11To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Territory, will transmit you a Copy of the "Civil Code", adopted at the last Session of the Legislature. You will find the English Text extremely incorrect; This is attributable to the circumstance of the Work having been written in French, and the translation prepared by persons who were not well acquainted with the English Language; So erroneous does the translation...
12To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
Eight days ago, Mr. Cevallos, an admiral in the Spanish service, & the late Commandant on the Vera-Crux station arrived in this City, and, on yesterday, it being stated in one of the New-papers that a Vessel had arrived hence from Pensacola with dispatches to Admiral Cevallos from Governor Folch, I sent a verbal message to Mr. Cevallos, expressive of my wish to see him, & shortly thereafter he...
13To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
Messrs. Daniel Clark, Workman, Kerr, Powers, Daversac & others are very intimate, and, actively employed in exciting opposition to the General and local Administrations. Clark (with the assistance of his friends) is writing a Book, the principal object of which, probably will be, to ruin General Wilkinson, and risque his (Clark’s) Character, from the injurious suspicions, which at present...
14To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last Letter, which was dated at Opelousas informed you, of the Reports which had reached me from Natchitoches, relative to an unauthorised expedition into the Spanish Country, under the direction of a certain Anthony Glass. You now have enclosed a copy of my letters on this occasion (No. 1) to Judge Carr, and of his answer (No. 2). I also transmit you a Copy of a letter to me (No. 3) from...
15To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
My Letter to the Secretary at War, will advise the President, of the Conviction of four Alabama’s of the Crime of Murder; of the execution of two of these unfortunate Men; the Considerations which induced the pardon of the others, and of the good Understanding which promises to exist between the Citizens of this Frontier and the neighbouring Indians. The Office of Attorney General, for this...
16To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
My letter of the 1st. Instant, will have apprised you of my design to set out on a journey to Washington, in the course of next month; unless in the mean time, events should arise, which would render my presence in the Territory essential to the public Interest; or unless it be intimated to me, that my absence at this period would not be agreeable to the President. An Inhabitant of Opellousas...
17To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Desirous to avail myself of the President’s permission to visit the United States, I contemplate leaving this place, in the course of next month, unless in the mean time events may arise, which would render my presence in the Territory, essential to the public interest. In the course of the present year, I have had the honor to advise the President in two private Letters (and on one occasion...
18To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
From the County of Opellousas, several Negro’s have lately escaped to the Spanish Dominions, and several others who had designed to escape, have been arrested. These events have excited much uneasiness among the Farmers of the Territory, and they await with impatience the interference of the General Government. There has arisen another cause for anxiety among the Holders of Slaves; you are...
19To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
A Vessel under English Colours arrived here some time since, and was reported to the Collector of the District, to have been a Spanish Vessel bound from Vera-Cruz to Cadix, which was captured by an English Frigate and ordered to Jamaica; But meeting with heavy gales & adverse winds (in which she had suffered considerably) was forced to enter the Mississippi. One of the Wardens of the Port of...
20To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 18th. of April has been received, and the Letter for Mr. Duplantier which you enclosed, has been delivered. Mr. Duplantier has located and surveyed for General Fayette ten thousand Acres of Land lying on the Mississippi, in the vicinity of Point Coupie, but some private Claims having lately been set up to a part of that Tract, Mr. D. has solicited of the Board of...
21To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a letter from Governor Salcedo, in reply to my communication of the 9th. day of March last (of which a Copy was transmitted you on the 14th. of the same month) upon the subject of the fugitive Slaves, from which it seems that he does not feel himself at liberty to act without the instructions of the King his Master. I am Sir, with great respect, yo: mo: hble...
22To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Bill concerning the Batture as reported by a Committee of the House of Representatives, is very pleasing to the Inhabitants of this City, & the provision which confirms to the proprietors of Land fronting on the River the Alluvion, will be received with pleasure thro’out the Territory. It was attempted by the individuals claiming the Batture, to interest the people in their favour, by a...
23To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Moreau Lislet declining the Commission of Judge of the Superior Court of this Territory. I do not know a Lawyer here, of talents; and Integrity who would relinquish his practise for a seat on the Superior Court Bench, & I think the President will be compel’ed to selet a Gentleman from some one of the States. Every thing in this quarter is tranquil. I am Sir, very...
24To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
In the month of January 1807, I understand that a Grand Jury summoned by order of the Superior Court of this Territory, had made certain presentments against James Workman and Lewis Kerr, charging them with designs & acts hostile to the Laws and Government of the U. States. I immediately made application by letter to the Judges, for Copies of the Presentments, but they were refused me; I...
25To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
The "Civil Code" alluded to in my last letter, is nothing more, than a "Digest of the Civil Laws now in force in this Territory". This work will be of infinite service to the Magistrate and the Citizen: Heretofore a knowledge of the Laws, by which we were governed, was extremely confined; The Lawyers who avowed themselves to be civilians, told the Judges what the Law was, and the Citizens in...
