4101To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Graham, who visits the United States by your permission, will be enabled to satisfy your enquiries with respect to this Territory—and particularly as it relates to our local politics. On the return of Mr. Graham, which I hope will be in September next, I intreat your permission (unless the state of things here should render my presence necessary) to visit the United States. I should be...
4102To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to enclose to you, a correspondence relative to the insurrection at Baton Rouge; consisting of a letter from the Marquis of Casa Calvo to myself, with my answer thereto, and letters of advice to the Secretary of the Mississippi Territory, and the Commandant at Point Coupé. “I am happy to inform you from late intelligence that this unpleasant...
4103To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1804, New Orleans. “Scarcely a week passes by, but something occurs to create anxiety, and to occasion me trouble. “On yesterday, in commemoration of the destruction of the Bastile a number of Frenchmen assembled to pass the day in joy and festivity. They hoisted the French flag and sung their favourite national songs. The waving of the flag excited the jealousy of the Americans , and...
4104To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 January 1806, New Orleans. “I lately reviewed the Battalion of Orleans Volunteers, and I can assure you Sir, that their appearance and conduct, on parade, warrant an opinion, that, in Peace or war, they will deserve well of their Country. “The native Citizens of the United States who reside in this City, have, of late, manifested a great share of military...
4105To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
A vessel arrived at this port a few days since with fifty African negroes for sale. Being unwilling to permit so barbarous a traffic, if my powers authorized me to prevent it, I immediately applied to a Mr. Leonard the late Spanish Contádore at this place, a man of great integrity of character for information as to the laws and customs of Spain relating to the African trade, and received from...
4106To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
The meeting of which I advised you in my letter of the 10th inst. has taken place. The assembly was more numerous than I had expected, and was composed principally of respectable merchants of New-Orleans, and farmers in its vicinity; but few Americans were present. The meeting was held at the house of a private gentleman, and conducted with some decorum. Through the polite attention of a...
4107To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Isaac Briggs and Mr. Robert Williams are now in this City, and propose taking their passage (by Water) for the Seat of Government in two or three Days. I cannot omit so favorable an opportunity to write you an unofficial and private Letter.—The causes which induce these Gentlemen to leave Natchez, they will themselves explain. I do sincerely regret the excuse for their departure, but under...
4108To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1804, New Orleans. “Great exertions have been made to induce the Councillors named to decline. Mr Daniel Clarke has been particularly active on the occasion; I know one Gentleman who would have accepted, but being largely indebted to Mr. Clark, he was fearful, that the displeasure of his Creditor would ensue, & be productive of great injury to him . “I deem it my duty possitively to...
4109To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 July 1804, New Orleans. “Your letters of the 19th. & 26th of June , together with their enclosures I have had the honor to receive. “I shall inform Mr. Pedesclaux, and M. De Clouet of the reasons which induced the President of the United States not to interfere in their cases, and shall refer the former to Congress for a further prosecution of his claim, should he still think it...
4110To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 October 1806. “Mr, Graham is not arrived; but I expect the pleasure of seeing him early the next winter. I have no doubt but the Spaniards have recros[s]ed the Sabine; this Movement however has proceeded from the present debilitated State of their forces, & ought not to be viewed as evidence of a pacific disposition. “I should indeed be happy to visit the...
4111To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 November 1804, New Orleans. “Your Letter, of the 23rd of October , with its several enclosures, I have had the Honour to receive. The Captors of the Prize Brig Active are still in this City, and Messrs. Amory & Callender Merchants, are appointed Agents for the British Claimants, but in the absence of the District Judge, no measures can be taken to hasten a Judicial decision. “The Cargo of...
4112To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that I have remained thus long from my Post; But it really was not in my power sooner to have left Tennessee;—On tomorrow however, I shall certainly take my departure for the Missisippi Territory:—The Western Waters are uncommonly low, and I anticipate a long Voyage, but the season of the year, is favorable, and if the health of myself, and family should be preserved, my passage...
4113To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” Sends such information as he has been able to collect in reply to JM’s inquiries of 26 July. In conformity with JM’s request, land claimants of the descriptions mentioned were invited by public advertisement to file “the particular Authority and extent of their respective claims, and the chain of Title derived to the present claimants from the Original...
