1To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1804, New Orleans. “I have nothing interesting to communicate, nor would I write you by this mail, were it not to inform you, that the most perfect good order prevails in this city. I find, the most trifling occurrences here, attract attention to the Northward, and that a disposition exists among some people to give to certain events a consequence they do not merit: To prevent...
2To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1804, New Orleans. “I have received an answer to the letter which I addressed to the Marquis De Casa Calvo on the 28th. ultimo; a translation of the answer and of the documents accompanying it are preparing, and when completed, the originals shall be transmitted to you. It seems La Coquette was fitted out at this place, and was permitted to depart after the receipt of assurances from...
3To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I this moment met with the enclosed letter from Mr. Matthew Lyon to his constituents, and I sincerely hope it may be the only Copy that has reached this city. As a Western man, I feel myself under no obligations to Mr. Lyon for his boasted zeal for the Western interest, and although I am not disposed to question the purity of his motives, I am firmly persuaded, that during the last Session, he...
21 September 1804, New Orleans. “From the great havock which the diseases of this Climate, have recently made among Strangers, and the frequent embezzlement of the property of deceased Persons by unprincipled Men, I have been induced to make special provision for the care of the Estates of certain Intestates. A Copy of my Ordinance in this subject is enclosed, and I hope it will meet the...
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...
6To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1804, New Orleans. “I received on this morning an answer to my letter of the 25th instant to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and having procured a translation thereof, for my own use, I now enclose you the original Copy . “The answer of the Marquis developes in part the views of his court in relation to Louisiana; every exertion has been and will be made to conciliate and perpetuate the...
7To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 12th Instant, acknowledged the receipt of your agreeable favours of the 17th & 18th of July;—Since which I have turned my attention, to the several subjects embraced in Queries relative to Louisiana, and I now lay before you, the result of my inquiries and reflections— 1st. What are the best Maps general or particular of the whole or parts of the Province? Copies of them if to...
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...
9To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The tranquillity in which I found this province is uninterrupted: and every appearance promises a continuation of it. This is the season of festivity here; and I am pleased to find that the Change of government gives additional spirit to the public amusements. It gives me great satisfaction to learn from every side the favorable inclinations of the people; and their confidence in the justice...
10To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1804, New Orleans. “The contents of your private letter gave me great pleasure; the permanent residence of Moralis in Louisiana, I should greatly regret.… “The Marquis De Casa Calvo is the enemy of Moralis, and a hint from me to the Marquis, that Moralis’s removal from Louisiana, would be agreeable, will (I believe) effect the object. “Moralis is a sensible, intrigueing, designing,...
11To 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...
12To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1805, New Orleans. “I now enclose you the Correspondence between the Marquis of Casa Calvo and myself, upon the Subject of his Guard. I had not considered this Guard as an object of serious concern; it was small and for Some time did not seem to excite disquietude among the Citizens. “I was certainly impressed with an opinion that the Marquis could not maintain his Guard as a Matter...
13To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is now in this City, and was received by me with respectful Attention. On this morning accompanied by my Militia Officers, I waited upon the Marquis of Casa Calvo; visited with him the Cathedral Church, and assisted at high Mass.—This day is the feast of St. Carlos, and with a view of testifying my respect for his Catholic Majesty so long as my Country shall be in Peace with him...
14To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1804, New Orleans. “The citizens of Louisiana passing by water to the United States or to Europe, have requested of me passports or letters of protection. No instructions having been given me on this subject, I have acted with some reluctance; but upon the exercise of my best judgment I thought the request was reasonable, and have given to such applicant an instrument of writing,...
15To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 6 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 February 1805, New Orleans . “The Press in this City is indeed becoming licentious; it even menaces the tranquility of private life, but hitherto the Executive of the Territory has been the principal object of abuse. I am happy However to add, that the Louisianians have no concern in the abusive publications, and very generally disapprove of them. The discontented party are composed...
16To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 July 1804, New Orleans. “The Memorial to Congress, of which I have lately Spoken in several of my official letters, is in circulation, and has obtained many signatures. I have seen one sheet of the original manuscript; it is in the hand writing of Edward Livingston, and the whole was no doubt written by that gentleman, by and with the advice of Daniel Clark and Evan Jones. “The Memorial is...
17To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1804, New Orleans. “I have the Honour to enclose you an estimate of the expense which will attend the support of the Government of the Orleans Territory for one year ensuing the 1st of October next. “The Council being appointed by the President, and their ⅌ diem allowance fixed by a Law of Congress, I have supposed their pay would be drawn from the Treasury of the United States; but I...
18To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
Captain Turner, the commanding officer at Fort Adams has just arrived. He tells me that by letters from General Wilkinson dated at Pensacola on the 27th of last month, he learns that in three days the General was to set out from that place by the way of New Orleans for Fort Adams, and would probably arrive there on to morrow. Captain Turner adds that all the troops at Fort Adams in sufficient...
