30301To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 May 1804, New Orleans. “Your letter of the 9th. ultimo, together with its enclosures, I have this moment received and beg you to be assured of my faithful attention thereto. “The Spanish Commissioner the Marquis of Casa Calvo, the late Governor Salcedo, and the Intendant Moralis, are yet here; the Marquis contemplates a long residence; Salcedo is making preparations to retire to the...
30302William C. C. Claiborne to Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the Receipt of your favour of the Instant (which was handed me two days since), I addressed a Letter to the Mayor of New-Orleans , requesting him to Consult M r Moreau Lislet , as to the powers of the former Governors of Louisiana to remove persons who might intrude on the Batture ;— We know that an authority of the kind, was exercised by the
30303To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 27 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
27 February 1805, New Orleans . “The Collector of the Revenue Mr. Brown has just informed me that the Captain of the Revenue Cutter had lately proceeded up the Lake, and finding a quantity of Coffee stored in a House on the Shore of the Bay of St. Louis, which he supposed had been illicitly introduced, The Captain had entered the House, taken possession of the Coffee, and was now at the Balizo...
30304To 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...
30305To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1804, New Orleans. “The French privateer mentioned in my letter of the 14th. instant, has just arrived at this port; I enclose you a Copy of the report of Dr. Watkins relative to this vessel, and also, of my instructions to the Harbour Master. “General Wilkinson sailed for New-York on this morning, on board the Ship Louisiana. “It is understood that M. Laussat took his departure on...
30306To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1804, New Orleans. “Since my letter of this morning, the northern mail has arrived, but brought me no dispatches from the Department of State. “The merchants of this City are very much discontented with their present situation; it was generally expected that the mail would have brought on the revenue act for Louisiana, and in consequence of disappointment, an influential man here,...
30307To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
In a private letter to the President of the U. S. : under date of the 5 instant I expressed to him my apprehension that certain persons were forming plans inimical to the U. S. I am now advised by a confidential letter that the Union of the States is seriously menaced and that the storm will probably break out in New Orleans
30308To Alexander Hamilton from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you, a Letter from Mr. John Irwin of Tennessee, soliciting the exchange of Daniel Jones, an old and infirm Soldier, for a young and able Recruit. Mr. Irwin is a respectable and worthy Citizen, and from the Interest he seems to feel for Jones’s Welfare, I am sure Sir, that this Soldier is entitled to your favour and notice. On this occasion, I must be allowed an...
30309To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 16 April 1806, New Orleans. “It is here very generally understood, that the King of Spain has permitted a Settlement on the River Trinity, and established a free Port on the Bay of St: Bernard. The Royal Decree upon this subject is said to be dated in September 1805, and to have been published by the Vice-Roy of Mexico in February last. It is represented to me...
30310To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 29 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
29 April 1805, New Orleans . “Since my last, I have addressed a Letter to Governor Folch upon the Subject of the Road and no private opportunity having offered, I have forwarded it by Captain Carmick of the Army, who will also convey to me the Governors Answer. Colonel Freeman was obliging enough to grant me on this occasion, the benefit of Captain Carmicks Services. “Messrs Sauvé Detrahan and...
30311To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 3 March 1806, New Orleans. “Permit me the honor to introduce to your acquaintance, Mr. Joshua Lewis, one of the Land Commissioners for the District of Orleans. He is acquainted with the state of things in this quarter, & can give you the latest news.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne. Joshua Lewis (1772–1833) was born in Virginia,...
30312To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
General Wilkinson continues to be much abused in this City, and nothing will be left undone, by a Party here, to effect his ruin. This faction are equally as inimical to me, but for purposes best known to themselves, they do not, for the present, manifest as openly their hostility. During the late interesting Crisis, I resorted to a measure of precaution which I have not heretofore...
30313To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 6 August 1805, New Orleans. “I am not yet favored with the Marquis’s Answer to my Letter of the third instant. It is (I believe) delayed, from Moralis’s unwillingness to communicate the extent of his Orders, or the time and manner he proposes to execute them. “Moralis has more information, but less principle than any Spanish Officer I ever met with; his Wealth...
