1To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
2To James Madison from Robert Williams, 14 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
In Compliance with the opinion of the President of the United States, Communicated through the Secretary of the Treasury in a letter dated 5th: of November, I Shall immediately proceed to the appointment of Civil officers in that tract of Country Called the great bend of Tennessee, lying Within this Territory and to which the Indian titles have been extinguished. Preparatory to this Measure it...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 7 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter to the Secretary of State some time ago, I mentioned My intention of going to No Carolina & Visiting the City of Washington in all this Month—I also observed to you by a few lines about the first of last Month My intention to Resign this Government after the 3rd of March, & having mentioned the same to several persons here; it was seized on & connected with other attempts to have...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 16 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have So frequently addressed you touching the attempts of a Certain party here to embarrass this administration, and to work the distinction of the individual who is charged with it, that I feel a degree of diffidence in addressing you again on that Subject.—Neither Should I Now do So, but an attack has been lately Made of a Nature too Serious in its insinuations Not to be Noticed if Not for...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 10 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By the inclosed debates you will See what kind of Republicans we have here—I intend going out of office with you, will write you on that Subject next mail &c.— I am with great Consideration yr: P.S. I expect to be at the City this Winter— DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
6To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 5 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose you will have Reced. before this comes to hand, from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the nomination for a Legislative Council, to Wit, Thomas Calvit, James Lea, John F. McGrew, Alexander Montgomery, Daniel Burnet, Jacob Stampley, James Haines, Francis Johnston; Joseph Sissions and Joshua Baker. The first five of these I would recommend to be selected for the Council—the...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to a Suggestion in my letter to you of the 10th. Ultimo I did on the 1st. instant dissolve the General Assembly. In order that you may be fully informed of the motives and reflections which dictated this measure, I inclose a Copy of my letter to the Secretary of State, in addition to which I will observe, that this did not take place, as long as there was any probability that...
8To James Madison from Robert Williams, 8 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
On the 1st. instant I dissolved the General Assembly. This power being possessed by the Governor, when in his opinion it may be thought expedient; I should not trouble you with any observations on the subject, were it not that I know, representations are and will be made tending to impeach my motives, as well as to question its propriety if not legality. It therefore becomes my official...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 10 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 6 Ultimo I wrote to you a few lines enclosing the Copy of a letter I had previously written to Mr Gallatin—a report having been since circulated by a few, relative to the existance of a certain fact which if true might tend to induce a belief that I did not possess correct information on a certain subject treated of in that Communication, induces me to address you at present. The report...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 30 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed by a friend whose moderation and discretion are such, as to induce Violent partizans and Credulous Zealots, to suppose he did not discountenance their measures, that letters have been written to Mr. Thomas M Randolph, and Mr. Epps by a Mr. Branham making the most false statements and representations respecting this Territory and its political Situation— All I know of this young...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 19 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 4th. Ulto. Supplementary to one of an introductory Nature in favor of Mr. Thos. T. Jones, I recd. yesterday by the Mail being the 3d. Mail due from your quarter—The failures have been very Numerous this Winter, and Mostly beyond Nashville— Mr. Jones has not yet arrived—you May Rely I Shall do all in My power to give fair play to the excellent qualities which you discribe...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 6 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We are all anxious in this quarter to know the probable direction our differences with England will take. And this anxiety is increased in proportion to our disappointment in the two last mails bringing nothing from the Eastward beyond Nashville. Peace, However, is the general wish if to be preserved on terms Compatible with our National rights— Were it not that at particular times and under...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 21 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 1st. Nov. I have recd. acknowledging the receipt of my several letters within this year—I have nothing new to inform—All things are going on well very well—you will See by the inclosed how our Legislature Started— Tho’ the materials are So discordant we are not to expect much—but 3 of the Council attend, and so many of the members are absent by Sickness &c. That I expect...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 12 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In some of my former communications, you have a pretty full account of the existence of a party formed during my absence last year, and their ultimate object: They have never ceased their exertions to embarrass and throw the Territory into confusion; knowing, it is not themselves, but the Governor on whom the greatest responsibility of keeping the community tranquil devolves. My continuing to...
15To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
During my absence last year, a project was conceived, and set on foot to supplant me in the office of Governor. The situation and vanity of Mr Mead the then Secretary pointed him out as a fit instrument to be used on the occasion, being not only related to the family of Mr West but about to form a further connexion by marrying a near Relation of Mr West and Colonel Claiborne, which has taken...
16To 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...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 25 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Some weeks ago I Recd. under Cover from the Secy. of State a Commission for Thos. H Williams Esqr. as Secy. of this Territory, but no letter from You Or the Secretary of State has been Recd. by him or myself On the Subject of his Appointmint—Neither have I Recd. an acknowledgement of any of my letters to Yourself or Mr. Madison Since my Arrival in the Territory last Jany.—As letters Sometimes...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 3 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith inclose you the two last Messengers, by which you will See what a torrent of abuse it issues agt. Me, Much under the Character of a Statement of facts, and it can only be astonishing to those Who know the falsity of them, how any Man or Set of Men can invent Such things after re ing all they know to be true—Mead acknowledged to me the other day, which is the only time he has been at...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 23 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
as usual I inclose this paper—See note in Margin—Mr. Mead has intirely withdrawn himself from the office, or even seeing me when he comes to Town, altho’ my invitations for him to come to my house, have never ceased, and my civilities toward him and inattention to his hostility has been constant and uniform—He’s determined to be hostile . H Williams will be on this fall, and can give you a...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 8 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The News paper herewith inclosed Contains one of those weekly doses, which it is said, is to be administered through the Medium of this paper, by the party of whom my former letters to you have given an account and which render it unnecessary to add any thing farther on the Subject at present, except that Poindexter begins to be openly abusive of the President of the U States, and others of...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 30 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I addressed you a letter, under date of the 10th. Inst., inclosing an extract of a letter from Joshua Baker, which was first published in Kentucky—I now inclose a Second which he has published here—this I do, that you May Completely Understand the Views of a party here, and because I have been in the habit of Communicating fully to you every thing of this kind. This is the production of that...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 11 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of March 21st. respecting Volunteer Companies, I recd. by yesterdays mail—you may rely on every exertion in my power to aid the Views of the government in this respect—I assure you with the utmost Confidence, that Such is the patriotism and attachment of the Citizens of this Territory to their government and laws, as to Justify the most Sanguine expectations on this occasion—...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 11 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Joshua Baker one of the Legislative Council of this Territory, is the Author of the inclosed extract of a letter— The notoriety of the falshoods which he has here detailed, without even the Semblance of foundation or truth, has drawn from the people an universal execration of his private as well as publick Character, so much so, as to render it expedient to revoke his Commission as one of the...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 6 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last letter to you, under date of March 14h. I gave a full and Cercumstantial account of the political occurrences in this Territory. By that letter, you must at once have seen, that my Situation as to a Secretary was not Such as it ought to be, Yet I did hope and expected that on an acquaintance with Mr. Meade by Shewing a passive indifference to the little notions which he had...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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...
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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...