30241To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 8th Instant, I had the honor to receive your Communication of the 20th of July, and on the next day, I published a hand Bill, addressed “to persons Claiming Lands within the Mississippi Territory,[”] and of which the enclosed is a Copy. In my publication, I have endeavoured to comply literally with your instructions, and I trust the Language which is used, cannot be construed “as...
30242To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 5 August 1805, New Orleans. “On last Evening, I paid a visit to the Marquis of Casa Calvo. He acknowledged the receipt of my Letter of the 3rd Instant, and told me ‘that an answer should be returned, so soon as he had received from Morales a communication (which was momently expected) upon the Subject, to which I had alluded.’ The Marquis added that ‘he believed...
30243To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 April 1806, New Orleans. “As the situation of this Country is somewhat peculiar, perhaps the subject of the inclosed letters deserves the Consideration of our Government. I am myself at a loss to know why Mr. Deforgues has not put the business upon the footting I proposed to him, or made to me some other proposition than the one contained in his letter. His...
30244To 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...
30245To 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...
30246To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 23 August 1805, “County of Acadia Sixty Miles from New Orleans.” “In the course of my Journey I have found the Citizens much desturbed by a report of the retrocession to Spain of the Country west of the Mississippi. I have possitively asserted, that the Report was groundless; but it had acquired such general currency, that many good disposed Citizens cannot be...
30247To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1804, New Orleans. “Your Letter dated ‘Virginia August 28th.,’ reached me on the evening of the third instant. “A number of Spanish Officers are yet in Louisiana, and there is no doubt with me, but they encourage the Discontents which arise here. I shall take an early opportunity to intimate to the Marquis of Cassa Calvo, that the continuance of these Officers in our Territory, ‘so...
30248To 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...
30249To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1811, New Orleans. Forwards a memorial from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Orleans Territory. RC and enclosures ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 5:173. For...
30250To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 5 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 May 1805, New Orleans . “In a late Letter which I have received from Mr. Chambers the United States Factor at Fort St. Stephens, he states: ‘The Letter you were pleased to obtain from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, authorized the Vessel to pass by the Post of Mobile, and the Commandant of the Post assured me she should return freely and without hindrance.’ “A Copy of my Correspondence with the...
30251To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 December 1803, Natchez. “This day having proved fair, I embarked, a Company of the Natchez Artillery, another of Riflemen, and one Company of Militia Infantry, in all about one hundred Men, on Board of a Vessel at the Natchez Landing, with orders to Sail immediately for Fort Adams.” Impressed a schooner into public service; this schooner will assist in transporting troops and stores to New...
30252To 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,...
30253To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1804, New Orleans. “I inclose for your perusal three Letters which I have lately received from the Officer Commanding at Natchitoches together with Copies of my answers, thereto, Marked No. 1 & 2. “You discover by these Letters that the late alarm at Natchitoches relative to the Negroes has wholly sub⟨side⟩d⟨,⟩ and also that the Neighbouring Tribes of Indians, manifest the best...
30254To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 December 1803, Natchez. “The Mail this evening brought me a Letter from Mr. Clark, which I here inclose with sincere pleasure, as it contains additional grounds of expectation, that the Province of Louisiana &c will be delivered over to us without the necessity of our having recourse to Hostile extremities. As there is I believe no doubt but that Mr. Landais brought with him the original...
30255To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801, Nashville. Plans to depart for the Mississippi Territory on 8 Oct. Reports that the territorial assembly was convened by Secretary John Steele on 20 July. It conducted little business during a five-week session and what it did remains incomplete without gubernatorial sanction. Steele is reported ill; his life is despaired of. Quotes a passage from a 3 Sept. letter received from...
30256To 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...
30257To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
Two Days ago’, the Marquis of Casa Calvo, procured from the Printer 20 Copies of the Pamphlet (a Copy of which I have forwarded you by this Mail) and I understand approves highly of its Contents. I do not know that the Writers Intentions are Revolutionary; But his great praise of the Spanish Monarch, and in part of the late Provincial administration is well calculated to awaken the attachment...
