To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806
From William C. C. Claiborne
N.O. December 5th. 1806.
At the moment of closing my dispatches, I received from an old and esteemed friend a letter of which the inclosed is a Copy.1
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 is that, I am prepared to lay down my life for my Country. Your faithful friend
Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne.
Letterbook copy (Ms-Ar: Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 16; printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books, 4:46). For enclosure, see n. 1.
1. Claiborne probably enclosed a copy of Andrew Jackson to Claiborne, 12 Nov. 1806, in which Jackson referenced their long friendship, offered vague warnings about dangers from Spain and enemies within New Orleans who would try to subvert the government, and suggested that Claiborne take military precautions to protect the city (Ms-Ar: Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 16; printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books, 4:53–54).