1To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 August 1801, Nashville. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter of 10 July enclosing his commission as governor of Mississippi Territory. Requests JM to inform president that he accepts appointment. Expects to depart for Mississippi by late September or early October. Letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). 2 pp. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed.,...
16 September 1801, Knoxville. Reports that arrangements for his descent of the Mississippi are nearly completed; expects to leave the first week of October. Has received information from the Mississippi Territory that “the public Mind is tranquil,” party spirit has considerably subsided, population is increasing, and relations with the Spanish and the Indians are harmonious. Requests regular...
3To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801, Nashville. Plans to depart for the Mississippi Territory on 8 Oct. Reports that the territorial assembly was convened by Secretary John Steele on 20 July. It conducted little business during a five-week session and what it did remains incomplete without gubernatorial sanction. Steele is reported ill; his life is despaired of. Quotes a passage from a 3 Sept. letter received from...
24 November 1801, Natchez. Reports his arrival on 23 Nov. after a journey made unduly difficult and dangerous by low rivers and high winds. Describes the land on the Mississippi as “pretty well adapted to Cultivation” but notes that “this extensive Country has been greatly forsaken, or rather, neglected by man,” there being only three small settlements on the Spanish side between the mouth of...
12 December 1801, Natchez. Encloses a copy of his 2 Dec. address to the territorial legislature together with their answer [of 4 Dec.]. The legislature seems to be composed of “honest men, much attached to the United States, and devoted to the Interest of this Territory,” despite their inexperience. Believes that all opposition to admitting the Mississippi Territory to the second grade of...
20 December 1801, Natchez. Has just received word that U.S. commissioners have concluded a treaty at Fort Adams with the Choctaw, who consented to a road through their lands to Tennessee; presumes construction will begin immediately. Large quantities of flour and other exports have passed by Natchez recently, demonstrating the increase of industry and wealth in the West. Mentions reports that...
7To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 January 1802, Natchez. Reports that “nothing very interesting” has occurred since his letter of 20 Dec. Territorial legislature transacts business slowly, but with care and prudence. “Political disquietude is nearly exiled,” and the judiciary is the sole subject of popular discontent. Regrets that territorial Supreme Court is “so deficient in Law Knowledge.” The chief justice “was...
20 January 1802, Natchez. Encloses a letter received from Mississippi attorney general Harding regarding land claims in the territory. Believes that the information contained in Harding’s letter, if true, will affect legality of the Supreme Court decision referred to in his own letter to JM of 20 Dec. Asks JM to lay enclosed letter before U.S. attorney general and to request his opinion on...
23 January 1802, Natchez. Announces arrival on 21 Jan. of Jefferson’s recent message to Congress. Prospects for unanimity in the territory are not as pleasing as he had supposed. Factions still exist, and it will take time to lay their “Evil Spirit” to rest. The territorial legislature is “amply supplied” with love of country and honest intentions, but “there is a deficiency in Legislative...
10To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 February 1802, Natchez. Encloses copies of his 29 Jan. letter to General Wilkinson and Wilkinson’s reply. Hopes the request he made of the general was not improper but fears the peace of the territory is precarious, “surrounded as it is, by numerous Indian Tribes, and with a Population of Negroes, nearly equal to the number of Whites, … and it seemed to me advisable, to have the Spare Arms...
11To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 February 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” States that he does not know whether his frequent letters to JM have been received as he has had no communications from the State Department since his arrival. Reports that an election for the territorial legislature will be held in July and the people are already agitated. “Popular favor is uncommonly fluctuating; the population of the District, is...
12From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 22 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Commission, ⟨con⟩stituting David Latimore a Member of the Legislativ⟨e⟩ Council of the Mississippi Territory, in the room of ⟨Adam⟩ Bingaman, & request that it may be forwarded to h⟨im.⟩ With much respect, I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obt. Servt: Tr ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). Winthrop Sargent had described Bingaman in November 1800 as...
