yet in this City, arranging (as is understood) with the Marquis a plan for improving and strengthening the Garrison at Pensacola. These Gentlemen (I hear) are impressed with an opinion that the U. States will abandon their Claim to West Florida, and that East & West Florida will be given in exchange for the West Bank of the Missisippi;—But this I presume is in conformity to...
80To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, New Orleans. “The northern mail arrived on last evening, but brought me no official letters from the Seat of Government. “Perfect tranquility continues to prevail here; but really the burdens of the temporary Government are at present peculiarly hard upon me; and are becoming more so every day. “I am compelled to exercise more authority than I had contemplated. I fear my Decrees...
81To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 December 1803, Fort Adams. “I am still at this place. An embarkation is talked of tomorrow; but so many preparatory arrangements yet remain to be performed that I much fear a longer delay. Our militia were mustered this evening and amount to about 200. I wish for myself, no greater force, in addition to the regular troops, and I presume that, in this opinion, the General will accord. The...
82To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are the names of the Gentlemen recommended as Councillors to supply the vacancies occasioned by the resignations of J N Destrehan and P. Sauvé. Mr. Mather is an Englishman by Birth; but has acted in this Territory the part of an American. He was a member of the first Legislative Council, and merits, in my opinion a continuance of your confidence. Mr. La Croix is a frenchman by Birth,...
83To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The late removal from the Batture in front of the Suburb St. Mary , of certain Persons, who had taken possession of the same subsequent to the third of March 1807, has been cause of great satisfaction to the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, whose thanks upon the occasion, to the President of the U. States, as expressed in a joint Resolution of the two...
84To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 June 1804, New Orleans. “Captain Turner the Commandant at Nachitoches, in a letter to me dated the 27th. Ultimo, says—‘Every thing is at present tranquil, and the people appear satisfied with their condition.’ He adds—’I learn that, the Spaniards are strengthening the garrison at Nacogdoches; that all persons from Louisiana are prohibited settling on this side of St. Antonio, and no repairs...
85To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 March 1806, New Orleans. “The Carrier of the Mail of the United States, from hence to Fort Stoddart, by the way of the Lake, is now in my office, and reports—that, on his arrival at the Town of Mobile, he waited upon Governor Folche, who informed him that the mail would not be permitted to pass by water—upon which the Carrier asked and received permission to...
86To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have been as busily engaged as circumstances would admit, in making such arrangements for the temporary government of this province as I esteemed most consonant to the intentions of the President, and the expectations of the inhabitants. The difficulties I meet with in this undertaking are peculiarly embarrassing on account of the neglected state in which I found the colony....
87To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James M. Bradford, the Editor of the Orleans Gazette proposing to visit Washington, and having expressed a desire to pay his respects in Person to the President of the United States, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance; his pursuits have led him to a knowledge of the Territory, and you will find him possessed of much local Information. Mr. Bradford’s political...
88To 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...
89To 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...
90To 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...
91To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real concern I announce to you, the death of my esteemed friend H. B. Trist. He died this morning of a malignant yellow fever, after an illness of five days. The loss of this citizen is a public misfortune, and will occasion much private distress:—He was faithful to the trust with which you honored him, and had he lived a few years longer, would have made ample provision for the...
92To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Ward Gurley, Attorney General for this Territory was on the 3rd. Instant killed in a Duel by Mr. Jones, the Gentleman who lately married Mrs. Mary Trist;—the dispute was of a private nature; there however is no doubt, but party politicks, promoted this unfortunate affair.—The death of this excellent Citizen is by me most sincerely regreted; I found him faithful to the Government and...
93To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
During my late Illness, I had the pleasure to receive your esteemed favours of the 7h., 12h and 17h. of July;—But being then unable to write, I requested my private Secretary Mr. Briggs to inform you of their receipt, and to forward to you, the Names of several Gentlemen as suitable Characters for the Legislative Council.—I regret exceedingly the miscarriage of your Letter to me of the 17th....
94To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On last evening, I had the honor to receive your much esteemed favor of the 7th. Ultimo, together with its enclosures;—the Letters to the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, have been carefully delivered, and were received with great pleasure by the Gentlemen, to whom they were addressed.— The Resolutions which the Legislature...
95To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1804, New Orleans. “I received on this morning the enclosed letter from Captain Turner, the Commandant Civil and Military of the District of Nachitoches on the Red River, and immediately returned an Answer of which the paper, marked A, is a copy. “In my letter to you of the 10h. instant, I mentioned that, the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Governor Salcedo, and the Intendant, Moralis, were...
96To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1804, New Orleans. “The Patroles on last night arrested twelve or fifteen Spanish Soldiers and Sailors who were lurking about the City, probably with a design of deserting and they were on this morning delivered to a Spanish officer. “The greater part of the Spanish forces have this moment taken their departure for Pensacola; they were embarked on board of a Ship, and their numbers...
97To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1804, New Orleans. “On this morning, I received the enclosed letter from the Commandant of the District of Ouachitas and returned the answer of which the paper marked B is a copy. “You will have discovered, that some time had elapsed after the delivery of Louisiana to the United States, before the posts of Nachitoches and Ouachitas were taken possession of by our troops; This delay...
98To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 4 January 1806, “Near New Orleans.” “Having, for the most part, effected the objects which occasioned my visit to the Atachapas and Apalousas, I am now on my return, and will be at my Post early on Tomorrow. My Private Secretary, who has met me on this Evening, communicated the substance of several important dispatches from you, which were received during my...
99To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 September 1805, Concordia . “In consequence of a letter, I received on last Evening from Mr. Graham, of which the enclosed is a Copy, I shall set out on this Morning for New Orleans. “I cannot conjecture the unpleasant Rumors alluded to by Mr. Graham; but I persuade myself they will not prove of serious importance. I am indeed illy fitted for a Journey; my...
100To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 November 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Received JM’s communication of 14 Nov. with its enclosures and will pay “faithful attention” to the contents. “I am pleased to find that provision has been made to relieve me from the labours and responsibility of the Revenue Department at New Orleans, and I learn with satisfaction that the President has selected for the Collector Mr. H. B Trist; A...