101To 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...
102To 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...
103To 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...
104To 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...
105To 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...
106To 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...
107To 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...
108To 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...
109To 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...
110To 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...
111To 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...
112To 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...
113To 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...
114To 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...
115To 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...
116To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a duplicate of my letter of the 23rd. Ultimo. The barracks in this City, with some repairs, which might be readily made by the Soldiers, would afford comfortable Quarters for Officers and Privates. I have always thought that the Officer commanding the Troops, should reside in the Barracks; The apartments are commodious, and Colonel Freeman might (if he pleased)...
117To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I continue confined to my room, and experience considerable pain—but the wound now suppurates profusely and my Surgeon gives me reason to believe that in 3 weeks I shall be enabled to walk—I fear however that the warmth of the weather will considerably retard my recovery. The business of my office will meet with no derangement by my present confinement—My private Secretary makes out under my...
118To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 August 1806, Natchitoches. “My official letter of this date, to the Secretary of War which I presume you will have the perusal of, will acquaint you with the cause of my visiting this post, the part I have acted since my arrival, and also of the unpleasant state of things in this vicinity. “I have received under cover from your department, commissions for...
119To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I know not in what manner I could better conform to a request made of me, in a letter from Captain Abrahams, the Military Agent at this place, than to take the liberty of transmitting the Letter itself for your perusal. Captain Abrahams seems to me, to have exercised in his Department a most prudent economy, and from the zeal and Integrity in office, which he has here manifested, I am...
120To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 26 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 June 1805, New Orleans . “The Legislative Council is again in Session. They were to have met on the 20th, but a Quorum was not formed until the 22nd Instant, and on the Same day I communicated a Message in writing, of which a Copy is contained in the enclosed Paper. “I shall prorogue the Council on the third day of July, Sine die; and in the mean time it is expected they will pass several...
121To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1804, New Orleans. “The late slight appearance of discontent among the people of Colour, of which in my last letter I advised you, excited some alarm among the white Citizens , and has determined them to have no more meetings , after the one contemplated on tomorrow, and at that I suppose, but few will attend. “The Louisianians have as little mischief in their dispositions, and as much...
122To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 10th. Ultimo. “I am glad to understand your sentiments on the case of St. Julien; the more so as they entirely co-incide with my own. His bail I believe to be good, and even independent of that he and his friends seem so confident of his innocence that there appears at present no grounds to apprehend that...
123To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Application having lately been made to me by Mr. Dunbar—to obtain from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, a Passport for the Gentlemen who are about to ascend the Red River, under your Orders, I addressed to him a letter, of which the enclosure A is a copy, and received the answer marked B.—I have informed Mr. Dunbar of the Marquis’s refusal which I presume may occasion, for the present, the...
124To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
125To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which I had the honor to address you from Natchez, I inclosed an extract from the Journal of the House of Representatives of this Territory, in which Messrs. Guerin & Levandeau were recommended as Councellors in the Room of James Mather Senior resigned.—I believe in the Letter alluded to, I took the liberty to recommend Mr. Levandeau, as best meriting your confidence;—But since my...
126To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 May 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. John F. Merriult, a Merchant of this City proposes to visit Madrid with a view of obtaining payment of a debt due him by the Government of Spain. “The claim of Mr. Merriult is considerable; and under an impression that the interference of the American Minister would be favorable to his interest, he proposes to ask of you a letter...
127To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
At the particular request of the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent, I take the liberty to ask of you the favor, to give the enclosed letters a safe conveyance, particularly the one directed to "Monsieur Pierre Walsh Agent General des Etats-Unis à Montpellier". I also enclose for your perusal, a letter to me from the Lady Abbess, stating the desire of the Nuns to add to their present number,...
128To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that on the 30h Ultimo, I entered upon the duties of the office of Governor of Louisiana, to which I have been called by a Vote of the people of the State and of the General Assembly. Yielding to the feelings of a Grateful Heart, I eagerly seize this occasion to return you my sincere thanks for the high confidence you were pleased to repose in me, during the...
129To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
When my old acquaintance Edward Livingston arrived in this City, he seemed determined perseveringly to pursue his profession, with a view of restoring his fortune, and on the subject of politics, he expressed an ardent wish to see the present administration prosper, but declared it to be his interest not to be concerned in public business. His talents, address, connexions, and the high...
130To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, New Orleans. “Tranquility continues to reign in this city and its vicinity. M. Laussat takes his leave of the Spanish Commissioners on this day; and the day after tomorrow he proposes to pay his last visit to the American Commissioners. His departure therefore it is expected will take place in a few days. The Barracks evacuated by the Spanish troops have been put in our...
131To 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...
132To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 November 1805, New Orleans. “The inclosed paper will furnish you with a Copy of an address from the House of Representatives of this Territory to the President of the United States: it was unanimously adopted, and evinces a degree of Patriotism which I hope may have a good effect. “I contemplate convening the Legislature, some time about the last of February,...
