1To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 24 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Governor Folch, accompanied by two or three Spanish officers arrived in this City last Evening. I shall have a conference with him on this day, and will endeavor to make some arrangements as to the difficulties referred to in my letter of the 21. instant. I am Sir, very respectfully, Your hble Servt. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
2To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 3 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
To enable me to forward by express, to the department of State some public Dispatches, I have this day drawn upon you for five hundred Dollars, payable at 5 days sight to J. W. Gurley or order. I am sir, very respectfully your hble sert. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
3To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your private letter of the 26th. Jany. has been received, and I lost no time in acquainting Mr. Duplantier, (by letter) of your sentiments relative to the location of the Lands of General Lafayette, and which I am persuaded will regulate his conduct. I am Dear Sir; with respect and Esteem yo: hble Servt. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
4From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 28 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 22d. ult. enclosing your account for $200 dollars, as extra expenses in a public service to Atacapas & Opelousas, has been received. As it is without precedent & might prove inconvenient to allow to the Governors of Territories personal expenses within the limits of their government, I lose no time in intimating that the present charge cannot be passed to your credit. I am...
5To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 8 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosure (No. 1) is a copy of a letter to me from Judge Carr of Nachitoches, and furnishes the latest information concerning the fugitive Slaves: The enclosure (No. 2) is a Copy of my answer. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect, yo: hble Servt., DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
6To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 27 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a copy of two Addresses signed by many respectable Citizens of this Territory, approving the late conduct of General Wilkinson and myself. I am dear Sir, With great esteem and respect, your hble Servt. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
7To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 24 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
My friend Mr. Graham has this moment informed me, that he forwards by this mail, his resignation, and requests that a Successor may be speedily named. I sincerely regret the resignation of Mr. Graham; he is indeed a Loss to the Government; but since his determination is fixed, I felicitate myself with a hope, that I may find in his Successor, as honest a man, and as faithful a public officer....
8To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 21 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I some days ago had a conferrence with Governor Folch on the subject referred to in my letters of the 23d. and 24th. ultimo; and I find that the refusal of a passage for our Troops by the way of Mobile to Fort Stoddart does not arise from any conduct of the Executive of this Territory towards the Agents or Vessels of the King of Spain; on the contrary, Governor Folch acknowledged his line of...
9From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 12 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
You will have observed in the Gazette that a Mr. Thomas Power, said to be now residing near New Orleans, was engaged by the Marquis of Carondelet, to carry certain propositions to Kentucky, of a tendency to alienate its inhabitants from the Union. As it may be important to establish by proof the part taken by Spain in that affair, it is thought necessary that you should endeavor, by means,...
10To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 17 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The enclos No. 1 is a Copy of a Letter, which I have received from General Wilkinson, and that No. 2 of the Answer which has been returned. I persuade myself, that the danger is not as great as the General apprehends; but in no event, will I take upon myself to Suspend the privilege of the Writ of habeas Corpus, and to proclaim Martial Law. I am Sir, With great respect Yr: Mo: obt. Servt. DNA...
11From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 12 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Several copies of a letter from Mr. Portalis, the French Minister of Worship, to a Citizen of New Orleans, named Castillon, who is stiled President of the Fabrick of the Church of St. Louis, have been received from New Orleans, and the sensations the letter appears to have excited will have attracted your notice on your return from Red River. In strictness the letter of Mr. Portalis suggests...
12To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 23 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Being requested by Governor Folch to forward the inclosed packet, I have taken the liberty to send it under Cover to the Department of State, & must beg the favor of you, to cause it to be placed in the Mail at Washington. On the 17th. Instant, I transmitted to you Copies of the Letters which have passed between Governor Folch and myself on the subject of the Embargo. I am Sir, with great...
13To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
Previous to the receipt of this letter, you will have heard of the escape of Col. Burr from the Mississippi Territory, and of the reward offered by Governor Williams for his apprehension. The reports are variant as to the course Colo: Burr may pursue in his flight. One conjecture is, that he is making to the sea Coast, & from thence to Europe; another, that he has gone to the City of...
