30251To 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...
30252To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 May 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. John F. Merriult, a Merchant of this City proposes to visit Madrid with a view of obtaining payment of a debt due him by the Government of Spain. “The claim of Mr. Merriult is considerable; and under an impression that the interference of the American Minister would be favorable to his interest, he proposes to ask of you a letter...
30253To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
At the particular request of the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent, I take the liberty to ask of you the favor, to give the enclosed letters a safe conveyance, particularly the one directed to "Monsieur Pierre Walsh Agent General des Etats-Unis à Montpellier". I also enclose for your perusal, a letter to me from the Lady Abbess, stating the desire of the Nuns to add to their present number,...
30254To 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...
30255To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that on the 30h Ultimo, I entered upon the duties of the office of Governor of Louisiana, to which I have been called by a Vote of the people of the State and of the General Assembly. Yielding to the feelings of a Grateful Heart, I eagerly seize this occasion to return you my sincere thanks for the high confidence you were pleased to repose in me, during the...
30256To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
When my old acquaintance Edward Livingston arrived in this City, he seemed determined perseveringly to pursue his profession, with a view of restoring his fortune, and on the subject of politics, he expressed an ardent wish to see the present administration prosper, but declared it to be his interest not to be concerned in public business. His talents, address, connexions, and the high...
30257To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, New Orleans. “Tranquility continues to reign in this city and its vicinity. M. Laussat takes his leave of the Spanish Commissioners on this day; and the day after tomorrow he proposes to pay his last visit to the American Commissioners. His departure therefore it is expected will take place in a few days. The Barracks evacuated by the Spanish troops have been put in our...
30258To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 4 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 May 1805, New Orleans . “On this Evening the Legislative Council was prorouged [ sic ] to the 20th. of June; They have passed many Laws which I trust will prove promotive of the general good; lest however some material defects should be discovered, I thought it best for the Council again to be in Session, previous to their power expiring. The Acts of the Legislature are now in the Press, and...
30259To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 20 November 1805, New Orleans. “The inclosed paper will furnish you with a Copy of an address from the House of Representatives of this Territory to the President of the United States: it was unanimously adopted, and evinces a degree of Patriotism which I hope may have a good effect. “I contemplate convening the Legislature, some time about the last of February,...
30260To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1801, Natchez. Has just received word that U.S. commissioners have concluded a treaty at Fort Adams with the Choctaw, who consented to a road through their lands to Tennessee; presumes construction will begin immediately. Large quantities of flour and other exports have passed by Natchez recently, demonstrating the increase of industry and wealth in the West. Mentions reports that...
30261To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1802, Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I have the honor to enclose you, a Manuscript Copy of the Laws passed at the last Session of the Territorial Legislature; There being at present, no Secretary in the Territory, (Colo. Steele’s time of service having expired) the original Laws, are deposited with me for safe keeping. The acts passed at the Session, previous to the last, are yet...
30262To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 31 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1804, New Orleans. “I have never witnessed more good order, than at present pervades this City; and as far as I can learn the whole Territory. I discover also with great pleasure the existence of a friendly understanding between the Modern and the Ancient Louisianians. The Winter amusements have commenced for several Weeks; the two description of Citizens meet frequently at the...
30263To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 August 1804, New Orleans. “More than two months ago, I received information that a small French privateer, in company with two brigs, the one under French and the other Spanish Colours had entered the Mississippi. “The brigs anchored in the river below Plaquemines , and the privateer with my permission passed that Fort , and came to, about two leagues below this city. Rumour soon pronounced...
30264To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” “The Legislature of this Territory met in Session on the 3rd. Instant and on the day following I made to the two Houses a Communication of which the enclosed is a Copy.” The legislature adjourned 13 May after making “several very wholesome Laws, amongst which is an Act to establish a College in the Mississippi Territory.… This College shall bear the name of...
30265To 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...
30266William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In a Letter from M r Mather Mayor of N w Orleans , under date of the 23 rd of July , he speaks of the request I had made of him, to inform me of the Authority under which the Spanish Governors removed the Intruders from the Batture , and he says— “I have taken the advised steps to procure the information desired; but shall not be able to get answers from Mesrs Blanque and Moreau Lislet before...
30267To 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...
30268To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1803, Natchez. “The enclosed hand bill [not found] has this moment reached me; it has every appearance of being an official publication.” The conduct of the Spanish government in Louisiana is “indeed extraordinary.” Recent acts manifest “determined hostility” to the U.S. “The violation of the Treaty, so far as related to the deposit at Orleans, gave rise to much agitation in this...
30269To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of the 7th: Instant, I advised you, that many of the Citizens of this Territory, were surveying Lands West of the Mississippi, with a view, as I apprehended, to obtain fraudulent Titles for the same from the Spanish Government. I now enclose you a copy of a Letter, which I addressed to Mr. Clark on this subject, as also of his answer. It seems that Captain Vidal has no authority...
30270To 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...
30271To 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...
30272To 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...
30273To 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...
30274To 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...
30275To 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...
30276To 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...
30277To 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...
30278To 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...
30279To 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...
30280To 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...
30281To 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,...
30282To 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...
30283To 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...
30284To 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...
30285To 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...
30286To 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...
30287To 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...
30288To 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...
30289To 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...
30290To 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...
30291To 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...
30292To 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...
30293To 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....
30294To 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...
30295To 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...
30296To 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...
30297To 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...
30298To 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’...
30299To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1804, New Orleans. “I have the Honour to enclose you several Documents relative to the Barque Hero, from No. 1 to No. 6 inclusive, as also a copy of two Letters to Captain Nicolls marked No. 7 & 8. “Some of the prisoners who have made their escape from the Hero, and came up to this City, have already proved themselves unworthy Members of Society, and I am therefore the more...
30300To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
In my official Letter of the third of June, I informed you of a small Assemblage of Citizens in New-Orleans, whose object was to forward an Address to Congress, relative to their local Government. Since that period, Mr. Edward Livingston has been engaged in framing the Memorial, and preparing the Citizens of this place & its vicinity for the reception of the principles which it contains. I...