541To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 January 1802, Natchez. Announces arrival on 21 Jan. of Jefferson’s recent message to Congress. Prospects for unanimity in the territory are not as pleasing as he had supposed. Factions still exist, and it will take time to lay their “Evil Spirit” to rest. The territorial legislature is “amply supplied” with love of country and honest intentions, but “there is a deficiency in Legislative...
542To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you, an address from the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, and the pleasure to add, that the Sentiments it contains, are in unison with the feelings of a great majority of the Citizens of this Territory.— I am persuaded, an opinion generally prevails in this District, that the Liberty, Peace, & safety of our Country, greatly depend upon the...
543To 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...
544To 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...
545To 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...
546To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
547To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of 46 days from Nashville; I reached this Town, on the Morning of the 23rd. Instant;—during the Voyge, I experienced no misfortune; and Mrs. Claiborne ; myself; and family enjoyed good health. The Affairs of this District, are greatly confused; in a Word, Anarchy is (nearly) the order of the day:—The restoration of Good Order; and regular Government will be an arduous Work; and...
548To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
549To 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...
550To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that I have remained thus long from my Post; But it really was not in my power sooner to have left Tennessee;—On tomorrow however, I shall certainly take my departure for the Missisippi Territory:—The Western Waters are uncommonly low, and I anticipate a long Voyage, but the season of the year, is favorable, and if the health of myself, and family should be preserved, my passage...