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...
30271To 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...
30272To 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’...
30273To 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...
30274To 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...
30275To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The enclosure No, 1 is a Copy of a Letter, which I have received from General Wilkinson, and that No. 2 of the Answer which has been returned. I persuade myself, that the danger is not as great as the General apprehends; but in no event will I take upon myself to suspend the privilege of the Writ of habeas Corpus, and to proclaim Martial Law. I am Sir, With great respect Yr: Mo: Obt servt RC...
30276To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 November 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a Petition from the Inhabitants of Point Coupeé, which was this day presented to me by two Gentlemen who mentioned that the News from Nacogdoches, was in circulation among the Negroes in that Settlement, and had produced in their opinion that Spirit of insubordination which existed. “In consequence of the Petition, I have requested Colo. Butler by...
30277To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1804, New Orleans. Encloses a list that gives the Christian names of the men named by Jefferson as members of the legislative council and the man appointed as marshal. “Three of the Councellors, to wit Messrs. Dowe, Boré and Jones, have declin’d serving: Messrs. Watkins, Morgan & Debuys have accepted. I have taken measures, to inform the others of their Appointments, but have not...
30278To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
I sincerely Wish the Mediation of Russia may eventuate in an early and honorable adjustment of differences between the United States and Great Britain. But I much fear England has not yet Sufficiently felt the pressure of the War to induce her to be just: I trust however, that the valor and interprise of our naval Heroes, will Soon be equalled by our Land Forces, and that the fall of Canada...
30279To 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...
30280To 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...
30281To 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...
30282To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Has received JM’s 17 Jan. letter enclosing one from the Spanish minister to the intendant, which he forwarded to Hũlings with a copy of JM’s letter. The enclosed copy [not found] of a proclamation “lately issued at Orleans by the Intendant” will show how successful the steps taken to revoke the ban on the deposit have been. “The Port is now partially open, but...
30283To 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...
30284To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 April 1802, Natchez. On 18 Apr. received JM’s letter of 22 Feb. enclosing Dr. David Lattimore’s commission as a member of the legislative council of the Mississippi Territory; Lattimore, who has accepted the appointment, “unites to pure Republicanism, handsome Talents & an Honest Heart.” The “utmost harmony” exists between Americans and Spaniards at New Orleans. Supports the president’s...
30285To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
By the northern mail of this morning, we have private letters, which state the attack & Capture of an American Frigate, near the Capes of Virginia, by a British Ship of War. The news has excited much alarm among the Merchants, and will probably delay the Departure of such Vessels from this Port as are destined for Europe, until some official information, relative to the Capture shall be...
30286To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1804, New Orleans. “The former Spanish Secretary for this Province, Don André [López Armesto] waited upon me this morning, and said that two vessels were now taking in the military Stores of his Catholic Majesty and that between the 15th. and 20th. instant the Troops, Arms &c of Spain will all be embarked for Pensacola.” Received a letter “this morning” from Laussat stating “that the...
30287To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 April 1802 , “ Near Natchez. ” “It is confidently reported at New Orleans that East & West Florida’s are Ceded to France; I have understood, that no official information of the Cession, had reached the Governor General of Louisiana, and that he denies the truth of the report; it is nevertheless generally believed and has occasioned much anxiety & uneasiness among the Inhabitants of Orleans.”...
30288To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have heard nothing further from Nachitoches; the Report of the advance of Spanish Troops towards the Sabine is not confirmed; It however has acquired credence. Blannerhasset has been for several weeks at Natchez, & receives (it is said) much polite attention. I was yesterday informed by the Collector of this Port (Mr. Brown) that Lewis Kerr proposes to visit England, and that he had...
30289To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1801, Natchez. Encloses a copy of his 2 Dec. address to the territorial legislature together with their answer [of 4 Dec.]. The legislature seems to be composed of “honest men, much attached to the United States, and devoted to the Interest of this Territory,” despite their inexperience. Believes that all opposition to admitting the Mississippi Territory to the second grade of...
30290To Alexander Hamilton from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your polite Letter of the 3rd Inst., on the subject of Daniel Jones’s exchange; it shall immediately be forwarded, to the friends of Jones, who I well know, will, remember with Gratitude, the attention you have been pleased to pay, to their Requests. I have the honor to be Sir, With Sentiments the most Respec tful Yo: Mo: Ob. hble servt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
30291To 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...
30292To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 11 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 11 September 1805, “Territory of Orleans Concordia.” “Since my letter of the 27th Ultimo, I have experienced a severe Indisposition. For sevn days my Fevers were incessant, and my Death was esteemed by myself and Physicians a probable event. But it has pleased Almighty God still to prolong my life and I feel now as if my Health would soon be restored. I had had...
30293To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 30 January 1806, New Orleans. “Finding that the Public Business presse⟨s⟩ very much upon me, I have proposed to Mr. Graham, that he ⟨s⟩hould conduct the internal correspondence of the Territory⟨,⟩ ⟨a⟩nd to attend particularly to Communications of local concern; in order that I may be at liberty myself to attend more especially to my Correspondence with you...
30294To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802 , “ Near Natchez. ” Refers to his letter of 5 Feb. advising JM of his request to Wilkinson to construct a blockhouse at a central location to store spare arms from Fort Adams; hopes the president will approve it. Is currently occupied with the difficult task of organizing the militia. The election of members of the territorial legislature, to be held the fourth Monday in July, has...
30295To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 22 November 1805, New Orleans. “An American Schooner which was lately captured and carried into the Havanna, has been released, and the owners of the Privateer that made the capture, have been ordered to pay a considerable sum of money for the injury done. This circumstance has afforded much pleasure to the Merchants here, and will doubtless greatly benefit the...
30296To 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 ,...
30297To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
In my Letter of the 25th. I mentioned the Illness of Mrs. Claiborne, and my little Daughter: They have since been called to the Abodes of rest and happiness. My misfortunes have been uncommonly great; to loose in the same Day my whole family was indeed a heavy affliction. But my God willed it, and I must submit with fortitude and Resignation. I have received your Letter of the 30th. Ultimo,...
30298To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 June 1802, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter of 9 Apr. enclosing his commission as governor of the Mississippi Territory. Letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal). 1 p. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 1:116.
30299To 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...
30300To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1804, New Orleans. “I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a letter which I addressed to the Marquis of Casa Calvo, upon the subject of the alarm excited at Nachitoches, in consequence of the reports from Nacogdoches , together with a translation of his answer thereto. “I should at an earlier period have addressed the Marquis on this subject, but was prevented by my late...