1To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 29th of October has been received, and its enclosure delivered to the Gentleman to whom it was directed.—Mr Reibelt is certainly a very learned Man, and as far as I know a very honest one;—But he is illy calculated to fill an office under a Republican Government, nor indeed do I know any situation in which he could be so useful to Society, as in Character of an Instructer of...
2To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In a former Letter, I mentioned the Opinions of certain Lawyers of Philadelphia, upon the subject of the Batture, which Mr Livingston was promulgating in this City for the purpose of influencing the public sentiment.—I now enclose a private Copy of “A Memoire par M. Du Ponceau, Jurisconsulte á Philadelphie,” together with a Response in Manuscript by Mr Thiery Editor of the Louisiana Courier.—I...
3To 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...
4To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Desirous to ascertain the real state of General Fayette’s Land warrants, I lately applied for information to the Register Mr. Van Pradelles, who has favored me with a Letter, of which, I now enclose a copy for your perusal.—I shall in a few Days, see Mr. Duplantier, & will urge his unremitted attention to the claims of General Fayette, until the locations are all made, and the Titles...
5To 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...
6To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 6th. of May, advising me of the additional restraints imposed by Congress on Coasting Vessels, with a view of preventing those evasions of the embargo Laws, which “the worthless part of Society,” have of late so successfully practiced.—Pending the interdiction of our Commercial Intercourse with foreign Nations, it is not probable that...
7To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Edward Livingston sailed two days since in a vessel bound to Philadelphia , & from whence he proceeds to the City of Washington.—His object is (as reported) to have a personal conference with you upon several subjects private & political;—Among the former, the case of the Batture will be introduced;—among the latter, the acts of General Wilkinson during the winter of 1806, & of the Territorial...
8To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you an address from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, and to subscribe myself with Sentiments of great respect & Esteem yo: mo: obt. servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 5th. Instant advising you of the death of my esteemed friend J. W. Gurley, Mr. Robertson has consented to act as Attorney General, but with an intention of holding it no longer, that a suitable Character can be selected to fill the office permanently.— If the appointment of Register of the Land office, which is now vacant, should be confered on Mr. Robertson, I am...
10To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Ward Gurley, Attorney General for this Territory was on the 3rd. Instant killed in a Duel by Mr. Jones, the Gentleman who lately married Mrs. Mary Trist;—the dispute was of a private nature; there however is no doubt, but party politicks, promoted this unfortunate affair.—The death of this excellent Citizen is by me most sincerely regreted; I found him faithful to the Government and...
11To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The late removal from the Batture in front of the Suburb St. Mary , of certain Persons, who had taken possession of the same subsequent to the third of March 1807, has been cause of great satisfaction to the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, whose thanks upon the occasion, to the President of the U. States, as expressed in a joint Resolution of the two...
12To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My letters to the Secretaries of State and War have acquainted you with the state of things in this quarter.— The case of the Batture continues a source of uneasiness to the Louisianians, and unless Mr. Livingston is arrested in his operations, the Port of New Orleans may sustain injury.—This subject was lately before a Grand Jury, and their opinion conveyed in a Presentment, of which the...
13To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Mr. Julian Poidrass and of Mr. Pierre Derminon, Judge of the Parish of Point Coupie, I have the honor to transmit you the enclosed Address , signed by a number of the respectable Inhabitants (Planters) of Point Coupie, and which I am persuaded conveys a sincere expression of their sentiments on the subject to which it relates. With sentiments of great respect I have the honor...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which I had the honor to address you from Natchez, I inclosed an extract from the Journal of the House of Representatives of this Territory, in which Messrs. Guerin & Levandeau were recommended as Councellors in the Room of James Mather Senior resigned.—I believe in the Letter alluded to, I took the liberty to recommend Mr. Levandeau, as best meriting your confidence;—But since my...
15To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you a copy of the correspondence which prece’ded the meeting between Mr. Clark & myself, & I sincerely hope you may find therein some apology for my conduct. I feel, as if I had been rashly imprudent;—But there are some considerations, which altho’ they do not justify me, yet (in my own opinion) they go far in extenuation.— From my earliest entry into public Life, I have been in...
