1551To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
At the particular request of Peter Pedisclaux, a Recorder of Mortgages, and a Notary public in this city I take the liberty to forward to you, the enclosed petition and the documents accompanying it. On my arrival in this city, I found the offices of Mr. Pedisclaux shut, and himself invested with no appointment under the administration of M. Laussat the Colonial Prefect. Mr. Pedisclaux was an...
1552To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A late arrest of a Spanish officer in this City by the Civil authority, has occasioned much agitation here, and excited in a great degree, the displeasure of the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and of Governor Folch. I have not time by this Mail, to furnish the Secretary of State with the particulars of this affair, but I pray you to be assured, that the conduct of the constituted authorities has been...
1553To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since, I visited the settlement of Terre-au-Boeuf, so called from a Creek or Bayou on which it is situated, and where formerly the Buffalos ranged.– This Bayou lies to the East of the Mississippi, and is about 22 miles in length; It makes from Lake Born, & communicates with the Mississippi about fifteen miles below New-Orleans; The Bayou is at present nearly dry, but when the River...
1554To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you, an address from the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, and the pleasure to add, that the Sentiments it contains, are in unison with the feelings of a great majority of the Citizens of this Territory.— I am persuaded, an opinion generally prevails in this District, that the Liberty, Peace, & safety of our Country, greatly depend upon the...
1555To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Office of Surveyor for this Port, having become vacant by the Death of Mr. Andrew Porter, I take the liberty to recommend to you as his Successor Mr. Peter L. B. Duplessis. This Gentleman is a Native Citizen of the United States, and Speaks the French Language in great purity. He was formerly in the employ of my Deceased friend H. B. Trist, who often Spoke of him to me in the most...
1556To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of 46 days from Nashville; I reached this Town, on the Morning of the 23rd. Instant;—during the Voyge, I experienced no misfortune; and Mrs. Claiborne ; myself; and family enjoyed good health. The Affairs of this District, are greatly confused; in a Word, Anarchy is (nearly) the order of the day:—The restoration of Good Order; and regular Government will be an arduous Work; and...
1557Enclosure: Composition of the Orleans Territory Legislative Council, 2 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Members Originally named for the Council, and Stephen Boré } Declined Serving Evan Jones Daniel Clark Michael Cantrell Jack Romain Gaspar Dubuys Bellechasse Degoutin & Robert Dow ——— Julian Poidras } Accepted William Wikoff Benjamin Morgan John Watkins &
1558To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last Mail I had time only to acknowledge the receipt of your agreeable favour of the 26th of May; but I now propose replying to it more particularly. There can indeed be no question of Doctor Sibley’s good sense and information, nor do I doubt his zeal for the Public Interest. Of the Private Character of the Doctor, I had no personal knowledge, but it having been attacked here with some...
1559To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment understood that Messrs. Girod and Chal , Merchants of this City, have addressed a letter to you, complaining “that I had (to their injury & exclusion) recognized in the Baron of Bastrop, an exclusive right to trade with Citizens at Ouacheta and also with the Indians who might visit that post, which privilege had been heretofore granted to the Baron by the King of Spain”;—The...
1560To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Dean who goes to the City of Washington with public dispatches, I do myself the pleasure to transmit you a Map of a part of this Territory.— It is the most correct of any I have seen, and as such is offered for your acceptance. Mr. Deplantier is now in this City, and proposes, without delay, to locate a portion of the lands granted to General La Fayette.— We hope to be enabled to...
1561To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Honour to enclose you a copy of my address to the Legislative Council, and of the answer returned thereto. The meeting of the Council has had already a happy effect; the few Intriguers who have laboured to stop the Wheels of Government are greatly discouraged, and the well disposed Citizens highly satisfied. The only anxiety I now feel is, that the means I resorted to, to form a...
1562To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg you to receive—accompanied with my warm respects—a Treatise written on the Criminal Laws of this Territory. I have the honor to be Your sincere friend— Major Rd. Claiborne takes this opportunity of sending his old and continued affection to Mr. Jefferson. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1563To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Roebelt, who has been appointed United States Factor for the Post of Nachetoches, is now in this City. He is awaiting at this place, his instructions, and seems at this time to be uninformed as to the duties which are expected of him. In his Commission he is named the Factor for the Post of Nachetoches, and it would seem therefrom that his agency would be confined solely to the management...
