Yale UnWetsrtV Library "I give the/e Booii for the. faumCiag of a. CtUege bl- this Colony" ' Yi^LEoWIMlIYIEI^SIirY' Bought Avith the income of the Ann S. Farnam Fund OFFICIAL LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE 1801-1816 EDITED BY DUNBAR ROWLAND, B. S., LL. B., LL. D. Director Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Secretary Mississippi Historical Society, Member American Historical Association VOLUME III. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI Printed for the State Department of Archives and History 1917 Democrat Printing Company, Madison, AVisconsin LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE 1804-1806. Copy To Col. Butler New Orleans November 8th 1804 Sir, A spirit of Insurrection among the Negroes at Point Coupee has occasioned considerable alarm in that Dis trict, and the Citizens have asked a supply of arms for the use of the Militia, and a small regular force to serve as a rallying point in case of danger. I am myself im pressed with an opinion, that the prompt marching of a small Detachment of Troops to Point Coupee may avert mischief and give Security to private Property. I therefore think it my duty to Solicit you to Detach a subaltern and twenty five or thirty men to Point Coupee with all possible expedition, and that the officer com manding the Detachment should be furnished with an hundred stand of Public Arms to distribute to the Militia in case the danger on his arrival should be imminent. I am Sir with great Eespect & Esteem your Hbl. St. (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne. Colon. Butler (Copy) To Casa Calvo „. New Orleans November 8th 1804 Sir, I have this moment been informed that the news of "Protection being offered at Nacogdoches to Slaves III — 1 b MISSISSIPPI TBKBITORIAL AECHIVES. escaping from the Service of their Masters" was in cir culation among the Negroes at Point Coupee, and had produced a general Spirit of insubordination. I com^ municate to your Excellency this further information in order to justify my Solicitude for your prompt and effectual interference. — I fear Sir, that nothing but the immediate arrest and return of the Negroes who have escaped to Nacogdoches will prevent much injury to the Territory, and perhaps the destruction of many of her Citizens. The Letters received from your Excellency on yester day, are now in the hands of my Interpreter : — — Translations will be furnished me in the course of this day, and if answers are required, they shall be re turned on tomorrow. I offer to your Excellency assurances of my respect and Esteem His Excellency Signed./ Wm. C. C. Claiborne The Marquis of Casa Calvo (Copy) To Edw. Turner New Orleans November 8tli 1804 Sir, In Consequence of the representations to me from the Inhabitants of your District, and my sincere desire to give all possible protection and Security to my Fellow Citizens, I shall take measures to Detach to Point Coupee a Subaltern Officer and twenty five or thirty Men; the Officer will also be furnished with one hundred Muskets to distribute to the Militia, in the event that any danger should exist on his arrival. There is no doubt Avith me, but the reports from Nacogdoches have occasioned the late unpleasant move ments among the Negroes at Point Coupee, and while I LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 7 flatter myself that the mischief is averted by a timely discovery, I nevertheless advise and direct you to ob serve on your part the utmost vigilance, and to give or ders as usual for strong patroles at night. You will cause the Militia of your District to be im mediately organized. — Every Male free person between the ages of sixteen and fifty will be considered as Sub ject to Militia Service, and I look with confidence to my Fellow Citizens for a faithful discharge of duty. Captain Siblong will take Rank in the Militia of your District as Captain, and I desire you will testify my wishes to him, and urge his immediate attention to the Service. If any thing interesting should arise, you will be pleased to communicate the same to me by express. I am Sir very Respectfully Your most obdt. svt. William C. C. Claiborne The Commandant at Nachitoches. To James Madison New Orleans 10th November 1804 Sir, I now forward you the ahswers of the Marquis of Casa Calvo, to my communications of the 30th and 31st Ultimo, together with a Copy of my reply to them. I fear the Royal Decree alluded to is calculated to do injury — If the Marquis should send me a Copy it shall be forwarded to you. I never was an Advocate for a Standing Army ; I wish to God it could be dispensed with in this Territory ;— But the present state of things will not justify a reduction. Our Troops here are few in number, — greatly reduced by sickness, and by the differ- 8 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. ent Detachments which are necessarily made to the Frontier Posts. — If it be possible I pray that a Rein forcement may immediately come on. The Civil Author ities are not sufficiently organized to preserve of them selves good order, and the appearance of a superior Spanish force in our Vicinity is calculated to lessen greatly the confidence of the people in the power of the United States. I am Sir very Respectfully your most obdt. Hb. St. William C. C. Claiborne The Secretary „ „ of State —Copy- To Casa Calvo New Orleans November 9th 1804 Sir, The answers of your Excellency to my communica tions of the 30th and 31st Ultimo I have had the pleas ure to receive. I persuade myself that the Letters you have addressed to the Commanding General of the In land Provinces, and the Commandant at Nacogdoches, will impress upon those officers the propriety of adopting on their part, that line of conduct which is calculated to strengthen, rather than weaken the ties of friendship between our two Nations. It is not impossible but the French Inhabitants may have manifested a want of caution in communicating the Intelligence from Nacogdoches; but I am inclined to think that the Commandants at that Post has also been excessively imprudent, unless indeed his conduct was prescribed by his Superiors, & this from your Letters I have no reason to suppose. The property of the Citizens of Nachitoches under whatever Government acquired, must now be secured to LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 9 them by the United States: the complaints of the citi zens have therefore very properly been directed to me, and others I flatter myself that your representations to his Catholic Majesty will induce that Sovereign to ap ply a just and prompt corrective, I nevertheless think it my duty to lay the whole affair before the President of the United States : and if your Excellency is in posses sion of the Royal Decree which has occasioned the un pleasant occurrences at Nachitoches I shall esteem it a favour to be furnished with a copy. The return of the Negroes who have sought refuge in his Catholic Majesty's Dominions, upon the conditions you have proposed I cannot approve of, inasmuch as I am firmly convinced their unconditional Surrender can alone put an end to the growing evil of which the Citi zens complain. I vnsh it however to be understood that I am not an advocate for the punishment of those fugitives : But I am desirous that their lenient treatment should depend upon the clemency of their Masters, of the humane in terposition of the Territorial Government. I renew to your Excellency assurances of my high and respectful consideration ! (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne His Excellency „ „ The Marquis of Casa Calvo To James Madison New Orleans Nov. 17th, 1804. Sir, I enclose you two other original Letters from the Marquis of Casa Calvo to me, relating to the late News from Nachitoches and Point Coupie. — A small Detachment of Troops has been ordered to Point Coupie, & I believe everything is now tranquil at that place. — I have received no late Dispatches from 10 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. [ Nachitoches; but I persuade myself that there also, the cause for alarm has in a measure ceased. If my Com munications have reached Washington regularly, you are furnished with copies of the various Letters which I have addressed to the Marquis upon the subject of the Royal Decree concerning concerning Slaves. — It is a length of time since I have been honored with a Letter from you. My Impressions are, that the Post from Washington to this City is not at this time a safe Con veyance for official Dispatches, and I advise that Dupli cates of such as are of Importance, be forwarded by Water. — I am Sir, With respect & esteem Yo : hbl. Sevt. The Honble. William C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secy, of State Washington. To James Madison f^. New Orleans November 18th, 1804 I have the honor to enclose you several Documents relative to the Barque Hero, from No, 1 to No, 6 in.