4251To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1803, Natchez. “Shortly after closing my despatches of this morning I received the enclosed letter from Mr Clarke to which I returned an answer, a copy of which is likewise enclosed.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 2); letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 13). RC 1 p.; printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed.,...
4252To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A certain Muntford Perryman has been convicted before the District Court for the District of Orleans, of passing conterfeit Notes of the Bank of the United States, knowing them to be counterfeit, and was thereupon sentenced to imprisonment for three years. Under an impression that the said Perryman is a fit object of mercy, we cannot refrain from soliciting in his behalf, your Pardon. The...
4253To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803, New Orleans. “We have the satisfaction to announce to you, that the province of Louisiana was this day surrendered to the United States by the Commissioner of France; and to add that the flag of our Country was raised in this City amidst the acclamations of the inhabitants. “The enclosed is a copy of an instrument of writing which was signed and exchanged by the Commissioners...
4254To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 July 1805, New Orleans. “Your favor of the 2nd of June [not found] I have had the pleasure to receive. Your Letter to Mr. Duplantier shall be delivered, and in his agency for La Fayette, he will receive all the aid in my power, for my friendship for that unfortunate Patriot is very Sincere, and I feel solicitous that the donation of Congress should prove a...
4255To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
A Vessel under English Colours arrived here some time since, and was reported to the Collector of the District, to have been a Spanish Vessel bound from Vera-Cruz to Cadix, which was captured by an English Frigate and ordered to Jamaica; But meeting with heavy gales & adverse winds (in which she had suffered considerably) was forced to enter the Mississippi. One of the Wardens of the Port of...
4256To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 7 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
In our Letter of the 16th ultimo, we informed you that we have just then received Information, of the Arrival in the River, of a Vessel with French Troops from St. Domingo. It Appeared by the first Accounts, that a great Mortality had prevailed on Board, and we were Apprehensive of her being infected by some Contagious distemper; It now Appears, that her Company consists of Officers, Surgeons,...
4257To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
We deem it our duty to suggest for consideration the expediency of making provision for appeals from Judicial decisions in the Territories of Orleans and Mississippi. By the present System, the Supreme Court of each Territory is a Court of Original and dernier resort; before these Tribunals causes of very great concern to Individuals are often brought; Causes extremely Complex; involving many...
4258To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 17 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
No alteration has taken place since our last, of which you have a duplicate under cover, excepting the receipt of the necessary orders, for the delivery of all the Spanish Posts in upper Louisiana, and at Nachitoches and it’s dependencies. But we have to apprize you of an unexpected occurrence of a most unpleasant nature. Early yesterday morning we were formally advised by Mr. Daniel Clarke,...
4259To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The transports as fast as they are completed receive their lading: and there is a prospect of a final embarkation tomorrow evening. I am daily learning the serious expence of military preparations; and shall therfore pray to my god, more fervently than ever, that our country may never be forced to the ruinous necessity of extensive armaments. In preparing transports, equipping soldiery and...
4260To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 25th. Ultimo , together with a Report of a Committee of Congress, which accompanyed it . So far as may depend upon my Agency, no exertions shall be wanting to carry into effect in this Territory, the Militia System adopted by the National Legislature, “and in a manner the best calculated to insure such a degree of military discipline...
4261To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 22 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
22 April 1805, New Orleans . “Mr. Brown the Collector, has just informed me of a contest which the Revenue Cutter has recently had with two Privateers in the Vicinity of the Balize. The particulars are as follow. For some time past, two British Privateers from Providence, have been cruising of[f ] the Mouth of the Mississippi, and were in the habit of Boarding every Vessel coming in and going...
4262To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 14 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
You will receive under cover herewith a duplicate of our last of the 7th current, also a copy of a Report made to us by Docr. Watkins Physician of the Port, relative to the Situation of the People on Board the French Transport from St Domingo, and the arrangements to be made for them at Placquemines. On the first of the present Month we received a Letter from the French Commissioner a copy of...
