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, 16 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last Mail I received your Letter of the 28th. of October, and was happy to learn your determination to appoint Mr. Brown the Successor of my friend Trist. I have particularly observed the Conduct of Mr. Brown in public and private Life, and I doubt not but he will continue to merit your Esteem and Confidence.—The family of my departed friend are in the enjoyment of health, and I am...
53To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On yesterday in this City, there was great rejoicing—The Citizens generally evinced a grateful recollection of the period which annexed Louisiana to the United States, & thro’ out the Day there was a degree of harmony which afforded me singular pleasure.—The paper enclosed will give you some account of the particulars.—You may be assured Sir, that the great body of this people, are becoming...
54To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On this morning, (accompanied by the Mayor of the City Mr Petot) I visited the ground adjacent to the Canal of Carondulet, and find the Land low, and in some parts subject to be overflowed;—But my impression is, that the whole may easily be reclaimed, and will soon be valuable.— The commons of the City as explained by the Mayor, and as he said, were defined in a Grant issued by a french...
55To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a plan of the City of New-Orleans. It will shew you the situation and extent of the commons claimed by the City, and also of the vacant Land on the Canal of Carondulet, which I alluded to in my Letter of yesterday. I am Dr Sir, With great respect Your faithful friend RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson President of the U. States”; endorsed by TJ as...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 2nd. Ultimo, together with its several enclosures.— Your Letter to Mr. Brown was immediately delivered;—that to Colonel Kirbey is returned to you, & whose death I presume you have by this time been informed of.— Mr. Brown has mentioned to me his Intention to decline serving either as Judge or Secretary; the Salary is not sufficient to support him comfortably,...
57To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have forwarded a Commission as Councillor to Doctor John Sibley; he is certainly a Man of Information, & is capable of making a good member of the Legislature. I must confess that I felt terror on seeing the Paragraph concerning the Doctor, which I enclosed you by the last Mail —My personal acquaintance with him is limited, but as an interesting Correspondent I had respected him, & formed an...
58To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately had but too much occasion to Solicit from your feelings a tribute of condolence for the private misfortunes which have marked my residence in this Country. Once more I have to resume the unfortunate recital by announcing to you the Death of my Brother in Law, and private Secretary, Mr. Micajah G. Lewis, who on Tuesday last, was killed in a Duel near this City. You have no doubt...
59William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me the honor to introduce to your acquaintance, M r Poidrass , the Delegate from Orleans to the Congress of the United States . M r Poidrass possesses a great share of the esteem and confidence of his fellow Citizens, and has uniformly used his influence in support of the measures of the General Government. As relates to this Territory, there is no one more interested in its welfare...
60William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 17 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Colo: Liblong late an Officer in the Spanish service, and one of the most respectable and Antient Inhabitants of this City, I have the honor to enclose for your acceptance, a Tragedy in manuscript, of which the Colonel is himself the Author.—I do not know, that this production as relates to the stile & manner, possesses any peculiar merit; But when we bear in mind, that the...
61William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Believing that the discussion which the question as to the right of property in the Batture in front of the Suburb S t Mary , has given rise to, will not be uninteresting to you, I have the pleasure to enclose M r Thierry’s Answer to M r Duponceau ’s last Pamphlet. With the best wishes for your Health & happiness— RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “M r
62William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your friendly note of the 30 th of November, enclosing a Letter to a Gentleman at the Arkansaw , which I immediately transmitted.— The Legislature of this Session Territory is now in session, and I have the honor to enclose for your perusal an address which I made to them a few days since.—You will excuse I hope Sir, the Liberty I propose to take with a Letter you did me the favour...
63William 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...
64William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 1 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In conformity to the request of the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans , I have the honor to transmit you certain Resolutions , expressive of their high sence of “your long, faithful & important public services,” & of their grateful recollection of your interference in the case of the Bature , the preservation of which as a Public Common, is considered...