^lii- sive as also a Copy of two Letters from me to Captain Nacalls, marked No, 7 & No, 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 sworn defense to prevent the Men seen on board of that Vessel from Landing I must confess Sir, I did not know, what were the most prudent meas ures to direct in relation to the Hero, and her passengers and Crew; But under existing circumstances circum stances, I thought it best, that the vessel & those on LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 11 board should depart; — I suggested some Port in the United States, as proper for their destination, under an Impression that it would prove as an Inducement to their Departure, and that nowhere in the United States would the Residence of those Strangers be as dangerous as in New Orleans. — The arrest of a Spanish officer in this City, by a Writ issuing from the office of the Superior Court, has occa sioned much agitation here, and greatly excited the dis pleasure of the Marquis of Caso Calvo, and of Governor Falch ; — I will give you the particulars in my next Let ter, and in the mean time I pray you to be assured, that the conduct of the constituted authorities has been cor rect. — I have not yet been enabled to form a Council — only five of the Gentlemen nominated by the President have accepted — to wit; — Messrs. Poidras, Watkins, Morgan, Wikopp and Kennei'; — the first four are now in the City, and the fifth is every Day expected. — I hope in God, that the next Mail will furnish me with the names of four Gentlemen, as successors to those who may de cline. A Council is greatly wanted and the Interest of the Territory suffers much by the delay of Legislative Interference. — Party spirit here is certainly subsiding, and I am persuaded that the Inhabitants of the Coun try are becoming much better disposed to the U. States ; — But in this City there are many disorderly and dan gerous Characters. — Neither the Secretary (Mr. Brown) or Colo : Kirbey, has yet arrived ; the latter Gentlemen is reported to be dangerously ill at Fort Stoddart. I am, Sir, Very respectfully Yo: Mo: obt. servt. The Honble William C. C. Claiborne James Madison „ „ Secy of State. 12 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To Capt. Nicholl New Orleans, November 16th, 1804 Sir, Your late Letter relative to the Hero together with its several enclosures I have received. The situation of the Sick and wounded on Board of that vessel excites my commisseration, and I am certainly desirous to render them acts of kindness. Will you request the Surgeon's Mate of your Garri son to visit the Hero, and administer such relief to the Sick and wounded as may lie in his power. He will be pleased to make his charge, and I will endeavor to ob tain a payment for him from the Ministers of those Na tions near the United States, whose distressed Country men have been unfortunately thrown upon our shores. If the Doctor should suppose that exercise on shore would assist the convalescents you may permit them oc casionally to land for that purpose, and I desire that every act of kindness may be extended to them. If the person having charge of the vessel has the means of pro curing fresh provisions and rice for the sick and wound ed, you will be pleased to permit him to obtain the neces sary supplies ; but if he is without means (that is, if he has no money) I will thank you to procure two Dozen of fowls, and two Barrels of Rice, and present them to the sick. For the expenses of the Rice and fowls you will draw upon me and your Bills shall be immediately paid. As soon as those supplies are furnished and the sick and wounded have received the necessary aid from the Physician of the Garrison, I would advise that the Barque Hero should put to Sea, and proceed to some of the Atlantic Ports in the United States or to the West Indies. But their departure need not for the J)resent be pressed. Those on Board in whose Honour you can LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 18 confide you may at your pleasure permit to land for ex ercise. I am Sir respectfully your Hble St (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne To Captain Nicoll Commanding at Plaquimine Copy Sir, To Capt. Nicholl Nu Orleans Novr 17th, 1804 If you should find the Persons on board of the Hero, destitute of the means of procuring fresh Provisions, you will oblige me, if in addition to the Rice mentioned and in my last Letter, you would purchase four or five dozen of Fowl, and present them to the sick, and if you think proper you may also procure a small quantity of fresh Beef for their use. I am Sir Very respectfully Yo : Hble Servt William C. C. Claiborne Captain Nicoll Commanding at Plaquimine To James Madison New Orleans November 23rd 1804 Dear Sir, Within a few days past events have occurred here which I conceive it my duty particularly to represent to you. I have heretofore informed you of the Arrival in this City of Governor Folch and several other Span ish officers on their return from Baton Rouge to Pensa- 14 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL AECHI'VES. cola, and that their passage by this route was with my consent. Governor Folch and suite have now departed, but during their stay a Fleet of small vessels with near three Hundred Troops on Board, lay in the Lake about Six Miles from the Bayou St. John. A supply of Pro"vl- sions for those Troops was purchased in this Territory with my approbation, nor did I oppose a wish which was expressed by the Spanish officers generally to visit New Orleans. In this state of things, all remained quiet for several days, and frequent acts of civility were ex changed between the officers of the United States and those of Spain. On the 13th Instant an American of the name of Morgan who had been taken a prisoner by Governor Folch in West Florida (but with what offence charged I know not) made his escape from the Fleet; he was pursued and overtaken near Fort St. John. But upon declaring himself to be a citizen of the United States, and claiming protection, a non-commissioned of ficer commanding the Fort, would not permit his pur suers to take him ; and he, Morgan came up to this City. This event did not seem to excite the displeasure of Gov ernor Folch, and not a word Avas said upon the subject. Between the 12th and 14th instant several Frenchmen who had made their escape from the Barque Hero (whose case I have acquainted you of) reached the City, and it was reported that they had been enlisted in the Army of Spain by Governor Folch. Being in the ¦vi cinity of the lodgings of the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Avhen this information was received by me, I iimnediately determined to pay him a visit and to mention the subject verbally. The object of my visit was promptly communicated and I expressed my regret that so direct an insult to the Sovereignty of my Country should have been offered. The Marquis assured me, that the report was not correct, he observed "that four or five individuals had offered LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 15 "their ser'vices to Governor Folch, but were told they "were now on American ground and that he the Gov- ' ' ernor could not recruit them ; if however they thought ' ' proper to visit Pensacola, and would there tender their "services it was probable they might be enlisted." The Marquis added that the subject would be men tioned by him particularly to Governor Folch, and as sured me no indignity or disrespect should be offered to this Government. On the 16th instant Morgan (the person mentioned as effecting his escape near Fort St. John) sued out a writ from the office of the Superior Court, against Man uel Garcia, a Spanish officer, and the particulars attend ing its execution you will find fully detailed in a Letter to me from the Alguayil Mayor herewith enclosed marked No. 1. — I was early advised by a message from Governor Folch of the arrest of Captain Garcia, and his release was required in terms not very delicate. The impro priety nay improbability of an official interference on my part was communicated (in terms the most conciliatory) to Governor Folch; but he was irritated and indulged himself in Language intemperate and highly exception able. Shortly afterwards I received a Letter from the Mar quis, the original of which No. 2 is enclosed, and I re turned an answer of which the enclosed No. 3 is a copy. When the Marquis 's Letter was handed me I was in formed by the Bearer of it "that the Marquis requested "an immediate answer, and the release of Captain Gar- "eia, or he would immediately leave the Territory and "would not be answerable for the consequences and Rev- "olution that might ensue." The Gentleman delivering this message expressed himself in English, and I desired him "to inform the "Marquis that the letter would be answered when con- "venipTit! and if he wished to withdraw from the Terri- 16 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. "tory, the customary passports should on application "be furnished him." In the course of the evening I was informed that a Mob of more than 200 Men had assem bled in Front of the Marquis 's House, and evinced a dis position for- mischief ; I immediately requested Colonel Butler to strengthen the Guard; and directed the Al guazil Mayor to proceed to the place of this assemblage and solicit (in my name) the people to repair to their respective Homes. But previous to the arrival of the Alguazil many had retired, and the few which were then remaining immediately seperated at his request. Sev eral Letters have since passed between the Marquis and myself upon this subject, copies of which are enclosed Nos. I was on a visit to Judge Prevosts ' when I heard the particulars of the Spanish Officer's arrest, and there con tinued until the verbal messages between the Marquis, Governor Folch and myself had ceased. On my return to the Government House, I found that many Americans had repaired there, under an impression that a serious riot would ensue. But throughout the night the most perfect tranquility reigned and I take pleasure in add ing that on this occasion the great body of the Citizens manifested no disposition unfriendly to good order, or to the existing Government. I am Sir with great Respect and esteem, your Hbl St. — The Honble William C. C. Claiborne James Madison „ ,. To Casa Calvo New-Orleans c,. , November 18 1804 Sir! I am