4114To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of my late visit to Opelousas, your Letters of the 9th. and 17th. July, did not reach me, until my return to this City which was on the evening of the 25th. Ultimo;—This circumstance, will I hope, plead my apology, for the delay, of my answer.— Your ideas, relative to the projected Canal between the Mississippi, and the Bayou St. John, have been privately and inofficially...
4115To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 4 August 1805, New Orleans. “I have the Honor to transmit You, a Copy of a Letter from the Mayor of this City, communicating to me, three Decrees of the City Council, (which in their execution required my co-operation) together with a Copy of my response. Those papers sufficiently explain themselves, and it remains only for me to say, that the evacuation of the...
4116To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official letters of this date to the Secretaries of State and War will acquaint you with the state of things in this quarter. The general Assembly of this Territory is now in Session.—I anticipate some difficulty with these young Legislators; but I trust we shall harmonize, and that the result of our deliberations will not be unacceptable to the People. I have informed the House of...
4117To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 April 1806, New Orleans. “I now enclose you copies of the answers which have been returned by the Council and House of representatives to the Communication which I had the honor to make them on the 25. ultimo. “You will perceive with pleasure the patriotic sentiments of the legislature, and which to me are the more satisfactory because I am persuaded of their...
4118To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” “The express which I despatched to New-Orleans, on the 11: instant, returned yesterday and brought me the enclosed packet, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Hulings [not found], a copy of which is herewith forwarded.” The intendant “is firm to his purposes,” and the deposit will not be restored. “The Intendant is represented to be a man of handsome talents,...
4119To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 31 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
31 March 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you Mr. Walsh’s Pastoral Letter. The City Council having heard that this production was in the Press, requested and obtained from the Printer the Manuscript Copy: After a perusal, the Council being apprehensive that its publicity would divide and inflame the Public mind, instructed the Mayor to use his best endeavours to have it suppressed. Efforts to...
4120To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Mr. Lafon is now engaged in surveying the Land on the Canal of Carondolet;—He supposes that about eight or nine Hundred acres may be had, nearly half of which he says is excellent Land, and not subject to be overflowed. Mr. Briggs has been very unwell, and could not in person attend the surveying— I am Dear Sir with great Respect Your faithful friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
4121To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 October 1804, New Orleans. “On Tomorrow Messrs. Derbigney, Sauve and Detrahan (the Agents of a part of the Louisianians) to Congress, take their passage for Washington, via New York, on board the Ship Louisiana. “These Gentlemen go with high expectations of being gratified in all their Wishes—they are encouraged to expect entire success, by the opinions of Mr. Edd. Livingston, who continues...
4122To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Briggs and Mr. Williams of whose arrival in this City, I informed you in my last , have been detained longer than they had calculated on; they will however, sail on tomorrow in a Vessel bound for Philadelphia, but the Captain has promised to land them at Charleston if the wind should admit of it. I think it probable that these gentlemen will reach the seat of Government early in April....
4123To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 16 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
16 June 1805, New Orleans . “Two Spanish Schooners from Vera Cruz have arrived at this Port, and are consigned to the Marquis of Casa Calvo. They brought with them a large Sum in Silver; report Says one Hundred Thousand Dollars, but it is believed the real amount is much greater. This Money is said to be destined for the payment of the Pensions allowed to persons residing in Louisiana, and to...
4124To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Articles sent you by Captain Lewis, left this City some Days ago; and were put on board the Ship Comet; they were addressed to the Care of the Collector at Baltimore; and he was requested to forward them by Land to the City of Washington. The Skins were carefully repacked, and the necessary measures taken to preserve them. The little Animal and the Birds were all well, and I sincerely hope...
4125To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 4 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 March 1805 , New Orleans . “Messrs P Madan and Joseph McNeill two respectable Merchants of this City were requested by Captain Davis and myself to examine the old Custom House and to give their opinion as to the Rent per month which should be paid to the United States for the use thereof. “I now enclose you a Copy of the Award, and of an agreement which I have entered into with Captain...