13To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802 , “ Near Natchez. ” Refers to his letter of 5 Feb. advising JM of his request to Wilkinson to construct a blockhouse at a central location to store spare arms from Fort Adams; hopes the president will approve it. Is currently occupied with the difficult task of organizing the militia. The election of members of the territorial legislature, to be held the fourth Monday in July, has...
14To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 April 1802 , “ Near Natchez. ” “It is confidently reported at New Orleans that East & West Florida’s are Ceded to France; I have understood, that no official information of the Cession, had reached the Governor General of Louisiana, and that he denies the truth of the report; it is nevertheless generally believed and has occasioned much anxiety & uneasiness among the Inhabitants of Orleans.”...
15From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 9 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1802, Department of State. Encloses Claiborne’s commission as governor of the Mississippi Territory. Tr and Tr of enclosure ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). 2 pp. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 1:115–16. Enclosure is a copy of a 26 Jan. 1802 commission by...
16To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 April 1802, Natchez. On 18 Apr. received JM’s letter of 22 Feb. enclosing Dr. David Lattimore’s commission as a member of the legislative council of the Mississippi Territory; Lattimore, who has accepted the appointment, “unites to pure Republicanism, handsome Talents & an Honest Heart.” The “utmost harmony” exists between Americans and Spaniards at New Orleans. Supports the president’s...
17From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 11 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your several letters from November 24. to the 6th. of March last have been successively received. Such of them as fell within the purview of the War Department were communicated to Genl. Dearborn, who I have reason to beleive has bestowed on the subjects recommended a favorable attention. I inclose the opinion of the Attorney General in the case where you wished it. Altho’ the phraseology used...
18To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “The Legislature of this Territory met in Session on the 3rd. Instant and on the day following I made to the two Houses a Communication of which the enclosed is a Copy.” The legislature adjourned 13 May after making “several very wholesome Laws, amongst which is an Act to establish a College in the Mississippi Territory.… This College shall bear the name of...
19To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1802, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I have the honor to enclose you, a Manuscript Copy of the Laws passed at the last Session of the Territorial Legislature; There being at present, no Secretary in the Territory, (Colo. Steele’s time of service having expired) the original Laws, are deposited with me for safe keeping. The acts passed at the Session, previous to the last, are yet...
20To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 June 1802, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter of 9 Apr. enclosing his commission as governor of the Mississippi Territory. Letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). 1 p. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 1:116.
21To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 [sic] June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 [sic] June 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Acknowledges JM’s letter of 11 May enclosing the opinion of the attorney general. Observes that the Spanish governor was “extremely liberal in his donations, after the promulgation of the treaty between the United States, and Spain. And there is no doubt but many tracts of land in this District are claimed by antidated grants; and I believe the fraud may...
22From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 26 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
Herewith inclosed is a copy of the agreement entered into on the 24. April last between the Commissioners on the part of the United States and those on the part of Georgia, duly authorized for that purpose, which agreement was ratified by the Legislature of that state on the 16. of June last. According to the Act of Congress of May 10. 1800 The commissioners of the U. States authorized to...
23To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1802, Natchez. “In a former letter I stated to you the want of confidence on the part of many of the Citizens of this Territory in their Supreme Judiciary; the deficiency of legal talents in two of the Judges; and the propriety there was, in supplying the first vacancy with a character of good law information. It is now reported that Judge Tilton has resigned.… But there is another...
24To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 8th Instant, I had the honor to receive your Communication of the 20th of July, and on the next day, I published a hand Bill, addressed “to persons Claiming Lands within the Mississippi Territory,[”] and of which the enclosed is a Copy. In my publication, I have endeavoured to comply literally with your instructions, and I trust the Language which is used, cannot be construed “as...
25To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses a letter received “last evening” from Hũlings together with a translation of an extract from Morales’s 16 Oct. proclamation. “These despatches, announce ’that the Port of New Orleans, is shut against foreign commerce and the American deposit .[’] Not understanding from the Intendant’s Proclamation, whether or not, another place on the banks of the...