30314To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
In a paper which was received by the last mail from the Seat of Government, it was stated that a law had passed the Senate prohibiting the foreign importation of Slaves into this Province. This intelligence has occasioned great agitation in this city and in the adjacent Settlements. The African trade has hitherto been lucrative, and the farmers are desirous of increasing the number of their...
30315To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
My friend Mr Joseph Saul Cashier of the Orleans Bank, going to the northern states for the benefit of his health, will have the honor to deliver you this Letter. During ten years, that Mr Saul, has resided in this City, I have had abundant proof of his private and public worth; An honester Man never lived, nor do I know an Individual, who has manifested a more sincere attachment to the...
30316To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 7 August 1805, New Orleans. “In my communication of the 29 ultimo, was inclosed a Letter to me, from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, (soliciting that the Spanish Officers now in this Territory, may be exempted from the payment of the Municipal Tax) together with a Copy of my answer thereto. “I now have the Honor to transmit you, a second Letter from the Marquis on...
30317To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1804, New Orleans. “On this afternoon, I received by express from Captain Turner a dispatch, of which the enclosures are copies. “Nothing can be more certain, than that the possession of the West bank of the Mississippi by the United States is a source of discontent to the Officers and Satellites of the Spanish Monarchy now in Louisiana, and I learn that the sensibilities of the public...
30318To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 July 1804, New Orleans. “I enclose you a paper containing a Memorial to Congress, of which I have heretofore advised you. It is generally acknowledged, that Mr. Edward Livingston is the author of this production, and indeed he himself avows it. Mr. Daniel Clark is to carry the memorial to several Districts and to solicit Signatures. He sets out on his mission (I learn) on tomorrow, and...
30319To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Bill concerning the Batture as reported by a Committee of the House of Representatives, is very pleasing to the Inhabitants of this City, & the provision which confirms to the proprietors of Land fronting on the River the Alluvion, will be received with pleasure thro’out the Territory. It was attempted by the individuals claiming the Batture, to interest the people in their favour, by a...
30320To 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...
30321To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1804, New Orleans. “On last evening, I received your letter of the 12th. Ultimo. “The difficulties with respect to the Ship from St. Domingo have all passed by. The correspondence between the Commissioners of the United States and M. Laussat Copies of which, have been forwarded to you, will inform you particularly as to that vessel. “I must confess, that my opposition to the approach...
30322To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
At the particular request of Peter Pedisclaux, a Recorder of Mortgages, and a Notary public in this city I take the liberty to forward to you, the enclosed petition and the documents accompanying it. On my arrival in this city, I found the offices of Mr. Pedisclaux shut, and himself invested with no appointment under the administration of M. Laussat the Colonial Prefect. Mr. Pedisclaux was an...
30323To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The General is apparently making every possible preparation to embark immediately, but I fear we shall not be able to proceed tomorrow as was expected. The boats are not yet all covered, but will probably be completed this evening. I feel a great anxiety to be at New Orleans. But I find it is no easy task to put even a small army into motion. I am happy at the pleasing prospect now before us...
30324To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 8 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
8 March 1805, New Orleans . “The late Election for City Aldermen was conducted with great order, but the apathy of the people on the occasion astonished me. But few voted, and none appeared interested as to the issue. I have appointed Mr. James Pitot Mayor, and Doctor John Watkins Recorder of the City. The former is a French Gentleman of Talents and respectability who has resided here for many...
30325To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 30 July 1805, New Orleans. “I have this day drawn upon you in favor of Captain Daniel Carmick for 180 Dollars, payable at five days Sight; Captain Carmick was the Bearer of Dispatches from me to Governor Folch, upon the Subject of the Post Route through West Florida; and I promised to defray his expences. I would willingly have paid this charge out of the Fund...
30326To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A late arrest of a Spanish officer in this City by the Civil authority, has occasioned much agitation here, and excited in a great degree, the displeasure of the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and of Governor Folch. I have not time by this Mail, to furnish the Secretary of State with the particulars of this affair, but I pray you to be assured, that the conduct of the constituted authorities has been...