16To 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...
17To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Cammack of the Marine Corps being order’ed to the City of Washington, I cannot avoid testifying to you my entire approbation of his Conduct while on this Station, and recommending him to your notice as an officer of merit and Talents;—He has for some time commanded the Marines at New-Orleans, & while his own Department has been uniformly correct, the most exact discipline has been...
18To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3rd. of May together with its inclosure.— Judge Sprigg departed from this City on the 23rd. of May for New York; he had not then resigned, & was undetermined, whether or not he should return as Judge; he was at one period extremely obnoxious to a party here, (of Americans) who can render any Man’s life disagreeable, & received of course a great share of their...
19To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I continue confined to my room, and experience considerable pain—but the wound now suppurates profusely and my Surgeon gives me reason to believe that in 3 weeks I shall be enabled to walk—I fear however that the warmth of the weather will considerably retard my recovery. The business of my office will meet with no derangement by my present confinement—My private Secretary makes out under my...
20To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My feelings have led me to an act which I fear may subject me to your censure. I was engaged on the 8th. instant in a Duel with Mr. Daniel Clark. The affair took place within the Florida line, and at the first fire, I received a ball which passed through my right thigh about ten inches below the hip, and made a considerable contusion in my left. Fortunately the bone was not injured, and altho’...
21To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Clark has arrived, and every exertion is making to induce him, to take a violent part against the late proceedings here; A splendid Dinner has been given him, at which Edward Livingston presided as President, assisted by Mr Phil: Jones, and Mr. Ross a dismissed Sheriff.—Among the Guests were, the Judges of the Superior Court, and James Workman late Judge of the County of Orleans; The...
22To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your letter of the 21. of March, inclosing a copy of an act of Congress which authorizes the President to accept of such Company or Companies of Volunteers, not exceeding 30,000, as shall make a tender of service. The present state of things on the western side of the Mississippi, as far as I am advised, authorizes a hope that no difficulty will shortly...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
When a Secretary for this Territory shall have been named, and entered on the duties of his office, I trust my temporary absence may be permitted;—I could wish to proceed direct to the U. States; but if Mrs. Claiborne’s present State of health, should continue, it would be my desire, to call either at Pensacola, or the Havannah.— If a Citizen of this Territory, should be appointed Secretary, I...
24To 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....
25To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 3rd. of February last. Mr. Reibelt was illy fitted for the Management of Indians, & he might himself to be pleased with the Change. I have recently appointed Mr. Reibelt Parish Judge for the Parish of Avoyelle in this Territory; An Office which is respectable, & which will give him six or seven hundred Dollars per...
26To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Hopkins was charged with public Despatches (of great importance) to the Secretary of State, and I trust will have safely delivered them, when he presents you with this Letter.— Mr. Hopkins is desirous of obtaining a Commission in the Army of the U. States; He is a young Man of amiable disposition, correct habits, and good Judgment—I can venture, therefore to recommend him to...
27To 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...
28To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 10th of July reached New-Orleans, during my late absence from that City, and was not received by me, until my return from Nachitoches. This circumstance will I hope, plead my apology for the delay of my answer. Your Letter to Mr. Reibelt has been delivered; that gentleman (with his family) is now in this City—I have not yet seen his Lady, but she is spoken of as a...
29To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My official Letter of this date, to the Secretary at War, will inform you of the state of things in this quarter,—the reasons which occasioned my visit to this Post, and the part I have acted since my arrival. In addressing you therefore at this time, I have only to announce an event, which unpleasant as it may be, is nevertheless proper to acquaint you of.—Lieutenant Lewis of the Army, who I...
30To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
After a most disagreeable passage of near three days from the Mississippi, I arrived on yesterday morning at the County Town of Attackapas, much fatigued, very wet (for I was exposed for more than two hours to a heavy rain) and extremely unwell. I am now however at a most charming Situation, and in comfortable quarters; where I have the benefit of a pure Country air, and the most agreeable Sea...