1To Alexander Hamilton from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you, a Letter from Mr. John Irwin of Tennessee, soliciting the exchange of Daniel Jones, an old and infirm Soldier, for a young and able Recruit. Mr. Irwin is a respectable and worthy Citizen, and from the Interest he seems to feel for Jones’s Welfare, I am sure Sir, that this Soldier is entitled to your favour and notice. On this occasion, I must be allowed an...
2To Alexander Hamilton from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your polite Letter of the 3rd Inst., on the subject of Daniel Jones’s exchange; it shall immediately be forwarded, to the friends of Jones, who I well know, will, remember with Gratitude, the attention you have been pleased to pay, to their Requests. I have the honor to be Sir, With Sentiments the most Respec tful Yo: Mo: Ob. hble servt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
3To Alexander Hamilton from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
From a desire to promote the happiness of a Family, I am induced, to address to you this Letter, and doubt not, but the motive, will be deemed a sufficient Apology, for the Liberty I have taken. It has been stated by the Secretary at War, that the third Regiment of the U. States, was to be stationed in the Mississippi Territory. At this time, there is One Company of this Regiment on Command...
4To Alexander Hamilton from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your polite Letter of the 26th. Instant, and its Contents have — ly convinced me of the propriety of your determination, relative to the destination of Captain Sparks. I shall take the liberty Sir, to forward your Communication to Governor Sevier, who being a Military Character, must immediately see the force of your reasoning, and the great inconvenience, which partial...
5To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 August 1801, Nashville. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter of 10 July enclosing his commission as governor of Mississippi Territory. Requests JM to inform president that he accepts appointment. Expects to depart for Mississippi by late September or early October. Letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). 2 pp. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed.,...
16 September 1801, Knoxville. Reports that arrangements for his descent of the Mississippi are nearly completed; expects to leave the first week of October. Has received information from the Mississippi Territory that “the public Mind is tranquil,” party spirit has considerably subsided, population is increasing, and relations with the Spanish and the Indians are harmonious. Requests regular...
7To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801, Nashville. Plans to depart for the Mississippi Territory on 8 Oct. Reports that the territorial assembly was convened by Secretary John Steele on 20 July. It conducted little business during a five-week session and what it did remains incomplete without gubernatorial sanction. Steele is reported ill; his life is despaired of. Quotes a passage from a 3 Sept. letter received from...
24 November 1801, Natchez. Reports his arrival on 23 Nov. after a journey made unduly difficult and dangerous by low rivers and high winds. Describes the land on the Mississippi as “pretty well adapted to Cultivation” but notes that “this extensive Country has been greatly forsaken, or rather, neglected by man,” there being only three small settlements on the Spanish side between the mouth of...
12 December 1801, Natchez. Encloses a copy of his 2 Dec. address to the territorial legislature together with their answer [of 4 Dec.]. The legislature seems to be composed of “honest men, much attached to the United States, and devoted to the Interest of this Territory,” despite their inexperience. Believes that all opposition to admitting the Mississippi Territory to the second grade of...
10To 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...