honor 'd with the receipt of your Excellency's Letter of yesterday, and after a respectful Attention to it's contents, I hasten to reply. — LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 17 Your Letter commences with adverting to the Com mission intrusted to you, by his Catholic Majesty: and afterwards you seem, more than once to allude to some of the Privileges, which you conceive yourself entitled to, in virtue of that Commission. — In answer, your Excellency I trust, will excuse my remarking, that whatever Diplomatic Agency, it may have been the Intention of your Souvereign to invest you with that it is only through the Government that I serve, that I can be appris'd of it. — To the President of the United States, is constitu tionally reserved the exclusive right of accrediting the Ambassadors, Ministers or Agents of foreign Powers: and therefore, although as a Gentleman of Distinction and Information, — and high in the confidence of your Government I have, with great pleasure, corresponded with you, on local subjects, and the mutual Interests of this Territory, and the Dominions of his Catholic Maj esty in our Vicinity, it never was my Intention, nor is it in my Power, to recognize your Excellency, in any man ner, as a Diplomatic Character or entitled to any priv ilege beyond those, of a highly respected Personage, temporarily residing in this Territory. — To your corresponding with me, on the Subject of the Arrest of Captain Don Manuel Garcia, I cou'd not possi bly have objections : — but as this was, altogether a ju dicial Affair, and, (as I have already explain 'd to your Excellency,) utterly beyond my Controul, I indulg'd a hope, that my explanations on that head wou'd have been satisfactory. — The Judges, Sir, of the Territory, are not nam'd by, nor liable to be remov'd by me: — to their Tribunals, I can give no Orders : and in their Counsels, even my ad vice, wou'd be unwarrantable; — because, — an unconsti tutional interference. — willing, however, to co-operate 18 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. with your Excellency, in any measure, that may conduce to a reconciliation of our difference, I will communicate to the Attorney General,, (the only officer, through which the Executive can approach the Court) the reasons as signed by your Excellency, to shew the illegality of Cap tain Garcia 's arrest, and will request the Attorney, to adopt such means as may be in his power, to effect a speedy examination and decision of the question. — You ask Sir, the reasons, why Captain Garcia, was arrested by an arm'd force? — To that I have only to answer, that the Laws of my Country are supreme, and are to be obeyed respectfully, and promptly, by every Individual, of whatever nation, he may be, while within the Limits of their Authority : — had Captain Garcia surrendered himself in the first instance, to the civil Au thority, the Aid of the Military wou'd not have been call'd in. — To save himself from the disagreeable alter native of Imprisonment, it was only necessary for him to give security for his appearance before the Court. — He was surrounded by his Friends, several of whom of fer 'd themselves as his bail, but he refus'd their offers, saying that such were his orders; and in the presence of the civil Officers, (I am inform' d,) he receiv'd from Gov ernor Folch, through an officer, a further order in posi tive and energetic terms, not to give bail, nor leave the House he was then in, unless compell'd by a superior force, and to resist any Attempts to remove him. — The ci-^dl Authority thus oppos'd, cou'd not do other\\ase than demand the Assistance of the IMilitary. — several of Captain Garcia 's friends, Officers of the Spanish Army, were arm'd; and, on the entrance of the Guard, swords were actually drawn : but, happily, the threaten 'd resistance, was not attempted! — In your Excellency's Conduct, and that of your friends, in behalf of Don Pedro Vilamil, when arrested at the Suit of Hulin, I must confess myself unable to LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 19 discover those proofs of Moderation which you seem to rely on: Don Pedro Vilamil was, (as Captain Garcia now is) in the Custody of the Law, and, in giving security for his appearance before the Tribunal by whose order he was arrested he did only what the Law made neces sary to his Enlargement; — Nor can I understand, how the Affair of Mr. Randall, to which you allude, or the Punishment of your Servant is connected with the sub ject immediately before us, unless, as Violations of some suppos'd Diplomatic privilege on the subject of which, I have already explain 'd myself to your Excellency. — I have complain 'd of no injury to my Character or person, in the ivritings or Letters, of your Excellency or of Governor Folch; by adverting to my last letter, you will find, that the offensive Language was convey 'd in verbal, communications. — On this subject, my Impres sions must remain the same, unless your Excellency will disavow the following Expressions, us'd by a Gentle man, who in Company with your Secretary Don Andre Lopez said to me that "The Marquis requested an im- " mediate answer to his letter, and the Release of Cap- "tain Garcia, or, he wou'd immediately depart the Coun- "try, and wou'd not be answerable for the consequences, "and Revolution that might ensue." — The Language of Governor Folch, to which I alluded, was, his complaining of "Injury" and threatening "Re taliation"; and adding that "the People of this Coun- "try wou'd not see him injur 'd." — These expressions were address 'd to a Gentleman, who bore a verbal mes sage from me to Governor Folch, explaining to him, in terms the most conciliatory and candid that the Arrest of the Spanish Officer, was, by Virtue of the Judicial Authority, and that the Court, wou'd certainly, direct his release, (provided the arrest was illegal) whenever the case was brought before it. — but I am unwilling to enlarge on this subject having too much confidence in the 20 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. good sense of your Excellency, — and of Governor Folch, to apprehend, that either, on dispassionate Reflection, will be dispos'd to persist in, or to justify expressions, of that unpleasant Nature. — I wish your Excellency, a long and a happy Life, and beg leave to renew to you. Assurances of my respectful Consideration. William C. C. Claiborne His Excellency. The Marquis of Casa Calvo. Copy To Casa Calvo New Orleans November 22nd 1804 Sir, I have the Honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's Letter of the 19th instant; and I learn with pleasure, that you are at length convinced that the affair of Captain Garcia is placed on the only footing which the existing Laws of this Country can admit of. How far my permission for Governor Folch and suite to pass by this route to Pensacola, entitles Captain Gar cia to exemption from arrest, is matter for the considera tion of the Court, and on this question there is no doubt but the decision will be a proper one. The sentiments contained in my last communication to your Excellency concerning your claims to certain privileges, as the agent of a foreign power, were well considered before they were transmitted to you ; and have not been shaken by any of the arguments of your Excellency's last Let ter. The American Commissioners received this Coun try from Mr. Laussat : with your Excellency they neither had, nor could have had with propriety, any official in tercourse on the subject. The Transfer of the Country being completed, any difficulty in ascertaining the limits of the Ceded Territory which may arise, must be the ob- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 21 ject of a seperate Mission or Agency; and if you are com missioned in that behalf by your Government, your pow ers must be accredited at least by the nomination of a new American Commission to meet you on the subject, before your appointment can have any operation, or en title you to any of the privileges which may be attached to it. For these, and the other reasons that I have al ready communicated, I still feel myself compelled by duty, to refuse any recognition of your Excellency as a privileged character in this Territory. Permit me how ever to add that this refusal is not dictated by any kind of uneasiness at your Excellency's stay in the Country, or the most distant wish of rendering your situation among us irksome to you. On the contrary, during your Excellency's residence in this Territory, I shall reciprocate Avith great pleasure friendly offices, and shall esteem it a duty to give you all the protection which the National Amity of our respective Countries entitle you to, and our Laws admit of. I observe in your Excellency's last Letter but one subject, not before touched upon during the present cor respondence, namely, your complaint of your unsuccess ful endeavors to collect the arrears of the King's Reve nue. I can recollect no interruption which your Excel lency met with in this particular, except a refusal on my part to carry into execution certain judgments which your Excellency was pleased to say had been rendered against certain individuals by the Spanish Authorities. An acquaintance Avith the Laws of the United States Sir, would be sufficient to inform you that they Avill suffer no judgment to be executed but those rendered in their OAvn Courts; that in those Courts, foreign judgments, how ever respectable the Tribunals which rendered them, are only evidence and require the confirmation of an Amer ican judgment before any execution can flow therefrom. Ill — 2 22 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. I