1564To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Communications of yesterday to the Secretary of State, will acquaint you of the unpleasant aspect of Affairs in this quarter.— I persuade myself, that the danger from within will not prove as serious as is apprehended;—But whatever difficulties may arise, you may rely with Confidence, on my best exertions for the defence of my Country and Government. General Wilkinson is of...
1565To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor a few days since, to receive your Letter of the 10th of July, and its contents shall engage my early attention. By the ensuing Mail therefore, I shall forward you a list of the Buildings (the property of the United States) in this City, together with my opinion as “to the best distribution to be made of them”.— I learn thro the Medium of the News papers, that a Peace...
1566To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to announce the arrival of Judge Hall; he reached this City three days ago; and on this Morning, I delivered him his commission, and administered the oaths of Office. The death of Colonel Kirbey is really an event I greatly lament;—But I persuade myself his vacancy will soon be filled by an able and judicious Judge.—Mr. Prevost is attentive to his duties, and his decisions...
1567To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The late Indian Agency which has been confered on Doctor John Sibly has occasioned an investigation of his private character, and I discover that it has received many injurious reproaches. Mr. Bradford the Editor of the Orleans Gazette has addressed to me a Letter upon the Subject, which I deem it a duty to lay before you, more especially since in some of my former Letters to you, I spoke...
1568To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 2nd. Ultimo, together with its several enclosures.— Your Letter to Mr. Brown was immediately delivered;—that to Colonel Kirbey is returned to you, & whose death I presume you have by this time been informed of.— Mr. Brown has mentioned to me his Intention to decline serving either as Judge or Secretary; the Salary is not sufficient to support him comfortably,...
1569To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 24th. of May, and the Communication enclosed therein, I shall, with great pleasure, lay before the House of Representatives of this Territory, at their next meeting.—A free and innocent passage along the Waters running into the Bay of Mexico, will contribute greatly to the convenience and Interest of many of your fellow Citizens, and...
1570To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of the Answer of the Marquis of Casa Calvo to my Letter of the 11th. Instant, and to Subscribe myself— With great respect, Yo: faithful friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1571To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On yesterday in this City, there was great rejoicing—The Citizens generally evinced a grateful recollection of the period which annexed Louisiana to the United States, & thro’ out the Day there was a degree of harmony which afforded me singular pleasure.—The paper enclosed will give you some account of the particulars.—You may be assured Sir, that the great body of this people, are becoming...
1572To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days previous to my departure from Fort Adams, I had the honor to address to you a private letter , which I hope has reached you in safety. Since my arrival in this City, my official communications to the Department of State have informed you of all events of importance, and thro’ that channel I shall endeavour to keep you fully advised of such political occurrences as are worthy of...
1573To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recently experienced the heaviest of Afflictions.—It has pleased Allmighty God to call to the abodes of Rest my whole family.—On the evening of the 25th. Instant my only Child , a sweet little Daughter near three years of Age, breathed her last, and on the morning ensuing Mrs. Claiborne closed a Life , with the continuance of which my happiness was intimately connected.—Every medical...
1574To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
At the particular request of the Superior of the Convent in this city, I have the honor to enclose you a communication from the Ursaline Nuns. These respectable Ladies merit and possess a great share of the public esteem; their conduct is exemplary, and their time is usefully employed in the education of female youth.—During my short residence in this city, I have paid the Nuns very great...
1575To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter to you, I have greatly recovered my health, and I have the pleasure to add, that Mrs. Claiborne is now pronounced by her Physicians to be out of danger.—The fever continues to prevail here; but within a few days it has assumed a milder shape, and in several instances has yielded to medicine. The mortality during the last month was principally confined to Strangers;—but on...
1576To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My appointment to this Government, (& if I am not greatly deceived, my conduct since my arrival,) has been pleasing to a great majority of the Citizens:—But from a variety of causes, some difficulties will attend me, in the progress of my administration.—Already my Predecessor has evidenced a disposition, to rekindle the flame of party, & his most zealous partisans, although few in number, are...
1577To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last Mail, I could only acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favour of the 30th. August;—But I shall now do myself the pleasure to reply to it more particularly. On receiving the Appointment of Governor of this Territory, I feel sensibly the honor confered, and shall be the more solicitous to deserve a Continuance of your Confidence;—I am however firmly persuaded that the office...
