4211To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
On yesterday we had nearly witnessed in this city a serious riot. A guard of Spanish soldiers, being on duty at the house of the Marquis De Casa Calvo, (who was himself absent) and very much intoxicated, made an attack upon a sailor who was passing the street. The citizens interfered and beat off the guard. One citizen was slightly wounded and a Spanish soldier very much beatten. Early...
4212To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Of late there has been a defference between the Mayor of this City, and the officer commanding the Troops: The correspondence which ensued, I now have the Honor to enclose You, in conformity to the particular request of the Mayor , who is desirous that his conduct on the occasion should be known to you.— My official Letters to the Secretary of State, will acquaint you with the state of things...
4213To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1804, New Orleans. “Enclosed is a translation of a letter to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, which will shew you the favorable disposition of the Governor-General of Cuba, towards the commerce of the United States, and the desire he feels to prevent Privateers from making sale of their prizes within the limits of his Government. “I have the pleasure to inform you, that the most...
4214To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1804, New Orleans. “The twenty passports you lately forwarded, are nearly all distributed. The commerce of this City is great and increasing, and I find that the Louisianians are very fond of visiting Europe; I request therefore, that, an additional number of blank passports may be furnished me, or otherwise, I shall not be enabled to present the Louisianians going abroad with a...
4215To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have forwarded you by the Ship Fame bound to Baltimore, a small Box containing a few Fossils &c. collected by a Mr. “ Richard King on his excursion to the Hot Springs, on the Ouachita River,” and of which I solicit your acceptance.— Mr. King in his Letter to me, speaking of the Hot Springs—observes—“These Springs form the most extraordinary Phenomenon in the World. The water is hot almost to...
4216To 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...
4217To 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...
4218To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 16 April 1806, New Orleans. “Late accounts from Nachitoches state, that the Spanish Force has been withdrawn from the Sabine, and that the orders given to cross that river and establish a Post near Nachetoches, were countermanded by the Governor General of Taxus; It is probable therefore that, for the present, every thing will remain tranquil on our Frontier....
4219To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 6 August 1805, New Orleans. “I forgot to mention to you in my Letter of yeasterday, that in the course of my conversation with the Marquis of Casa Calvo, he mentioned to me, that ‘his Conduct here, had been approved by the Minister of State, at Madrid, and his interference in the affair of the Negroes, who had escaped to Nacagdoches was particularly approbated...
4220To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter, I have made with Colonel Freeman an arrangement concerning the regular Guards, which I trust will put an end to those complaints heretofore exhibited by the Citizens. The troops stationed here, have I believe conducted themselves as well as an army ever did similarly situated; but it is impossible for any Commander to maintain Discipline among men posted in a City , where...
4221To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1804, New Orleans. Has been informed by Daniel Clark that he considers himself no longer authorized to expend the sums appropriated for the relief of seamen in New Orleans. Presumes Clark is correct and asks “that this humane duty be re-committed” to Clark or another person. “There cannot any where exist a greater necessity for a provision of the kind alluded to, than in this port....
4222To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 21 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 April 1805, New Orleans . “I was this Morning visited by the Marquis of Casa-Calvo: We conversed freely on various topic’s; ‘He lamented the part which Spain had been compel’d to take in the War; but he complain’d much of the Conduct of the English in attacking the Spanish Frigates, the treachery and cruelty of which, had excited throughout Spain a general spirit of indignation and...
4223To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 30 January 1806, New Orleans. “Your letter of the 14 ultimo, via New York, reached me on yesterday about noon. “The objects to which it related, immediately commanded my attention; and my friend Doctor Watkins, at my request, waited upon Mr. Lavau Trudeau, the Late Surveyor General, and made particular enquiries as to the public documents in his possession. Mr....
4224To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have filled up the blank Commissions , which you committed to my Care, with the name of John Thibaut of New-Orleans, & I now enclose the Bond he has given, and the Oaths he has taken & subscribed , in manner as the Law directs.— Mr. John Thibaut is a Native Frenchman, and was highly recommended to me as a Man of Integrity and Information; He resided four years in the U. States, & for the...
4225To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
On last evening, I received by the express Mail, your Letter of the 31st. Ultimo, together with its several enclosures. The Appointments with which I have been honored by the President demand from me, the warmest expressions of Gratitude. Impressed as I am with the importance of our newly acquired Territories to the Glory and permanent Interest of my Country, I cannot express to you, the...
4226To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Daniel Clark is elected the Delegate to Congress,—the sincere friend to his Country, Doctor Watkins, was supported by the native Citizens of the United States who are in the Legislature,—the votes of the ancient Louisianians were divided between Daniel Clark and Evan Jones. I do not know the course the Delegate may pursue,—he possesses talents, and may if he pleases, be servic’able to the...
