4141To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 August 1805, New Orleans . “Mr. Moralis has at length acceeded to my wishes, And given an assurance in writing, that ‘during his residence in this Territory no further Sales of Lands west of the Perdido shall be made by him’; nor will ‘he complete the Titles for Land heretofore contracted for under the Spanish Government, and which lie within the Limits...
4142To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 October 1805, New Orleans. “The Marquis of Casa Calvo has communicated to me his intention of passing by way of the Bayou Laforche and the River Tache to the Sea, and from thence to the Mouth of the Sabine, which River he proposes to ascend as far as the Old Post of Adais. In making this excursion, the Marquis states that he has two objects in view; the one,...
4143To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, New Orleans. “I received on last evening a letter from Governor Folch of Pensacola, of which the enclosed No. 1 is a translation, and returned on this morning, an answer, of which the enclosure No. 2. is a copy. I was much disposed to have answered Governor Folch’s letter with some asperity, but thinking that, a Conciliatory Style, would be more agreeable to the Executive, I...
4144To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now in the County of Acadia and my Indisposition having assumed a more serious aspect, I shall avail myself of the hospitality of Mr. Barranger, and continue with him, until my fever (which is still slight) shall have left me. Mr. Barrangers farm is in a high state of cultivation, & his Improvements greatly surpass those of any other Citizen; his house is commodious; built of brick, and...
4145To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, New Orleans. “Last Sunday I made a visit to the Convent in this City and was received by the Nuns with every mark of respect. “To an affectionate and complimentary Address, which was presented me, I returned an answer a Copy of which is enclosed. “I am much pleased with this institution; the Nuns have uniformly supported the most amiable character and the education of female...
4146To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 December 1802, “ Near Natchez .” The legislature met at Washington [Mississippi Territory] on 5 Dec. Encloses a copy of the address he delivered on 8 Dec. to an assembly of both houses “together with the answers returned.” David Ker received his commission “by the last mail” and has undertaken his official duties. Ker’s appointment has satisfied “ a great portion ” of the citizenry, and he...
4147To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 24 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
C. Claiborne. 24 March 1805, New Orleans . “The disposition on the part of the Catholicks of this Territory (which I mentioned in my last Letter) to assume the prerogative of electing their own Priests, is extending itself. On yesterday, I was informed by the Civil Commandant of the District of St: Bernard, that a Priest who had been superseded by the Vicar General, had assaulted his Successor...
4148To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Finding Mrs. Claiborne’s Health much impaired, and being apprehensive that a residence here during the summer might, endanger her life, I propose leaving this City (with my family) for the Mississippi Territory in the course of the Day. I shall myself continue in the vicinity of Natchez for four or five Days only, & expect to return to New Orleans on or before the 20th. August. I am not yet...
4149To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1804, New Orleans. “The inflam’atory address (enclosed you in my letter of the 8th. instant) is very generally censured, and I have been requested by a number of respectable citizens to offer a reward for the discovery of this incendiary and (when discovered) to punish him with severity. Lest however, a consequence might be attached to this unimportant affair both here and in the...
4150To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a communication, which I have this Day received from the Commandant of the District of Nachitoches. I fear some of the Indian Tribes West of the Missisippi are disposed to be troublesome, and if as is stated, they are encouraged by the Spaniards to war against the U. States, there is no doubt, but the Lives and property of the Citizens on our...
4151To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 13th. of last Month, I had the honor to receive, on the 1st. Instant, accompanied with a Letter from the Secretary of State, enclosing me a Commission, as Governor of the Mississippi Territory.—I acknowledge with Gratitude, my Obligations to you, for this high proof of Confidence and Esteem, and, I trust, that every Act of my public Life, will evince my great...
4152To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive yours of the 18th. of March, covering the complaint of M. Baudin , whose goods were siezed in execution at the suit of M. Labie; and I pray you to accept my thanks for this additional proof of the confidence which you are pleased to repose in me. I have already announced to the Department of State the establishment of a Court for the dispatch of Judicial business in...
4153To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A few Days ago, near 300 Spanish Troops were embarked for Pensacula; about 70 Spanish Soldiers are yet in this City & between 12 & 16 officers; the former it is said will be removed in a short time and many of the latter contemplate resigning and settling in Louisiana. The Liberality of Congress in extending Register to Vessels owned by Citizens of Louisiana, has given great satisfaction, &...
4154To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “The embarrassment of our trade at N: Orleans, still continues, private letters state, that American produce may be landed by paying a duty of 6 pCent, but not otherwise.” Encloses an extract in Spanish [not found] from the intendant’s proclamation, as “the translation, which was sent you is sufficiently faithful, but does not possess the strength of the...
