71To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 18 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 May 1805, “On the Missisippie, 60 Miles, from New orleans .” “I left the City on the 14th. instant, and am this far on my way to Point Coupeé. The necessary appointments under the new Judiciary System, are made as I pass, and although I am not enabled on all occasion<s> to avail the public of the services of enlightened Men, yet I am persuaded that the conduct of those selected, will...
72To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 21 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 February 1805, New Orleans . “In my Letter of the 19th Instant, I stated that about the last of July or first of August, the Petition of Hulin was presented to me. I have since found (among my Papers) the original Petition, which is without date, but one of the Documents refered to, bears date on the eleventh of August. “I had no recollection myself, as to the particular period of...
73To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 5 December 1805, New Orleans. “Mr. Graham has this moment returned from Pensacola, and brought me Governor Folch’s reply to my communication of the 31. of October last. “The answer is not as explicit as I could have wished; but it is probable that the difficulties to which our commerce is at present subjected at Mobile may soon be removed. I will inclose you a...
74To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you on the Glorious issue of the contest in which was involved the Safety of this Section of the union. It has this moment been officially announced to me by one of the aids de camp of Major General Jackson, “that the Enemy evacuated their camp in the course of last night, and that the State of Louisiana is now probably free from the presence of an Invader.” I cannot on this...
75To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosures No. 1 & 2 are Letters I lately received from Governor Folch, and that No. 3 a Copy of the Answer I have returned. Governor Folch in these Communications has discovered an irritability of temper, which the occasion did not call for, nor could I avoid taking exception to the Stile in which he thought proper to address me. The Embargo , always disagreeable to our neighbours of...
76To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 January 1805, New Orleans. “I have understood that the incipient Capital of the Louisiana Bank is Subscribed, and the Stock-Holders will meet on tomorrow for the purpose of choosing Directors. “I had hoped that this measure would not have been carried into effect, Since it had been disapproved of at the Seat of Government: But the Spirit of adventure which for a length of time was dormant...
77To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 August 1805, New Orleans. “On the 30th. ultimo, Mr. Gurley the Register of the Land Office, left this City, on a Visit to the several Counties of the Territory, with a view, of making such explanations of the late Act of Congress ‘for ascertaing and adjusting the Titles, and Claims to Land within the Territory of Orleans,[’] as may tend to check any...
78To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 October 1804, New Orleans. Forwards a duplicate of his 16 Oct. letter , which contains his reply to charges in a pamphlet also sent JM. “Perhaps this Publication will not receive any Credit to the Northward; But as the Attention of the American Citizens is turned to Louisiana, and from our great distance from the Seat of Government and other Causes, events in this quarter are too apt to be...
79To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 December 1804, New Orleans. “I have the pleasure to inform you, that the Council progress in Business, with great Harmony, care and industry, and that the well disposed Citizens appear satisfied. The enclosed Paper contains the address of Mr. Poidrass on the opening of the Cession. His influence is considerable and there is no doubt but his sentiments will make a favourable impression. “The...
80To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1810 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you the Names of the ten Citizens, nominated by the House of Representatives of this Territory, for the ensuing Legislative Council, and to furnish you with some information respecting them. Messrs. Thomas Urquhart, Etienne Boré, Jean Noel Destrehan, Manuel Andry & Arnaud Beauvais, are Natives of Louisiana; Messrs. Jean Blanque, Matarin Guerin, Magloire Guishard &...
81To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 19 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
19 April 1805, New Orleans . “In conformity to your Letter of the 25th of February, I have taken occasion to communicate (verbally) to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, the impressions of the Executive of the United States, upon the Subject of the late increase of the Spanish Armies within and near the disputed Territories, and also the provisional arrangements which were in consequence contemplated....
82To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
83To 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...
84To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 30 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
30 March 1805, New Orleans . “Mr Chambers the United States Factor for the Chactaw Indians is now in this City. His Business here is to procure some necessary supplies for the Factory, and to engage a Vessel to transport thither a quantity of Peltry which he had collected; Colonel Freeman also is solicitous to send to Fort Stoddart some Military Stores which the Garrison greatly needed—and the...
85To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 October 1804, New Orleans. Acknowledges JM’s 30 Aug. 1804 letter enclosing his commission as governor of Orleans Territory. Asks JM to tell the president how sensible of the honor he is and that he will strive to merit continuance of the president’s confidence. “On this morning the Oaths of Office was administered to me, by Mr. Pitot Mayor of this City, and a Copy of a short Address which I...