30327To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1804, New Orleans. “Since my letter of the 1st. instant, the Captain of the privateer, has shewn me the papers of the prize brig Active, from which it appears, that she was built at St. Johns New Brunswick, and is the property of William Pagan, Robert Pagan and Thomas Pagan Merchants of said place. “The Active was commanded by a Captain Rasor, and when taken by the Privateer was on...
30328To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 29 March 1806, New Orleans. “The news from Nachetoches is of an unpleasant nature. Spanish troops to the number of four hundred, accompanied by some Indians, are assembled on the Sabine, and threaten to advance and to maintain the same position (near to Nachetoches) from which a Small spanish Guard was lately driven by Captain Turner under the orders of Major...
30329To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses “general abstracts” [not found] of a recently received return of the claims filed in Washington County. Most titles exhibited in the county “are very incomplete.” “It is not believed, that any of the citizens claiming under Spanish sales, had obtained patents previous to October 1795, but remained in possession of their lands, by virtue of an Order...
30330To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since, I visited the settlement of Terre-au-Boeuf, so called from a Creek or Bayou on which it is situated, and where formerly the Buffalos ranged.– This Bayou lies to the East of the Mississippi, and is about 22 miles in length; It makes from Lake Born, & communicates with the Mississippi about fifteen miles below New-Orleans; The Bayou is at present nearly dry, but when the River...
30331To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 23 January 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. Benjamin Morgan a zealous American, and an honest Man, was elected on the 21st. Instant, a member of the House of Representatives of this Territory. “The enclosed return will shew you the state of the Poll, as well as the great degree of political Apathy which prevails in this quarter. “The French Consul Mr. Deferges...
30332To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you, an address from the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, and the pleasure to add, that the Sentiments it contains, are in unison with the feelings of a great majority of the Citizens of this Territory.— I am persuaded, an opinion generally prevails in this District, that the Liberty, Peace, & safety of our Country, greatly depend upon the...
30333To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 22 July 1805, New Orleans. “My last, upon the Subject of the Post Route thro’ West Florida, informed you, that Captain Carmick on his return from Pensacola, had unfortunately lost the answer of Governor Folch to my communication: But the enclosed Copy of a Letter from the Marquis of Casa Calvo to me, will inform you that no objections will be made on the part of...
30334To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 January 1805, New Orleans. “On perusing the Copy of my Letter of the 19h Instant, I find that my feelings (when speaking of the difficulty of my situation) led me to introduce a Military simile, which is inapplicable & improper. You will oblige me therefore, if you will correct that part of my Letter of the 19h. where the simile of the ‘forlorn hope’ appears, in such manner, as to make it...
30335To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Legislature of the Territory Commences its sessions, on the 9th. of January next, and in eight days thereafter my Commission as Governor, which bears date on the 17th. of January 1806 (and is to continue in force for three years from the date thereof) will expire. In case "of the death, removal, resignation or necessary absence of the Governor, the Secretary shall be, and he is authorised...
30336To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Encloses a letter from Hũlings communicating the latest intelligence from New Orleans. “The Western Boats are arriving daily at Natchez; our Markets are low but there is no difficulty in exporting Produce from hence to the Atlantic States or to Europe. There are many Vessels yet lying opposite to Orleans, waiting for return cargoes, & there are several now on...
30337To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 March 1807, New Orleans. “I have the honor to inclose you a copy of two Addresses signed by many respectable Citizens of this Territory, approving the late conduct of General Wilkinson and myself.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 9). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; docketed by Forrest as received 4 May. For enclosures, see n. 1. The two...
30338To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 January 1805, New Orleans. “The Incipient Capital of the Louisiana Bank has been Subscribed, and the following Gentlemen Elected Directors, to Wit.—Paul Lanuse, James Pitot, Julien Poydrass, Daniel Clark, Michael Fortier, John Soulie, Thomas Harman, Thomas Urquhart, William Donaldson, John F Merieult, Francis Duplessis, James Carrick, John Mc.Donogh, John B. Labatut, and Nicholas Girod. The...
