1Richard Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 29 [August] 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Within 2 or 3 days of each other, I received your friendly favor of the 10 th of May last , and one from the Marquis De Lafayette . Such a working of feelings as took place within my breast, at the occurrence, you may very well imagine. Reflecting too that we were among the few remaining characters of old revolutionary times, I was filled with a serious degree of melancholy. But providence...
2Richard Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 4 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I greet you on this memorable day. Rejoicing cannon are roaring like peals of thunder, and patriot citizens singing Tedeum in all the churches. I wish the author of the declaration of Independence, and the political father of Louisiana were here to enjoy the Scene. But he rests from his labors, and receives the praises of mankind. Steam Boats, Sir, which have been my dreams and my thoughts for...
3To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 31 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
This day Governor Claiborne has drawn on you in my favor for one hundred and fifty dollars, founded on the inclosed a/c and voucher. The Governor is led to exhibit the demand to the Department of State, from the nature of the case, and because the appropriation by the U. S. for this Territory is otherwise expended. Printed Source--Dunbar Rowland, ed. Official Letter Books of W. C. C....
4To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 31 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Territory not having returned from the US, in his behalf I have the honor to inclose returns of the Governor’s Official and Executive Acts for the Six months ending this day, towit: No. 1, Pardon of Mariano Rocha, 2, do of Lukin Knowle, 3, do of Anselm Roman, 4, do of Robert Armstrong, 5, Proclamation, 6, Writ of Election, 7, Contract with Cowles Mead, 8, Militia...
5To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 5 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 5 September 1806, New Orleans. “1/2 past 11 oclock.” “I waited to the last moment for the Post to inform you if any news had arrived from Nachetoches or from Governor Claiborne, but none has come to hand from either. “The inhabitants of this City continue to enjoy perfect health—but feel a little uneasy at the situation of things—we however hope that nothing...
6To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 29 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 29 August 1806, New Orleans. “It is now within a few minutes when letters must go to the Post office, that I have waited to give you some information from Nachitoches, in case any should arrive; but no dispatches are received from Governor claiborne, nor do we hear any thing more of the Governor of Tazus and his 900 men. “The City of New Orleans is in perfect...
7To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 27 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 27 August 1806, New Orleans. “In the absence of Governor Claiborne, I forward to you a copy of the Laws of the 1st. Session of the Legislature of the Territory of Orleans.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 8). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner.
8To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 27 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In the absence of Governor Claiborne, I forward to you a copy of the Laws of the 1st. Session of the Legislature of the Territory of Orleans. I have the honor to be, Sir, your mo. hble Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 10 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 10 July 1806, New Orleans. “Governor Claiborne, as you will be informed by his communications, being absent from this City, I have thought it proper to acquaint you that no dispatches, by the Mail of to-day, have arrived from either Branch of the Government of the United states; by which intimation, you will be able to ascertain whether there have been any delays by...
10To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 10 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 10 July 1806, New Orleans, “1/2 past 6, PM.” “Having just recd. a letter to Governor Claiborne from Mr. Vincent Grey at Havana, dated the 30. June, I send you an extract from it, which perhaps may be necessary for you to Know. “‘The Marquis Casa Calvo and his Son arrived here from Pensacola on monday last, and will sail from hence on tomorrow evening on board the Ship...
11To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 30 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 30 June 1806, New Orleans. “Acting for the Secretary of the Territory of Orleans, I have the honor to inclose to you the following Returns: “‘Civil appointments by Governor claiborne, from the 1. day of January 1806, to the 30. June 1806’: “‘Pardons and Proclamations by Governor claiborne from 1. Jany 1806, to 30. June 1806’: “⟨‘⟩Return of the officers of the militia...
