James Madison Papers

To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 October 1802 (Abstract)

§ From William C. C. Claiborne

29 October 1802, “Near Natchez.” Encloses a letter received “last evening” from Hũlings together with a translation of an extract from Morales’s 16 Oct. proclamation.1 “These despatches, announce ’that the Port of New Orleans, is shut against foreign commerce and the American deposit.[’] Not understanding from the Intendant’s Proclamation, whether or not, another place on the banks of the Mississippi, had been assigned by his Catholic Majesty, (in conformity to our Treaty, with Spain), for ‘An equivalent establishment,’ I have by letter, (a copy of which is herewith enclosed)2 requested information, on this point from the Governor General of the Province of Louisiana.… The late Act of the Spanish Government at N. Orleans, has excited considerable agitation in Natchez and its vicinity. It has inflicted a severe wound upon the Agricultural and commercial interest of this Territory.” Supposing it important that the government “should be early apprised of the late event” at New Orleans, and “There being at present an interruption in the Post between this Territory and Tennessee,” he has forwarded this letter by express to Nashville to be deposited in the mail.

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