1To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
2To James Madison from Robert Williams, 9 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 9 August 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “The Legislature of this Territory adjourned the 25 ulto after completing the objects for which it was convened. “I have the honor to inclose you two laws relative to the publick officers of this Territory including that of the Secretary the first originated in consequence of Mr Wests the Secretary’s conduct in carrying...
3To James Madison from Robert Williams, 7 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 7 April 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I have this day drawn on you at ten days sight, in favor of John Henderson of Natchez, for the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars. The vouchers shewing the items of this expenditure are enclosed. “This expenditure I take it for granted will be thought reasonable and allowed on the same principle that a similar one was...
4To James Madison from Robert Williams, 17 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 17 August 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “Since I have been acting as Governor I have been under the necessity of employing a person in the Character of clerk or private Secretary to assist me in the discharge of the duties of that office can I be allowed for this. I find the Secretary Colo West was allowed, (whilst acting without the governor[)] in this...
5To James Madison from Robert Williams, 17 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 17 May 1805 . Described in Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1805 (DLC: Jefferson Papers; printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Mississippi, 5:409), as “enclosing a correspondence between Cato West as Secretary and myself.” For Williams’s 17 May 1805 private letter to Jefferson discussing his differences with West, who had served as acting governor of the territory after...
6To James Madison from Robert Williams, 23 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival here about four weeks ago, I found the publick mind much agitated on the Subject of Colo: Burr’s Conspiracy even to a degree which tended to intercept private intercourse and the harmony of society. This I must say, however, was not owing so much to any disposition to favour the improper Views attributed to him, and his party, as from a dislike to some of the measures which had...
7To James Madison from Robert Williams, 14 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 14 January 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “The last Mail brought us No News from your city, either by letters or papers. The Reasons given is that the Eastern mail, had not arrived at Nashville. All the information we have as yet, Since the meeting of Congress, is the Presidents Message; from the Situation of affairs in this Country, and the importance of this...
8To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 1 October 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “By my communication of the 14th. Ulto. you were informed of some outrages committed within this Territory near the Spanish line, and of the steps I had taken in relation thereto. “I have now the honor to enclose for your further information, Governor Grandpré’s letter in answer to mine of the 6th. ulto. and my reply to...
9To James Madison from Robert Williams, 14 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
In Compliance with the opinion of the President of the United States, Communicated through the Secretary of the Treasury in a letter dated 5th: of November, I Shall immediately proceed to the appointment of Civil officers in that tract of Country Called the great bend of Tennessee, lying Within this Territory and to which the Indian titles have been extinguished. Preparatory to this Measure it...
10To James Madison from Robert Williams, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 14 September 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “The enclosed affidavits marked No, 1 to 11 inclusive will inform you of some outrages committed within this Territory by two Spanish parties. The letters marked No. 1. to 5 and an Order to Colo Ellis will inform you of the steps which I have thought it advisable to take. The Messenger with my letter to Governor...
11To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
We deem it our duty to suggest for consideration the expediency of making provision for appeals from Judicial decisions in the Territories of Orleans and Mississippi. By the present System, the Supreme Court of each Territory is a Court of Original and dernier resort; before these Tribunals causes of very great concern to Individuals are often brought; Causes extremely Complex; involving many...
12To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
By last Mail I gave you a full detail of the proceeding had in this Territory relative to Burr’s Conspiracy and of his escape. Yesterday I was informed of his being arrested in Consequence of My Proclamation, and detain’d at Fort Stodart. I have thought it advisable to request the Necessary Steps to be taken for Sending him on to the Seat of the General Government, and have employed Silas...
13To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 1 July 1806, North Carolina. “It is here represented and expected, that the office of Marshal for this District has or will Soon become Vacant, by the resignation of Mr. West. “Permit me, in that event, to recommend to the Executive of the United States, Mr. Abner Weatherly, as a proper Character to fill the office. Mr. Weatherly has for many years past, acted as high...
14To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
I am apprehensive this quarter of the Union is not long destined to a state of peace—from the best and latest accounts I expect every day to hear of the shedding of blood on the west side of the Mississippi river; and expectations are not more favorable from the neighbourhood of Mobille; for since the shutting of that port the people have become much more irritable than heretofore, and it’s...
15To James Madison from Robert Williams, 20 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1803, North Carolina . Received JM’s letter of 16 July [not found] enclosing a commission to act as a commissioner in the Mississippi Territory, which he accepts. “A violent fever for 3 weeks past which I have had, pervented an earlier answer—& I am now, scarcely able to set up to write this.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Williams”). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as...
16To James Madison from Robert Williams, 26 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 26 November 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “The Citizens in that part of this Territory composing Washington County, are becoming very restless in consequence of the treatment they have lately received from the Spanish authorities. “I have used my influence to keep them quiet, which thus far has been sucessful; but I am really doubtful it will not be the case...
17To James Madison from Robert Williams, 29 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1810, Lenox Castle, North Carolina. Seeks appointment for his brother, Marmaduke Williams, who has moved to Madison County, Mississippi Territory. Since Congress is considering a new federal judgeship in that territory, hopes his brother can be considered. “Permit me the liberty to say that his family consists of a wife whom you know, five small children, and about 12 Slaves Clear...
18To James Madison from Robert Williams, 4 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 4 November 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “For several weeks past I have expected the land business would have been in such forwardness as to admit my starting to North Carolina the next, but it turns out to be such a perplexing business as to baffle all reasonable calculation; however, my final determination was to have started about this time; but the last...
19To James Madison from Robert Williams, 8 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
On the 1st. instant I dissolved the General Assembly. This power being possessed by the Governor, when in his opinion it may be thought expedient; I should not trouble you with any observations on the subject, were it not that I know, representations are and will be made tending to impeach my motives, as well as to question its propriety if not legality. It therefore becomes my official...
20To James Madison from Robert Williams, 2 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 November 1811, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Offers to fill a judicial vacancy in the Orleans Territory occasioned by the death of Judge Mathews. States that he is making this application because some of his “most respectable neighbours & acquaintances” are about to relocate in the Opelousas and Attakapas, and they wish that he “should make one of their number, & fill this appointment”;...
21To James Madison from Robert Williams, 11 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty of addressing you, ⅌ last Mail, in the event of the death of Judge Matthews, which was at that time, reported here to be a fact, but which report I am happy to inform you has been Since Contradicted. I am with great & usual respect yrs RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Williams to JM, 2 Nov. 1811 ( PJM-PS Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential...
22To James Madison from Robert Williams, 12 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 12 November 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “Since my dispatch of last week to you, I have been informed from a source which may be relied on, that four thousand Spanish troops are destined for the Floridas, and that five hundred will be immediately sent to Baton Rouge. Also, that considerable military preparations have commenced between Natchitoches and the...
23To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
During my absence last year, a project was conceived, and set on foot to supplant me in the office of Governor. The situation and vanity of Mr Mead the then Secretary pointed him out as a fit instrument to be used on the occasion, being not only related to the family of Mr West but about to form a further connexion by marrying a near Relation of Mr West and Colonel Claiborne, which has taken...
24To James Madison from Robert Williams, 29 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 29 March 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “Finding that the distribution of the laws of the United States in this Territory in volume⟨s⟩ alone, is attended with considerable delay, much more so than is conducive to a timely knowledg⟨e⟩ and understanding of them, I take the liberty of suggesting the expediency of extending their publicati⟨on⟩ through the medium...