12To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 6 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 6 March 1806, New Orleans. “In virtue of a Resolution of the City Council, certain improvements have been made to the Streets—and it was directed, that the expense attending the same should be defrayed by the respective Owners of Lots. The street in front of the Government House has been improved as directed by the City Council; and I am this day presented with an...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 14 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Generous motives, and impulses of sentiment in one person towards another who is susceptible of like virtues, renders apology for intrusions unnecessary. Since I have been here,—when intervals from public business would permit me—and they have been few indeed—I have employed those intervals in the execution of two objects—towit: a short biographical & geographical account of this part of our...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Prompted by considerations as are thought to be of importance, and encouraged by the situation of the public business, in which they are concerned—Commissioner Williams , and surveyor General Briggs , go to make some communications to Government, which it is believed will be useful. From the more deliberate and confidential conversation of these Gentlemen, than by writing,—you will be better...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 14 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take a pleasure in informing you that my experiments here, of the Duck’s Foot Paddle , as far as the single stroke, have been attended with entire success,—and I am about to experience the contributions of my acquaintances and other gentlemen of Alexandria, to enable me to prosecute the invention to the double stroke. In the mean time I have another machine going on under the patronage of...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 12 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In justice to the favor you rendered me towards prosecuting my invention for propelling boats, I take occasion to inform you, that, after deliberate and correct experiments—(done however with imperfect works, and yet intended to be improved, and altered, even as to mode ) I find the effect by hand, with the single stroke only, to justify the expected utility of the highest power that can be...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 22 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The success of my experiments has been such as to induce me to publish my invention , as you will see in the newspapers. I conceive that I have made a considerable improvement as to the Flaps in simplifying them, and in increasing their effect by accelerating the power applied. I have besides, invented a method of working the setting poles, to be operated in conjunction with the paddles, or...
18From Richard Claiborne to John Adams, 29 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Richard Claiborne Respectfully Sheweth That Your memorialist conceiving that very great benefit will result to the United States by encouraging the introduction of the useful arts from abroad—and perceiving, that, according to the present patent Law, inventions or discoveries, are confined to Citizens of the United States only—Your memorialist respectfully prays that Congress...
19From Richard Claiborne to John Adams, 26 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Rd. Claiborne Respectfully sheweth That your Memorialist—conceiving that very great honour and utility will result to these States from facilitating the introduction of Machines and Manufactories from abroad—begs leave to pray of your honorable House to pass a Law authorising the Importation of Inventions—and allowing to Original Importers a certain privilege in proportion to...
20To George Washington from Richard Claiborne, 16 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the conversation I had the honour to have with Your Excellency the other morning—and the permission you were pleased to give me of making my communications to you—I have the satisfaction to inform you that the mechanical Concern in which I am engaged in Philadelphia—will undertake to effect the Canal and the Locks on the Potomac River, and the watering of the Federal City,...
21To George Washington from Richard Claiborne, 23 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The 10. June last, I took the liberty of writing to Your Excellency, which Letter, I trust, you will have received. I am induced again to trouble Your Excellency, upon an occurrence of a public nature, which relates to the United States of America. A few days ago, a Captain Watson, commanding a Ship from New York, was informed against, by one of the Custom house officers of London, and the...
