101To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I continue confined to my room, and experience considerable pain—but the wound now suppurates profusely and my Surgeon gives me reason to believe that in 3 weeks I shall be enabled to walk—I fear however that the warmth of the weather will considerably retard my recovery. The business of my office will meet with no derangement by my present confinement—My private Secretary makes out under my...
102To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My feelings have led me to an act which I fear may subject me to your censure. I was engaged on the 8th. instant in a Duel with Mr. Daniel Clark. The affair took place within the Florida line, and at the first fire, I received a ball which passed through my right thigh about ten inches below the hip, and made a considerable contusion in my left. Fortunately the bone was not injured, and altho’...
103To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Clark has arrived, and every exertion is making to induce him, to take a violent part against the late proceedings here; A splendid Dinner has been given him, at which Edward Livingston presided as President, assisted by Mr Phil: Jones, and Mr. Ross a dismissed Sheriff.—Among the Guests were, the Judges of the Superior Court, and James Workman late Judge of the County of Orleans; The...
104To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your letter of the 21. of March, inclosing a copy of an act of Congress which authorizes the President to accept of such Company or Companies of Volunteers, not exceeding 30,000, as shall make a tender of service. The present state of things on the western side of the Mississippi, as far as I am advised, authorizes a hope that no difficulty will shortly...
105To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
When a Secretary for this Territory shall have been named, and entered on the duties of his office, I trust my temporary absence may be permitted;—I could wish to proceed direct to the U. States; but if Mrs. Claiborne’s present State of health, should continue, it would be my desire, to call either at Pensacola, or the Havannah.— If a Citizen of this Territory, should be appointed Secretary, I...
106To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 3d. instant, I am completely disappointed in my contemplated visit to the United States; I had made all the arrangements for my departure, and even taken my passage—when the unexpected summons for Mr. Graham, as a witness in Burr’s trial, rendered my continuance in the Territory indispensible. I regret the disappointment the more on account of the ill health of Mrs....
107To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 3rd. of February last. Mr. Reibelt was illy fitted for the Management of Indians, & he might himself to be pleased with the Change. I have recently appointed Mr. Reibelt Parish Judge for the Parish of Avoyelle in this Territory; An Office which is respectable, & which will give him six or seven hundred Dollars per...
108To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you, a copy of Some Resolutions which have been adopted by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of this Territory, in consequence of my message of the 10th. Instant. You will perceive by these documents, that the power of suspending the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, is supposed not be vested in the Territorial Legislature; an opinion which...
109To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Hopkins was charged with public Despatches (of great importance) to the Secretary of State, and I trust will have safely delivered them, when he presents you with this Letter.— Mr. Hopkins is desirous of obtaining a Commission in the Army of the U. States; He is a young Man of amiable disposition, correct habits, and good Judgment—I can venture, therefore to recommend him to...
110To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Communications of yesterday to the Secretary of State, will acquaint you of the unpleasant aspect of Affairs in this quarter.— I persuade myself, that the danger from within will not prove as serious as is apprehended;—But whatever difficulties may arise, you may rely with Confidence, on my best exertions for the defence of my Country and Government. General Wilkinson is of...
111To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 10th of July reached New-Orleans, during my late absence from that City, and was not received by me, until my return from Nachitoches. This circumstance will I hope, plead my apology for the delay of my answer. Your Letter to Mr. Reibelt has been delivered; that gentleman (with his family) is now in this City—I have not yet seen his Lady, but she is spoken of as a...
112To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 October 1806. “Mr, Graham is not arrived; but I expect the pleasure of seeing him early the next winter. I have no doubt but the Spaniards have recros[s]ed the Sabine; this Movement however has proceeded from the present debilitated State of their forces, & ought not to be viewed as evidence of a pacific disposition. “I should indeed be happy to visit the...