4263To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 8 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
It is with singular Satisfaction, we announce to you the peaceful Transfer of the Province of Louisiana by the Commissioners of Spain to the Commissary of the French Republic, communicated to us by that officer in a Letter, received last Evening (bearing Date the 30. ulto) a Copy of which we transmit you, under Cover, together with his Proclamation, issued on the Occasion, to which we have...
4264To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 27 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Our Letter of the 20th Inst. informed you of the Delivery of Louisiana to the United States, and we now inclose an original Copy of the Process Verbal , or minutes of the transaction, which was signed on the occasion by the Commissioners of France and of the United States. The Barracks Magazines Hospital, and public Store Houses in this City, yet remain in the occupancy of the Spanish...
4265To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 9 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The Orders from the French Commissioner, for the Delivery of the Posts at Natchitoches and those in upper Louisiana, of which we have been in Expectation for some Days, are not yet received. The Delay has arisen from the Tardiness of the Spanish Commissioners. We are informed however by Mr Laussat, that he has, at Length, received from the Marquis de Casa Calvo, the necessary Instructions to...
4266To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 24 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
My friend Mr. Graham has this moment informed me, that he forwards by this mail, his resignation, and requests that a Successor may be speedily named. I sincerely regret the resignation of Mr. Graham; he is indeed a Loss to the Government; but since his determination is fixed, I felicitate myself with a hope, that I may find in his Successor, as honest a man, and as faithful a public officer....
4267To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 21 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I some days ago had a conferrence with Governor Folch on the subject referred to in my letters of the 23d. and 24th. ultimo; and I find that the refusal of a passage for our Troops by the way of Mobile to Fort Stoddart does not arise from any conduct of the Executive of this Territory towards the Agents or Vessels of the King of Spain; on the contrary, Governor Folch acknowledged his line of...
4268To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 24 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Governor Folch, accompanied by two or three Spanish officers arrived in this City last Evening. I shall have a conference with him on this day, and will endeavor to make some arrangements as to the difficulties referred to in my letter of the 21. instant. I am Sir, very respectfully, Your hble Servt. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
4269To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 17 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The enclos No. 1 is a Copy of a Letter, which I have received from General Wilkinson, and that No. 2 of the Answer which has been returned. I persuade myself, that the danger is not as great as the General apprehends; but in no event, will I take upon myself to Suspend the privilege of the Writ of habeas Corpus, and to proclaim Martial Law. I am Sir, With great respect Yr: Mo: obt. Servt. DNA...
4270To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 23 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Being requested by Governor Folch to forward the inclosed packet, I have taken the liberty to send it under Cover to the Department of State, & must beg the favor of you, to cause it to be placed in the Mail at Washington. On the 17th. Instant, I transmitted to you Copies of the Letters which have passed between Governor Folch and myself on the subject of the Embargo. I am Sir, with great...
4271To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
Previous to the receipt of this letter, you will have heard of the escape of Col. Burr from the Mississippi Territory, and of the reward offered by Governor Williams for his apprehension. The reports are variant as to the course Colo: Burr may pursue in his flight. One conjecture is, that he is making to the sea Coast, & from thence to Europe; another, that he has gone to the City of...
4272To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 3 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
To enable me to forward by express, to the department of State some public Dispatches, I have this day drawn upon you for five hundred Dollars, payable at 5 days sight to J. W. Gurley or order. I am sir, very respectfully your hble sert. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
4273To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 4 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive my Dear Sir, the delicacy of the Communication inclosed, and I beg that it may not be made public, unless it should be deemed essential to the public’ safety, which must supersed every private consideration. When a full account of this unprincipled Combination, shall be made public, General Wilkinson will be greatly obnoxious to the associates; but his fidelity to his...
4274To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 4 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the inclosures marked A, B, C & D, will plead my justification in forwarding you this dispatch, by a special express. The troops from Nachitoches are momently expected, as is also a detachment from Mobile. General Wilkinson is repairing the old fortifications, & contemplates picketting in the City. I shall remain faithful at my post, and with all the means in my power, will...