26To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
On the 31st. Ultimo, the Legislature of the Territory, closed their Sessions; a copy of the acts passed, will be transmitted you, as soon as they are printed. You will find by a message from me to the Legislature, (printed in the enclosed paper), the reasons which induced my approbation of "a Digest of the Civil Laws now in force in this Territory"; A work of the kind was indispensible to the...
27To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have heard nothing further from Nachitoches; the Report of the advance of Spanish Troops towards the Sabine is not confirmed; It however has acquired credence. Blannerhasset has been for several weeks at Natchez, & receives (it is said) much polite attention. I was yesterday informed by the Collector of this Port (Mr. Brown) that Lewis Kerr proposes to visit England, and that he had...
28To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The difficulty with respect to the negro’s, who have sought and found an Asylum in the Province of Techus is not adjusted: A translation of Governor Salcedo’s last letter upon the subject, together with a copy of the answer, which I have returned, are herein enclosed, marked A & B. I also transmit you, the number, names, and valuation of the several fugitive Slaves as stated in writing by...
29To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosures No. 1, 2, 3 and 4, furnish a correspondence between Messrs. Duncan, Gurley, governor Folch and myself, relative to the accusations exhibited against general James Wilkinson, and are now transmitted to you for the purpose of being laid before the court of enquiry, if you should think proper. I have the honor to be, Sir, Very respectfully, Your most obt. servt. The original letter...
30To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly honored with the receipt of your letter of the 20th. Ultimo, and am happy to find that my correspondence with the Governor General of Techus, relative to fugitive Slaves, is approved. I am in daily expectation of receiving an answer from Governor Salcedo, and if my propositions are acceded to, I will endeavor to procure the passage of a Law as advised by the President....
31To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose for your perusal a translation of a letter from Governor Folch in answer to a communication I made him on the 26th. of July last. I have acknowledged the rect. of Governor Folch’s letter and said to him "that without discussing the merits of the claim of Spain to the free navigation of the Mississippi, or of that of the Citizens of the U. S. to the undisturbed use of the waters of...
32To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
The case of the Batture has given rise to a warm Newspaper discussion, which for the present seems wholly to engage the public Mind. New-Orleans has so long been the residence of the Governor of the Territory, that the Inhabitants of that City, or rather some of them, think me culpable in taking a short excursion into the Country. But I am persuaded the President will not object to my retiring...
33To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
It is my duty to advise you that slaves escaping from the Territory of the United States to the Province of Taxus, receive the protection of the Spanish Agents, and to suggest the very serious injury which is likely to result therefrom to the Inhabitants of the Territory of Orleans. The enclosure No. 1 is a Copy of a Presentment of a Grand Jury upon this subject, and that No 2 of a Letter...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I shall set out for New-Orleans in two Days, & expect to arrive there on or before the 18th. Instant. Tyler who stands charged with the Crime of Treason, is said to be in the Opelousas District; I have given orders for his Arrest, & will have him conveyed to the Hon’ble the Judge for the District of Orleans, who will I presume order him to be sent to Richmond. John Smith of Ohio, is at Batton...
37To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Finding Mrs. Claiborne’s Health much impaired, and being apprehensive that a residence here during the summer might, endanger her life, I propose leaving this City (with my family) for the Mississippi Territory in the course of the Day. I shall myself continue in the vicinity of Natchez for four or five Days only, & expect to return to New Orleans on or before the 20th. August. I am not yet...
38To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you two letters, which I have received from Governor Folch, together with a Copy of my answer to the same. General Adair instead of visiting Richmond as he said not long since, was his intention, set out on yesterday for the Opelousas, where he proposes to pass some time. Adair was much attended to in this City by every Individual who is opposed to the Government. I...
39To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
By the northern mail of this morning, we have private letters, which state the attack & Capture of an American Frigate, near the Capes of Virginia, by a British Ship of War. The news has excited much alarm among the Merchants, and will probably delay the Departure of such Vessels from this Port as are destined for Europe, until some official information, relative to the Capture shall be...
40To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Designing Men here, have made the most of the imprudent conduct of the Navy officers; they affect to attribute it to the influence of General Wilkinson’s proceedings the last winter, and are desirous of making it the means of exciting the prejudices of the Louisianians, against both the Government and her agents; But they will be disappointed; the Louisianians begin to distinguish between the...
41To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
An event has happened here, which has occasioned some agitation in the public mind. The Gun Boats on this Station are anchored in the Mississippi, opposite to New Orleans, and near to the Western shore; On the 4th. of July, a Citizen (a Planter) in the vicinity, was correcting his female slave, whose cries being heard by the officers and Crew of the Gun Boats, three of the young officers...