22To George Washington from Richard Claiborne, 10 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will, no doubt, be a little surprized, at receiving a Letter with my Signature—but when the motives which induce me to trouble you, are considered, I trust you will not deem it an improper intrusion. I beg leave to offer Your Excellency my sincerest congratulation on the lately adopted Federal Constitution in the United States. My earnest prayer to Heaven is, that it may give...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 9 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the liberty I took of writing to your Excellency last I have been informed, that you are about to return to America. It is with sincerity that I offer you my best wishes, and I hope that you and your Family, may experience good health, and a safe and pleasant passage. I take infinite pleasure in congratulating you upon the lately adopted Federal Constitution, and hope you will find it...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days since, I took the liberty of writing to your Excellency respecting Colonel Blackden, since which I have received a letter from that Gentleman, and which I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you, would have prevented my writing the Letter I did, had it arrived sooner. There is no one who is more tenacious respecting a man’s character, than I am, and I only wish that the more...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 16 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 16 Dec. 1788. Asks for information about Col. Samuel Blackden; has not heard from Blackden since 15 Oct. although he has written him repeatedly and pressingly. Blackden is entrusted with the sale of some of Claiborne’s lands; he himself has to return to Virginia and asks TJ to inform him, before his departure, of “anything of Colonel Blackden and his transactions since the sale he made...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 4 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 4 July 1788 . Introducing a Mr. Cole, to whom he has mentioned his lands in Virginia and his aim as to sales or settlements, “and as he is a residenter, of large property in Germany, from which Country it was the advice of Your Excellency to me to procure Settlers,” Claiborne would be glad to have TJ give Cole his “general sentiments” on such property—his lands are in “Monongalia,...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 17 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received a letter from Mr. L’Ormerie, respecting the Tract or parcel of Land, sold to him by Colonel Saml. Blackden, on which subject, he informed me he had spoken to you, and I have answered him this day, which reply he will no doubt show you. I have to express to your Excellency that I will chearfully subscribe to any thing that may do justice, and give satisfaction to Mr. L’Ormerie,...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 2 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 2 Oct. 1787 . Thanks TJ for his letter of 8 Aug. and the “paper which was inclosed, specifying the substance of Colo. Blackden’s transaction with Mr. De L’Ormiere”; has not heard from Blackden for two months and does not know the addresses of Appleton and Barrett, to whom TJ referred him; encloses a letter for Blackden and has sent a duplicate to Amsterdam. Has acquired a property in...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 11 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 1. Inst. for which I thank you with much sincerity. I am in Corrispondence with Colonel Blackden, who is in Amsterdam, so that I hope to trouble your Excellency no more on that score. I have no doubt it will be considered that I meant no injury to the Colonel, but only acted in the exigency as others would have done. I trust that things will be...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 21 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to Give your Excellency trouble, which I have done in one or two late instances, and particularly so now, as it is on an occasion of a peculiar nature. I write in a confidential manner, meaning nothing further for the present than a private communication; as it relates to a subject in which my interest is materially involved, and yet I mean no further promulgation of the matter than...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I went this morning to a Book-binder to purchase the notes of Your Excellency on the State of Virginia, but was informed by the Gentleman, that the Book was not published, as it was waiting for a map which was to be prefixed to it, and I am to call in the course of a fortnight or 3 weeks. I have taken the liberty to avail myself of the early part of this interval to mention a circumstance...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, with Enclosure, 9 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to trouble your Excellency on a subject which is of material consequence to me. Colonel Blackden, no doubt, informed you of my being the proprietor of Lands in the western country of Virginia; of which he had some for sale while he was in France, tho they turned out short of my expectations. I have therefore applied my thoughts to another system, which there is a greater certainty...
33To George Washington from Richard Claiborne, 17 November 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Richard Claiborne, 17 Nov. 1784. On 15 Dec. GW wrote to Claiborne : “I have received your letter of the 17th ulto.”
34To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 20 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The total disappointment which I have met with in support from Philadelphia obliges me to repeat to your Excellency that my sole dependance is upon the Treasury of this State for money for the Quarter Masters department. I can affirm to your Excellency that œconomy has been used in expending what I have received and that none has been disbursed except in cases of the most necessary nature; but...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 19 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Major General Baron de Steuben has made a requisition for twelve Wagons, with teams, harness, and drivers complete, to attend his detachment to the Southern Army. As it is totally out of my power to procure them to go further than the verge of the State, I beg leave to ask your Excellency for advice and authority in the case. The only step which I could take of myself in the matter would be to...