14To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 4 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive my Dear Sir, the delicacy of the Communication inclosed, and I beg that it may not be made public, unless it should be deemed essential to the public’ safety, which must supersed every private consideration. When a full account of this unprincipled Combination, shall be made public, General Wilkinson will be greatly obnoxious to the associates; but his fidelity to his...
15To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 4 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the inclosures marked A, B, C & D, will plead my justification in forwarding you this dispatch, by a special express. The troops from Nachitoches are momently expected, as is also a detachment from Mobile. General Wilkinson is repairing the old fortifications, & contemplates picketting in the City. I shall remain faithful at my post, and with all the means in my power, will...
16To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 17 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a translation of a letter addressed to me by Governor Folch together with a Copy of the answer which (after consulting with the Collector of the District of Orleans) I returned thereto. If an uninterrupted passage for Spanish Vessels to and from Bâton Rouge was permitted; or if the provisions of the Embargo Act, as regards our intercourse with the Inhabitants of the Florida’s be...
17To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 15 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed is a copy of my address to the two Houses of Assembly. On yesterday General Adair, attended only by a Servant arrived in this City after a rapid journey from Nashville in Tennessee, and was immediately arrested by orders of Genl. Wilkinson, and is now, I learn, on his passage to the City of Washington; several other individuals were also arrested by the military on yesterday, but...
18To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 1 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
On yesterday I was told by Mr. Desforgues the french Consul, that General Moreau had taken his passage for Charleston, and would sail on the 4th. of this month; But on this morning I have understood, that his voyage is postponed for twenty days. It seems by the Northern papers, that Moreau’s visit hence, has excited some uneasiness, and late private letters from Washington state, that even the...
19From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 16 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Messrs: Winter & Harman inclosing a copy of their Memorial to you of Oct. last, with your answer, and claiming a permission to introduce into the Mississippi a ship with slaves which they expect from New Providence. It being improper to discuss a claim of that sort with the Memorialists, if the grounds of it were less absurd and the stile less exceptionable, I...
20To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 19 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
A gentleman of high rank writes me from Natchez under date of the 12 instant, "You are surrounded by dangers of which you dream not, and the destruction of the american Union is seriously menaced : the storm
21To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 6 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The Troops from Nachitoches have not arrived, but are momentarily expected. General Wilkinson has made the necessary arrangements with the French Consul, and will receive possession of the French Artillery, so soon as the value thereof shall be estimated. I know not the extent of the support which Burr calculates on receiveing in this Territory. I have no doubt that there are in this City...
22To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 18 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
In a private letter to the President of the U. S. , under date of the 5 instant, I expressed to him my apprehension that certain persons were forming plans inimical to the U. S. I am now advised by a confidential letter that the Union of the States is seriously menaced , and that the storm will probably break out in New Orleans ; and "that in this plot thousands are concerned
23To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 18 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a Copy of an Address which I delivered on this day to the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of this Territory. I trust you will not suppose, that I have been too pointed in my concluding remarks; many of those deluded or wicked men, who so lately combined against the Peace and happiness of our Country, have found it convenient to return to this...
24To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 29 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Scarce had I finished my private letter of this morning, when a Gentleman of great respectability, a native of Louisiana, & a Member of the Legislature, entered my office, &, desiring to speak to me confidentially, made the following Communication, to wit, "That a kind of political Committee existed in this City, composed of Frenchmen & Americans. That at a late meeting the principles of the...
25To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 29 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
In the exercise of the discretion vested in me, by your letter of the 14th. Ultimo, I have selected the Louisiana Courier, as the most eligible paper in this City, for the publication of the Laws of the present Session of Congress, & have directed the letter of appointment, you enclosed me, to the Editors thereof, Messrs. Thierry & Co. The Louisiana Courier is conducted with some talent and...