86To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, New Orleans. “In the commencement of my late illness I received from the Commandant of Nachitoches the letter No. 1, enclosing the petition of which No. 2 is a translation, and returned the answer No. 3. These papers would have been forwarded to the Department of State at an earlier period had not the rapid advance of my indisposition totally prevented me from attending to any...
87To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a copy of three Ordinances which I have lately passed; one of which contains a Charter for a Bank. “The establishment of a Bank in this city was much wished for by the inhabitants and I believe will prove of great utility: but I must confess I should not have ventured upon the measure from these considerations alone.” Learned of efforts to make the...
88To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1804, New Orleans. “Since my last letter Mr Canterelle and Mr Clarke have also declind accepting their commissions, as Members of the Legislative Council. There is no doubt but some of the promoters of the Memorial, have taken these means, to embarrass the local Government, and to force Congress to accede to their wishes; but such Imprudencies seem to me, illy calculated to benefit...
89To 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...
90To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I shall be detained here longer than I had anticipated. The extreme heat of the Season, and my state of health will render it inconvenient for me to return to New-Orleans by Land, & a Water Conveyance has not yet presented; I however expect one in a few Days, and shall avail myself thereof. By Letters from New Orleans, under date of the 7th: Instant, I am advised that a Town Meeting was called...
91To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 6 February 1806, New Orleans. “Late on the Evening of the 4. instant, the Marquis of Casa Calvo arrived in this City from Nacogdoches via Nachitoches—which last place he left on the 22. ultimo—and having passed by water, he was not met by Captain Ross, to whom my Dispatch of the 10. of January was committed. “I have, on this morning, addressed to the Marquis a...
92To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 25 March 1806. “I fear the Garrison of Fort Stoddart will experience serious Inconveniences for the want of supplies; Judge Toulmin, who has just arrived from the Tombigby, informs me, that at the period of his Departure, there was at Fort Stoddard, 25 Barrels of flour, 8 Barrles of Beef, & a small quantity of Spirits; he adds that when this is gone, the Troops...
93To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 May 1804, New Orleans. “The enclosed proclamation of the Captain General of Cuba, was transmitted to me, yesterday by the Marquis of Casa Calvo, who has often expressed to me the desire of his Catholic Majesty to observe the Strictest neutrality during the present War. “The emigration from the West Indies to Louisiana continues great; few vessels arrive from that quarter, but are crowded...
94To 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...
95To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to inform you of the embarrassments to which the Citizens of the United States are subjected who navigate the Mobile River. All american Vessels passing by the Town of Mobile, are brought to and a duty of per cent exacted both on imports and Exports. These duties are even required on Articles passing to and from the Garrisons and Factories of the United States. I have addressed on...
96To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I know not in what manner I could better conform to a request made of me, in a letter from Captain Abrahams, the Military Agent at this place, than to take the liberty of transmitting the Letter itself for your perusal. Captain Abrahams seems to me, to have exercised in his Department a most prudent economy, and from the zeal and Integrity in office, which he has here manifested, I am...
97To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 26 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 June 1805, New Orleans . “The Legislative Council is again in Session. They were to have met on the 20th, but a Quorum was not formed until the 22nd Instant, and on the Same day I communicated a Message in writing, of which a Copy is contained in the enclosed Paper. “I shall prorogue the Council on the third day of July, Sine die; and in the mean time it is expected they will pass several...
98To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
We have the afflicting intelligence of the fall of the City of Washington, but are not yet furnished the particulars; The public Buildings it is reported are all destroyed, but we are left to hope that private property has been respected. This event will excite thro’out the Union, the deepest Regret; But it may be an evil for a Good ; It Surely will revive the Spirit of Seventy Six, and call...
99To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1804, New Orleans. “The late slight appearance of discontent among the people of Colour, of which in my last letter I advised you, excited some alarm among the white Citizens , and has determined them to have no more meetings , after the one contemplated on tomorrow, and at that I suppose, but few will attend. “The Louisianians have as little mischief in their dispositions, and as much...
100To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 10th. Ultimo. “I am glad to understand your sentiments on the case of St. Julien; the more so as they entirely co-incide with my own. His bail I believe to be good, and even independent of that he and his friends seem so confident of his innocence that there appears at present no grounds to apprehend that...