65William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heard with great regret, that you should have been disturbed in your Retirement, by that restless and I fear most unprincipled man Edward Livingston . The Affair of the Batture , has assumed a Shape I had not anticipated; But whatever View of it may be taken, I feel assured (if the principles of immutable Justice should prevail) that the pretensions of Mr Livingston will be found...
66William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the Receipt of your favour of the Instant (which was handed me two days since), I addressed a Letter to the Mayor of New-Orleans , requesting him to Consult M r Moreau Lislet , as to the powers of the former Governors of Louisiana to remove persons who might intrude on the Batture ;— We know that an authority of the kind, was exercised by the
67William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In a Letter which I addressed to the Mayor of New-Orleans , under date of the 7 h Instant , I requested him “to ascertain the sums of money expended by the Corporation, since the 20 h of December 1803 , and to transmit an account of the same to you.” I have supposed, that this information might prove useful in the Trial of Livingston’s Suit, and therefore I wish it to be laid before your...
68William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you attested Copies of a Petition to Congress from sundry Inhabitants of Orleans , and also of certain Resolutions entered into by the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans upon the subject of the Batture . These Documents support all the facts on which you relied, in directing possession to be taken of the Batture by the Marshal...
69William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In a Letter from M r Mather Mayor of N w Orleans , under date of the 23 rd of July , he speaks of the request I had made of him, to inform me of the Authority under which the Spanish Governors removed the Intruders from the Batture , and he says— “I have taken the advised steps to procure the information desired; but shall not be able to get answers from Mesrs Blanque and Moreau Lislet before...
70William C.C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last Letter , I have made an agreeable Tour thro’ the Eastern States:—The encrease of population,—the progress of agriculture and manufactures—in a word, the prosperity of the Country, exceeded any thing, I had formed an idea of! The United States are in truth great and powerful, nor is there a Nation on earth, that has so much cause to approbate its Rulers.— Livingston , I learn, has...
71William 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...
72William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the Laws of this Territory, is are enforced in every part of the Territory directed to be occupied by the Presidents Proclamation of the 27 th of October , except a small District around the Town & Fort of Mobile ;—There a Spanish Force is stationed, and must remain undisturbed, until the further Orders of my Government. I hope however these orders, will...
73William 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...
74William 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...
75William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 14 th Instant , it has been deemed expedient to proceed against m r Livingston before the Parish court of New Orleans , by way of information , and of which a copy is herewith enclosed. M r
76To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The late Indian Agency which has been confered on Doctor John Sibly has occasioned an investigation of his private character, and I discover that it has received many injurious reproaches. Mr. Bradford the Editor of the Orleans Gazette has addressed to me a Letter upon the Subject, which I deem it a duty to lay before you, more especially since in some of my former Letters to you, I spoke...
77To 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...
78To 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...
79To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not until a few days ago receive your Letter of the 26th of March, and I pray you to be assured that its contents shall receive my careful attention. Mr. Briggs is now in this City, and in the Course of a few days the Location and Survey on the Canal of Carondelet, will be made under his immediate direction; and the result shall be transmitted to you without delay. I do not know, that on...
80To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Mr. Lafon is now engaged in surveying the Land on the Canal of Carondolet;—He supposes that about eight or nine Hundred acres may be had, nearly half of which he says is excellent Land, and not subject to be overflowed. Mr. Briggs has been very unwell, and could not in person attend the surveying— I am Dear Sir with great Respect Your faithful friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
81To 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...
82To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this Moment honerd with your Letter of the 26th. of May, and will reply particularly to it, by the Post next ensuing. The Mail arrived in a disordered State; many of the Letters were wet, (as was the packet directed to me) but I do not learn, that any were lost. Your Letter to Doctor Sibley, I shall forward to Nachitoches on Tomorrow.—The little animal mentioned in my Letter of the 6th is...