have only therefore to add, that in all cases of this na ture, as well as that of Mr. Randall, the Courts of this Territory are open to you, and are vested Avith the power (no longer in my hands) of redressing any grievance which you may have occasion to complain of. I pray your Excellency to accept assurances of my respectful Consideration (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne His Excellency The Marquis of Casa Calvo (Copy) To Casa Calvo New Orleans Nov. 10th 1804 Sir, I have read Avith respectful attention your letter of this Evening, and in reply I have only to state that the Spanish Officer you allude to is in arrest, in Adrtue of a process regularly issuing from the office of the Superior Court of this Territory. Upon what grounds it may have been issued, or how far it may have been irregular, it is not A\dthin my prov ince to enquire. The powers of the Judiciary are de rived immediately from the General Government of the United States. , The Court is independent, and not sub ject to my control. If the arrests of the officer be ille gal, the Court Avill certainly direct his liberation on a proper application to that effect. I cannot perceive in this transaction any just cause for the agitation which has been discovered on the part of your Excellency and of Governor Folch. In a verbal message to me from your Excellency, expressions were conveyed derogatory to the Government which I repre sent as well as personally offensive to me, and I learn LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 23 Avith regret that Governor Folch has used a language equally exceptionable. Your Excellency can easily con ceive my feelings on receiving such communications. No threats of that nature, you may be assured, can induce me to swerve from my duty, and permit me to add, that, the power does not exist which can shake the authority of my Country over this Territory. I pray your Excellency to be assured of my respectful consid eration ! (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne The Marquis of Casa Calvo To James Madison New-Orleans December 10th 1804 Sir, About five months ago a Spanish Officer attached to the Family of the Marquis of Casa Calvo presented me a key which he said was the key of a large Room in the Principal (or City Hall) belonging formerly to the King of Spain, which had heretofore been occupied as an Arsenal. The officer added that the Principal had been built at the joint expense of the King and City, that the former claimed the lower story, and the Room in which the arms had been placed; the Balance of the Building belonged to the city. When Judge Prevost arrived he applied to me for an apartment to open his Court in, when the key above al luded to, and which had so long been in my possession was handed to the Sheriff, who was directed to cause the necessary furniture to be procured and the Room put in order. Under my ordinance defining the powers of the Municipality, the care of the City property was com- 24 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. mitted to that Body, and they were taught to believe (by the Intriguers) that the Principal in toto, was the property of the City, and that the Governor's appropri ating any part thereof, Avithout preAdously consulting the Municipality was a great contempt to that Body. — The consequence was, that a Letter upon the subject was addressed to me by the Mayor of the City, which was answered Avith mildness and candour ; the temporary agitation subsided, and Avithout determining the question as to the right of property, the Municipality consented to accommodate the Court, as well as the Legislative Council. I have mentioned this occurrence, in order to shew you to what miserable expedients the Intriguers here re sort, in order to embarrass my administration, and to excite public discontents. But Sir the line of conduct I have prescribed for myself shall never be departed from; my acts shall be the result of reflection and my best Judgment ; I Avill continue to observe as much mod eration as the Interest of my country Avill permit, and while I observe gentleness in the manner I shall never theless be firm to my objects. I have heretofore had an arduous Task, and there are yet many difficulties to en counter, but I persuade myself that in a little time the state of things here, Avill be such as I desire. I am Sir with great Esteem and Respect Your Very Hbl St. William C. C. Claiborne The Honble „ ,, James Madison Secy of State. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 25 To James Madison New-orleans December 11th 1804 Sir, The Mail of last Evening brought me your communi cation of the 12th ultimo. The late Insurrection at Baton Rouge (if indeed it can be called such) has subsided, and I believe Avill not be renewed. The Insurgents were few in number, and at no time exceeding thirty. Their place of Rendezvous, Avas within what is called West Florida and the Party composed almost entirely of persons who reside in that district. I have understood that a general amnesty (with the exception of Kemper and two others) has been granted by Governor Folch to the Insurgents, and that they have returned to their respective homes. Those not included in the amnesty have retired to Pinchneyville in the Mis sissippi Territory. Should any further disturbances, your Letter of the 12th Ultimo aa^II regulate my conduct. I read Avith Pride and pleasure the President's Mes sage to Congress. The prosperity of our Country is un exampled, and I pray almighty God that nothing may in tervene to mar the Happy prospect before us. I had feared that the little misunderstanding which has arisen with Spain, might assume a shape not so favorable to the pacific policy, which our National Interests so strongly recommend. But the remarks of the President Avith respect to our foreign relations generally, have re moved my fears ; and I persuade myself that in a short time the Western and Eastern limits of Louisiana as con tended for by the United States will be acknowledged, and East Florida acquired on Terms the most satisfac tory. The President's Message has been translated into the French Language, and I will take care to have it circu lated among the People. It will serve to remove an im- 26 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. pression which has heretofore tended greatly to embar rass the local administration — to Avit; that the Country West of the Mississippi would certainly be receded to Spain, and perhaps the whole of Louisiana. So general has been this impression, particularly as it relates to the Country west of the Mississippi, that many Citizens have been fearful of accepting employment under the Ameri can Government, or even manifesting a respect therefor, lest at a future day it might lessen them in the esteem of Spanish officers. This opinion as to a reception has been greatly encouraged by the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and Governor Folch, who are really so uninformed of the strength of the United States, as to suppose that the Spanish Monarch could easily acquire and maintain pos session of Louisiana, and I doubt not, but they have made such representations to their Court. I am Sir Avith great respect and Esteem your very Hbl St William C. C. Claiborne The Honble James Madison Secy of State. To James Madison New-Orleans December 15th 1804 Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you, that the Council progresses in Business, Avith great Harmony, care and industry, and that the well disposed Citizens appear satisfied. The enclosed Paper contains the address of Mr. Poidrass on the opening of the cession. His influ ence is considerable and there is no Doubt but his senti ments will make a favourable impression. The Barque Hero AA'hose situation I informed you of some time since, not being in a situation to proceed to LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 27 sea, was detained at Plaquemine for 16 or 18 days, dur ing which time the sick and wounded on Board, as well French as English were by my order furnished Avith Medical assistance and a small quantity of Rice and fresh Provisions. The Captain of the Hero required a large supply of stores to enable him to prosecute his Voyage to Europe, and to procure the same I have lately permitted him to proceed with his Vessel to this Port. I am unwilling that so many needy persons as were on Board the Hero should on a sudden be introduced into this City; it was probable they would have proved troublesome in Society: For this therefore as well as other reasons, I gave order for the early departure of the Vessel, and that in the mean time she should not be permitted to pass the Fort. Many of the Prisoners hav ing subsequently made their escape, and dispersed throughout the Territory, and apprehending no incon venience from the landing of those now on Board, I have permitted the Hero to approach the City. An account of the supplies furnished the sick and wounded Avill in due time be forwarded to you. It is very inconsiderable, and I presume will readily be paid by the British Minister. I hope my conduct in this af fair Avill be approved of : I was desirous that the Vessel should speedily depart, but she was without the neces sary Sea Stores, and I did not suppose there would be propriety in my furnishing any other Supplies, than what were necessary for the comfort of the sick and wounded, during their stay at Plaquemine; and that much Humanity enjoined. The alarm which lately existed at Natchitoches has r.ubsided, and the Farmers of Point Coupe^ at present consider themselves in a state of security. The Militia of that