26To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Sends such information as he has been able to collect in reply to JM’s inquiries of 26 July. In conformity with JM’s request, land claimants of the descriptions mentioned were invited by public advertisement to file “the particular Authority and extent of their respective claims, and the chain of Title derived to the present claimants from the Original...
27To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “The embarrassment of our trade at N: Orleans, still continues, private letters state, that American produce may be landed by paying a duty of 6 pCent, but not otherwise.” Encloses an extract in Spanish [not found] from the intendant’s proclamation, as “the translation, which was sent you is sufficiently faithful, but does not possess the strength of the...
28To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “I have this day drawn upon you, for the sum of Eighty dollars, payable at five days sight to Ferdinand L. Claiborne, merchant at Natchez, or to his order.” Explains that he paid this sum to Samuel May “for going express from Natchez to Nashville, as will appear from the vouchers enclosed” [not found]. The letters that May carried “communicated the late...
29To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses a duplicate [not found] of his 5 Nov. letter , having discovered an omission of a few words in the third inquiry regarding claims derived under the British and Spanish governments previous to the treaty of 1795 and unsettled at the date of the treaty. “After the word Settlement these words should have been inserted, ‘ within the ceded Territory .’”...
30To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1802, Natchez. Encloses “an Original Copy of a Communication (together with a translation thereof)” received “this morning” from the governor general of Louisiana, in answer to Claiborne’s 28 Oct. letter. Letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal); Tr ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 7A-D1); Tr of enclosure ( DLC : Jefferson Papers)....
31From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 29 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
I commit to your particular attention the inclosed letter to Mr. Hulens which covers one from the Spanish Minister here, on the subject of the late decree at N. Orleans against the deposit of American merchandize at that place. The letter to Mr. Hulens is left open, that you may know the light in which this proceeding is viewed by the President and the steps taken in consequence of it. You...
32To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 December 1802, “ Near Natchez .” The legislature met at Washington [Mississippi Territory] on 5 Dec. Encloses a copy of the address he delivered on 8 Dec. to an assembly of both houses “together with the answers returned.” David Ker received his commission “by the last mail” and has undertaken his official duties. Ker’s appointment has satisfied “ a great portion ” of the citizenry, and he...
33To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1803, Natchez. “The enclosed hand bill [not found] has this moment reached me; it has every appearance of being an official publication.” The conduct of the Spanish government in Louisiana is “indeed extraordinary.” Recent acts manifest “determined hostility” to the U.S. “The violation of the Treaty, so far as related to the deposit at Orleans, gave rise to much agitation in this...
34From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 17 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of 25th. Novr. 1802. inclosing the letter to you from the Governor at N. Orleans, in which it was stated that the intendant in arresting the course of our trade, had acted without orders from the Spanish Government; as well as contrary to the opinion of the Governor. This communication was laid before Congress by the President. You will find by the Resolution of the...
35To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 January 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Reports that he received JM’s 29 Nov. 1802 letter with its enclosures on 10 Jan. and forwarded the letter to Hũlings by hired express. “I presume it has by this time reached him.” “At the date of the last advices from New Orleans, that post continues shut to the American deposit, and it was not understood that the Intendant was likely to revoke his decree. I...
36To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses “general abstracts” [not found] of a recently received return of the claims filed in Washington County. Most titles exhibited in the county “are very incomplete.” “It is not believed, that any of the citizens claiming under Spanish sales, had obtained patents previous to October 1795, but remained in possession of their lands, by virtue of an Order...
37To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” “The express which I despatched to New-Orleans, on the 11: instant, returned yesterday and brought me the enclosed packet, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Hulings [not found], a copy of which is herewith forwarded.” The intendant “is firm to his purposes,” and the deposit will not be restored. “The Intendant is represented to be a man of handsome talents,...
38From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 14 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letters of the 20th. & 21st. December and of January 3d have been duly received. The rigor in abolishing hospital [ sic ] intercourse between the Spaniards and the Citizens of the United States, navigating the Mississippi explained in the latter, justly increases the indignation excited by the original measure of the Intendant. Still the stronger presum[p]tion is that the whole proceeding...
