1521To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Letter of this date, to the Secretary at War, will inform you of the state of things in this quarter,—the reasons which occasioned my visit to this Post, and the part I have acted since my arrival. In addressing you therefore at this time, I have only to announce an event, which unpleasant as it may be, is nevertheless proper to acquaint you of.—Lieutenant Lewis of the Army, who I...
1522To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day received from on Board a Barge, Several Trunks & Boxes directed to you; one Cage with some Birds, and a Small living Animal, somewhat resembling our common gray Squirrel. They were Sent by Captain Lewis to Mr. Chauteau of St Louis, and by him transmitted to me. Finding that Some of the Trunks and Boxes contained Peltry of various kinds, I had them opened. The Skins had been...
1523To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Robinson a passanger on Board the Brig Enterprise Bound for Baltimore has promised to convey to you a Barrell of excellent Brown Sugar, Manufactured by Mr. Fortier a respectable Planter of this Territory. Mr. Fortier has requested me to forward to you this Sugar, and to pray your acceptance of it as a Sample of the Production of this fertile District— I am my Dear Sir with great Respect...
1524To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a duplicate of my letter of the 23rd. Ultimo. The barracks in this City, with some repairs, which might be readily made by the Soldiers, would afford comfortable Quarters for Officers and Privates. I have always thought that the Officer commanding the Troops, should reside in the Barracks; The apartments are commodious, and Colonel Freeman might (if he pleased)...
1525To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I continue confined to my room, and experience considerable pain—but the wound now suppurates profusely and my Surgeon gives me reason to believe that in 3 weeks I shall be enabled to walk—I fear however that the warmth of the weather will considerably retard my recovery. The business of my office will meet with no derangement by my present confinement—My private Secretary makes out under my...
1526To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you an address from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, and to subscribe myself with Sentiments of great respect & Esteem yo: mo: obt. servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1527To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Application having lately been made to me by Mr. Dunbar—to obtain from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, a Passport for the Gentlemen who are about to ascend the Red River, under your Orders, I addressed to him a letter, of which the enclosure A is a copy, and received the answer marked B.—I have informed Mr. Dunbar of the Marquis’s refusal which I presume may occasion, for the present, the...
1528To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In a former Letter, I mentioned the Opinions of certain Lawyers of Philadelphia, upon the subject of the Batture, which Mr Livingston was promulgating in this City for the purpose of influencing the public sentiment.—I now enclose a private Copy of “A Memoire par M. Du Ponceau, Jurisconsulte á Philadelphie,” together with a Response in Manuscript by Mr Thiery Editor of the Louisiana Courier.—I...
1529To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which I had the honor to address you from Natchez, I inclosed an extract from the Journal of the House of Representatives of this Territory, in which Messrs. Guerin & Levandeau were recommended as Councellors in the Room of James Mather Senior resigned.—I believe in the Letter alluded to, I took the liberty to recommend Mr. Levandeau, as best meriting your confidence;—But since my...
1530To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By a late mail I received from the Secretary of the Treasury a letter concerning the Bank proposed to be established in this Territory, and find with sincere concern; that he is much dissatisfied with the measure. He questions the authority by which the scheme was sanctioned,—expresses apprehensions that it may defeat a project in contemplation, of establishing a Branch of the United States...
1531To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only time by this days mail, to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreeable favors of the 17th and 18th of July, and to add, that I will with all possible dispatch, give you all the Information I can acquire, in relation to the Province of Louisiana. I pray you Sir, to receive my sincere congratulations on the success of Mr. Monroe’s mission;—The Island of Orleans and the extensive...
1532To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me the honor of introducing to your acquaintance, Mr. Joshua Lewis—one of the Land Commissioners for the district of Orleans. It is reported, that, since the arrival of Morales at the Town of Mobile, the navigation of the Mobile river, by American Vessels, has been objected to:—The report, however, wants confirmation. It is also rumoured, that the Spaniards at Nacogdoches, having taken...
1533To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favours of the 10th. and 14th. of March, and am indeed happy to find that the ungenerous calumnies to which I have been subjected, have not made on your mind impressions unfavorable towards me.—I am aware that abuse , much abuse is the constant attendant on Office, under our Government; I have endeavored to meet it with compossure—But when I perceived a political conduct...