101To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1804, New Orleans. “Enclosed is a copy of a circular Letter I have addressed to the several civil commandants in Lower Louisiana. “I am not certain, but the Act of Congress does, on the first of October, virtually withdraw all Judicial Powers from the Authorities now existing in this Province; But in order to prevent those Scenes of anarchy and confusion which might arise in the...
102To 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...
103To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
At the particular request of the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent, I take the liberty to ask of you the favor, to give the enclosed letters a safe conveyance, particularly the one directed to "Monsieur Pierre Walsh Agent General des Etats-Unis à Montpellier". I also enclose for your perusal, a letter to me from the Lady Abbess, stating the desire of the Nuns to add to their present number,...
104To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that on the 30h Ultimo, I entered upon the duties of the office of Governor of Louisiana, to which I have been called by a Vote of the people of the State and of the General Assembly. Yielding to the feelings of a Grateful Heart, I eagerly seize this occasion to return you my sincere thanks for the high confidence you were pleased to repose in me, during the...
105To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
When my old acquaintance Edward Livingston arrived in this City, he seemed determined perseveringly to pursue his profession, with a view of restoring his fortune, and on the subject of politics, he expressed an ardent wish to see the present administration prosper, but declared it to be his interest not to be concerned in public business. His talents, address, connexions, and the high...
106To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, New Orleans. “Tranquility continues to reign in this city and its vicinity. M. Laussat takes his leave of the Spanish Commissioners on this day; and the day after tomorrow he proposes to pay his last visit to the American Commissioners. His departure therefore it is expected will take place in a few days. The Barracks evacuated by the Spanish troops have been put in our...
107To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 4 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 May 1805, New Orleans . “On this Evening the Legislative Council was prorouged [ sic ] to the 20th. of June; They have passed many Laws which I trust will prove promotive of the general good; lest however some material defects should be discovered, I thought it best for the Council again to be in Session, previous to their power expiring. The Acts of the Legislature are now in the Press, and...
108To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 November 1805, New Orleans. “The inclosed paper will furnish you with a Copy of an address from the House of Representatives of this Territory to the President of the United States: it was unanimously adopted, and evinces a degree of Patriotism which I hope may have a good effect. “I contemplate convening the Legislature, some time about the last of February,...
109To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
110To 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...
111To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1804, New Orleans. “I have never witnessed more good order, than at present pervades this City; and as far as I can learn the whole Territory. I discover also with great pleasure the existence of a friendly understanding between the Modern and the Ancient Louisianians. The Winter amusements have commenced for several Weeks; the two description of Citizens meet frequently at the...
112To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 August 1804, New Orleans. “More than two months ago, I received information that a small French privateer, in company with two brigs, the one under French and the other Spanish Colours had entered the Mississippi. “The brigs anchored in the river below Plaquemines , and the privateer with my permission passed that Fort , and came to, about two leagues below this city. Rumour soon pronounced...
113To 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...
114To 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...
115To 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...
116To 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...
117To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 5 August 1805, New Orleans. “On last Evening, I paid a visit to the Marquis of Casa Calvo. He acknowledged the receipt of my Letter of the 3rd Instant, and told me ‘that an answer should be returned, so soon as he had received from Morales a communication (which was momently expected) upon the Subject, to which I had alluded.’ The Marquis added that ‘he believed...
118To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 April 1806, New Orleans. “As the situation of this Country is somewhat peculiar, perhaps the subject of the inclosed letters deserves the Consideration of our Government. I am myself at a loss to know why Mr. Deforgues has not put the business upon the footting I proposed to him, or made to me some other proposition than the one contained in his letter. His...
119To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 23 August 1805, “County of Acadia Sixty Miles from New Orleans.” “In the course of my Journey I have found the Citizens much desturbed by a report of the retrocession to Spain of the Country west of the Mississippi. I have possitively asserted, that the Report was groundless; but it had acquired such general currency, that many good disposed Citizens cannot be...
120To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1804, New Orleans. “Your Letter dated ‘Virginia August 28th.,’ reached me on the evening of the third instant. “A number of Spanish Officers are yet in Louisiana, and there is no doubt with me, but they encourage the Discontents which arise here. I shall take an early opportunity to intimate to the Marquis of Cassa Calvo, that the continuance of these Officers in our Territory, ‘so...