4275To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
If General Wilkinson is not greatly deceived, the safety of this Territory is seriously menaced. You may however be assured, that every exertion will be made to repel the advancing Foe. From the firmness and Bravery of the Army and Navy on this station, much may be expected; But as regards the support which the militia may render, I cannot hazard an opinion; It will be best determined in the...
4276To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 17 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a translation of a letter addressed to me by Governor Folch together with a Copy of the answer which (after consulting with the Collector of the District of Orleans) I returned thereto. If an uninterrupted passage for Spanish Vessels to and from Bâton Rouge was permitted; or if the provisions of the Embargo Act, as regards our intercourse with the Inhabitants of the Florida’s be...
4277To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 15 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed is a copy of my address to the two Houses of Assembly. On yesterday General Adair, attended only by a Servant arrived in this City after a rapid journey from Nashville in Tennessee, and was immediately arrested by orders of Genl. Wilkinson, and is now, I learn, on his passage to the City of Washington; several other individuals were also arrested by the military on yesterday, but...
4278To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 1 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
On yesterday I was told by Mr. Desforgues the french Consul, that General Moreau had taken his passage for Charleston, and would sail on the 4th. of this month; But on this morning I have understood, that his voyage is postponed for twenty days. It seems by the Northern papers, that Moreau’s visit hence, has excited some uneasiness, and late private letters from Washington state, that even the...
4279To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 19 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
A gentleman of high rank writes me from Natchez under date of the 12 instant, "You are surrounded by dangers of which you dream not, and the destruction of the american Union is seriously menaced : the storm
4280To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 6 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The Troops from Nachitoches have not arrived, but are momentarily expected. General Wilkinson has made the necessary arrangements with the French Consul, and will receive possession of the French Artillery, so soon as the value thereof shall be estimated. I know not the extent of the support which Burr calculates on receiveing in this Territory. I have no doubt that there are in this City...
4281To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 18 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
In a private letter to the President of the U. S. , under date of the 5 instant, I expressed to him my apprehension that certain persons were forming plans inimical to the U. S. I am now advised by a confidential letter that the Union of the States is seriously menaced , and that the storm will probably break out in New Orleans ; and "that in this plot thousands are concerned
4282To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 18 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a Copy of an Address which I delivered on this day to the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of this Territory. I trust you will not suppose, that I have been too pointed in my concluding remarks; many of those deluded or wicked men, who so lately combined against the Peace and happiness of our Country, have found it convenient to return to this...
4283To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 29 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Scarce had I finished my private letter of this morning, when a Gentleman of great respectability, a native of Louisiana, & a Member of the Legislature, entered my office, &, desiring to speak to me confidentially, made the following Communication, to wit, "That a kind of political Committee existed in this City, composed of Frenchmen & Americans. That at a late meeting the principles of the...
4284To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your private letter of the 26th. Jany. has been received, and I lost no time in acquainting Mr. Duplantier, (by letter) of your sentiments relative to the location of the Lands of General Lafayette, and which I am persuaded will regulate his conduct. I am Dear Sir; with respect and Esteem yo: hble Servt. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
4285To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 29 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
In the exercise of the discretion vested in me, by your letter of the 14th. Ultimo, I have selected the Louisiana Courier, as the most eligible paper in this City, for the publication of the Laws of the present Session of Congress, & have directed the letter of appointment, you enclosed me, to the Editors thereof, Messrs. Thierry & Co. The Louisiana Courier is conducted with some talent and...
4286To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 28 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I was advised by a private Letter from Mobile, under date of the 20th. Inst, of the arrest of Mr. Burr, by Lieut Gains the Officer commanding at Fort Stoddart; I was at first disposed to credit the information; but no official Communication upon the Subject having been received, I am inclined to think the Report unfounded. By a Vessel 19 days from New-York, we have papers from Washington to...
4287To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 11 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Graham having returned, and the state of things being now such, as to admit of my absence from the Territory, I shall avail myself of the President’s permission, and will leave this for the United States about the last of April or the first of May. The conspiracy seems now at an end; but General Wilkinson and myself, are encountering here much abuse, for the conduct which we pursued; for...
