1501To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a List of the Gentlemen recommended by the House of Representatives of this Territory, as legislative Councillors. Messrs. Mc.Carty and Bellechasse possess a great share of the public confidence, and are unquestionably, very honest, good men,—they each hold Commissions as Colonels in the militia, and I have every reason to believe them well disposed to the...
1502To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot hear, without much anxiety, of the great events which are passing in Europe. The whole Continent seems to have acknowledged the superiority of France, and it is probable that England will ultimately submit to the Will of Bounaparte. When Armies are destroyed in a day, and Nations rise and fall in a month,—you will I trust excuse me in expressing my solicitude to hear of the present...
1503To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not until a few days ago receive your Letter of the 26th of March, and I pray you to be assured that its contents shall receive my careful attention. Mr. Briggs is now in this City, and in the Course of a few days the Location and Survey on the Canal of Carondelet, will be made under his immediate direction; and the result shall be transmitted to you without delay. I do not know, that on...
1504To 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...
1505To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a duplicate copy of my letter of the 13. Instant. The Citizens recommended as Councillors are, for the most part, men of Talents and Integrity; indeed, with the exception of Mr. Jones, there is not one whose appointment would give me regret; but having witnessed the unfriendly disposition of this Gentleman to the American Government, I should be sorry to see him...
1506To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Mail has this moment arrived, and brought me your Letter of the 28th. of October.— The communication you made to Mr. Gelston fell into proper hands, and has been used as you intended.—As the Mail will leave this early in the morning, I shall defer replying particularly to your Letter until next Week.— Accept Dear Sir assurances of my respectful attachment RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The...
1507To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now relieved from fever, but am so enfebled that I cannot complete the Journey, which I had contemplated;—Instead of visiting the Country on the Mississippi, as high as Natchez which was originally my intention, I shall pass over to Atakapas & Opelousas, where I shall breathe a healthy air, & where probably my health will soon be restored. The Route by water to Attakapas will be...
1508To 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...
1509To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There is not in this Territory, all that political Union, which I could wish; But I verily believe that the Discontents are not extensive, nor do I think them of a serious nature.—The Memorial no doubt, was signed by many Citizens; But I nevertheless do not view that Instrument as a fair expression of the public will.—Twenty persons composed the first meeting; three or four Sketches of a...
1510To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is yet in this City, arranging (as is understood) with the Marquis a plan for improving and strengthening the Garrison at Pensacola. These Gentlemen (I hear) are impressed with an opinion that the U. States will abandon their Claim to West Florida, and that East & West Florida will be given in exchange for the West Bank of the Missisippi;—But this I presume is in conformity to...
1511To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are the names of the Gentlemen recommended as Councillors to supply the vacancies occasioned by the resignations of J N Destrehan and P. Sauvé. Mr. Mather is an Englishman by Birth; but has acted in this Territory the part of an American. He was a member of the first Legislative Council, and merits, in my opinion a continuance of your confidence. Mr. La Croix is a frenchman by Birth,...
1512To 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...
1513To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James M. Bradford, the Editor of the Orleans Gazette proposing to visit Washington, and having expressed a desire to pay his respects in Person to the President of the United States, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance; his pursuits have led him to a knowledge of the Territory, and you will find him possessed of much local Information. Mr. Bradford’s political...
1514To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real concern I announce to you, the death of my esteemed friend H. B. Trist. He died this morning of a malignant yellow fever, after an illness of five days. The loss of this citizen is a public misfortune, and will occasion much private distress:—He was faithful to the trust with which you honored him, and had he lived a few years longer, would have made ample provision for the...
1515To 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...
1516To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
During my late Illness, I had the pleasure to receive your esteemed favours of the 7h., 12h and 17h. of July;—But being then unable to write, I requested my private Secretary Mr. Briggs to inform you of their receipt, and to forward to you, the Names of several Gentlemen as suitable Characters for the Legislative Council.—I regret exceedingly the miscarriage of your Letter to me of the 17th....
1517To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On last evening, I had the honor to receive your much esteemed favor of the 7th. Ultimo, together with its enclosures;—the Letters to the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, have been carefully delivered, and were received with great pleasure by the Gentlemen, to whom they were addressed.— The Resolutions which the Legislature...
1518To 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...
1519To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On yesterday the House of Representatives recommended, as Councillors, Dominique Bouligny, and Julian Poidrass.—Mr. Bouligny is a young man of Sense, and supports an amiable character;—but in my opinion, Mr. Poidrass is the most deserving man in this Territory;—he was President of the late legislative Council, and acquitted himself with great credit;—he has been a uniform friend to the...
1520To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present to you, a copy of the Laws of the Territory of Orleans: You will attribute to our inexperience, whatever may be improper—and for that portion of our Laws which is wise, we acknowledge ourselves indebted to the several States of the Union, whose prudent and wise policy, we shall be proud to imitate. With sentiments of great Respect, I have the honor to subscribe...
1521To 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...
1522To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day received from on Board a Barge, Several Trunks & Boxes directed to you; one Cage with some Birds, and a Small living Animal, somewhat resembling our common gray Squirrel. They were Sent by Captain Lewis to Mr. Chauteau of St Louis, and by him transmitted to me. Finding that Some of the Trunks and Boxes contained Peltry of various kinds, I had them opened. The Skins had been...