83To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last Mail I had time only to acknowledge the receipt of your agreeable favour of the 26th of May; but I now propose replying to it more particularly. There can indeed be no question of Doctor Sibley’s good sense and information, nor do I doubt his zeal for the Public Interest. Of the Private Character of the Doctor, I had no personal knowledge, but it having been attacked here with some...
84To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of the Answer of the Marquis of Casa Calvo to my Letter of the 11th. Instant, and to Subscribe myself— With great respect, Yo: faithful friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
85To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Articles sent you by Captain Lewis, left this City some Days ago; and were put on board the Ship Comet; they were addressed to the Care of the Collector at Baltimore; and he was requested to forward them by Land to the City of Washington. The Skins were carefully repacked, and the necessary measures taken to preserve them. The little Animal and the Birds were all well, and I sincerely hope...
86To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I left New Orleans on the 20th Ultimo, and reached this place on Yesterday;—on my Journey I was taken extreemly ill;—for seven days my Fevers were incessant and my Death was esteemed a probable event. But it has pleased God to prolong my life, and I now feel as if my Health would soon be restored.—I left New Orleans with a view of visiting the several Counties, and assisting personally in...
87To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor a few days since, to receive your Letter of the 10th of July, and its contents shall engage my early attention. By the ensuing Mail therefore, I shall forward you a list of the Buildings (the property of the United States) in this City, together with my opinion as “to the best distribution to be made of them”.— I learn thro the Medium of the News papers, that a Peace...
88To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Office of Surveyor for this Port, having become vacant by the Death of Mr. Andrew Porter, I take the liberty to recommend to you as his Successor Mr. Peter L. B. Duplessis. This Gentleman is a Native Citizen of the United States, and Speaks the French Language in great purity. He was formerly in the employ of my Deceased friend H. B. Trist, who often Spoke of him to me in the most...
89To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the Request contained in your Letter of the 10th of July, I now have the Honor to enclose you a Statement of the Buildings in this City, “which devolved on the United States,” together with my opinion “of the best distribution to be made of them.—The Government House I presume ought as heretofore to be appropriated for the accommodation of the Executive, and that convenient...
90To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Of late there has been a defference between the Mayor of this City, and the officer commanding the Troops: The correspondence which ensued, I now have the Honor to enclose You, in conformity to the particular request of the Mayor , who is desirous that his conduct on the occasion should be known to you.— My official Letters to the Secretary of State, will acquaint you with the state of things...
91To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter, I have made with Colonel Freeman an arrangement concerning the regular Guards, which I trust will put an end to those complaints heretofore exhibited by the Citizens. The troops stationed here, have I believe conducted themselves as well as an army ever did similarly situated; but it is impossible for any Commander to maintain Discipline among men posted in a City , where...
92To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a List of the Gentlemen recommended by the House of Representatives of this Territory, as legislative Councillors. Messrs. Mc.Carty and Bellechasse possess a great share of the public confidence, and are unquestionably, very honest, good men,—they each hold Commissions as Colonels in the militia, and I have every reason to believe them well disposed to the...
93To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a duplicate copy of my letter of the 13. Instant. The Citizens recommended as Councillors are, for the most part, men of Talents and Integrity; indeed, with the exception of Mr. Jones, there is not one whose appointment would give me regret; but having witnessed the unfriendly disposition of this Gentleman to the American Government, I should be sorry to see him...
94To 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)...
95To 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...
96To 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...
97To 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...
98To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg you to receive—accompanied with my warm respects—a Treatise written on the Criminal Laws of this Territory. I have the honor to be Your sincere friend— Major Rd. Claiborne takes this opportunity of sending his old and continued affection to Mr. Jefferson. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
99To 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...
100To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 16. of January; and its enclosure has been delivered to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I have also received from the department of State, Commissions for four members of the Council; the fifth member is not yet notified to me—but I trust his Commission will arrive previous to the meeting of the Legislature, which will be on the...