42To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you, a copy of Some Resolutions which have been adopted by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of this Territory, in consequence of my message of the 10th. Instant. You will perceive by these documents, that the power of suspending the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, is supposed not be vested in the Territorial Legislature; an opinion which...
43To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 October 1806. “Mr, Graham is not arrived; but I expect the pleasure of seeing him early the next winter. I have no doubt but the Spaniards have recros[s]ed the Sabine; this Movement however has proceeded from the present debilitated State of their forces, & ought not to be viewed as evidence of a pacific disposition. “I should indeed be happy to visit the...
44To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 October 1806, New Orleans. “I returned to this City on the Evening of the 6th Instant, and am happy to believe that the Public Interest has sustained no injury by my long absence. My Private Secretary Major Richard Claiborne who had charge of the Secretary’s Office, was very attentive to his duties, and from the State in which I find the Office, I have...
45To 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...
46To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 July 1806, “120 Miles from New Orleans.” “I received on yesterday your private letter of the Ultimo [not found]. “It affords me pleasure to learn, that our differences with England are likely to be brought to an amicable issue, and I persuade myself that we shall be equally fortunate in our negociation with Spain. I must confess however, that on this point...
47To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 July 1806, “60 Miles from N. Orleans. ” “In a former Letter I advised you of my Intention to visit the several counties on the Missisippi; I am now on that Journey, & hope to accomplish it, in a short time, unless indeed I should be arrested by Indisposition, which is not improbable; for an exposure to the Summer’s Sun has already made me very unwell. “I have...
48To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 26 June 1806, New Orleans. “I was informed on yesterday that an office for the sale of lands in East and West Florida was now open at Pensacola, under the direction of mr. Morales. It is understood that the Titles for Land heretofore sold by Morales will now be completed, and it is probable the remaining vacant land will in a short time be taken up. Several...
49To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 25 June 1806, New Orleans. “A few days since, an inhabitant of this Territory, a Spaniard by birth, was arraigned at the Bar of the Superior Court on a charge of murder; and upon his trial was acquitted. This event is only worthy of notice in consequence of a question which arose in the course of the trial, and the decision made thereon. The Counsel for the...
50To 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...
51To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 June 1806, New Orleans. “On yesterday the legislature of this Territory adjourned sine die. Previous to the adjournment, a Committee composed of the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives attended the Executive for the purpose of enquiring whether he had any further communications to make to the two Houses. To this Committee I...
52To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 June 1806, New Orleans. “I inclose for your perusal a copy of a Manifesto addressed to the People of the Territory and signed by certain members of the legislative Council, and of the House of Representatives. “That this Publication will raise the popular sentiment in favor of the Signers, is perhaps probable; but I am persuaded its effects will soon pass...
53To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 May 1806, New Orleans. “On yesterday the House of Representatives rejected the resolution of the Council mentioned in my letter of the 26th.; and on this day the two Houses are dispatching business with dispatch and concord. “The Resolution of the Council was passed without reflection, and was evidently the result of passion. As far as I can learn the public...
54To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 May 1806, New Orleans. “I pray you to lay before the President of the United States, the inclosed letters from Messrs. Destréhan and Sauvé, resigning their Seats in the Legislative Council; together with copies of my answers thereto. Colonel Bellechasse had also written his letter of resignation—but has since been induced not to forward it. “The services of...
55To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 26 May 1806, New Orleans. “I this day rejected the Bill, of which a copy was inclosed to you in my letter of the 22. instant. This act of mine has given rise to a proceeding no less unexpected than it is unprecedented and exceptionable. The Council have passed a resolution proposing an immediate dissolution of the assembly; assigning for reason—that the Governor...
56To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 22 May 1806, New Orleans. “I inclose for your perusal a copy of another Act of the legislature which I shall reject. This measure was probably suggested by some of the French lawyers, and has become a favorite measure with the majority in the two houses, its rejection therefore will perhaps excite some discontent; but the course my judgment suggests, must be...
57To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 May 1806, New Orleans. “I have yielded to the wishes of Governor Grand Pré, and have permitted Passports to be given to such of the Citizens of the United States as may travel through the settlement of Baton Rouge, and who may apply for Passports at my Office. These Passports are without Seal, and signed by my Private Secretary. This is done in order to save...
58To 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...
59To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 16 May 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. Graham, who visits the United States by permission of the President, will be enabled to satisfy your enquiries with respect to the state of things in this Territory. Mr. Graham departs with my regret; his attachment to the interest of his country, and his private virtues secured him my friendship, while his good sense and prudent...
60To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 May 1806, New Orleans. “The Secretary of the Territory, Mr. Graham, will depart from hence to the United States in a few days; by him I shall write you fully as to the state of things in this quarter. “The Territorial Legislature will I fear do little good during the present session; they are devided, and one party, the strongest, seems to me to be greatly...