4126To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter dated on the 16th. of August at Monticello, has been duly received. My official communications to the Secretary’s of State & War, will have informed you of the trial and conviction of four Alabama Indians charged with murder. The Court, the Attorney General & myself entertaining doubts how far the act of Congress, which points out the mode of trying Indians for offences committed...
4127To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 7 February 1806, New Orleans. “I learn from Captain Turner, that the Marquis of Casa Calvo did not visit Adais, nor is it understood, that he made Enquiries concerning the Posts, of which he spake to me. “The proposition for a military Gentleman to accompany the Marquis to Adais, came from me; but since the arrangement was not approved, I am well pleased that...
4128To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 19 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
19 May 1805, “On the Missisippi .” “I am this moment informed, that the Marquis of Cassa Yrujo is greatly interested in the Florida Speculation, or in other words, that, he has either accepted or purchased a portion of the Lands East of the Missisippi which were recently sold by Moralis. I am not at liberty to name the Gentleman who has given me this information; from certain considerations he...
4129To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 3d. instant, I am completely disappointed in my contemplated visit to the United States; I had made all the arrangements for my departure, and even taken my passage—when the unexpected summons for Mr. Graham, as a witness in Burr’s trial, rendered my continuance in the Territory indispensible. I regret the disappointment the more on account of the ill health of Mrs....
4130To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 January 1805 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself bound in duty to myself and the Government I have the Honour to serve, to forward to you the enclosed papers containing some severe strictures on my late administration, general public character and private manners; and I hope I shall be excused for offering some observations on the principal matters of accusation. I trust the Executive will not readily believe, that the Affairs...
4131To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 13 January 1806, New Orleans. “The enclosure No. 1 is the translation of a letter from Mr. Morales to me, and that, No. 2, of my answer. You will perceive my determination not to be drawn into a discussion. “I have the pleasure to inform you that the most perfect order at present prevails, and I have no doubt but I shall be able to preserve it. “The regular...
4132To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About 20 minutes since, I received a Letter from my friend Docter Sibley, enclosing me a Map of the Country West of the Mississippi, which I hasten to forward to you:—The Doctor’s Letter contains much useful Information, & therefore I have taken the liberty to transmit it for your perusal & must beg you to receive it in confidence.— The Northern Mail is now closing, and the Post-Master allows...
4133To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 November 1805, New Orleans. “Mr. Cobourn has not Yet arrived in this City, and it is apprehended, that he either has or will decline accepting the Commission which has been offered him. “The Economy observed in the Salaries of the Judicial officers of this Territory, will I fear effect the respectability of our Judiciary; The Compensation of a Supreme Judge...
4134To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last Letter , I have endeavoured to inform myself of such vacant Land which from quality and situation was the most valuable. I have sought information upon this subject, from several old Inhabitants, but more particularly from Don Carlos Trudeau late Surveyor General of Louisiana, a man of some Science, great integrity of Character, and possessing much local knowledge.— Mr. Trudeau...
4135To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1804, New Orleans. “In my Letter of the 16th. Instant, I mentioned only six offices that might properly be considered as lucrative; Perhaps to those, I ought to have added the Attorney General for the Province, the Physician for the Port of New-Orleans, the Secretary to the Municipality, and three Vendue Masters or Auctioneers, all of whom are commissioned by the Governor, although...
4136To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a plan of the City of New-Orleans. It will shew you the situation and extent of the commons claimed by the City, and also of the vacant Land on the Canal of Carondulet, which I alluded to in my Letter of yesterday. I am Dr Sir, With great respect Your faithful friend RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson President of the U. States”; endorsed by TJ as...
4137To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 October 1804, New Orleans. “On yesterday I was informed by a Mr. Dubourg, a respectable Merchant of this City, that a Vessel of his with 40 Negroes on board had entered the Mississippi, Since the 1st. of October; that these Negroes belonged to his Father & another Inhabitant of Louisiana; that owing to contrary winds, & bad weather the vessel was prevented entering the Mississippi untill...
