To James Madison from Peter Audrain, 16 October 1805 (Abstract)
From Peter Audrain, 16 October 1805 (Abstract)
§ From Peter Audrain.1 16 October 1805, Detroit. “In compliance with the instructions which I have received from William Hull, Governor of the territory of Michigan, I have the honor to transmit to Your Excellency Copies of four acts of the legislature of the Said territory—to wit—An act Concerning the Supreme Court—An act concerning the district Court—An act Concerning the Militia, and An act for the encouragement of litterature, and the improvement of the City of Detroit.
“The Governor and the Chief Justice Woodward left this place, on the 11th. inst. for fort Erie on their way to the Fœderal City,2 I hope you will pardon the liberty I take to inclose few lines for each of them.
“As the Secretary, now acting as Governor, will no doubt write to you, I leave to him to acquaint you with the occurences of this place, Since the departure of the Governor; Please to accept the tender of my humble services to the General Government.”
RC (DNA: RG 59, TP, Michigan, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner, with his note: “Laws of the Territory.” Printed in Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections 31 (1902): 541.
1. Peter Audrain (ca. 1725–1820) was born in France and swore allegiance to America in 1781. After living in Pittsburgh, he went to Michigan with Anthony Wayne in 1796, where at various times he held the offices of prothonotary, probate judge, register of probate, register of deeds, justice of the peace, clerk and interpreter to the board of land commissioners and land commissioner, and superintendent of the sale of public lands. He was clerk of the territorial Supreme Court for fourteen years (Clarence M. Burton, History of Detroit, 1780–1850: Financial and Commercial [Detroit, 1917], 19–20; 10:293 n., 306–7, 780).