1534To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Edward Livingston sailed two days since in a vessel bound to Philadelphia , & from whence he proceeds to the City of Washington.—His object is (as reported) to have a personal conference with you upon several subjects private & political;—Among the former, the case of the Batture will be introduced;—among the latter, the acts of General Wilkinson during the winter of 1806, & of the Territorial...
1535To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now on my excursion to the Several Counties, and hope to accomplish my Journey in a short time;—Unless indeed I should be arrested by Indisposition which is not improbable, for the Summer’s Heat is oppressive, and dangerous to travelers.— Mr. Graham after a series of misfortune put into the Havanna’, & from whence he sailed for the United States on the 15th. Ultimo—I hope Mr. Graham will...
1536To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that Doctor John Watkins had declined the appointment of Surgeon to the garrison of New Orleans, permit me to name to you Doctor Oliver H. Spencer as qualified in the opinion of those who know him to fill that Station. Doctor Spencer is a young man of promising talents: his skill, industry and attention in the practise of medecine and his amiable deportment in private life...
1537To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend mr. Ribelt who returns to the United States under an apprehension that he has met with some heavy domestic misfortune, can give you much interesting information as to the state of things in this quarter. The Troops ordered to this Territory,— with the aid of the Militia,—are—in my opinion, amply sufficient to repel any force which our Spanish Neighbours could, at present,...
1538To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This City continues the Seat of Disease:—On the 16th. Instant died of the prevailing fever, my private Secretary Joseph Briggs; on yesterday Mr. John Gelston late of New-York, and on this Morning Mr. Benjamin West late of Philadelphia.— My own family is heavily afflicted; Mrs. Claiborne continues ill, and her Brother (Mr. Lewis) is expected to die in the course of the Day.—The distress of the...
1539To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Before my departure from this Post, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of addressing to you a private and inofficial Letter.— Information of the Mission to New-Orleans , with which you honored me, I received on the evening of the 17’th Ultimo, and the measures which I have taken since that period, have been faithfully detailed to you by my Communications to the Department of State.—The...
1540To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you a copy of the correspondence which prece’ded the meeting between Mr. Clark & myself, & I sincerely hope you may find therein some apology for my conduct. I feel, as if I had been rashly imprudent;—But there are some considerations, which altho’ they do not justify me, yet (in my own opinion) they go far in extenuation.— From my earliest entry into public Life, I have been in...
1541To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My feelings have led me to an act which I fear may subject me to your censure. I was engaged on the 8th. instant in a Duel with Mr. Daniel Clark. The affair took place within the Florida line, and at the first fire, I received a ball which passed through my right thigh about ten inches below the hip, and made a considerable contusion in my left. Fortunately the bone was not injured, and altho’...
1542To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My letters to the Secretaries of State and War have acquainted you with the state of things in this quarter.— The case of the Batture continues a source of uneasiness to the Louisianians, and unless Mr. Livingston is arrested in his operations, the Port of New Orleans may sustain injury.—This subject was lately before a Grand Jury, and their opinion conveyed in a Presentment, of which the...
1543To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 5th. Instant advising you of the death of my esteemed friend J. W. Gurley, Mr. Robertson has consented to act as Attorney General, but with an intention of holding it no longer, that a suitable Character can be selected to fill the office permanently.— If the appointment of Register of the Land office, which is now vacant, should be confered on Mr. Robertson, I am...
1544To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to introduce to your acquaintance, Major Fortier, an Inhabitant of this City, and a very useful and worthy member of our Society. Major Fortier has acted as one of my Aid de Camps from the period of my first arrival in this City, to the present day—and I have found in him the character of an active officer, a good american, and an honest amiable young man. With sentiments...
1545To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On this day at 7 O’clock, I sat out from Mr. Fortiers, and arrived at noon, at the house of Mr. Truards, the Judge of the County Court, for the County of German Coast. Judge Truard had invited to his house, the Justices of the Peace, and the other Civil officers of the County, & with whom I had the honor to dine.—The day passed pleasantly away, and I was pleased to find, that the American...
