101To 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....
102To 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...
103To 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...
104To 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...
105To 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...
106To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 13th. of last Month, I had the honor to receive, on the 1st. Instant, accompanied with a Letter from the Secretary of State, enclosing me a Commission, as Governor of the Mississippi Territory.—I acknowledge with Gratitude, my Obligations to you, for this high proof of Confidence and Esteem, and, I trust, that every Act of my public Life, will evince my great...
107To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive yours of the 18th. of March, covering the complaint of M. Baudin , whose goods were siezed in execution at the suit of M. Labie; and I pray you to accept my thanks for this additional proof of the confidence which you are pleased to repose in me. I have already announced to the Department of State the establishment of a Court for the dispatch of Judicial business in...
108To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A few Days ago, near 300 Spanish Troops were embarked for Pensacula; about 70 Spanish Soldiers are yet in this City & between 12 & 16 officers; the former it is said will be removed in a short time and many of the latter contemplate resigning and settling in Louisiana. The Liberality of Congress in extending Register to Vessels owned by Citizens of Louisiana, has given great satisfaction, &...
109To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have forwarded a Commission as Councillor to Doctor John Sibley; he is certainly a Man of Information, & is capable of making a good member of the Legislature. I must confess that I felt terror on seeing the Paragraph concerning the Doctor, which I enclosed you by the last Mail —My personal acquaintance with him is limited, but as an interesting Correspondent I had respected him, & formed an...
110To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place two Days since, & had intended to pass in this vicinity a Week or 10 Days;—But finding from the Northern papers the hostile aspect of our Affairs with Great Britain, and supposing it possible , that my presence in New-Orleans may be necessary, I shall, without delay, repair to my post. The late Act of British Aggression has excited in this Territory the same feeling...
111To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Doctor Lattimore , having it in contemplation to pass thro’ Albermarle, on his way to the Seat of Government, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance;—You will find the Doctor a well informed, modest man—his political principles are purely republican, and his firmness may be relied upon.— I will refer you to Doctor Lattimore for the State of Affairs in this...
112To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, with Jefferson’s Note, 29 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter I have understood, that a half section of vacant land might probably be located adjacent to this City, and immediately bordering on the Canal of Carondelet. This land lies low and is often covered with water, but I learn it might easily be reclaimed, and there can be no question but it will soon become valuable. The public property in New-Orleans is considerable, and would...
113To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I was last evening honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 30th. of March.—It would personally be a source of great satisfaction to me, to see the Marquis de la Fayette a Citizen of Louisiana, and I believe his permanent residence therein , would be a great public Benefit.—I shall hasten to make the enquiries you solicit, and to communicate to you, the Result: My present Impression is,...
114To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately had but too much occasion to Solicit from your feelings a tribute of condolence for the private misfortunes which have marked my residence in this Country. Once more I have to resume the unfortunate recital by announcing to you the Death of my Brother in Law, and private Secretary, Mr. Micajah G. Lewis, who on Tuesday last, was killed in a Duel near this City. You have no doubt...
115To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last Letter , I have filled the Blank in the Marshalls commission, with the Name of Francis Joseph Le’Breton Dorgonoy, and administered to him the Oaths of Office.—This Gentleman is a Native of Louisiana; an independent Farmer, and possessing (as is stated to me) inflexible Integrity. Mr. Dorgonoy is also an American in sentiment and feeling; he has of late given umbrage to some...
116To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last Letter , I anticipated the resignation of Mr. Seth Lewis , the Chief Justice of this Territory;—I was yesterday informed by that Gentleman , that his resignation had actually been forwarded. If Judge Jackson of Tennessee (the Gentleman I named to you in my last Letter) should not be offer’ed the Appointment of a Judge for this Territory, or be unwilling to accept, permit me Sir, to...
117To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I left New Orleans on the 20th Ultimo, and reached this place on Yesterday;—on my Journey I was taken extreemly ill;—for seven days my Fevers were incessant and my Death was esteemed a probable event. But it has pleased God to prolong my life, and I now feel as if my Health would soon be restored.—I left New Orleans with a view of visiting the several Counties, and assisting personally in...