19To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1804, New Orleans. “A Letter I have just received from Captain Turner the Commandant at Natchitoches informs of the return to that Post of certain Negroes that had escaped to Nacogdoches: The recent conduct of the Spanish Authorities on the occasion is such as I could wish, and may in some measure be attributed to the prompt interference of the Marquis of Casa Calvo. “The News from...
20To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Mail has this moment arrived, and brought me your Letter of the 28th. of October.— The communication you made to Mr. Gelston fell into proper hands, and has been used as you intended.—As the Mail will leave this early in the morning, I shall defer replying particularly to your Letter until next Week.— Accept Dear Sir assurances of my respectful attachment RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The...
21To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1804, New Orleans. “I now enclose you the answer of the Marquis De Casa Calvo to my letter of the 28th ultimo. Having obtained for my own use a translation of the Marquis’s letter and the documents accompanying it, I have forwarded to you, the originals.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 4); letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 13). RC 1 p.;...
22To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, New Orleans. “The Treaty ceding Louisiana to Spain in 1762 and her act of acceptance I have not been able to meet with among any of the records in this City. In the Archives of the Cabildo (now in possession of the Municipality) I find no traces of any events prior to the arrival of General O’Reilly. “The proceedings of the Supreme Council of New Orleans (under the Government of...
23To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1803, Fort Adams. “Yesterday evening and until about noon this day we had so heavy a fall of rain as greatly to retard our embarkation. The General however expects that we shall be able to proceed in the course of tomorrow. “I understand that there is a small corps of rifle men on their way hither from Jefferson County. But I should Suppose that the volunteers already here together...
24To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1804, New Orleans. “In the District of Atakapas where party feuds and much general disquietude prevailed on our taking possession of this Province, I have the pleasure to inform you that the most perfect good order now exists, this favorable change is attributed in some degree to the conduct of a very young but I believe a very deserving young officer of the name of Hopkins, who...
25To 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)....
26To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1804, New Orleans. “On the 19th. instant, a Duel was to have been fought between a French Citizen, and a British Subject, who are temporarily residing in this City: by some means, however, this affair of Honor did not take place, but on the same day, the French-man was can[e]’d by the Englishman in the Streets, and, this Circumstance had very nearly produced on Yesterday, some...
27To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to introduce to your acquaintance Messrs. Derbigney, Sauve, and Detrahan, and to request that you would be so obliging as to present them to the President. These Gentlemen have been selected by many of their fellow Citizens to bear a Memorial to Congress, which treats upon subjects interesting to Louisiana, and to make such explanations as may be...
28To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 May 1804, New Orleans. “I was honored on last evening with the receipt of your letter of the 1st. Instant. “I consider peace as the greatest of national blessings, and there is nothing I should more lament than to see my country involved in war with any of the European powers. The formal recession therefore of the King of Spain from his objections to the transfer of Louisiana to the United...
29To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The letter from the American Commissioners will inform you that we are now in possession of this City; and I hasten to inform you of the measures which I have taken as Governor of Louisiana. A proclamation of which the enclosed is a copy was issued by me immediately after the surrender of the province. You will observe that it is silent concirning the Militia (a subject deeply interesting to...
30To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
The special messenger whom I despatched to New Orleans on the 18th instant, returned this evening, and brought with him the enclosed communications from Mr Clark and M. Laussat. The French officer, M. Landais, whose arrival at New Orleans was so much wished for by the Prefect, passed thro’ Natchez three days ago; And I presume that, before this time, he has placed in the hands of the French...
31To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, New Orleans. “On yesterday I received a letter from the Deputy Collector of which the enclosd No 1 is a Copy, informing of the arrival in the Mississippi of a vessell with a number of Frenchmen onboard, who had captured Said vessell on the high seas under particular circumstances. “I determined that under the Treaty, it would be improper to permit this vessell to find an...
32To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose for your perusal a late Letter to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, relative to the Insurrection in West Florida, together with a Copy of my Answer thereto. “ The Marquis has considerable Influence among the old Inhabitants of this Province, and being on that account particularly desirous that a good understanding between us should exist, I have...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There is not in this Territory, all that political Union, which I could wish; But I verily believe that the Discontents are not extensive, nor do I think them of a serious nature.—The Memorial no doubt, was signed by many Citizens; But I nevertheless do not view that Instrument as a fair expression of the public will.—Twenty persons composed the first meeting; three or four Sketches of a...
34To 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...