4138To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 July 1806, “120 Miles from New Orleans.” “I received on yesterday your private letter of the Ultimo [not found]. “It affords me pleasure to learn, that our differences with England are likely to be brought to an amicable issue, and I persuade myself that we shall be equally fortunate in our negociation with Spain. I must confess however, that on this point...
4139To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 June 1806, New Orleans. “On yesterday the legislature of this Territory adjourned sine die. Previous to the adjournment, a Committee composed of the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives attended the Executive for the purpose of enquiring whether he had any further communications to make to the two Houses. To this Committee I...
4140To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 October 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a copy of a letter which I addressed to the Marquis of Casa Calvo on the 9th instant, relating to the continuance of certain Spanish Officers in this Territory, as also a translation of his answer. “I am persuaded that these foreigners are not well disposed to the interest of the U. States, and I thought it a duty to express my disapprobation to...
4141To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 August 1805, New Orleans . “Mr. Moralis has at length acceeded to my wishes, And given an assurance in writing, that ‘during his residence in this Territory no further Sales of Lands west of the Perdido shall be made by him’; nor will ‘he complete the Titles for Land heretofore contracted for under the Spanish Government, and which lie within the Limits...
4142To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 14 October 1805, New Orleans. “The Marquis of Casa Calvo has communicated to me his intention of passing by way of the Bayou Laforche and the River Tache to the Sea, and from thence to the Mouth of the Sabine, which River he proposes to ascend as far as the Old Post of Adais. In making this excursion, the Marquis states that he has two objects in view; the one,...
4143To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, New Orleans. “I received on last evening a letter from Governor Folch of Pensacola, of which the enclosed No. 1 is a translation, and returned on this morning, an answer, of which the enclosure No. 2. is a copy. I was much disposed to have answered Governor Folch’s letter with some asperity, but thinking that, a Conciliatory Style, would be more agreeable to the Executive, I...
4144To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now in the County of Acadia and my Indisposition having assumed a more serious aspect, I shall avail myself of the hospitality of Mr. Barranger, and continue with him, until my fever (which is still slight) shall have left me. Mr. Barrangers farm is in a high state of cultivation, & his Improvements greatly surpass those of any other Citizen; his house is commodious; built of brick, and...
4145To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, New Orleans. “Last Sunday I made a visit to the Convent in this City and was received by the Nuns with every mark of respect. “To an affectionate and complimentary Address, which was presented me, I returned an answer a Copy of which is enclosed. “I am much pleased with this institution; the Nuns have uniformly supported the most amiable character and the education of female...
4146To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 December 1802, “ Near Natchez .” The legislature met at Washington [Mississippi Territory] on 5 Dec. Encloses a copy of the address he delivered on 8 Dec. to an assembly of both houses “together with the answers returned.” David Ker received his commission “by the last mail” and has undertaken his official duties. Ker’s appointment has satisfied “ a great portion ” of the citizenry, and he...
4147To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 24 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
C. Claiborne. 24 March 1805, New Orleans . “The disposition on the part of the Catholicks of this Territory (which I mentioned in my last Letter) to assume the prerogative of electing their own Priests, is extending itself. On yesterday, I was informed by the Civil Commandant of the District of St: Bernard, that a Priest who had been superseded by the Vicar General, had assaulted his Successor...
4148To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Finding Mrs. Claiborne’s Health much impaired, and being apprehensive that a residence here during the summer might, endanger her life, I propose leaving this City (with my family) for the Mississippi Territory in the course of the Day. I shall myself continue in the vicinity of Natchez for four or five Days only, & expect to return to New Orleans on or before the 20th. August. I am not yet...
4149To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1804, New Orleans. “The inflam’atory address (enclosed you in my letter of the 8th. instant) is very generally censured, and I have been requested by a number of respectable citizens to offer a reward for the discovery of this incendiary and (when discovered) to punish him with severity. Lest however, a consequence might be attached to this unimportant affair both here and in the...
4150To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a communication, which I have this Day received from the Commandant of the District of Nachitoches. I fear some of the Indian Tribes West of the Missisippi are disposed to be troublesome, and if as is stated, they are encouraged by the Spaniards to war against the U. States, there is no doubt, but the Lives and property of the Citizens on our...