26To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 28 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I was advised by a private Letter from Mobile, under date of the 20th. Inst, of the arrest of Mr. Burr, by Lieut Gains the Officer commanding at Fort Stoddart; I was at first disposed to credit the information; but no official Communication upon the Subject having been received, I am inclined to think the Report unfounded. By a Vessel 19 days from New-York, we have papers from Washington to...
27To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 11 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Graham having returned, and the state of things being now such, as to admit of my absence from the Territory, I shall avail myself of the President’s permission, and will leave this for the United States about the last of April or the first of May. The conspiracy seems now at an end; but General Wilkinson and myself, are encountering here much abuse, for the conduct which we pursued; for...
28To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 22 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is an a/ c for 200 dollars expended for extra services on a visit to the County Attackapas which I beg may be admitted and passed to my credit. My journey to Attackapas, was with a view to check a spirit of opposition to the Laws which had manifested itself, to the Civil authority, & I had thought it just, that my personal expenditures, should be remunerated me. The account was...
29To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 14 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The death of Mr. Van Pradelles has left the office of Register of the land office for this District, vacant; On this occasion, I am told, that Judge Lewis, and Mr. Grymes the District Attorney will both be recommended to the President; of these two Gentlemen, I cannot but think Mr. Grymes has the strongest claims for preference. Mr. Lewis is already a Commissioner and a Judge of the Superior...
30To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 26 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
This letter is merely to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatches of the 9th. and 12th. ultimo, which were brought by the Post on yesterday. Except these, no other communications from the Government to me have reached my hands since the month of July last, and I mention this, that you may perceive whether there have been any interceptions or not. I have the honor to be, with great respect,...
31To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 23 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a Memorial to Congress, as reported by a Committee of the House of Representatives of this Territory, but which has been rejected by the House; there being fourteen Members in favour of the rejection, and seven against it. This Memorial is founded in error, and it is greatly to be regreted, that any Citizens of this Territory, much less a Committee of the Legislature, could...
32To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 19 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose for your perusal a Copy of the Answer of the Representatives of the Territory, to the address, I had the honor to deliver to the two Houses on the 14th. Instant. This answer, (one Member only having voted against it) may be considered as conveying the political sentiments of the great majority of the people of the Territory; Indeed Sir, the Louisianians are...
33To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 3 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Lieut. Gains of fort Stoddard has arrested Burr and forwarded him under an escort, to the City of Washington, where the subtle Traitor, will I trust meet the punishment due his Crimes. I find that much censure is attached to the measures of General Wilkinson by some Members of Congress, and that the Machinations of Burr, are by them, considered as of little moment; I however, as an American...
34To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 25 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson has this moment arrived in New Orleans. My Letters of the 18. and 19. inst. you will consider as confidential . I shall have a conferrence with the General on tomorrow, and will in a few days write you particularly I have no doubt that a conspiracy is formed highly injurious to the interest of the UStates and that characters of high standing are concerned , but I am not yet...
35To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am this moment informed by the Military Agent, that two thousand Regular Troops are ordered to this City; You will excuse me for suggesting it as an object of some importance, that the officer selected for this Command, should possess a disposition and, turn of Mind, calculated to conciliate the Citizens generally, and to preserve a good understanding with the Civil Authorities. Colonel...
36To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
At the moment of closing my dispatches, I received from an old and esteemed friend a letter of which the inclosed is a Copy. You will be pleased not to memtion the name of the writer, unless you should deem it essential to the public’ Interest. I am greatly embarrassed; but my best judgment will direct all my movements. What the issue may be God alone knows; all the assurance I can give you is...
37To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 27 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson continues to be much abused in this City, and nothing will be left undone, by a Party here, to effect his ruin. This faction are equally inimical to me, but for purposes best known to themselves, they do not, for the present, manifest as openly their hostility. During the late interesting Crisis, I resorted to a measure of precaution which I have not heretofore communicated...
38To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 17 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
General Moreau & Governor Folch continue in this City, and have contracted a great intimacy; perhaps their objects may be perfectly innocent, but I am not without my suspicions . I know not when Moreau will depart; at one time, he proposed taking a passage in the first Vessel for Charleston; at another, he designed passing by Land, the nearest and best route to Georgia and from thence thro’...