118To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 16. of January; and its enclosure has been delivered to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I have also received from the department of State, Commissions for four members of the Council; the fifth member is not yet notified to me—but I trust his Commission will arrive previous to the meeting of the Legislature, which will be on the...
119To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
After a most disagreeable passage of near three days from the Mississippi, I arrived on yesterday morning at the County Town of Attackapas, much fatigued, very wet (for I was exposed for more than two hours to a heavy rain) and extremely unwell. I am now however at a most charming Situation, and in comfortable quarters; where I have the benefit of a pure Country air, and the most agreeable Sea...
120To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By an Act of the late Congress, the District of Palmira, in this State, being discontinued, and all the Waters, Shores and Inlets lying within Tennessee, being annexed (from and after the 30th day of June next) to the District of Massac ’ on the Ohio , it has become an Object of much Importance, to the Merchants & Traders of this State, that a deserving and judicious Citizen should be...
121To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the Request contained in your Letter of the 10th of July, I now have the Honor to enclose you a Statement of the Buildings in this City, “which devolved on the United States,” together with my opinion “of the best distribution to be made of them.—The Government House I presume ought as heretofore to be appropriated for the accommodation of the Executive, and that convenient...
122To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
When a Secretary for this Territory shall have been named, and entered on the duties of his office, I trust my temporary absence may be permitted;—I could wish to proceed direct to the U. States; but if Mrs. Claiborne’s present State of health, should continue, it would be my desire, to call either at Pensacola, or the Havannah.— If a Citizen of this Territory, should be appointed Secretary, I...
123To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The State of things in New Orleans continue in uncertainty. The Prefect is yet in that City; but not in the exercise of authority. A Vessel from Philadelphia, laden with military Stores, and destined for Fort Adams is now in the Mississippi;—It is said, the Prefect requested the Spanish Government not to permit this Vessel to pass New-Orleans, & was answered, that the free navigation of the...
124To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this Moment honerd with your Letter of the 26th. of May, and will reply particularly to it, by the Post next ensuing. The Mail arrived in a disordered State; many of the Letters were wet, (as was the packet directed to me) but I do not learn, that any were lost. Your Letter to Doctor Sibley, I shall forward to Nachitoches on Tomorrow.—The little animal mentioned in my Letter of the 6th is...
125To 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...
126To 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...
127To 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...
128To 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...
129To 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...
130To 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...
131To 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...
132To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
My Administration here, from the time of my Arrival in Louisiana, to the close of the late provisional Government, has already became an object of some discussion: to this I can have no objection; I wou’d rather court it, were I assur’d, that the Enquiries wou’d be conducted with Candour.—but some publications have appear’d here upon the subject, in which, I do not think Justice has been...
133To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 5th. Instant I left the City and passed up on the East side of the Mississippi.—It is only Six months, since I last visited this vicinity, and I discover evidences (within that period) of considerable improvement. Several new Buildings are complited; others repaired, and the fields extended, and laid out with more regularity and taste.— My first day’s travel was only 8 miles to—the...
134To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 29th of October has been received, and its enclosure delivered to the Gentleman to whom it was directed.—Mr Reibelt is certainly a very learned Man, and as far as I know a very honest one;—But he is illy calculated to fill an office under a Republican Government, nor indeed do I know any situation in which he could be so useful to Society, as in Character of an Instructer of...
135To 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...
136To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 12th. Ultimo (covering copies of the orders of the Secretary’s of War & of the Navy relative to the deserters which had been forcibly taken from the District of Baton Rouge) has been received; & in reply to a late letter from Governor Grand Pré, in which he expressed a Solicitude, to learn the orders of the President, relative to that transaction , I did on the 11th....
137To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 24 January 1806, New Orleans. “I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a statement made me on Oath, by Stephen a free black man; I do not credit it in whole; I however, have no doubt, but that the free people of Color have been tampered with, and that some of them are devoted to the spanish Interest. “Mr. Morales is yet in this City, and should I not an [ sic...