113To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 October 1806, New Orleans. “I returned to this City on the Evening of the 6th Instant, and am happy to believe that the Public Interest has sustained no injury by my long absence. My Private Secretary Major Richard Claiborne who had charge of the Secretary’s Office, was very attentive to his duties, and from the State in which I find the Office, I have...
114To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 August 1806, Natchitoches. “My official letter of this date, to the Secretary of War which I presume you will have the perusal of, will acquaint you with the cause of my visiting this post, the part I have acted since my arrival, and also of the unpleasant state of things in this vicinity. “I have received under cover from your department, commissions for...
115To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Letter of this date, to the Secretary at War, will inform you of the state of things in this quarter,—the reasons which occasioned my visit to this Post, and the part I have acted since my arrival. In addressing you therefore at this time, I have only to announce an event, which unpleasant as it may be, is nevertheless proper to acquaint you of.—Lieutenant Lewis of the Army, who I...
116To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
After a most disagreeable passage of near three days from the Mississippi, I arrived on yesterday morning at the County Town of Attackapas, much fatigued, very wet (for I was exposed for more than two hours to a heavy rain) and extremely unwell. I am now however at a most charming Situation, and in comfortable quarters; where I have the benefit of a pure Country air, and the most agreeable Sea...
117To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 July 1806, “120 Miles from New Orleans.” “I received on yesterday your private letter of the Ultimo [not found]. “It affords me pleasure to learn, that our differences with England are likely to be brought to an amicable issue, and I persuade myself that we shall be equally fortunate in our negociation with Spain. I must confess however, that on this point...
118To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now relieved from fever, but am so enfebled that I cannot complete the Journey, which I had contemplated;—Instead of visiting the Country on the Mississippi, as high as Natchez which was originally my intention, I shall pass over to Atakapas & Opelousas, where I shall breathe a healthy air, & where probably my health will soon be restored. The Route by water to Attakapas will be...
119To 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...
120To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 July 1806, “60 Miles from N. Orleans. ” “In a former Letter I advised you of my Intention to visit the several counties on the Missisippi; I am now on that Journey, & hope to accomplish it, in a short time, unless indeed I should be arrested by Indisposition, which is not improbable; for an exposure to the Summer’s Sun has already made me very unwell. “I have...
121To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On this day at 7 O’clock, I sat out from Mr. Fortiers, and arrived at noon, at the house of Mr. Truards, the Judge of the County Court, for the County of German Coast. Judge Truard had invited to his house, the Justices of the Peace, and the other Civil officers of the County, & with whom I had the honor to dine.—The day passed pleasantly away, and I was pleased to find, that the American...
122To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 5th. Instant I left the City and passed up on the East side of the Mississippi.—It is only Six months, since I last visited this vicinity, and I discover evidences (within that period) of considerable improvement. Several new Buildings are complited; others repaired, and the fields extended, and laid out with more regularity and taste.— My first day’s travel was only 8 miles to—the...
123To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now on my excursion to the Several Counties, and hope to accomplish my Journey in a short time;—Unless indeed I should be arrested by Indisposition which is not improbable, for the Summer’s Heat is oppressive, and dangerous to travelers.— Mr. Graham after a series of misfortune put into the Havanna’, & from whence he sailed for the United States on the 15th. Ultimo—I hope Mr. Graham will...
124To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since, I visited the settlement of Terre-au-Boeuf, so called from a Creek or Bayou on which it is situated, and where formerly the Buffalos ranged.– This Bayou lies to the East of the Mississippi, and is about 22 miles in length; It makes from Lake Born, & communicates with the Mississippi about fifteen miles below New-Orleans; The Bayou is at present nearly dry, but when the River...
125To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A certain Muntford Perryman has been convicted before the District Court for the District of Orleans, of passing conterfeit Notes of the Bank of the United States, knowing them to be counterfeit, and was thereupon sentenced to imprisonment for three years. Under an impression that the said Perryman is a fit object of mercy, we cannot refrain from soliciting in his behalf, your Pardon. The...