30258To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “I have this day drawn upon you, for the sum of Eighty dollars, payable at five days sight to Ferdinand L. Claiborne, merchant at Natchez, or to his order.” Explains that he paid this sum to Samuel May “for going express from Natchez to Nashville, as will appear from the vouchers enclosed” [not found]. The letters that May carried “communicated the late...
30259To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1804, New Orleans. “There exists a great hatred between the Marquis of Casa Calvo and the late Intendant Morales, and at this time their exertions are mutual to ruin each other. “The contest is taking such a direction that, the probability is, one of them will lose the confidence of the Court; My private opinion is that, the Marquis is infinitely the most deserving character, and I...
30260To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 13 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
13 May 1805, New Orleans . “I enclose you a Copy of an Act for dividing the Territory of Orleans into Counties and Establishing Courts of Inferior Jurisdiction therein. The necessary Officers for the more distant Counties have been appointed, and I have been fortunate enough to have acquired the Services of very Suitable characters. But in order to a due organization of the Counties lying on...
30261To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The French vessel which I mentioned to you in my last letter, has been brought to at Plaquemines, but not having yet received an official report from the officer, I am unable to give you a particular account of the passengers. The period allowed by the Treaty for the withdrawing of the French and Spanish forces from the ceded Territory expires on this day, and still little or no preparation is...
30262To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive my Dear Sir, the delicacy of the Communication inclosed, and I beg that it may not be made public, unless it should be deemed essential to the public’ safety, which must supersede every private consideration. When a full account of this unprincipled Combination, shall be made public, General Wilkinson will be greatly obnoxious to the associates; but his fidelity to his...
30263To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is an a/c for 200 dollars expended for extra services on a visit to the County Attackapas which I beg may be admitted and passed to my credit. My journey to Attackapas, was with a view to check a spirit of opposition to the Laws which had manifested itself, to the Civil authority, & I had thought it just, that my personal expenditures, should be remunerated me. The account was...
30264To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
At the moment of closing my dispatches, I received from an old and esteemed friend a letter of which the inclosed is a Copy. You will be pleased not to mention the name of the writer, unless you should deem it essential to the public’ Interest. I am greatly embarrassed; but my best judgement will direct all my movements. What the issue may be God alone knows; all the assurance I can give you...
30265To 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...
30266To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1804, New Orleans. “Since the heat of Summer commenced, my attention to business has been incessant, but I discover that neither myself or the Gentlemen in my employ, can longer preserve our health, if the Office-hours are not curtailed ; and to enable me to do so , I find myself compelled to engage one and perhaps two additional Clerks. Mr. Briggs my private Secretary, is now sick of...
30267To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1804, New Orleans. “On last Evening Mr. Prevo[s]t (one of the Judges) arrived in this City, and will proceed I believe immediately to organize the Supreme Court. … I sincerely wish, that the Judges may find their duties agreeable, and that the happiest result may attend their exertions.… But I fear the trial by Jury, the introduction of oral testimony, the Admission of Attorneys &c....
30268To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 May 1806, New Orleans. “I have yielded to the wishes of Governor Grand Pré, and have permitted Passports to be given to such of the Citizens of the United States as may travel through the settlement of Baton Rouge, and who may apply for Passports at my Office. These Passports are without Seal, and signed by my Private Secretary. This is done in order to save...
30269To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 18 March 1806, New Orleans. “The enclosed papers will acquaint you with the detention of the Schooner Ann at the Town of Mobile, and of the objection, by the Spanish Agents to the passage of said Vessel to Fort St. Stephen. “I have, heretofore, written to Governor Folch relative to the obstructions offered to our Commerce on the Mobile—and I deem further...
30270To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 December 1804, New Orleans. “On the fourth Instant the Legislative Council formed a Quorum, and on the following day I delivered to them an address of which the enclosure Marked A is a copy. “The Meeting of the Council has had a happy effect; it has checked a Spirit of Anarchy that had made its appearance, and given to the good disposed Citizens a Confidence in the Government. “The Answer of...