138To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 5 July 1805, New Orleans. “In a former Letter, I advised you of the departure of Captain Carmick for Pensacola with a communication from me to Governor Folch upon the Subject of the Post Road through West Florida. Captain Carmick was detained much longer than was expected, and has returned without Governor Folch’s Answer. A Copy of Captain Carmicks Letter to me...
139To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1804, New Orleans. “I have nothing interesting to communicate, nor would I write you by this mail, were it not to inform you, that the most perfect good order prevails in this city. I find, the most trifling occurrences here, attract attention to the Northward, and that a disposition exists among some people to give to certain events a consequence they do not merit: To prevent...
140To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I shall set out for New-Orleans in two Days, & expect to arrive there on or before the 18th. Instant. Tyler who stands charged with the Crime of Treason, is said to be in the Opelousas District; I have given orders for his Arrest, & will have him conveyed to the Hon’ble the Judge for the District of Orleans, who will I presume order him to be sent to Richmond. John Smith of Ohio, is at Batton...
141To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1804, New Orleans. “I have received an answer to the letter which I addressed to the Marquis De Casa Calvo on the 28th. ultimo; a translation of the answer and of the documents accompanying it are preparing, and when completed, the originals shall be transmitted to you. It seems La Coquette was fitted out at this place, and was permitted to depart after the receipt of assurances from...
142To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly honored with the receipt of your letter of the 20th. Ultimo, and am happy to find that my correspondence with the Governor General of Techus, relative to fugitive Slaves, is approved. I am in daily expectation of receiving an answer from Governor Salcedo, and if my propositions are acceded to, I will endeavor to procure the passage of a Law as advised by the President....
143To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I this moment met with the enclosed letter from Mr. Matthew Lyon to his constituents, and I sincerely hope it may be the only Copy that has reached this city. As a Western man, I feel myself under no obligations to Mr. Lyon for his boasted zeal for the Western interest, and although I am not disposed to question the purity of his motives, I am firmly persuaded, that during the last Session, he...
144To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 September 1804, New Orleans. “From the great havock which the diseases of this Climate, have recently made among Strangers, and the frequent embezzlement of the property of deceased Persons by unprincipled Men, I have been induced to make special provision for the care of the Estates of certain Intestates. A Copy of my Ordinance in this subject is enclosed, and I hope it will meet the...
145To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 February 1802, Natchez. Encloses copies of his 29 Jan. letter to General Wilkinson and Wilkinson’s reply. Hopes the request he made of the general was not improper but fears the peace of the territory is precarious, “surrounded as it is, by numerous Indian Tribes, and with a Population of Negroes, nearly equal to the number of Whites, … and it seemed to me advisable, to have the Spare Arms...
146To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
The case of the Batture has given rise to a warm Newspaper discussion, which for the present seems wholly to engage the public Mind. New-Orleans has so long been the residence of the Governor of the Territory, that the Inhabitants of that City, or rather some of them, think me culpable in taking a short excursion into the Country. But I am persuaded the President will not object to my retiring...
147To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1804, New Orleans. “I received on this morning an answer to my letter of the 25th instant to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and having procured a translation thereof, for my own use, I now enclose you the original Copy . “The answer of the Marquis developes in part the views of his court in relation to Louisiana; every exertion has been and will be made to conciliate and perpetuate the...
148To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1801, Natchez. Reports his arrival on 23 Nov. after a journey made unduly difficult and dangerous by low rivers and high winds. Describes the land on the Mississippi as “pretty well adapted to Cultivation” but notes that “this extensive Country has been greatly forsaken, or rather, neglected by man,” there being only three small settlements on the Spanish side between the mouth of...
149To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 November 1805, New Orleans. “I enclose you a copy of the answer which the House of Representatives have returned to my address, You will perceive that it is respectful and friendly. I am happy to find that nothing of party spirit has yet been manifested, and I indulge a hope that the Members generally will pursue a conduct which will be approved. “Believing...
150To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The tranquillity in which I found this province is uninterrupted: and every appearance promises a continuation of it. This is the season of festivity here; and I am pleased to find that the Change of government gives additional spirit to the public amusements. It gives me great satisfaction to learn from every side the favorable inclinations of the people; and their confidence in the justice...