Thomas Jefferson Papers
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To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 November 1804

From William C. C. Claiborne

New-Orleans November 4th. 1804

Dear Sir,

Governor Folch is now in this City, and was received by me with respectful Attention. On this morning accompanied by my Militia Officers, I waited upon the Marquis of Casa Calvo; visited with him the Cathedral Church, and assisted at high Mass.—This day is the feast of St. Carlos, and with a view of testifying my respect for his Catholic Majesty so long as my Country shall be in Peace with him, I have on this occasion treated his Officers here, with singular marks of respect.—I dine with the Marquis to Day, and on Tuesday next, I shall in return, give to the Marquis and to Governor Folch as splendid a Dinner as my resources will permit. My Letters to the Secretary of State will acquaint you of my prospects for the formation of a Council, and also of the unpleasant State of things at Nachitoches.

I think it would be advisable to hold a Conference with the Caddo Indians, and such other Tribes west of the Missisippi as could conveniently be assembled at Nachitoches; It is probable that the happiest results might attend such a Conference. If you should direct this Measure, (and should honor me with the Mission,) I would repair with pleasure to Nachitoches, & use every effort in my power to acquire & perpetuate the friendship of these Indians for the U. States.

I believe the Fever has entirely abated in this City, and Industry & Commerce seem to have revived.—

I still sincerely hope for an honorable & advantageous adjustment of our Differences with Spain; But whatever may be the result, I doubt not but our Government will find her Citizens united, & to them may safely be confided the support of our Country’s Claims.

I pray God to preserve you in health & happiness!

I have the honor to be Sir, Very respectfully Yo: Mo: Obt. Servt & faithful friend!

William C. C. Claiborne

RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson President of the U. States”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 Dec. and so recorded in SJL.

State of things at Nachitoches: in his most recent dispatch to Madison, dated 3 Nov., Claiborne enclosed copies of several communications regarding tensions at Natchitoches, particularly allegations that Spanish authorities at Nacogdoches were promoting desertion and rebellion among American-held slaves and that Spanish subjects were encouraging Indians in U.S. territory “to the commission of outrages.” Claiborne asked Casa Calvo to use his influence to prevent the Spanish commander at Nacogdoches, José Joachín Ugarte, from offering refuge to escaped slaves and to urge the governor of Texas to restrain his administration from “all acts of aggression or injury” toward American citizens (Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser., 8:254-5; John Sibley to TJ, 2 Sep.).

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