4288To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 22 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is an a/ c for 200 dollars expended for extra services on a visit to the County Attackapas which I beg may be admitted and passed to my credit. My journey to Attackapas, was with a view to check a spirit of opposition to the Laws which had manifested itself, to the Civil authority, & I had thought it just, that my personal expenditures, should be remunerated me. The account was...
4289To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 14 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The death of Mr. Van Pradelles has left the office of Register of the land office for this District, vacant; On this occasion, I am told, that Judge Lewis, and Mr. Grymes the District Attorney will both be recommended to the President; of these two Gentlemen, I cannot but think Mr. Grymes has the strongest claims for preference. Mr. Lewis is already a Commissioner and a Judge of the Superior...
4290To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 26 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
This letter is merely to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatches of the 9th. and 12th. ultimo, which were brought by the Post on yesterday. Except these, no other communications from the Government to me have reached my hands since the month of July last, and I mention this, that you may perceive whether there have been any interceptions or not. I have the honor to be, with great respect,...
4291To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 23 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a Memorial to Congress, as reported by a Committee of the House of Representatives of this Territory, but which has been rejected by the House; there being fourteen Members in favour of the rejection, and seven against it. This Memorial is founded in error, and it is greatly to be regreted, that any Citizens of this Territory, much less a Committee of the Legislature, could...
4292To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 8 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosure (No. 1) is a copy of a letter to me from Judge Carr of Nachitoches, and furnishes the latest information concerning the fugitive Slaves: The enclosure (No. 2) is a Copy of my answer. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect, yo: hble Servt., DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.
4293To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 19 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose for your perusal a Copy of the Answer of the Representatives of the Territory, to the address, I had the honor to deliver to the two Houses on the 14th. Instant. This answer, (one Member only having voted against it) may be considered as conveying the political sentiments of the great majority of the people of the Territory; Indeed Sir, the Louisianians are...
4294To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 3 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Lieut. Gains of fort Stoddard has arrested Burr and forwarded him under an escort, to the City of Washington, where the subtle Traitor, will I trust meet the punishment due his Crimes. I find that much censure is attached to the measures of General Wilkinson by some Members of Congress, and that the Machinations of Burr, are by them, considered as of little moment; I however, as an American...
4295To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 25 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson has this moment arrived in New Orleans. My Letters of the 18. and 19. inst. you will consider as confidential . I shall have a conferrence with the General on tomorrow, and will in a few days write you particularly I have no doubt that a conspiracy is formed highly injurious to the interest of the UStates and that characters of high standing are concerned , but I am not yet...
4296To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am this moment informed by the Military Agent, that two thousand Regular Troops are ordered to this City; You will excuse me for suggesting it as an object of some importance, that the officer selected for this Command, should possess a disposition and, turn of Mind, calculated to conciliate the Citizens generally, and to preserve a good understanding with the Civil Authorities. Colonel...
4297To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
At the moment of closing my dispatches, I received from an old and esteemed friend a letter of which the inclosed is a Copy. You will be pleased not to memtion the name of the writer, unless you should deem it essential to the public’ Interest. I am greatly embarrassed; but my best judgment will direct all my movements. What the issue may be God alone knows; all the assurance I can give you is...
4298To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 27 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson continues to be much abused in this City, and nothing will be left undone, by a Party here, to effect his ruin. This faction are equally inimical to me, but for purposes best known to themselves, they do not, for the present, manifest as openly their hostility. During the late interesting Crisis, I resorted to a measure of precaution which I have not heretofore communicated...
4299To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 17 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
General Moreau & Governor Folch continue in this City, and have contracted a great intimacy; perhaps their objects may be perfectly innocent, but I am not without my suspicions . I know not when Moreau will depart; at one time, he proposed taking a passage in the first Vessel for Charleston; at another, he designed passing by Land, the nearest and best route to Georgia and from thence thro’...
4300To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 27 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a copy of two Addresses signed by many respectable Citizens of this Territory, approving the late conduct of General Wilkinson and myself. I am dear Sir, With great esteem and respect, your hble Servt. DNA : RG 59-TP-Territorial Papers, Orleans.