30339To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The troops from Nachitoches have not arrived, but are momently expected. General Wilkinson has made the necessary arrangements with the French Consul, and will receive possession of the French Artillery, so soon as the value thereof shall be estimated. I know not the extent of the support which Burr calculates on receiving in this Territory. I have no doubt that there are in this City Persons...
30340To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 13 November 1805, New Orleans. “I have the pleasure to inclose you a copy of a Resolution, which was this day unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives of this Territory.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 7); letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 15). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne; docketed by...
30341To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
Since my last communication, letters of which the inclosed are Copies have passed between General Wilkinson & myself. Preparatory to the declaration of Martial Law, the suspension of the Writ of habeas Corpus would be necessary; but this high prerogative can in my opinion be alone exercised by the Territorial Legislature, and was that Body in session, I should under existing circumstances...
30342To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 December 1804, New Orleans. “The Bark Hero arrived in this Harbour three days ago. The French Prisoners have all escaped, some have gone into the Country for employment: a few remain in the City and others have entered as Sailors on Board of Merchant Vessels. The Situation of the Sick and wounded Englishmen on Board the Hero is peculiarly distressing: they are without Hospital Stores of any...
30343To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 21 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 April 1805, New Orleans . “I received by the last Mail your favors of the 18th, and 11th, Ultimo; the last covering a Copy of the Law for the Government of this Territory, the inaugural address of the President, and a duplicate of your Letter of the 25th of February, the original of which had previously been received and acted upon. “Having Sometime Since been advised by the President...
30344To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
As my Commission as Governor of Orleans, will expire on the 17th. of January next, I take the liberty to request you to consider me a Candidate for honor of a reappointment. I am very grateful for the many proofs of Confidence you have already given me, and If I know myself, the favorite wish of my heart has always been, to merit by a faithful discharge of my duties, a Continuance of your good...
30345To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
An event has happened here, which has occasioned some agitation in the public mind. The Gun Boats on this Station are anchored in the Mississippi, opposite to New Orleans, and near to the Western shore; On the 4th. of July, a Citizen (a Planter) in the vicinity, was correcting his female slave, whose cries being heard by the officers and Crew of the Gun Boats, three of the young officers...
30346To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 3 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 June 1805, New Orleans . “I was this day Honored with your Letter of the first of April. The appropriation Law to which you allude has not been received by me, nor has it reached any public officer in this City. I hope however that in the contingent Fund for the Executive Department of this Territory, Congress has been liberal, for I find the expences are necessarily greater than I had...
30347To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosures No. 1, 2, 3 and 4, furnish a correspondence between Messrs. Duncan, Gurley, governor Folch and myself, relative to the accusations exhibited against general James Wilkinson, and are now transmitted to you for the purpose of being laid before the court of enquiry, if you should think proper. I have the honor to be, Sir, Very respectfully, Your most obt. servt. The original letter...
30348To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I was advised by a private Letter from Mobile, under date of the 20th. Inst, of the arrest of Mr, Burr, by Lieut Gains the Officer commanding at Fort Stoddart; I was at first disposed to credit the information; but no official Communication upon the subject having been received, I am inclined to think the Report unfounded. By a Vessell in 19 days from New-York, we have papers from Washington,...
30349To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Office of Surveyor for this Port, having become vacant by the Death of Mr. Andrew Porter, I take the liberty to recommend to you as his Successor Mr. Peter L. B. Duplessis. This Gentleman is a Native Citizen of the United States, and Speaks the French Language in great purity. He was formerly in the employ of my Deceased friend H. B. Trist, who often Spoke of him to me in the most...
30350To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of 46 days from Nashville; I reached this Town, on the Morning of the 23rd. Instant;—during the Voyge, I experienced no misfortune; and Mrs. Claiborne ; myself; and family enjoyed good health. The Affairs of this District, are greatly confused; in a Word, Anarchy is (nearly) the order of the day:—The restoration of Good Order; and regular Government will be an arduous Work; and...