4155To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1804, New Orleans. “In my letter of the 24th. of January I mentioned the agitation in the public mind which the case of St. Julien (on a charge of murder) had occasioned here, and the line of conduct I had pursued. I now enclose the translation of a late letter to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo on this subject (No. 1), and a copy of my answer (No. 2.). A copy of the Prefect’s...
4156To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 12 November 1805, New Orleans. “Since my letter of the 5. instant, I have received further intelligence of the progress of the Marquis of Casa Calvo. He is said to have arrived at the Sea-shore, and proposed prosecuting his voyage to the mouth of the Sabine, and from thence to the old Post of Adais. “The Marquis is stated to have taken with him an assortment of...
4157To 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...
4158To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place two Days since, & had intended to pass in this vicinity a Week or 10 Days;—But finding from the Northern papers the hostile aspect of our Affairs with Great Britain, and supposing it possible , that my presence in New-Orleans may be necessary, I shall, without delay, repair to my post. The late Act of British Aggression has excited in this Territory the same feeling...
4159To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Doctor Lattimore , having it in contemplation to pass thro’ Albermarle, on his way to the Seat of Government, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance;—You will find the Doctor a well informed, modest man—his political principles are purely republican, and his firmness may be relied upon.— I will refer you to Doctor Lattimore for the State of Affairs in this...
4160To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The mail due on last evening from the northward arrived, but brought me no official dispatches. I fear the post has become an uncertain conveyance, and under this impression I shall cause duplicate copies to be taken of all my official communications to you, and will forward them by Mr. Isaac Briggs, who will leave this city for the seat of Government in two or three days. No unpleasant event...
4161To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1804, New Orleans. “On last evening I had the Honour to receive your Letters of the 6th of February and 2nd of April. The delay of the first I cannot account for, nor do I know what has become of the communication to General Wilkinson and myself, which was said to be enclosed therein. On opening the Packet the Letter referred to was missing. This induced me to examine the Wafers, there...
4162To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 January 1806, New Orleans. “The enclosure No. 1, is a copy of a petition from sundry Merchants of this City—stating—that a considerable debt is due to them by His Catholic Majesty, and praying that Mr. Morales might be permitted to leave in this City an Agent ‘for the purpose of settling the remaining accounts of the Spanish Treasury with the Inhabitants of...
4163To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 1 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
1 April 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you an Answer to Mr. Walsh’s Pastoral Letter by Colonel Bellechasse. Neither the Letter or answer is yet in circulation, but I learn both will be distributed in a few days. This religious contest at present occupies much of the public attention!” Adds in a postscript: “The Post from the Northward continues irregular; we were much disappointed in not...
4164To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 June 1804, New Orleans. “On yesterday James Pitot and Edward Livingston attended at my office and handed me, the communication, which is herein enclosed; After perusing the same, I replied verbally, that, ‘the people had a right peaceably to assemble together for the purpose of remonstrating against grievances; but it became those who produced such assemblages to be watchful of the public...
4165To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, with Jefferson’s Note, 29 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter I have understood, that a half section of vacant land might probably be located adjacent to this City, and immediately bordering on the Canal of Carondelet. This land lies low and is often covered with water, but I learn it might easily be reclaimed, and there can be no question but it will soon become valuable. The public property in New-Orleans is considerable, and would...
4166To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a Resolution which has been proposed in the Legislative Council. The Guard alluded to, says the Marquis of Casa Calvo, consists of a Corporal and three men, and is a part of a guard assigned to accompany him on the Line of Demarcation, and that he is appointed a Commissioner of Limits &c. “The Marquis has been requested by me to discontinue his...
4167To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 July 1805, New Orleans. “In obedience to the Law providing for the further Government of the Territory of Orleans, I have laid out the Same into convenient Election Districts, and apportioned the representatives to the number of twenty five among the several Counties. A Copy of my Proclamation upon this Subject and of my circular Letter to the Officers named...
4168To 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...
4169To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 March 1806, New Orleans. “On the 24. instant, the House of Assembly formed a Quorum; and on the following day I delivered to them an Address, of which the inclosed is a Copy. “I am anxious to learn the real state of affairs between the United States, and foreign nations—and particularly so, as it relates to Spain. The free navigation of the Mobile, by...
4170To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 January 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Reports that he received JM’s 29 Nov. 1802 letter with its enclosures on 10 Jan. and forwarded the letter to Hũlings by hired express. “I presume it has by this time reached him.” “At the date of the last advices from New Orleans, that post continues shut to the American deposit, and it was not understood that the Intendant was likely to revoke his decree. I...