126To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 26 June 1806, New Orleans. “I was informed on yesterday that an office for the sale of lands in East and West Florida was now open at Pensacola, under the direction of mr. Morales. It is understood that the Titles for Land heretofore sold by Morales will now be completed, and it is probable the remaining vacant land will in a short time be taken up. Several...
127To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 25 June 1806, New Orleans. “A few days since, an inhabitant of this Territory, a Spaniard by birth, was arraigned at the Bar of the Superior Court on a charge of murder; and upon his trial was acquitted. This event is only worthy of notice in consequence of a question which arose in the course of the trial, and the decision made thereon. The Counsel for the...
128To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with the receipt of your interesting letter of the 27. of April. The arrangement of our Militia, which was recommended to Congress, was well calculated for the defence of our Country, and it is regretted by me that the system was not approved. The proposition which was submitted to Congress, with a view to the immediate settlement of a part of this Territory by American Citizens ,...
129To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend mr. Ribelt who returns to the United States under an apprehension that he has met with some heavy domestic misfortune, can give you much interesting information as to the state of things in this quarter. The Troops ordered to this Territory,— with the aid of the Militia,—are—in my opinion, amply sufficient to repel any force which our Spanish Neighbours could, at present,...
130To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The legislature having adjourned, I feel my mind relieved from much of that anxiety I lately experienced. I nevertheless am abundantly occupied in my office, and am for the present confined to the City. So soon however as I shall cause the laws passed by the legislature to be printed and distributed, it is my intention to visit the several Counties on and adjacent to the Mississippi, with a...
131To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 June 1806, New Orleans. “I have this moment held a conversation, with a gentleman of respectability from the County of Appalousas. He represents that a considerable emigration is about to take place from that County to the Spanish settlement on the river Trinity, where great encouragement is given to settlers. “The Gentleman adds, that the ancient inhabitants...
132To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are the names of the Gentlemen recommended as Councillors to supply the vacancies occasioned by the resignations of J N Destrehan and P. Sauvé. Mr. Mather is an Englishman by Birth; but has acted in this Territory the part of an American. He was a member of the first Legislative Council, and merits, in my opinion a continuance of your confidence. Mr. La Croix is a frenchman by Birth,...
133To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 June 1806, New Orleans. “On yesterday the legislature of this Territory adjourned sine die. Previous to the adjournment, a Committee composed of the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives attended the Executive for the purpose of enquiring whether he had any further communications to make to the two Houses. To this Committee I...
134To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Roebelt, who has been appointed United States Factor for the Post of Nachetoches, is now in this City. He is awaiting at this place, his instructions, and seems at this time to be uninformed as to the duties which are expected of him. In his Commission he is named the Factor for the Post of Nachetoches, and it would seem therefrom that his agency would be confined solely to the management...
135To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Major William Nott of Louisiana a native Citizen of the United States and President of the New Orleans Insurance Company, having understood that the Office of Consul for the United States at the Port of Bordeaux, in France would soon become vacant, has solicited me to name him to you as a Candidate for the honor of that appointment. I feel no hesitation in representing Major Nott as meriting...
136To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 June 1806, New Orleans. “I inclose for your perusal a copy of a Manifesto addressed to the People of the Territory and signed by certain members of the legislative Council, and of the House of Representatives. “That this Publication will raise the popular sentiment in favor of the Signers, is perhaps probable; but I am persuaded its effects will soon pass...
137To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 May 1806, New Orleans. “On yesterday the House of Representatives rejected the resolution of the Council mentioned in my letter of the 26th.; and on this day the two Houses are dispatching business with dispatch and concord. “The Resolution of the Council was passed without reflection, and was evidently the result of passion. As far as I can learn the public...
