4001To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here this evening and had the pleasure to meet General Wilkinson. I find that the boats &c, are not yet ready for embarkation, but the General supposes he will be able to make a movement on the 6th instant. On my route hither, I met the express mail from New Orleans, and received by that conveyance a communication from Mr Clark of which the enclosed is a copy. I congratulate you,...
4002To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last letter, I have organized in this City four Companies of volunteer militia; they are armed with public muskets, and appear to possess an ardent military spirit, and a sincere attachment to the United States. On yesterday I received an address from the free people of colour , the original of which I now enclose for your perusal. To this address I made a verbal response: they were...
4003To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 November 1804, New Orleans. “I now forward you the answers of the Marquis of Casa Calvo, to my communications of the 30th and 31st. Ultimo, together with a Copy of my reply to them . “I fear the Royal Decree alluded to is calculated to do injury. If the Marquis should send me a Copy it shall be forwarded to you. I never was an Advocate for a Standing Army; I wish to God it could be...
4004To 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...
4005To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Having understood that there were several Parishes or Districts in Louisiana, whose former Commandants had declined acting under the American Government; that the inhabitants were becoming discontented and in some instances that disorders had ensued, I deemed it adviseable immediately to appoint the necessary Civil Officers, and by some verbal communications to endeavor to impress the minds of...
4006To 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...
4007To 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...
4008To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1804, New Orleans. “The letter which was handed to a printer for publication inviting a meeting of the free people of Colour for the purpose of Memorializing Congress, occasioned an inquietude among the White inhabitants which is just now beginning to subside. The Municipality of New-Orleans expressed a wish that I should punish the Mulatto man who handed the letter to the printer with...
4009To 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...
4010To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here this evening about 24 hours after the Troops had disembarked. They had favorable weather, and a short passage from Fort Adams. My detention was occasioned by an accident on the River; The Schooner in which I sailed ran aground at Point Coupee; and I had to proceed hither, with the other Gentlemen on board, in a small Boat much crowded and exposed to the weather. I have however...
4011To 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...
4012To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a petition addressed to me, and signed by a number of respectable Inhabitants of this City: You will discover, there is some apprehension of an Insurrection among the Negro’s, and that much alarm exists. Altho’ I am not myself of opinion, that we are in as eminent danger as the Memorialists seem to think, I have nevertheless taken every means of...
4013To 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...
4014To 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...
4015To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1804, New Orleans. “The laws regulating the commerce of Louisiana, have been received here and that which relates to the registering of vessels has given great satisfaction. We have also seen the law providing for a temporary Government in the shape it passed the Senate; the prohibiting the importation of Slaves is a source of great dissatisfaction.” Believes the people will express...
4016To 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...
4017To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 August 1805, “Territory of Orleans 150 Miles from New Orleans.” “I passed over to Batton Rouge on Yesterday, and partook of the hospitality of Governor Grandpré: I was introduced into a Fort , where the Governor has resided for several Months, from an apprehension that Kemper and his Associates, still meditate an Attack against his Government. “The Fort of...
4018To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
Within a few days past events have occurred here, which I conceive it my duty particularly to represent to you. I have heretofore informed you of the Arrival in this City of Governor Folch and several other Spanish Officers on their return from Baton-Rouge to Pensacola, and that their passage by this route was with my consent. Governor Folch and Suite have now departed, but during their Stay,...
4019To 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...
4020To 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.
4021To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1805, New Orleans. “I have this moment received your Letter of the 15th. December enclosing my Commission as Governor with the approval of the Senate, and Sundry other Commissions for officers of the Territory of Orleans. I am greatly indebted to the Government for their renewed evidence of confidence, and I pray you to be assured that every effort will be used by me, to Support and...
4022To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 26 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 March 1805, New Orleans . “Your private Letter of the 14th. of January with its enclosure was duly received. I have not yet attempted to select any additional Members for the Council, inasmuch as few persons here would accept until the issue of the memorial to Congress was ascertained. “Eugene Dorciere, James Mather and George Pollocks Commissions bear Date the 30th of August, and William...
4023To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 April 1806, New Orleans. “The inclosed correspondence between Governor Grand Pré and myself deserves your perusal. I am inclined to think there is no foundation for the information communicated by Governor Grand Pré, and I rather suppose it is resorted to as a pretext for his late measures. “I have no recent intelligence from Nachitoches; At the date of my...
4024To 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...
4025To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has reason to believe “that much of the vacant Land in Louisiana, will be covered by fraudulent grants” before the U.S. takes possession. Don Joseph Vidal, commander of the Spanish post across the river from Natchez, “manifests great solicitude” that his friends in the Mississippi Territory “should possess themselves of Lands in his vicinity .” Has learned...
4026To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 August 1801, Nashville. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter of 10 July enclosing his commission as governor of Mississippi Territory. Requests JM to inform president that he accepts appointment. Expects to depart for Mississippi by late September or early October. Letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). 2 pp. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed.,...
4027To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 1 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
1 March 1805, New Orleans . “I received this morning a Visit from the Marquis of Casa Calvo; He came as he said to ask my advice as to the conduct he should pursue to obtain redress for the King his Master against Don Juan Ventura Morales the late Intendant who had exceeded his powers in the case of Peter Villamil, and not accounted properly for certain monies due the King from said Villamil....