1523To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Robinson a passanger on Board the Brig Enterprise Bound for Baltimore has promised to convey to you a Barrell of excellent Brown Sugar, Manufactured by Mr. Fortier a respectable Planter of this Territory. Mr. Fortier has requested me to forward to you this Sugar, and to pray your acceptance of it as a Sample of the Production of this fertile District— I am my Dear Sir with great Respect...
1524To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a duplicate of my letter of the 23rd. Ultimo. The barracks in this City, with some repairs, which might be readily made by the Soldiers, would afford comfortable Quarters for Officers and Privates. I have always thought that the Officer commanding the Troops, should reside in the Barracks; The apartments are commodious, and Colonel Freeman might (if he pleased)...
1525To 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...
1526To 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.
1527To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Application having lately been made to me by Mr. Dunbar—to obtain from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, a Passport for the Gentlemen who are about to ascend the Red River, under your Orders, I addressed to him a letter, of which the enclosure A is a copy, and received the answer marked B.—I have informed Mr. Dunbar of the Marquis’s refusal which I presume may occasion, for the present, the...
1528To 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...
1529To 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...
1530To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By a late mail I received from the Secretary of the Treasury a letter concerning the Bank proposed to be established in this Territory, and find with sincere concern; that he is much dissatisfied with the measure. He questions the authority by which the scheme was sanctioned,—expresses apprehensions that it may defeat a project in contemplation, of establishing a Branch of the United States...
1531To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only time by this days mail, to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreeable favors of the 17th and 18th of July, and to add, that I will with all possible dispatch, give you all the Information I can acquire, in relation to the Province of Louisiana. I pray you Sir, to receive my sincere congratulations on the success of Mr. Monroe’s mission;—The Island of Orleans and the extensive...
1532To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me the honor of introducing to your acquaintance, Mr. Joshua Lewis—one of the Land Commissioners for the district of Orleans. It is reported, that, since the arrival of Morales at the Town of Mobile, the navigation of the Mobile river, by American Vessels, has been objected to:—The report, however, wants confirmation. It is also rumoured, that the Spaniards at Nacogdoches, having taken...
1533To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favours of the 10th. and 14th. of March, and am indeed happy to find that the ungenerous calumnies to which I have been subjected, have not made on your mind impressions unfavorable towards me.—I am aware that abuse , much abuse is the constant attendant on Office, under our Government; I have endeavored to meet it with compossure—But when I perceived a political conduct...
1534To 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...
1535To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now on my excursion to the Several Counties, and hope to accomplish my Journey in a short time;—Unless indeed I should be arrested by Indisposition which is not improbable, for the Summer’s Heat is oppressive, and dangerous to travelers.— Mr. Graham after a series of misfortune put into the Havanna’, & from whence he sailed for the United States on the 15th. Ultimo—I hope Mr. Graham will...
1536To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that Doctor John Watkins had declined the appointment of Surgeon to the garrison of New Orleans, permit me to name to you Doctor Oliver H. Spencer as qualified in the opinion of those who know him to fill that Station. Doctor Spencer is a young man of promising talents: his skill, industry and attention in the practise of medecine and his amiable deportment in private life...
1537To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend mr. Ribelt who returns to the United States under an apprehension that he has met with some heavy domestic misfortune, can give you much interesting information as to the state of things in this quarter. The Troops ordered to this Territory,— with the aid of the Militia,—are—in my opinion, amply sufficient to repel any force which our Spanish Neighbours could, at present,...
1538To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This City continues the Seat of Disease:—On the 16th. Instant died of the prevailing fever, my private Secretary Joseph Briggs; on yesterday Mr. John Gelston late of New-York, and on this Morning Mr. Benjamin West late of Philadelphia.— My own family is heavily afflicted; Mrs. Claiborne continues ill, and her Brother (Mr. Lewis) is expected to die in the course of the Day.—The distress of the...
1539To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Before my departure from this Post, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of addressing to you a private and inofficial Letter.— Information of the Mission to New-Orleans , with which you honored me, I received on the evening of the 17’th Ultimo, and the measures which I have taken since that period, have been faithfully detailed to you by my Communications to the Department of State.—The...
1540To 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...
1541To 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’...
1542To 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...
1543To 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...
1544To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to introduce to your acquaintance, Major Fortier, an Inhabitant of this City, and a very useful and worthy member of our Society. Major Fortier has acted as one of my Aid de Camps from the period of my first arrival in this City, to the present day—and I have found in him the character of an active officer, a good american, and an honest amiable young man. With sentiments...
1545To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On this day at 7 O’clock, I sat out from Mr. Fortiers, and arrived at noon, at the house of Mr. Truards, the Judge of the County Court, for the County of German Coast. Judge Truard had invited to his house, the Justices of the Peace, and the other Civil officers of the County, & with whom I had the honor to dine.—The day passed pleasantly away, and I was pleased to find, that the American...
1546To 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...
1547To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with the receipt of your interesting letter of the 27. of April. The arrangement of our Militia, which was recommended to Congress, was well calculated for the defence of our Country, and it is regretted by me that the system was not approved. The proposition which was submitted to Congress, with a view to the immediate settlement of a part of this Territory by American Citizens ,...
1548To 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...
1549To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I persuade myself that my letters of the 12th and 24th of August, have reached you in safety. I have not yet been enabled to procure Romane’s map of Louisiana, and I fear the Geographical sketches which were promised me, by a Gentleman residing at Nachitoches on the Red River will not be forwarded. This Gentleman is a Doctor Sibly, formerly of North Carolina, and a man of good general...
1550To 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...