39To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 18 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Edward Livingston, left this City a few days since for the City of Washington, with a view (as is reported) of having a personal conference with the President of the U. States, on several subjects private & political. Among the former, the case of the Batture will be introduced; among the latter, the acts of General Wilkinson during the winter of 1806, & of Governor Claiborne generally are to...
40To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 6 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I fear I was greatly deceived in the character which was given me of a Mr. Hopkins, a young man who was the bearer of my dispatches of the 5. & 6. of December last. I have heard, from good authority that he lost by gaming some money at Natchez and behaved otherwise imprudently. His indiscretions were renewed at Nashville; and I fear it is true that he is undeserving of confidence: While...
41From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 14 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the 9th. of June last, claims have been preferred on the part of the corporation of New Orleans for paving the Streets before the public property, which being looked upon less in the light of a tax imposed, than as an expense incurred, for the improvement of the property, which ought to be reimbursed, you are authorised to make an arrangement with the corporation, whereby...
42To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 21 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Governor Folch of Pensacola has recommenced his unfriendly proceedings towards the US. He has refused a passage to the American troops by the way of Mobile to Fort Stoddart, and threatens to oppose them with force of arms. The commerce also of the U. S. on the Mobile continues subject to detention and embarrassment; duties are exacted, even on the Military Stores of the US, as will appear by...
43To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 26 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this day received your private letter of the 17th. Ultimo, acknowledging the receipt of my communications of the 9th. of December. The course Mr. Burr has taken in his flight is not ascertained; I learn however by a Gentleman from the Mississippi Territory that the general opinion there, was, that Burr was concealed at Natchez, where his adherents are said to be numerous. My opinion is...
44To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 9 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The Members of the New Orleans Chambre of Commerce, attended on this morning at 10’O’clock at the Government House, and after being apprized by the General and myself, of the just causes for the apprehension of danger, and the demand there was for Sailors to man the little Fleet on this Station, they unanimously agreed to a resolution, of which the inclosed is a Copy. This Chamber embraces...
45From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 29 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the advices recd. from Genl. Wilkinson relating to the Military posture of things on the confines of our settlements & those of Spain, and the measures taken & contemplated by him, fresh instructions are transmitted by the Secretary at War, to that Officer; and it is thought proper that a copy of them should be communicated to you, that the views of the President may be more...
46To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 2 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you a "Memoire" on the subject of the Batture; together with several interesting Documents. The Author Judge Moreau is supposed to be well informed on the Civil Law, & I am persuaded, you will find his Memoire worthy of your perusal. You have enclosed, a Copy of a correspondence (Marked A) between the Mayor of New Orleans, the Wardens of the Port and myself, on the...
47To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 9 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
In the course of yesterday, and this morning, I have been assured by many Citizens that the ancient Louisianians will very generally resist with firmness the expected attack; I am well assured, that in this City, there are Agents of Col: Burr; but it will be difficult to expose their Agency, and to bring them to punishment; to effect however this great object of public Justice, no exertions of...
48To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 15 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you, a Copy of a letter addressed to me by His Excellency Nemesio Salcedo, Governor General of the Province of Texas communicating his determination to deliver the fugitive Slaves, to the Order of their Masters. The contents of this letter (which were made known to the Parish Judge of Nachitoches by a Spanish officer to whose care it was committed) have diffused...
49To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 29 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you the answers which have been returned by the two houses of the assembly to my address of the 13th. Instant; you will perceive by these documents, that the Legislature partake in a great measure, of that agitation which at present pervades the public’ mind; & that altho’ the measures lately pursued here with a view to the public safety, are not openly censured,...
50To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
If General Wilkinson is not greatly deceived, the safety of this Territory is seriously menaced. You may however be assured, that every exertion will be made to repel the advancing Foe. From the firmness and Bravery of the Army and Navy on this station, much may be expected; But as regards the support which the militia may render, I cannot hazard an opinion; It will be best determined in the...