4028To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a copy of the ordinance for establishing a court of Justice in this City, which was alluded to in my last communication. I have only to repeat that this measure was essential to the interests of the City, and was called for by the voice of the society, and I persuade myself that the proceedings of this Tribunal will be marked with justice and moderation. I also...
4029To 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...
4030To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 June 1804, New Orleans. “On my arrival in Louisiana I was frequently applied to by different persons for permission to trade with certain Indian tribes, west of the Mississippi and within the province of Louisiana. “With a view of conciliating the affections of the Indians by preventing unjust and unprincipled men from participating in their trade, I gave instructions to the Commandants of...
4031To 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...
4032To 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...
4033To 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...
4034To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 17 August 1805, New Orleans . “By the enclosed, you will perceive that the Correspondence between the Marquis of Casa Calvo and myself concerning Morales has not yet Closed. If Morales should not abandon his project relative to the Sales of Florida Lands, I shall not cease to urge his immediate departure from the Territory. “The Climate here is now excessively...
4035To 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...
4036To 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...
4037To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 5 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 June 1805, New Orleans . “Captain Edward D. Turner, the late Civil Commandant of Natchitoches is now in this City, and I have received from him much general and local information. Captain Turner believes that the Spaniards have increased their forces in the Province of Taxas, and is certain that they have erected Several New Forts, and Strengthened their former Fortifications. He is...
4038To 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...
4039To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 6 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 June 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you a Paper containing a publication of Messrs Derbigny, Detrahan, and Sauvé relative to their late Mission to Congress. You will find in this production evidences of discontent, a want of information and of prudence on the part of the Agents, but I believe the publication will excite but little Interest in the Territory, and be productive of no Mischief....
4040To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1804, New Orleans. “I have by Letter advised each Member of the Legislative Council of his Appointment, and requested his Acceptance: two answers have been returned; the one from Doctor Watkins; the other from Mr. Jones, & both of which are herein enclosed. Doctor Watkins Accepts, and will make a valuable Member; But Mr. Jones declines, and the Reasons which influence him will, I...
4041To 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...
4042To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 March 1806, New Orleans. “The information from Mobile, as communicated in my letter of yesterday, proves to be correct. A Vessel, bound to Fort Stoddart, loaded with provisions for our Troops, and Goods for the Chactaw Factory, was not permitted to pass the Fort of Mobile, and has returned with her Cargo, to the Bayou St. John. “I will give you further...
4043To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1804, New Orleans. “The Federal paper containing an account of my letter of the 2nd of January and which I referred to in my last [not found] was forwarded to this City in great numbers; it occasioned for a day or two much talk, and many of the citizens expressed some discontent, at my representing the whole society (as was erroneously stated by the listener in the gallery) as...
4044To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 July 1804, New Orleans. “The Free People of Colour have manifested some dissatisfaction at not receiving an invitation to the meeting of citizens who adopted the memorial to Congress. A piece addressed to the Freemen of Colour and signed by an influential character among them, inviting a meeting in order that they might consult together as to their rights, and the propriety on their part of...
4045To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 February 1806, New Orleans. “The northern mail has this moment arrived; and brought me, under cover of a Packet, marked ‘Department of State’ commissions for four members of the Legislative Council, to wit Messrs. Detrehan, Bellchasse Macarty, and Sauve. I hope the fifth member may have also been appointed, and that his commission will be received by the next...
4046To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1804, New Orleans. “In a conversation some days ago, with Major Stephen Minor,” was told “that some men in the Mississippi Territory who had heretofore been most clamorous against the Land Speculation, had now become conspicuous Speculators, and that an officer of the Government , had, (to his own knowledge) been guilty of what he conceived a fraudulent transaction.” Asked Minor to...
4047To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 February 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” States that he does not know whether his frequent letters to JM have been received as he has had no communications from the State Department since his arrival. Reports that an election for the territorial legislature will be held in July and the people are already agitated. “Popular favor is uncommonly fluctuating; the population of the District, is...
4048To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 January 1805, New Orleans. “In consequence of the Death of my private Secretary, and the temporary Absence from the City of one of my former Clerks, I have not yet been enabled to forward a general statement of my public’ expenditures during the temporary Government. But it shall be done in a short time, and I trust you will discover that I have had a due regard for œconomy. “The existence...
4049To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses a duplicate [not found] of his 5 Nov. letter , having discovered an omission of a few words in the third inquiry regarding claims derived under the British and Spanish governments previous to the treaty of 1795 and unsettled at the date of the treaty. “After the word Settlement these words should have been inserted, ‘ within the ceded Territory .’”...
4050To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 16 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
16 April 1805, New Orleans . “Since my last, nothing has occur’ed worthy communication. The Schism in the Church is not yet adjusted; the enclosed reply to Colo. Bellechasse has greatly irritated him and his friends; and will I fear eventuate in a personal Combat. I have learned that the Marquis of Casa Calvo takes an Interest in the dispute between the Priests, and uses his influence on the...