133To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1801, Natchez. Has just received word that U.S. commissioners have concluded a treaty at Fort Adams with the Choctaw, who consented to a road through their lands to Tennessee; presumes construction will begin immediately. Large quantities of flour and other exports have passed by Natchez recently, demonstrating the increase of industry and wealth in the West. Mentions reports that...
134To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1802, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I have the honor to enclose you, a Manuscript Copy of the Laws passed at the last Session of the Territorial Legislature; There being at present, no Secretary in the Territory, (Colo. Steele’s time of service having expired) the original Laws, are deposited with me for safe keeping. The acts passed at the Session, previous to the last, are yet...
135To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “The Legislature of this Territory met in Session on the 3rd. Instant and on the day following I made to the two Houses a Communication of which the enclosed is a Copy.” The legislature adjourned 13 May after making “several very wholesome Laws, amongst which is an Act to establish a College in the Mississippi Territory.… This College shall bear the name of...
136To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only time by this days mail, to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreeable favors of the 17th and 18th of July, and to add, that I will with all possible dispatch, give you all the Information I can acquire, in relation to the Province of Louisiana. I pray you Sir, to receive my sincere congratulations on the success of Mr. Monroe’s mission;—The Island of Orleans and the extensive...
137To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me the honor of introducing to your acquaintance, Mr. Joshua Lewis—one of the Land Commissioners for the district of Orleans. It is reported, that, since the arrival of Morales at the Town of Mobile, the navigation of the Mobile river, by American Vessels, has been objected to:—The report, however, wants confirmation. It is also rumoured, that the Spaniards at Nacogdoches, having taken...
138To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1803, Natchez. “The enclosed hand bill [not found] has this moment reached me; it has every appearance of being an official publication.” The conduct of the Spanish government in Louisiana is “indeed extraordinary.” Recent acts manifest “determined hostility” to the U.S. “The violation of the Treaty, so far as related to the deposit at Orleans, gave rise to much agitation in this...
139To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of the 7th: Instant, I advised you, that many of the Citizens of this Territory, were surveying Lands West of the Mississippi, with a view, as I apprehended, to obtain fraudulent Titles for the same from the Spanish Government. I now enclose you a copy of a Letter, which I addressed to Mr. Clark on this subject, as also of his answer. It seems that Captain Vidal has no authority...
140To 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...
141To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 8th Instant, I had the honor to receive your Communication of the 20th of July, and on the next day, I published a hand Bill, addressed “to persons Claiming Lands within the Mississippi Territory,[”] and of which the enclosed is a Copy. In my publication, I have endeavoured to comply literally with your instructions, and I trust the Language which is used, cannot be construed “as...
142To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 April 1806, New Orleans. “As the situation of this Country is somewhat peculiar, perhaps the subject of the inclosed letters deserves the Consideration of our Government. I am myself at a loss to know why Mr. Deforgues has not put the business upon the footting I proposed to him, or made to me some other proposition than the one contained in his letter. His...
143To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Edward Livingston sailed two days since in a vessel bound to Philadelphia , & from whence he proceeds to the City of Washington.—His object is (as reported) to have a personal conference with you upon several subjects private & political;—Among the former, the case of the Batture will be introduced;—among the latter, the acts of General Wilkinson during the winter of 1806, & of the Territorial...
144To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now on my excursion to the Several Counties, and hope to accomplish my Journey in a short time;—Unless indeed I should be arrested by Indisposition which is not improbable, for the Summer’s Heat is oppressive, and dangerous to travelers.— Mr. Graham after a series of misfortune put into the Havanna’, & from whence he sailed for the United States on the 15th. Ultimo—I hope Mr. Graham will...
145To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 23 August 1805, “County of Acadia Sixty Miles from New Orleans.” “In the course of my Journey I have found the Citizens much desturbed by a report of the retrocession to Spain of the Country west of the Mississippi. I have possitively asserted, that the Report was groundless; but it had acquired such general currency, that many good disposed Citizens cannot be...
146To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that Doctor John Watkins had declined the appointment of Surgeon to the garrison of New Orleans, permit me to name to you Doctor Oliver H. Spencer as qualified in the opinion of those who know him to fill that Station. Doctor Spencer is a young man of promising talents: his skill, industry and attention in the practise of medecine and his amiable deportment in private life...
147To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1811, New Orleans. Forwards a memorial from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Orleans Territory. RC and enclosures ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 5:173. For...
148To 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...
149To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 December 1803, Natchez. “This day having proved fair, I embarked, a Company of the Natchez Artillery, another of Riflemen, and one Company of Militia Infantry, in all about one hundred Men, on Board of a Vessel at the Natchez Landing, with orders to Sail immediately for Fort Adams.” Impressed a schooner into public service; this schooner will assist in transporting troops and stores to New...
150To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend mr. Ribelt who returns to the United States under an apprehension that he has met with some heavy domestic misfortune, can give you much interesting information as to the state of things in this quarter. The Troops ordered to this Territory,— with the aid of the Militia,—are—in my opinion, amply sufficient to repel any force which our Spanish Neighbours could, at present,...