4227To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1801, Knoxville. Reports that arrangements for his descent of the Mississippi are nearly completed; expects to leave the first week of October. Has received information from the Mississippi Territory that “the public Mind is tranquil,” party spirit has considerably subsided, population is increasing, and relations with the Spanish and the Indians are harmonious. Requests regular...
4228To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 26 August 1805, “120 Miles from New Orleans.” “The report of the retrocession to Spain of the Country west of the Mississippi had also prevailed in New Orleans: The Evening previous to my departure, being on a visit to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, I asked him if he Knew upon what Authority that report was circulated; he answered in the negative, and added that he...
4229To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the 12th. Ultimo Messrs. Poidrass Morgan and Watkins have been attending in the City with a view of meeting in Council in conformity to my Proclamation . Messrs. Kenner and Wikoff (who from fear of the Fever had avoided the City) appeared a few days since. These five Gentlemen are all who of the original Thirteen named as Councillors thought proper to accept. The situation of things here...
4230To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 July 1804, New Orleans. “In the forenoon of this day a number of the citizens of this place and some of the farmers in its vicinity assembled for the purpose of considering a memorial to Congress previously drawn by a committee. The memorial is attributed to Mr. Edward Livingston, and is said to be a good piece of composition; the object of it (I learn) is to obtain the immediate...
4231To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 January 1806, New Orleans. “I persuade myself that my late visit to Appalousas and Attachapas has been attended with some good effects. The Civil Authorities were again put in motion; the Militia officers commissioned; such explanations given of the Land Law, as were calculated to check discontents; and every just effort made to attach the Citizens to the...
4232To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 19 February 1806, New Orleans. “The Marquis of Casa Calvo left this City on the 15. Instant, destined it is said for Pensacola; he was much displeased at receiving an Order to depart—and views it as an act of great violence. “We have a report here—that our Differences with Spain are amicably adjusted; I sincerely hope it may prove correct—but should it be...
4233To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1805, New Orleans. “Great exertions are now making to revive the Louisiana Bank, and I understand the probability is, that the Capital required will in a few days be Subscribed. “My own doubts as to the Validity of the Charter are known, as is also the opinion of Some of the Officers of Government, that it was in itself a Nullity: But many Citizens seem nevertheless determined to...
4234To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 5 October 1805, New Orleans. “I arrived here on last Evening, and altho’ my Health is much improved since my departure from Natchez, I am nevertheless far from being well. “The unpleasant Reports alluded to by Mr. Graham in his Letter of the 22d. Ultimo, (a Copy of which I forwarded you from Natchez) related to the Menaces of our Spanish Neighbours; the Warlike...
4235To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you copies of two letters which I this morning received from Captain Turner the Commandant at Nachitoches. “The Caddo Indians spoken of by Captain Turner is a small tribe situated about 80 or 100 leagues from Nachitoches; their warriors are supposed to amount to between three or four hundred; I shall invite the chief of the nation and five or six of his...
4236To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has been requested to forward the enclosed petition from the Mississippi Territory House of Representatives [not found] regarding “the free Navigation of certain Navigable Rivers, ‘falling into the Bay of Mexico, from the Territories of the United States, and passing thro’ the Dominions of his Catholic Majesty’”; asks that it be laid before the president. On...
4237To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 22 July 1805, New Orleans. “I received by the last Mail My Commission as Governor of The Territory of Orleans, under the late act of Congress. At any time, an evidence of the President’s Confidence would Afford me Satisfaction; but I must confess, that the late renewal of my Commission, has excited in my breast, the liveliest emotions of gratitude and pleasure....
4238To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 30 October 1805, New Orleans. “I enclose for your perusal and information copies of several Depositions which have been forwarded to me, by Doctor Sibley; These documents prove the establishment of a Garrison on the Trinity River, & state the particulars of several outrages committed on the Citizens of the United States by Persons in the Employ of the Spanish...
4239To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 October 1804, New Orleans. “I return’d to this City on this Morning, and find my Health much benefited from my late, tho short, Excursion into the Country. The Sugarcrops are very promising, and the Labour of the planter, will be rewarded abundantly. The Citizens, whom I visited, appear’d to enjoy Health and Contentment, and I was well pleas’d with their friendly Hospitality. I also...
4240To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On last evening, I received your Letter of the 3rd of April , enclosing your Answer to an Address, from the House of Representatives of this Territory, and which , I shall, with great pleasure, forward to the Speaker of that Body.— With assurances of my highest respect;—I have the honor to subscribe myself—Your faithful friend, and most obt. Hble. Servant RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed...