1To James Madison from Robert Williams, 20 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1803, North Carolina . Received JM’s letter of 16 July [not found] enclosing a commission to act as a commissioner in the Mississippi Territory, which he accepts. “A violent fever for 3 weeks past which I have had, pervented an earlier answer—& I am now, scarcely able to set up to write this.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Williams”). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 19 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In perusing my papers which I brought with me from the Mississippi Territory—I find the enclosed letter which I suppose to have been deliver’d to Mr. Briggs or myself before we left that quarter, but by the length of our Journey and Various modes of traveling, got misplaced I have therefore thought proper to forward it by mail, and hope no material inconvenience has or will Occur in...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 21 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This address is dictated with a view of affording some information, without which the Executive Confidence, might be bestowed in the appointment of an officer in this Territory who is amongst the most inveterate enemies of the present administration, if not the principles of our Government. The officer I mean is a General for this Territory, and the Character I allude to is Colo. Benijah...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 16 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed that the office of United States’ Attorney for the district of Orleans is now vacant, I presume to mention for that appointment Lewis Kerr now resident in New-Orleans. He is a man of genius and very handsome acquirements—of sound integrity and pure republican principles. So far as I am capable of judging, he possesses considerable and competent professional skill, having been...
5To James Madison from Robert Williams, 17 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 17 May 1805 . Described in Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1805 (DLC: Jefferson Papers; printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Mississippi, 5:409), as “enclosing a correspondence between Cato West as Secretary and myself.” For Williams’s 17 May 1805 private letter to Jefferson discussing his differences with West, who had served as acting governor of the territory after...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 17 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last mail from New Orleans I had the honor of receiving a commission as Governor of this Territory, which I have accepted, but under a full persuasion that I may be admitted to return to North-Carolina as soon as the land business shall have been finished or will admit of my absence from the Board of Commissioners and I hope to have permission to that effect from the President of the...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 8 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last to you and the Secretary of State of the 17th ult. enclosing a correspondence between Cato West as Secretary and myself duplicates of which were sent on last mail I have had no kind of correspondence with him except to receive the seal of this Territory neither has he been here and I yet remain without any aid or information from the official documents of this Territory—The...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 21 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of April the 28th. having been directed to Natchez I did not recieve til the return mail by which it was then too late to forward you an answer—inclosed was a blank Commission for the next Council which I shall fill up with the names best fitted, having due regard to your recommendation, but not til after the insuing Session of the Legislature which commences on the first monday in...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 13 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have nothing to inform since my last, except that Colo West yet keeps away together with all the records &c. I have daily application for business which I cannot act on; particularly in the Indian department—He was here the day after the assembly met, and stayed about one hour—I am advised by Mr Gallatin that I am to continue in the land business of course cannot wait on the Secretary at his...
10To James Madison from Robert Williams, 9 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 9 August 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “The Legislature of this Territory adjourned the 25 ulto after completing the objects for which it was convened. “I have the honor to inclose you two laws relative to the publick officers of this Territory including that of the Secretary the first originated in consequence of Mr Wests the Secretary’s conduct in carrying...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 10 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive your favor of the 6th. Ulto. by the last Mail— A Commission for Mr. Williams as Secretary of this Territory also came on—he has been prevailed on to accept provisionally, and I expect will write on accordingly—I hope however he may be prevailed on to Continue, for I am apprehensive It will be almost impossible to get a character qualified for this office for the...
12To James Madison from Robert Williams, 17 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 17 August 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “Since I have been acting as Governor I have been under the necessity of employing a person in the Character of clerk or private Secretary to assist me in the discharge of the duties of that office can I be allowed for this. I find the Secretary Colo West was allowed, (whilst acting without the governor[)] in this...
13To James Madison from Robert Williams, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 14 September 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “The enclosed affidavits marked No, 1 to 11 inclusive will inform you of some outrages committed within this Territory by two Spanish parties. The letters marked No. 1. to 5 and an Order to Colo Ellis will inform you of the steps which I have thought it advisable to take. The Messenger with my letter to Governor...
14To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 1 October 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “By my communication of the 14th. Ulto. you were informed of some outrages committed within this Territory near the Spanish line, and of the steps I had taken in relation thereto. “I have now the honor to enclose for your further information, Governor Grandpré’s letter in answer to mine of the 6th. ulto. and my reply to...
15To James Madison from Robert Williams, 4 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 4 November 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “For several weeks past I have expected the land business would have been in such forwardness as to admit my starting to North Carolina the next, but it turns out to be such a perplexing business as to baffle all reasonable calculation; however, my final determination was to have started about this time; but the last...
16To James Madison from Robert Williams, 12 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 12 November 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “Since my dispatch of last week to you, I have been informed from a source which may be relied on, that four thousand Spanish troops are destined for the Floridas, and that five hundred will be immediately sent to Baton Rouge. Also, that considerable military preparations have commenced between Natchitoches and the...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 25 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclosed you Not long since the Name for the Legislative Council of this Territory being then at the post office & the Mail about to start, I endorsed the Name & enclosed to you and intended to insert there in the Commission after the Mail Started—on a recurrence to the Commission I found it had been filled up as to date to wit, 29th. of april 1805 and no period fixed on in the Commission...
18To James Madison from Robert Williams, 26 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 26 November 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “The Citizens in that part of this Territory composing Washington County, are becoming very restless in consequence of the treatment they have lately received from the Spanish authorities. “I have used my influence to keep them quiet, which thus far has been sucessful; but I am really doubtful it will not be the case...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 23 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
This Legislature will rise [the?] 30th Inst.—I am waiting to know what is likely to be our Situation with Spain, and whether my presence in this quarter will be necessary, if not I shall start immediately after I know, for N. Carolina— It will not be possible to finish the land business before I go—unless I Stay much longer than my own and families happiness, and the interest of my private...
20To James Madison from Robert Williams, 14 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 14 January 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “The last Mail brought us No News from your city, either by letters or papers. The Reasons given is that the Eastern mail, had not arrived at Nashville. All the information we have as yet, Since the meeting of Congress, is the Presidents Message; from the Situation of affairs in this Country, and the importance of this...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 18 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 10th. Ulto. has been recieved—I am sorry our situation with Spain continues eventual—It is to be regretted that a small strip of Country between this and the Territory of Orleanes is possessed by a foreign power, it has and will continue to prevent the population of this Territory and in that part too, the most inviting, and which holds out the greatest advantages to the...
22To James Madison from Robert Williams, 29 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 29 March 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “Finding that the distribution of the laws of the United States in this Territory in volume⟨s⟩ alone, is attended with considerable delay, much more so than is conducive to a timely knowledg⟨e⟩ and understanding of them, I take the liberty of suggesting the expediency of extending their publicati⟨on⟩ through the medium...
23To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
I am apprehensive this quarter of the Union is not long destined to a state of peace—from the best and latest accounts I expect every day to hear of the shedding of blood on the west side of the Mississippi river; and expectations are not more favorable from the neighbourhood of Mobille; for since the shutting of that port the people have become much more irritable than heretofore, and it’s...
24To James Madison from Robert Williams, 7 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 7 April 1806, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I have this day drawn on you at ten days sight, in favor of John Henderson of Natchez, for the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars. The vouchers shewing the items of this expenditure are enclosed. “This expenditure I take it for granted will be thought reasonable and allowed on the same principle that a similar one was...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 14 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I intend starting for No. Carolina in a day or two, and shall return as soon as possible—Mr. Meade has not yet come on, nor have we heard from him. I should have been glad of his arrival before I started, and would now wait a few days, but this is the only time I can be spared from the land business—whilst the surveys are making &c— Things are quiet in this quarter (except on Tom-Bigbee the...
26To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Williams. 1 July 1806, North Carolina. “It is here represented and expected, that the office of Marshal for this District has or will Soon become Vacant, by the resignation of Mr. West. “Permit me, in that event, to recommend to the Executive of the United States, Mr. Abner Weatherly, as a proper Character to fill the office. Mr. Weatherly has for many years past, acted as high...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 12 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you on a Subject, the importance of which, as well as your great desire to promote things of the kind, will I trust plead my excuse for so doing—Which is, to request your aid in procuring a proper Charecter, to Commence & take Charge of Jefferson College. The Trustees of that College have Commited to me this trust. When I left the Territory application had been...
28To James Madison from Robert Williams, 23 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival here about four weeks ago, I found the publick mind much agitated on the Subject of Colo: Burr’s Conspiracy even to a degree which tended to intercept private intercourse and the harmony of society. This I must say, however, was not owing so much to any disposition to favour the improper Views attributed to him, and his party, as from a dislike to some of the measures which had...
29To James Madison from Robert Williams, 1 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
By last Mail I gave you a full detail of the proceeding had in this Territory relative to Burr’s Conspiracy and of his escape. Yesterday I was informed of his being arrested in Consequence of My Proclamation, and detain’d at Fort Stodart. I have thought it advisable to request the Necessary Steps to be taken for Sending him on to the Seat of the General Government, and have employed Silas...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 14 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now about to address you with more real concern than I ever did, not that I am more timorous towards my duty, or fearful of the consequences, but because I have once before been under the disagreeable necessity for a simular course and in which from my Situation I may be thought to be partially interested. And furthermore that it must be at all times with much delicacy and caution you...