51To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 12th Instant, acknowledged the receipt of your agreeable favours of the 17th & 18th of July;—Since which I have turned my attention, to the several subjects embraced in Queries relative to Louisiana, and I now lay before you, the result of my inquiries and reflections— 1st. What are the best Maps general or particular of the whole or parts of the Province? Copies of them if to...
52To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has reason to believe “that much of the vacant Land in Louisiana, will be covered by fraudulent grants” before the U.S. takes possession. Don Joseph Vidal, commander of the Spanish post across the river from Natchez, “manifests great solicitude” that his friends in the Mississippi Territory “should possess themselves of Lands in his vicinity .” Has learned...
53To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I persuade myself that my letters of the 12th and 24th of August, have reached you in safety. I have not yet been enabled to procure Romane’s map of Louisiana, and I fear the Geographical sketches which were promised me, by a Gentleman residing at Nachitoches on the Red River will not be forwarded. This Gentleman is a Doctor Sibly, formerly of North Carolina, and a man of good general...
54To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Advised JM in his letter of 7 Sept. that citizens of the Mississippi Territory were surveying lands west of the Mississippi River “with a view … to obtain fraudulent Titles” from Spain. Encloses a copy of his letter to Clark on this subject and Clark’s answer. “It seems that Captain Vidal has no authority to grant Lands or even to authorise a Location, but...
55To 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...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About 20 minutes since, I received a Letter from my friend Docter Sibley, enclosing me a Map of the Country West of the Mississippi, which I hasten to forward to you:—The Doctor’s Letter contains much useful Information, & therefore I have taken the liberty to transmit it for your perusal & must beg you to receive it in confidence.— The Northern Mail is now closing, and the Post-Master allows...
57To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
On last evening, I received by the express Mail, your Letter of the 31st. Ultimo, together with its several enclosures. The Appointments with which I have been honored by the President demand from me, the warmest expressions of Gratitude. Impressed as I am with the importance of our newly acquired Territories to the Glory and permanent Interest of my Country, I cannot express to you, the...
58To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1803, Natchez. “Shortly after closing my despatches of this morning I received the enclosed letter from Mr Clarke to which I returned an answer, a copy of which is likewise enclosed.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 2); letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 13). RC 1 p.; printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed.,...
59To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
Captain Turner, the commanding officer at Fort Adams has just arrived. He tells me that by letters from General Wilkinson dated at Pensacola on the 27th of last month, he learns that in three days the General was to set out from that place by the way of New Orleans for Fort Adams, and would probably arrive there on to morrow. Captain Turner adds that all the troops at Fort Adams in sufficient...
60To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 November 1803, Natchez. “I have certain information that on the 11th Instant General Wilkinson left Fort St Stephens for Mobile from whence by the way of the Lakes he would proceed to New Orleans and thence to Fort Adams, where his arrival may be soon expected. To my dispatches to the Prefect and Mr. Clark (copies of which I transmitted to you by the last Mail) I have not yet received...