1546To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Clark has arrived, and every exertion is making to induce him, to take a violent part against the late proceedings here; A splendid Dinner has been given him, at which Edward Livingston presided as President, assisted by Mr Phil: Jones, and Mr. Ross a dismissed Sheriff.—Among the Guests were, the Judges of the Superior Court, and James Workman late Judge of the County of Orleans; The...
1547To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with the receipt of your interesting letter of the 27. of April. The arrangement of our Militia, which was recommended to Congress, was well calculated for the defence of our Country, and it is regretted by me that the system was not approved. The proposition which was submitted to Congress, with a view to the immediate settlement of a part of this Territory by American Citizens ,...
1548To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Cammack of the Marine Corps being order’ed to the City of Washington, I cannot avoid testifying to you my entire approbation of his Conduct while on this Station, and recommending him to your notice as an officer of merit and Talents;—He has for some time commanded the Marines at New-Orleans, & while his own Department has been uniformly correct, the most exact discipline has been...
1549To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I persuade myself that my letters of the 12th and 24th of August, have reached you in safety. I have not yet been enabled to procure Romane’s map of Louisiana, and I fear the Geographical sketches which were promised me, by a Gentleman residing at Nachitoches on the Red River will not be forwarded. This Gentleman is a Doctor Sibly, formerly of North Carolina, and a man of good general...
1550To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Mr. Julian Poidrass and of Mr. Pierre Derminon, Judge of the Parish of Point Coupie, I have the honor to transmit you the enclosed Address , signed by a number of the respectable Inhabitants (Planters) of Point Coupie, and which I am persuaded conveys a sincere expression of their sentiments on the subject to which it relates. With sentiments of great respect I have the honor...
1551To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
At the particular request of Peter Pedisclaux, a Recorder of Mortgages, and a Notary public in this city I take the liberty to forward to you, the enclosed petition and the documents accompanying it. On my arrival in this city, I found the offices of Mr. Pedisclaux shut, and himself invested with no appointment under the administration of M. Laussat the Colonial Prefect. Mr. Pedisclaux was an...
1552To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A late arrest of a Spanish officer in this City by the Civil authority, has occasioned much agitation here, and excited in a great degree, the displeasure of the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and of Governor Folch. I have not time by this Mail, to furnish the Secretary of State with the particulars of this affair, but I pray you to be assured, that the conduct of the constituted authorities has been...
1553To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since, I visited the settlement of Terre-au-Boeuf, so called from a Creek or Bayou on which it is situated, and where formerly the Buffalos ranged.– This Bayou lies to the East of the Mississippi, and is about 22 miles in length; It makes from Lake Born, & communicates with the Mississippi about fifteen miles below New-Orleans; The Bayou is at present nearly dry, but when the River...
1554To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you, an address from the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, and the pleasure to add, that the Sentiments it contains, are in unison with the feelings of a great majority of the Citizens of this Territory.— I am persuaded, an opinion generally prevails in this District, that the Liberty, Peace, & safety of our Country, greatly depend upon the...
1555To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Office of Surveyor for this Port, having become vacant by the Death of Mr. Andrew Porter, I take the liberty to recommend to you as his Successor Mr. Peter L. B. Duplessis. This Gentleman is a Native Citizen of the United States, and Speaks the French Language in great purity. He was formerly in the employ of my Deceased friend H. B. Trist, who often Spoke of him to me in the most...
1556To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of 46 days from Nashville; I reached this Town, on the Morning of the 23rd. Instant;—during the Voyge, I experienced no misfortune; and Mrs. Claiborne ; myself; and family enjoyed good health. The Affairs of this District, are greatly confused; in a Word, Anarchy is (nearly) the order of the day:—The restoration of Good Order; and regular Government will be an arduous Work; and...