36From Richard Claiborne, enclosing a List of Articles to be Furnished to Steuben and Lafayette, 18 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency a Memorandum of what Major General the Marquis de la Fayette and Major General the Baron de Steuben have required of me and the Stated periods for their delivery. As the resource from which I have derived my support ever since I have been in the department is the only one to which I can have recourse in this matter I beg leave to trouble your Excellency for the aid...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from William Claiborne, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 May 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from William Claiborne, “one of the Gentlemen employed to purchase horses for the use of the Continent, by order of the Marquis”; and inquiring how and when the money will be advanced. Extract of a letter from Mr. William Claiborne dated 3d. May 1781 “In the Marquis’s letter to you I observe he says that the Governor has given his promise...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
This day the Marquis de la Fayette has given me orders to purchase Sixty good horses for Continental Service, to mount Major Nelsons Corps, and the Field Officers of the Continental detachment from the Northward. I have employed Gentlemen for this purpose, and given them very pointed instructions. In consequence they assure me that the business shall be done without delay; and, that the horses...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from Joseph Holmes, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency an Extract of a letter which I have just received from Captain Holmes, who is the Assistant Deputy Quarter Master at Petersburg. In such cases as this, I beg leave to ask, what I am to do? I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, Humble Servant, “It is with much concern I tell you, all my workmen have quit me on account of their not being exempt...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Brown informed Mr. Parks, that Mr. Hay of this town, sent down to Captain Charles Thomas at Warwick four hundred Gallons of Oil; As the Continental Commissary of Hides has not any, will your Excellency be pleased to direct Capt. Thomas to lend us a little for a Short time; as Mr. Marks is gone to Philadelphia respecting his department, and will furnish himself so as to be able to return...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 13 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 13 Apr. 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from Mr. Young at Fredericksburg. “He mentions nothing of my letter respecting the Waggons to be ready for the Stores that are to come from the Marquis.” RC ( Vi ); 3 p., including enclosure; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed; endorsed in part: “April 14th 1781” (date of receipt?). Enclosure (filed with the letter in Vi...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency an extract of a letter which I have received from Major General Baron Steuben respecting the horses at Petersburg. These are the horses that have been impressed and purchased for the late expedition against Portsmouth and have been collected agreable to the Baron’s orders. Some of the owners are willing to take them back and give up their...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the extract from the Marquis’s letter respecting Wagons to transport ammunition, with an order affixed from your Excellency to take Measures to answer the demand. However easy it was for your Excellency to Issue such an order, the business is attended with so many difficulties that I am very fearful it will not be in my power to comply with it; I beg leave to recommend to your...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 6 Apr. 1781 . Gratefully acknowledges receipt of a warrant “for two Millions of Pounds”; gives assurance that “every method will be taken to dispose of the money with the greatest œconomy and Justice.” RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; addressed and endorsed. Printed in CVSP Calendar of Virginia State Papers … Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond , ii , 14.
45To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The great demands which are made upon me for things to be furnished from this department, both for the Southern Army, and the Troops within this State, alarm me more and more, as I have Not the means to answer any purpose whatsoever. I am called upon by the Commissary General of Purchases, and the Commissary General of Military Stores for Wagons and horses daily, to transport their Stores, and...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have looked over my estimates, which I transmitted some time since to the Assistant Quarter Master General, and find that they Amount to Two hundred and thirty eight thousand, one hundred and twenty eight Pounds, five Shillings, Specie or other money equivalent; This is for Supplies required for the Southern Army, The Pay of Persons employed, Waggon hire and contingent expenses in this State...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday I received an order from Major General Baron Stuben, to immediately get ready Saddles and Accoutrements for 300 horses; also to lay in a large Magazine of Forage at Petersburg. As this Business cannot by any means in my possession be effected I beg leave to entreat your Excellency again for a Warrant on the Treasury for the sum you mean to appropriate to my department. Money is...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Excellencys directions about returning the horses and boats which have been impressed for the expedition against Portsmouth. It gives me concern to say that the thing is very impracticable. In the first place there is nothing obligatory upon the impressors to return the horses or Boats and money will not induce them to undertake the business. In the next place, the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The great demands which are made upon me of late for the purchasing department under my direction, obliges me to beg your Excellency for a Warrant on the Treasury for the sum which is to be appropriated for the purpose of the said department, of the late emission of the Assembly. I have lately received an appointment of Quarter Master for the Troops in Continental service in this state. This...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency an extract of a letter from Colonel Carrington to me dated the 19th. Instant at the Southern Army, respecting the Wagons to come from the different Counties in this State. Frequent representations of one thing, I have no doubt, is disagreable to your Excellency, but the duty which I owe to my Country and to my office, compel me to it. I beg...