1578To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Letters to the Secretary of State , have advised you, of Mr. Livingston’s exertions to promote a Memorial to Congress , the object of which is to obtain the immediate recognition of Louisiana as a Member State of the Union. Mr. Livingston is supported by Messrs. Evan Jones and Daniel Clark, and there is no doubt but they will be joined by many french Inhabitants.—I have not seen...
1579To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On this morning, (accompanied by the Mayor of the City Mr Petot) I visited the ground adjacent to the Canal of Carondulet, and find the Land low, and in some parts subject to be overflowed;—But my impression is, that the whole may easily be reclaimed, and will soon be valuable.— The commons of the City as explained by the Mayor, and as he said, were defined in a Grant issued by a french...
1580To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last Mail I received your Letter of the 28th. of October, and was happy to learn your determination to appoint Mr. Brown the Successor of my friend Trist. I have particularly observed the Conduct of Mr. Brown in public and private Life, and I doubt not but he will continue to merit your Esteem and Confidence.—The family of my departed friend are in the enjoyment of health, and I am...
1581To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Graham, who visits the United States by your permission, will be enabled to satisfy your enquiries with respect to this Territory—and particularly as it relates to our local politics. On the return of Mr. Graham, which I hope will be in September next, I intreat your permission (unless the state of things here should render my presence necessary) to visit the United States. I should be...
1582To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Isaac Briggs and Mr. Robert Williams are now in this City, and propose taking their passage (by Water) for the Seat of Government in two or three Days. I cannot omit so favorable an opportunity to write you an unofficial and private Letter.—The causes which induce these Gentlemen to leave Natchez, they will themselves explain. I do sincerely regret the excuse for their departure, but under...
1583To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that I have remained thus long from my Post; But it really was not in my power sooner to have left Tennessee;—On tomorrow however, I shall certainly take my departure for the Missisippi Territory:—The Western Waters are uncommonly low, and I anticipate a long Voyage, but the season of the year, is favorable, and if the health of myself, and family should be preserved, my passage...
1584To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of my late visit to Opelousas, your Letters of the 9th. and 17th. July, did not reach me, until my return to this City which was on the evening of the 25th. Ultimo;—This circumstance, will I hope, plead my apology, for the delay, of my answer.— Your ideas, relative to the projected Canal between the Mississippi, and the Bayou St. John, have been privately and inofficially...
1585To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official letters of this date to the Secretaries of State and War will acquaint you with the state of things in this quarter. The general Assembly of this Territory is now in Session.—I anticipate some difficulty with these young Legislators; but I trust we shall harmonize, and that the result of our deliberations will not be unacceptable to the People. I have informed the House of...
1586To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Mr. Lafon is now engaged in surveying the Land on the Canal of Carondolet;—He supposes that about eight or nine Hundred acres may be had, nearly half of which he says is excellent Land, and not subject to be overflowed. Mr. Briggs has been very unwell, and could not in person attend the surveying— I am Dear Sir with great Respect Your faithful friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1587To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Briggs and Mr. Williams of whose arrival in this City, I informed you in my last , have been detained longer than they had calculated on; they will however, sail on tomorrow in a Vessel bound for Philadelphia, but the Captain has promised to land them at Charleston if the wind should admit of it. I think it probable that these gentlemen will reach the seat of Government early in April....
1588To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Articles sent you by Captain Lewis, left this City some Days ago; and were put on board the Ship Comet; they were addressed to the Care of the Collector at Baltimore; and he was requested to forward them by Land to the City of Washington. The Skins were carefully repacked, and the necessary measures taken to preserve them. The little Animal and the Birds were all well, and I sincerely hope...
1589To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter dated on the 16th. of August at Monticello, has been duly received. My official communications to the Secretary’s of State & War, will have informed you of the trial and conviction of four Alabama Indians charged with murder. The Court, the Attorney General & myself entertaining doubts how far the act of Congress, which points out the mode of trying Indians for offences committed...
1590To 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....
1591To 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...
1592To 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...
1593To 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...
1594To 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...
1595To 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...
1596To 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...
1597To 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, &...
1598To 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...
1599To 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...
1600To 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...