39To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has received JM’s 17 Jan. letter enclosing one from the Spanish minister to the intendant, which he forwarded to Hũlings with a copy of JM’s letter. The enclosed copy [not found] of a proclamation “lately issued at Orleans by the Intendant” will show how successful the steps taken to revoke the ban on the deposit have been. “The Port is now partially open, but...
40To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses a letter from Hũlings communicating the latest intelligence from New Orleans. “The Western Boats are arriving daily at Natchez; our Markets are low but there is no difficulty in exporting Produce from hence to the Atlantic States or to Europe. There are many Vessels yet lying opposite to Orleans, waiting for return cargoes, & there are several now on...
41From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 11 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1803, Department of State. “Your letter of Feby. 3d. inclosing the despatches from New Orleans to the spanish Minister here has been recd. Finding from the acknowledgment of the Intendant himself that he has acted without authority from the Spanish Government, and on evident misconstructions of the Treaty and of his duty, The Minister has written the enclosed letters with a view to...
42From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 11 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1803, Department of State. “In addition to the despatches from the Spanish Minister here to the Government and the Intendant at New Orleans which you will herewith receive, I am requested by Mr. Pichon, the French Charge d’Affaires to forward a letter to the Governor of that place on the same subject. With his approbation it is left under a flying seal, that, you may have an...
43To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has been requested to forward the enclosed petition from the Mississippi Territory House of Representatives [not found] regarding “the free Navigation of certain Navigable Rivers, ‘falling into the Bay of Mexico, from the Territories of the United States, and passing thro’ the Dominions of his Catholic Majesty’”; asks that it be laid before the president. On...
44To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 14 Feb. letter with its enclosure on the evening of 24 Mar. Forwarded the New Orleans packet to Hũlings by express on 25 Mar. “It is reported that several french Officers have arrived at Orleans and Certain information received of the sailing of the fleet with the army for Louisiana.” He will learn if the report is true when the...
45From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 19 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive a letter to the Consul of the United States at New Orleans, covering orders from the Spanish Government, for the immediate reestablishment of our right of Deposit. The letter is left open for your perusal. You will please to give it that expeditious transmission to New Orleans which its importance requires, and which is given to it from this place, by an express...
46From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 20 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to request you to forward the enclosed letter to Mr. Clark. I have left it open for your information, and enclosed a copy of the President’s proclamation for convening Congress and a summary of the contents of the Treaty with France, for your own use. With great respect, I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obed. servt. P. S. Be pleased also to forward the enclosed letter &...
47To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Road leading from this Territory thro’ the Chickasaw & chactaw country to Tennessee has become Very insecure. Robberies are frequent, one Citizen has recently been killed, and two others wounded. The robberies are supposed to have been committed by a party of abandoned white-men who alternately infest the Mississippi River & the road; the other Depredations may be attributed to a few...
48To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has reason to believe “that much of the vacant Land in Louisiana, will be covered by fraudulent grants” before the U.S. takes possession. Don Joseph Vidal, commander of the Spanish post across the river from Natchez, “manifests great solicitude” that his friends in the Mississippi Territory “should possess themselves of Lands in his vicinity .” Has learned...
49To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Advised JM in his letter of 7 Sept. that citizens of the Mississippi Territory were surveying lands west of the Mississippi River “with a view … to obtain fraudulent Titles” from Spain. Encloses a copy of his letter to Clark on this subject and Clark’s answer. “It seems that Captain Vidal has no authority to grant Lands or even to authorise a Location, but...
50To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of the 7th: Instant, I advised you, that many of the Citizens of this Territory, were surveying Lands West of the Mississippi, with a view, as I apprehended, to obtain fraudulent Titles for the same from the Spanish Government. I now enclose you a copy of a Letter, which I addressed to Mr. Clark on this subject, as also of his answer. It seems that Captain Vidal has no authority...