138To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 May 1806, New Orleans. “I pray you to lay before the President of the United States, the inclosed letters from Messrs. Destréhan and Sauvé, resigning their Seats in the Legislative Council; together with copies of my answers thereto. Colonel Bellechasse had also written his letter of resignation—but has since been induced not to forward it. “The services of...
139To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 26 May 1806, New Orleans. “I this day rejected the Bill, of which a copy was inclosed to you in my letter of the 22. instant. This act of mine has given rise to a proceeding no less unexpected than it is unprecedented and exceptionable. The Council have passed a resolution proposing an immediate dissolution of the assembly; assigning for reason—that the Governor...
140To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 22 May 1806, New Orleans. “I inclose for your perusal a copy of another Act of the legislature which I shall reject. This measure was probably suggested by some of the French lawyers, and has become a favorite measure with the majority in the two houses, its rejection therefore will perhaps excite some discontent; but the course my judgment suggests, must be...
141To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 May 1806, New Orleans. “I have yielded to the wishes of Governor Grand Pré, and have permitted Passports to be given to such of the Citizens of the United States as may travel through the settlement of Baton Rouge, and who may apply for Passports at my Office. These Passports are without Seal, and signed by my Private Secretary. This is done in order to save...
142To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Daniel Clark is elected the Delegate to Congress,—the sincere friend to his Country, Doctor Watkins, was supported by the native Citizens of the United States who are in the Legislature,—the votes of the ancient Louisianians were divided between Daniel Clark and Evan Jones. I do not know the course the Delegate may pursue,—he possesses talents, and may if he pleases, be servic’able to the...
143To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 May 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. John F. Merriult, a Merchant of this City proposes to visit Madrid with a view of obtaining payment of a debt due him by the Government of Spain. “The claim of Mr. Merriult is considerable; and under an impression that the interference of the American Minister would be favorable to his interest, he proposes to ask of you a letter...
144To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Graham, who visits the United States by your permission, will be enabled to satisfy your enquiries with respect to this Territory—and particularly as it relates to our local politics. On the return of Mr. Graham, which I hope will be in September next, I intreat your permission (unless the state of things here should render my presence necessary) to visit the United States. I should be...
145To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 16 May 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. Graham, who visits the United States by permission of the President, will be enabled to satisfy your enquiries with respect to the state of things in this Territory. Mr. Graham departs with my regret; his attachment to the interest of his country, and his private virtues secured him my friendship, while his good sense and prudent...
146To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 May 1806, New Orleans. “The Secretary of the Territory, Mr. Graham, will depart from hence to the United States in a few days; by him I shall write you fully as to the state of things in this quarter. “The Territorial Legislature will I fear do little good during the present session; they are devided, and one party, the strongest, seems to me to be greatly...
147To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 May 1806, New Orleans. “I enclose for your perusal, a copy of a Bill which had passed the two houses of the Legislature; together with a Copy of a message, notifying my disapprobation thereto. “This subject has occasioned much conversation in this place, and is made by some, a ground of complaint against me. As this affair may probably be misrepresented at the...
148To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 29 April 1806, New Orleans. “I am sorry to perceive the divisions which exist in Congress, and particularly among men whose political sentiments were formerly in union, but I have no doubt ⟨but?⟩ that virtuous men and virtuous measures will meet with the support of the Nation. “The personal observations with respect to myself which Mr. Randolph thought proper to...
149To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 16 April 1806, New Orleans. “It is here very generally understood, that the King of Spain has permitted a Settlement on the River Trinity, and established a free Port on the Bay of St: Bernard. The Royal Decree upon this subject is said to be dated in September 1805, and to have been published by the Vice-Roy of Mexico in February last. It is represented to me...
150To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 16 April 1806, New Orleans. “Late accounts from Nachitoches state, that the Spanish Force has been withdrawn from the Sabine, and that the orders given to cross that river and establish a Post near Nachetoches, were countermanded by the Governor General of Taxus; It is probable therefore that, for the present, every thing will remain tranquil on our Frontier....