35To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is yet in this City, arranging (as is understood) with the Marquis a plan for improving and strengthening the Garrison at Pensacola. These Gentlemen (I hear) are impressed with an opinion that the U. States will abandon their Claim to West Florida, and that East & West Florida will be given in exchange for the West Bank of the Missisippi;—But this I presume is in conformity to...
36To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, New Orleans. “The northern mail arrived on last evening, but brought me no official letters from the Seat of Government. “Perfect tranquility continues to prevail here; but really the burdens of the temporary Government are at present peculiarly hard upon me; and are becoming more so every day. “I am compelled to exercise more authority than I had contemplated. I fear my Decrees...
37To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 December 1803, Fort Adams. “I am still at this place. An embarkation is talked of tomorrow; but so many preparatory arrangements yet remain to be performed that I much fear a longer delay. Our militia were mustered this evening and amount to about 200. I wish for myself, no greater force, in addition to the regular troops, and I presume that, in this opinion, the General will accord. The...
38To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 June 1804, New Orleans. “Captain Turner the Commandant at Nachitoches, in a letter to me dated the 27th. Ultimo, says—‘Every thing is at present tranquil, and the people appear satisfied with their condition.’ He adds—’I learn that, the Spaniards are strengthening the garrison at Nacogdoches; that all persons from Louisiana are prohibited settling on this side of St. Antonio, and no repairs...
39To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have been as busily engaged as circumstances would admit, in making such arrangements for the temporary government of this province as I esteemed most consonant to the intentions of the President, and the expectations of the inhabitants. The difficulties I meet with in this undertaking are peculiarly embarrassing on account of the neglected state in which I found the colony....
40To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1805, New Orleans. “I enclose you the third number of the Public Accuser. You will see the Gall of my Enemies, and the zeal with which they embrace every occurrence to annoy my feelings. I feel as if I was trespassing upon your important duties, in Soliciting your attention for one moment to News-paper Publications. But when you perceive the malignity of my opponents, I trust you...
41To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 10 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
10 February 1805, New Orleans . “Colonel De Lassus formerly Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana (with thirty Spanish Soldiers) is now in this City on his way to Pensacola; his Arrival was Announced to me by a Letter from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, of which the enclosure No 1 is a translation, and to which I returned the Answer No 2. The delay attending the evacuation of the Ceded Territory...
42To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 January 1805, New Orleans. “The Last Northern Mail met with a misfortune. The Rider reported that (about twelve leagues from this City) he was thrown from his Horse in the Night, and when he overtook him the Portmanteau was missing. It was found a few days ago by an Inhabitant floating in the Mississippi near the shore and was immediately forwarded by the Civil Commandant of the District to...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real concern I announce to you, the death of my esteemed friend H. B. Trist. He died this morning of a malignant yellow fever, after an illness of five days. The loss of this citizen is a public misfortune, and will occasion much private distress:—He was faithful to the trust with which you honored him, and had he lived a few years longer, would have made ample provision for the...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
During my late Illness, I had the pleasure to receive your esteemed favours of the 7h., 12h and 17h. of July;—But being then unable to write, I requested my private Secretary Mr. Briggs to inform you of their receipt, and to forward to you, the Names of several Gentlemen as suitable Characters for the Legislative Council.—I regret exceedingly the miscarriage of your Letter to me of the 17th....
45To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On last evening, I had the honor to receive your much esteemed favor of the 7th. Ultimo, together with its enclosures;—the Letters to the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, have been carefully delivered, and were received with great pleasure by the Gentlemen, to whom they were addressed.— The Resolutions which the Legislature...
46To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1804, New Orleans. “I received on this morning the enclosed letter from Captain Turner, the Commandant Civil and Military of the District of Nachitoches on the Red River, and immediately returned an Answer of which the paper, marked A, is a copy. “In my letter to you of the 10h. instant, I mentioned that, the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Governor Salcedo, and the Intendant, Moralis, were...
47To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1804, New Orleans. “The Patroles on last night arrested twelve or fifteen Spanish Soldiers and Sailors who were lurking about the City, probably with a design of deserting and they were on this morning delivered to a Spanish officer. “The greater part of the Spanish forces have this moment taken their departure for Pensacola; they were embarked on board of a Ship, and their numbers...
48To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1804, New Orleans. “On this morning, I received the enclosed letter from the Commandant of the District of Ouachitas and returned the answer of which the paper marked B is a copy. “You will have discovered, that some time had elapsed after the delivery of Louisiana to the United States, before the posts of Nachitoches and Ouachitas were taken possession of by our troops; This delay...
49To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 November 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Received JM’s communication of 14 Nov. with its enclosures and will pay “faithful attention” to the contents. “I am pleased to find that provision has been made to relieve me from the labours and responsibility of the Revenue Department at New Orleans, and I learn with satisfaction that the President has selected for the Collector Mr. H. B Trist; A...
50To 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...