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”;...