To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1803 (Abstract)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne
18 November 1803, Natchez. “Shortly after closing my despatches of this morning I received the enclosed letter from Mr Clarke1 to which I returned an answer, a copy of which is likewise enclosed.”2
RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, TP, Orleans, vol. 2); letterbook copy (Ms-Ar: Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 13). RC 1 p.; printed in , 1:294. For surviving enclosure, see n. 2.
1. Claiborne probably enclosed a copy of Clark to Claiborne, 11 Nov. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, CD, New Orleans, vol. 1; printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Orleans, 9:102–4). Another copy of this letter, dated 10 Nov. 1803, was enclosed in Clark to JM, 10 Nov. 1803.
2. Claiborne enclosed a copy of Claiborne to Clark, 18 Nov. 1803 (1 p.; printed in , 1:294), in which Claiborne acknowledged receipt of Clark’s 11 Nov. letter, expressed his approval of Clark’s actions, and said that the local militia would accompany the troops from Fort Natchez and that a printer with equipment would arrive at New Orleans within two weeks.