1557Enclosure: Composition of the Orleans Territory Legislative Council, 2 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Members Originally named for the Council, and Stephen Boré } Declined Serving Evan Jones Daniel Clark Michael Cantrell Jack Romain Gaspar Dubuys Bellechasse Degoutin & Robert Dow ——— Julian Poidras } Accepted William Wikoff Benjamin Morgan John Watkins &
1558To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last Mail I had time only to acknowledge the receipt of your agreeable favour of the 26th of May; but I now propose replying to it more particularly. There can indeed be no question of Doctor Sibley’s good sense and information, nor do I doubt his zeal for the Public Interest. Of the Private Character of the Doctor, I had no personal knowledge, but it having been attacked here with some...
1559To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment understood that Messrs. Girod and Chal , Merchants of this City, have addressed a letter to you, complaining “that I had (to their injury & exclusion) recognized in the Baron of Bastrop, an exclusive right to trade with Citizens at Ouacheta and also with the Indians who might visit that post, which privilege had been heretofore granted to the Baron by the King of Spain”;—The...
1560To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Dean who goes to the City of Washington with public dispatches, I do myself the pleasure to transmit you a Map of a part of this Territory.— It is the most correct of any I have seen, and as such is offered for your acceptance. Mr. Deplantier is now in this City, and proposes, without delay, to locate a portion of the lands granted to General La Fayette.— We hope to be enabled to...
1561To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Honour to enclose you a copy of my address to the Legislative Council, and of the answer returned thereto. The meeting of the Council has had already a happy effect; the few Intriguers who have laboured to stop the Wheels of Government are greatly discouraged, and the well disposed Citizens highly satisfied. The only anxiety I now feel is, that the means I resorted to, to form a...
1562To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg you to receive—accompanied with my warm respects—a Treatise written on the Criminal Laws of this Territory. I have the honor to be Your sincere friend— Major Rd. Claiborne takes this opportunity of sending his old and continued affection to Mr. Jefferson. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1563To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Roebelt, who has been appointed United States Factor for the Post of Nachetoches, is now in this City. He is awaiting at this place, his instructions, and seems at this time to be uninformed as to the duties which are expected of him. In his Commission he is named the Factor for the Post of Nachetoches, and it would seem therefrom that his agency would be confined solely to the management...
1564To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Communications of yesterday to the Secretary of State, will acquaint you of the unpleasant aspect of Affairs in this quarter.— I persuade myself, that the danger from within will not prove as serious as is apprehended;—But whatever difficulties may arise, you may rely with Confidence, on my best exertions for the defence of my Country and Government. General Wilkinson is of...
1565To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor a few days since, to receive your Letter of the 10th of July, and its contents shall engage my early attention. By the ensuing Mail therefore, I shall forward you a list of the Buildings (the property of the United States) in this City, together with my opinion as “to the best distribution to be made of them”.— I learn thro the Medium of the News papers, that a Peace...
1566To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to announce the arrival of Judge Hall; he reached this City three days ago; and on this Morning, I delivered him his commission, and administered the oaths of Office. The death of Colonel Kirbey is really an event I greatly lament;—But I persuade myself his vacancy will soon be filled by an able and judicious Judge.—Mr. Prevost is attentive to his duties, and his decisions...
1567To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The late Indian Agency which has been confered on Doctor John Sibly has occasioned an investigation of his private character, and I discover that it has received many injurious reproaches. Mr. Bradford the Editor of the Orleans Gazette has addressed to me a Letter upon the Subject, which I deem it a duty to lay before you, more especially since in some of my former Letters to you, I spoke...
1568To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 2nd. Ultimo, together with its several enclosures.— Your Letter to Mr. Brown was immediately delivered;—that to Colonel Kirbey is returned to you, & whose death I presume you have by this time been informed of.— Mr. Brown has mentioned to me his Intention to decline serving either as Judge or Secretary; the Salary is not sufficient to support him comfortably,...
1569To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 24th. of May, and the Communication enclosed therein, I shall, with great pleasure, lay before the House of Representatives of this Territory, at their next meeting.—A free and innocent passage along the Waters running into the Bay of Mexico, will contribute greatly to the convenience and Interest of many of your fellow Citizens, and...
1570To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of the Answer of the Marquis of Casa Calvo to my Letter of the 11th. Instant, and to Subscribe myself— With great respect, Yo: faithful friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.