To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Abstract)
From William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Abstract)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 April 1806, New Orleans. “I now enclose you copies of the answers which have been returned by the Council and House of representatives to the Communication which I had the honor to make them on the 25. ultimo.1
“You will perceive with pleasure the patriotic sentiments of the legislature, and which to me are the more satisfactory because I am persuaded of their sincerity.
“Since my letter of the 29. ultimo I have no information from Nachitoches; I am anxious for further intelligence from that quarter; I fear it will not be agreeable.”
RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, TP, Orleans, vol. 8); letterbook copy (Ms–Ar: Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 16). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; docketed by Wagner. For enclosures, see n. 1.
1. The enclosures are copies of (1) the 29 Mar. 1806 reply of the legislative council (3 pp.; signed by Jean Noël Destréhan; docketed by Wagner; printed in , Orleans, 9:618–19) expressing appreciation for Claiborne’s message; stating their hope that the foreign powers whose actions threatened peace would reestablish the previous harmony between them and the United States; pledging that should war nevertheless occur, the inhabitants of Orleans Territory would defend the country energetically; and offering a hope that the central government would provide military support; and (2) the 2 Apr. 1806 reply of the house of representatives (5 pp.; signed by John Watkins; docketed by Wagner; printed ibid., 620–22) to Claiborne’s message, agreeing that the judiciary needed revision; that the roads, levees, and inland navigation needed improvement; stating that they would examine the need for improvements in education and in the charity hospital; and expressing a readiness to expedite the organization of the militia particularly in such dangerous times.