settlement is now completely organized, and the 28 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. small detachment of Regular Troops stationed in the District Avill serve as a rallying point in case of danger. I am Sir with Sincere Esteem Your very Hble. St. William C. C. Claiborne The Honble. „ „ James Madison Secty. of State To James Madison New Orleans Dec 23rd 1804 Sir, The Bark Hero arrived in this Harbour three days ago. The French Prisoners have all escap'd, 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 kind, Medical attendance, or any Provisions accept a lit tle Salt-beef or the means of obtaining the necessary sujiplies. There being no British Consul or agent in this City, and those unfortunate strangers having applied to me for succour I addressed on this day to Colonel Freeman a letter of which the enclosure No 1 is a copy, and re ceived the answer No 2. During the detention of the Hero at Plaquemine, the sick and wounded, as weU French as English were furnished by my order Avith fresh proArisions, and the Captain of the Hero speaks favourably of the humane attention of Captain NicoUs the officer commanding at Plaquemine, and of Doctor LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE.. 29^ Williamson the surgeon of the Garrison, to the sick and wounded. I am Sir with great Respect Your most obdt Hble St. William C. C. Claiborne The Honble. „ „ James Madison Secty. of State P. S. The amount of supplies furnished the sick and wounded at Plaquemine amounted to Forty one Dollars. and which I have paid. W. C. C. C. To Col. Freeman New-Orleans Dec 23rd 1804 Sir, I understand that the situation of the sick and wounded Englishmen on Board the Bark Hero, is truly wretched, Avithout Hospital Stores of any kind. Medical attendance, or ProAdsions except a little Salt Beef. Under these circumstances Humanity suggests that those unfortunate strangers should not be permitted toi remain longer in our Port Avithout receiving the neces sary succour; and I was happy to hear you direct Doc tor Rogers to have them removed to the Marine Hospi tal. The object of this Letter is to know, how many are to be admitted into the Hospital, and what orders you have given with a Adew to their comfortable accomoda tion. Acts of innocent kindness to both of the Belliger ent Powers, a just neutrality enjoins, and an act of hu manity must fall Avithin that description. I am Sir Avith great Respect Your Hble. St.— (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne' Colo Freeman — 30 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. New-Orleans December 31st 1804 Sir, I inclose for your perusal three Letters which I have lately received from the officer Commanding at Natchi toches together Avith 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 whoUy sub sided, and also that the neighbouring Tribes of Indians, manifest the best dispositions towards the United States. — I am Sir Avith Esteem & Respect Your very Hble. Servt. WiUiam C. C. Claiborne The Secty. „ „ of State From Edw. D. Turner Fort Claiborne Decern 27th 1804 Sir— , I have received your favor of the 12th November and am fearful by the complexion of it, that Sundry docu ments I have sent you respecting the decree published or divnlged by the Commandant of Natchitoches, has not got to hand ; if they had, there could be no doubt in your mind of the certainty of his culpability the letter I enclosed you from Mr. Davenport to Dr. Sibley, estab lishes it to a certainty, in that he says "there is such a "decree, and the Commandant means to put it in execu- "tion" Mr. Pulbit the Gentleman who first gaA^e me the information, Avill shortly be in ToAvn, when he Avill acquaint you Avith particulars — Even the Negroes them selves acknowledge that they first received the intelli gence from Spaniards, Inhabitants of Nacogdoches. — Mr. Barr being in the poAA^er of the Spanish, it would militate against him undoubtedly to expose him — LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 31 Recent arrivals from the Spanish County inform that a Thousand Families are ordered from the popu lous parts of the Country to move to the Frontier — that the Troops to Garrison Matagorda, are to come from the Havanah, — and that an Express from some part of the interior, had heard on his way, Cannons fire in the di rection of Matagorda, from which, it was supposed that the Troops had arrived — from the supposition the Com mandant instantly dispatched a Message to the Gover nor of St. Antonio — the person who gives me this in formation also says, that while he was at Natchitoches the Commandant rec'd letters from his friends in the interior congratulating him on being in the heart of the World, thereby meaning that he would presently be in the midst of a Peopled Country. — that Four Regiments are to be stationed on the frontier, that is at Nacog doches and its Vicinity — Mr. Dufonst the Interpreter has just laid before me the foUoAving intelligence — "A Person just arrived from Rio Grande with whom I have been acquainted Seventeen Years brings the fol- loAving intelligence — "The Governor of Quaguila, Prov ince of Mondeva Mr. Cordero is appointed Governor of St. Antonio, and the Governor of that Place resigns, and is coming to settle himself at the Adia also "that as he was coming here he met returning Mr. Jno Walker "late of the Natchez) now a Cadet in the Spanish Ser\dce — "accompanied by a Lieut, and one hundred Dragoons, who had been surveying and taking a plan of the Rio Grande and Rio Quadalupi" — the latter of which is Six leagues this side St Antonio — I have Sir the honor to be Your Humble Servt Edw. D. Turner Governor Claiborne — Excuse inaccuracies as I write in great haste, having just read of a person going to Natchez, who is now ready to move. — 32 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To Capt. Turner Copy New Orleans December 24th 1804 Sir, Your letter of the 28th ultimo is now before me. The arrest of the Spaniard charged Avith the Murder of an American on the road from Appelousas to Nacag- doches is an act for which the Spanish Commandant de serves credit. If the Murder was committed Avithout the acknowl edged Jurisdiction of the United States, we can take no cognizance of the offence, and therefore a surrender of the person accused to the American Government would he useless. But if the Murder has been committed Avith in the acknowledged limits of the United States and the murderer be surrendered, you Avill hold him in safe keep ing until the case can be enquired into by a competent Tribunal. It is not however my desire that you should make a formal demand of the offender from the Com mandant at Nacogdoches. I am Sir Avith great Respect your most obdt St. (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne Capt. Turner. (Copy) To Edw. D. Turner New Orleans December 28th 1804 Sir, Your letters of the 21st Ultimo and of the 8th Instant have been duly received. The liberation of the Negroes implicated in the late Plot (but who did not escape) meets my approbation, and if the Masters of those who did absolutely desert, should be disposed to pardon them, I LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 33 should approve their release from confinement : But un less their Masters interfere you must detain them for trial. In furnishing Indians who have visited your Post, with Rations, and a small supply of Powder, Lead, and Tobacco, you acted very proper; and I am certain that no exceptions will be taken by our Superiors. The friendly disposition of the Indians towards the United States should be cultivated with great care, and your exertions in that particular, are noticed Avith great pleasure. I will forward to you by the first opportunity, three or four small Flags to be presented to the different Tribes ; and you may assure them, that in due time am ple provision will be made by their Father, the Presi dent of the United States, to supply them upon good Terms AAdth all the goods they may want. The Military movements in the Province of Taxus, do not excite anxiety. It is believed that the United States and Spain AviU amicably and speedily adjust the differ ence which exists as to the limits of the Ceded Territory. But if in this reasonable expectation we should be disap pointed and a serious dispute ensue, you will no doubt believe me correct in saying, that our Country has noth ing to fear from the Force of Spain. — It is nevertheless an object of importance to cultivate an Honorable peace and a friendly intercourse with all the World. By that Avise and pacific policy our Government has acquired re spect abroad, and confidence at home, accompanied Avith an increase of National Wealth and happiness. I am Sir very Respectfully your most obdt Svt Captain Turner (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne CiAdl Commandant at Nachitoches. Ill — 3 34 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. New Orleans December 31st 1804 Sir, I enclose you a Resolution which has been proposed in the Legislative Council. The Guard alluded to, says the Marquis of Casa Calvo, consists of a Corporal and three men, and is a part of a guard assigned to accom pany him on the Line of Demarcation, and that he is ap pointed a Commissioner of Limits &c. The Marquis has been requested by me to discontinue his guard, and informed that his person and property were perfectly secured by the Municipal Laws, but nev ertheless if he wished it, he should be furnished Avith a temporary Guard from the American Troops. My cor respondence Avith the Marquis on this subject commenced on the eighth of this Month, and to my last letter an answer is not yet returned. The Resolution of the Council I consider as prema ture and improper. I do not think the Marquis is en titled to his Guard; but really it is not an object of se rious concern. I know not what negotiations may be pending and I am unAvilling to excite irritation on the part of the Spanish Agents. I AviU do nothing rashly. The Spanish Authorities might (if they pleased) sub ject the Americans to great inconveniences in West Florida. — I am very Respectfully your most obdt Hlil St William C. C. Claiborne P. S. A Copy of the Correspondence shall be trans mitted you by the next Mail. In a Letter of the 25th July last, I mentioned to you, the existence of the Marquis's Guard, & from your silence, I supposed you considered it, as unimportant. W. C. C. C. The Secy of State. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 35 New Orleans December 31st 1804 Sir, I have never Avitnessed more good order than at pres ent 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 The atre, Balls, and other places of Amusement, and pass their time in perfect harmony. A great anxiety exists here to learn the fate of the Memorial to Congress. The importation of Negroes con tinues to be a favorite object Avith the Louisianians, and I believe the priAdlege of Electing one Branch of the Leg islature would give very general satisfaction. Immedi ate admission into the Union is not expected by the re flecting part of society, nor do I think there are many who would wish it. I find in some anonimous publica tions to the Northward, I have been represented as op posing the assemblage of the people to sign the Me morial, and that on one occasion the Troops were called out in order to intimidate the Citizens. These statements are incorrect. I never did oppose the meeting of the People ; but it is true, that in the then unsettled State of the Government, I saw Avith regret any manifestation of public discontent, and the more ,so, since I suspected there were many designing men among us, whose attachments were foreign, that might labour to give an improper direction to the public deliberations. I remember to have been strongly urged, to suppress by force the first meeting which took place in March last, and by some of those who are now great advocates of the Memorial. But I answered that "the people had a right peaceably to assemble together to remonstrate against 36 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL AECHIVES. grievances" and would not be prevented by me. In con sequence several subsequent public meetings took place in this City, Avithout experiencing interruption by me, or by my authority. The Troops were under Arms on the first of July, and on that day there was a meeting of a part of the Memorialists; — But the Parade was altogether acci dental. It is usual to Muster the Troops for inspection on the last day of every month. On the last day of June this regulation was prevented by rain and the foUoAving day it took place. — The Inspection and Muster were or dered by Colonel Freeman, and so little design was there in this Transaction, that neither Colonel Freeman or my self knew of the Mutiny until after the Troops were dis missed. I am not in the habit of noticing anonimous publica tions, nor do I suppose much weight is attached to them at the Seat of Government. But in this remote Terri tory, events are so apt to be misrepresented, that I owe it to my reputation to keep you adAdsed almost of every occurrence. I am Sir very respectfully Your Hble St. William C. C. Claiborne The Secy of State. To Major Claiborne^ New Orleans May 4th 1805 Sir, I have taken the liberty to enclose under cover to you a Packet directed to Mr. James Williams which I Avill thank you to deliver. This Packet contains Commissions ' Beginning of Volume III. LETTER BOOKS OP W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 37 for the Officers of the County Court of Concordia, to gether Avith Copies of two or three acts of the Legislature which point out their duty. The Postage which may ac crue you Avill be pleased to charge to me. I have offered Mr. Williams the appointment of Judge of the County Court of Concordia, the Office is respectable, the duties important, and the perquisites arising are not inconsider able. I trust therefore Mr. Williams Avill accept - at all events I hope he Avill consent to act until the Court is or ganized and I can have time to Select a proper character to Succeed him. The Packet for Mr. Williams is left open for your perusal ! I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Major Claiborne Natchez To Thomas Jefferson New Orleans May 4th 1805 Dear Sir I have received your favours of the 10th & 14th of March and am indeed happy to find that the ungenerous attacks to which I have been Subjected,^ have not made on your mind impressions unfavorable to me. I am aware that abuse, much abuse is the constant attendant on Of fices under our Government. I had endeavoured to meet it Avith composure — But when I perceived a Political conduct, represented as vicious, which I knew to have been guided by the purest motives of honest Patriotism ; and acts which in truth were benevolent and praise worthy, represented as dishonorable ; — and all this done 'Referring to antagonisms growing out of legislation by Congress. 38 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. by a faction who had recourse even to Subordination and perjury in order to Sully my reputation I must confess that my feelings received a wound which could alone be healed by conscious rectitude, and a belief that the con fidence of the Executive in me was not diminished. The Subject of the road through Florida has already received my attention and I persuaded myself that there Avill be no difficulty on that point. You may be assured that I Avill not be inattentive to the Interest of General La Fayette." It is probable, that one thousand acres of Land may be obtained on the Canal of Carondelet, but whatever vacant Land there may be in that quarter shall be surveyed. Mr. Briggs is expected here in a week or two, but should his arrival be delayed I shall write him on the Subject and be governed by his instructions. With respect to the advantages &c of the other Lands which I recommended, I Avill very Soon write you fuUy. Accept the best Avishes of your faithful friend (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Thomas Jefferson President of the United States To James Madison NeAv Orleans May 4th 1805 Sir, On this Evening the Legislative CouncU was proroug- ed 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 ^ There seems to have been a possibility that La Fayette might make his home in Louisiana. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 39 previous to their powers expiring. The Acts of the Leg islature are now in press, and copies thereof shall be forwarded to you in a few weeks. The agents of Messrs. Sauve Detrahan and Derbigny are preparing for publi cation a Pamphlet in which I fear much Avill be said which Avill tend to agitate and divide the public mind. I have seen Messrs. Sauve and Derbigny and find the lat ter greatly disappointed and dissatisfied ;- He considers the Treaty as violated and Supposes that the Govern ment was uncandid to the Agents and unjust to the Lou isianians : — He hoAvever expressed a hope that his fellow Citizens would be contented, and reconciled to the consti tution which Congress had prescribed. I nevertheless fear, that in the pamphlet preparing by the agents some imprudent observations may be introduced. For my OAvn part I am still convinced that an early introduction of the entire Representative System into Louisiana would be a hazardous experiment, and I seri ously doubt whether the Second. Grade of Government will be conducted Avith discretion. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secretary of State To James Madison New Orleans May 5th 1805 Sir, In a late Letter which I received from Mr. Chambers the United States Factor at Fort St. Stevens he states, "The Letter you were pleased to obtain from the Mar quis De Casa Calvo, authorized the Vessel to pass by the 40 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. Port of Mobile and the Commandant of the Port assured me We should return freely and Avithout hindrance. ' ' A Copy of my correspondence Avith the Marquis, upon the Subject of the Passage by Mobile of the Vessel al luded to by Mr. Chambers was forwarded to you on the 30 March. Captain Carmick^ was Shipwrecked on the Lake, and was compelled to return to this City, he Avill again Set out for Pensacola in a day or two ; the enclosure is a Copy of my Letter to Governor Folch. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State To Stephen Zachary New Orleans May 7th 1805 Sir, I pray you to lay before the Directors of the Louisi ana Bank the enclosed copy of "an act making provision for the re-imbursement of the Loan to be made in virtue of the Act entitled "An Act to authorize a Loan for the use of the Government of the Territory of Orleans" The Directors will perceive on perusing the act the Source from which the Loan which I heretofore Solicited is to be refunded ; a Source which Avill be amply Sufficient, to meet the appropriation. Finding Since my last Letter to you that the demands upon the Treasury are greater than had been anticipated, I Avill noAv propose to Borrow of the Bank on the usual Interest, and on a credit not ex ceeding twelve months, for the use of the Territory the Sum of four thousand Dollars. Any Instrument of Avrit- ¦ The agent of Claiborne to the Spanish authorities at Pensacola. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 41 ting in my official character which may be thought re quisite to Secure to the Bank, the repayment of the Loan, I will at any time execute. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Most obdt. Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Stephen Zachery Esq. Cashier Private Received of Edward C. Nichols heretofore Clerk of the Court of His Excellency the Governor, certain Books and Papers purporting to be the Record of the Said Court during the late temporary Government. Signed Wm. D. Nicholson Clerk of the Superior Court New Orleans ) ) May 7th 1805 ) To Capt. Turner New Orleans May 7th 1805 Sir, The Bearer John W. Alexander is appointed Judge of the County of Natchitoches and is ex Officio vested by law with all the powers which now devolve on you as Civil Commandant of the District. You Avill therefore be pleased to deliver to Mr. Alexander all the records and papers belonging to the Commandants Office. Mr. Alexander goes to your Neighbourhood an entire Stranger, and I have refered him to you for information as to the general and particular character of the Citizens among whom he is to live. I also take the liberty to in troduce Mr. Alexander to your acquaintance and friendly 42 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. eivUities. You wiU find him a worthy and useful member of Society. I cannot omit this occasion to express to you how Sen sible I am of your vigilance and integrity in Office, to thank you for your faithful public Services and to assure you of my great respect and Sincere esteem. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Obdt. Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Captain Turner Natchitoches To John W. Alexander New Orleans May 7th 1805 Sir, I enclose Several Blank Commissions which I aatU thank you to fill up with the names of the most inteUi- gent and respectable characters of the Cunty of Natchi toches. I would wish the Coroner, Treasurer and two Justices of the peace to be Natives of the Territory, or ancient Inhabitants thereof, provided you can Select Such, as may be adequate to the discharge of the duties required of them: Two of the Justices of the Peace, I would wish to be Natives or Ancient Citizens of the Unit ed States. You will be good enough to inform me the names of the Gentlemen whom you may Select for the re spective Offices, and I should be happy at all times to be favored with your friendly communications and Such in formation as you may Suppose might enable me to pro mote the Interest of your County. The Blank in the en closed Commission for administering to you the oaths LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 43 of offices, you will be pleased to fill up with the name of Some respectable Citizen. Accept my best wishes for Your Health and happiness The Honble. (Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne John W. Alexander Judge of the County of Natchitoches To His Excellency The Governor General of the Terri tory of Orleans Sir, The enclosed Copy will apprize your Excellency of the intelligence which I have just received from Baton Rouge; and if it be correct as it appears to be that Kemper and his adherents are attempting to renew their Hostile designs, there is no doubt but the repose and tranquility of both Territories will be thereby endan gered. In the present critical State of Affairs, when the negociations Set on foot between Spain and the United States are pending it seems to be our duty to quell those disturbances on their beginning, and if neces sity requires it, to repress them by force of arms each within our OAvn Jurisdiction; otherwise we shall un doubtedly see our respective Territories involved in dan ger. For that reason I must represent to your Excel lency how urgent it is to take measures of prevention, one of these which I doubt not will be adopted by your Excellency Avill be to write to the Governor of the Natchez Territory and request that he will have a vigilant eye upon Kemper Cobb Randolph and others whose names are mentioned, and restrain them at least Avithin the bounds of their duty. It is unnecessary to Speak to your Excellency concerning such other measures as might pro mote the Success of my wishes which I doubt not AAdll perfectly agree AAdth your oAvn, namely to maintain the 44 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. public peace of this province by mutual exertions, to preserve between our two contiguous powers that har mony which should never be disturbed on account of their political opinions. May God Grant your Excellency many years. (Signed) The Marquis of Casa Calvo New Orleans 6th May 1805 I certify the above' Translation (Signed) Moreau Lislet Interpreter Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of respect ability in the District of Baton Rouge Dated AprU 22iid 1805 Two days ago being in that part of the Country caUed the limits, and Pinkney Ville, I learned Avith surprize that some time between the first and ninth instant there sailed from New Orleans three of the late Insurgents said to be Reuben Kemper, Arthur Cobb the Son and one other name not recollected, Avith an intention of going directly to New ProAddence, and there if possible to ob tain English Commissions for themselves and others of their Companions, now residing in this District, and in the neighbouring Territory AA^hich Should authorize them to raize a body of Brigands. Those now gone to ProAddence AAdll return in an armed Vessel loaded with every necessary Military Store. They will leave the Waters of the Gulph near Rigolets, from thence proceed up Lakes Ponchartrain and Maurepas into the River Amite, first having Sent off their Runners (who are actually engaged and on the watch) to inform their partizans of their ArriA'al num bers &c Both parties being prepared, tliey A\dll enter the District in opposite directions Avith a AdeAA^ of plunder ing all, of massacreing many, and if Supported by the LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 45 English of conquering the District for them. Those marked particularly for assassination are Gov. Grand Pre, Captain Pintardo, Fulton Murdock, Kneeland, the entire Settlement of Bayou Tonica, and several of the Inhabitants high up Thompsons Creak. A Band of these Brigands is already formed to perpetrate the most dia bolical Deeds; but are yet restrained solely by the fear of rousing the United Force of Spain and America, and thus of cutting off all retreat. They impatiently expect the return of their agents which is looked for in all two months from the first instant, if they meet with the ex pected reception from the English and proAdded the Gov ernment does not change in the interim. The property plundered is to be removed by means of the above men tioned Vessel. Among those who advise, who aid and abet are beyond a doubt Kemble and Father, and Conrad Randolph of Pinkneyville, the latter altho residing above the line has a Store constantly at Bayou Tonica, which he conceals under the name of Bromfield, this gives him frequent opportunities to mislead and deceive the igno rant inhabitants. This Randolph is well knoAvn to be a man of the most infamous principles; capable of doing every thing but a good action. At this House are the as semblages of the Insurgents held, but in a very private manner. The Success of the intended Plot is confidently whis pered about among the Partizans" April 22nd 1805 To the Marquis of Casa Calvo. New Orleans May 8th 1805 Sir, I have had the Honor to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 6th Instant with its enclosure. I should at all times lament the occurrence of events which could 46 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. tend to endanger the Safety or disturb the repose of a Neighbouring Territory. But at this moment when an interesting negociation is pending between the United States and Spain concerning the Floridas I should Adew Avith no common regret a revival of those disturbances which so lately menaced the tranquUity of the Inhab itants of Baton Rouge and its Adcinity. Your ExceUency therefore may be assured that no exertions Avithin my powers shall be wanting to prevent Kempers party from receiAdng succour or assistance from the Territories of the United States. It is evident that if Acts HostUe to wards Spain should commence in and proceed from the United States or be committed by Citizens of the United States that the Laws of my Country are violated, and the Offenders ought consequently to be brought to Jus tice. I shaU therefore immediately advise the Governor of the Mississippi Territory of your ExceUencys com munication, and I am persuaded he AviU direct such measures as his duty prescribes and the Interest and good faith of his Country require. I am Slow to beUeve Sir, that such men as Kemper and his associates avUI receive from the British the as sistance which you Suppose them to have gone in quest of. But should they actually return assisted and author ized by the British Government in the manner you ap prehend, I have only to say, that the utmost vigUance shall be exerted on my part, to preserve the Neutrality of my Country from violation. In the mean time I shall transmit to the President of the United States a Copy of our present correspondence, Avith a view of receiving from him Some instructions for the further regulations of my conduct. A conduct Sir which you AviU always find in perfect consistency with the harmony and friend ship now subsisting betAveen our respective Nations. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 47 I take this occasion to renew to your Excellency as surances of my very Respectful consideration (Sign'd) Wm. C. C. Claiborne His Excellency The Marquis of Casa Calvo To Gov. Williams. New Orleans May 8th 1805 Sir, I enclose for your perusal and information a Copy of a Letter from the Secretary of State to me Dated on the 12th day of November last, as also of a recent Corres pondence between the Marquis of Casa Calvo and my self, upon the Subject of Kempers Insurrection. I think it very probable that the information received by the Marquis relative to the designs of Kemper, Randolph and their associates has been exaggerated; it is never theless my duty to adAdse you particularly thereof, and I doubt not but you avUI make Such enquiries as prudence Shall Suggest, and direct Such me&sures as the nature of the case may require and your duty Shall enjoin. Accept assurances of my great Respect and Sincere Esteem (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne Gov. Williams Natchez To Judge Danemours. New Orleans May 8th 1805 Sir, This Letter will be delivered to you by Mr. William Haugney on whom I have conferred the appointment of Clerk of Ouachita County Court. Mr. Haugney is repre- 48 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. sented to me as a young Man of Talents and great in tegrity of character ; — I persuade myself therefore that he AviU be a useful member of Society. Mr. Haugney will deliver to you copies of three acts which relate to the duties of your Office. It AvUl afford me much pleasure to hear from you, and I AviU thank you for such information as you may sup pose would enable me to advance the Interest of your County. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your Hble. Sevt. (Signed) WUliam C. C. Claiborne Judge Danemours Ouachita To Judge Collins. New Orleans May 9th 1805 Sir I enclose you Several Commissions, and AviU thank you to deUver them to the persons for whom they are in tended. Mr George King is authorized to administer to you the oaths of Office required by Law, and you AviU yourself qualify the other County Officers. I shaU at all times be happy to hear from you, and to receive such information as would enable me to advance the Interest of your County. Mr King Avill hand you copies of several Laws which avUI point out your Official duties. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble Sert /Signed/ WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Judge Collins Opelousas — LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 49 To the Sheriffs in the Territory. (Circular) New Orleans May 9th 1805 Sir, In confering on you the Office of Sheriff of your County I have given you a strong proof of my Confidence in your Talents and Patriotism and above all in your In tegrity. I trust that your conduct will be such as to in crease that confidence and to recommend you still fur ther to my esteem, and that of all good Men. Your duties are pointed out in the various Laws which you will receive, they are important and will require a great share of your attention; the various legal process which may be directed to you, should be executed with prompti tude ; and all monies which by virtue of your Office may fall into your hands, should be duly and speedily paid over in manner prescribed by Law. A defalcation on the part of a public Officer in money transactions inflicts a deep wound on his Character; and therefore ought above all things to be avoided. I am well aware that many parts of your duty Avill be unpleasant, and may subject you to the ill will of those who, may through your public agency be made to feel the energy of the Law. This is to be regretted, but there is a manner of discharging an unpleasant duty which never fails to soften resentment, and most generally be gets the friendship of those with Avhom we act. Your OAvn reflection and discretion will point out that manner. I Avill only recommend the observance at all times of the utmost equanimity of temper and politeness of conduct. This Deportment is not incompatible with a faithful discharge of duty. The great body of the Citizens of your County being Strangers to the principles of the American Government, III — 4 50 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. may often times go wrong through ignorance of the Law ; you AvUl therefore act the part of a good Citizen if on aU fit occasions you would disseminate such information as might tend to benefit Society and to reconcile the people to the new order of things. Feeling particularly desir ous that your conduct in your present Office should con duce to your own credit and to the advantage of the Ter ritory; I could not deny myself the pleasure of making you this communication (S'gn'd) Wm. C. C. Claiborne To the Different Sheriffs <& in the Terty. As well for Myself, as for my Successors in Office, I promise to pay twelve Months after date to the Presi dent and Directors of the Louisiana Bank or their order four thousand Dollars, which sum I have this day Bor rowed for the use of the Territory in Conformity to cer tain Laws of the Legislature. Given at New Orleans on the 9th day of ]\Iay in the year 1805 (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne Signed in presence of ) Thos. L. Kennedy & ) George W. Morgan ) To James Pitot. New Orleans May 10th 1805 Sir, I have received your Letter of this morning together Avith its enclosures, and I can assure you of my Sincere disposition to relieve the Inhabitants of the Sixth Dis- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 51 1 trict of this City, from those vexatious Indian visits of which they complain. I am however at present without an Indian Interpreter, nor do I know of one whose serv ices I could command. If you Could recommend to me a Suitable Character, I Avill immediately give such or ders as Avill secure these Citizens from further injury. Accept assurances of my Respect & Esteem The Honble. (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne James Pitot Esqr. Mayor of the City of New Orleans To James Madison. New Orleans May 10th 1805 Sir, The enclosures No. 1 and 2 are translations of a Com munication to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Nos. 3 & 4 are copies of my answers to the Marquis, and of a Letter which I have addressed to Governor Williams of the Mississippi Territory. Upon a perusal of these Doc uments you Avill find that Kempers Insurrection is not yet subsided, and that the movements of the man and his associates are yet sources of anxiety to the Spanish Authorities. It is certainly true that the people of West Florida are at present discontented; and that many would attach themselves to any well organized party whose object would be to rescue the District from the dominion of Spain: — But I do not believe that the in formation received by the Marquis, can be throughout correct. Of the departure of the agents for Providence and the intention of indiscriminate Slaughter and plun der which is talked of I cannot give credit to — I how ever esteem it a duty to take some measures of precau tion and shall accordingly request the Captain of the 52 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. Revenue Cutter to apprize me of any armed vessel that may enter the lake, and wiU solicit Colonel Freeman to strengthen the Fort of St. John which is not far from the Rigolets. I shaU also take Special care that the Insur gents shall receive no aid of assistance from this Terri tory. How far it would be proper in me to prevent a British Force from entering into that part of West Florida which is claimed by the United States is a ques tion which I cannot weU decide. I should therefore be happy to receive from you such instructions as would enable me to meet the Avishes of the President. I am Sir The Honble. Very Respectfully James Madison Your Obdt. Hble. Sevt. Secrty. of State (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne To Wm. B. Shields."- Ncav Orleans May 10th 1805 Sir, I now enclose you Extracts from the Records of this Province, together Avith an explanatory Letter from Mr. Ybanez which I trust will be satisfactory. I also en close you Mr. Ybanez 's account the settlement of Avliich I presume will devolve upon you. Accept assurances of my Esteem (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Wm. B. Shields Esqr. ) Washington Mississippi Territory ) ^ For sketch of Shields see Encyclopedia of Mississippi History, Vol. II, p. 660. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 53 To James Madison New Orleans May 13th 1805 Sir, I enclose you a Copy of an act for dividing the Ter ritory 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 ser vices of very Suitable Characters. But in order to a due organization of the Counties lying on the Mississippi, I find it necessary that I should visit the settlements as high up as Point Coupee, and I propose setting out to morrow on my Journey ; I shall only be absent tAvo weeks, and if in the meantime any event should occur which re quires my attention, information thereof will speedily reach me. I make this short excursion not only with a view to the organization of the Courts but to reconcile the French Inhabitants to the new order of things, and to prevent the contemplated publication of the disappointed agents from exciting discontent. I have the Honor to be Sir Avith great respect and Esteem Your most obdt. Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State To James Pitot New Orleans May 13th 1805 Sir, In the discharge of my public duties I find it necessary to proceed up the Mississippi as far as the settlement of Point Coupee. I shall set out on my Journey in the morn- 54 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL AECHIVES. ing and expect to be absent about Sixteen or Eighteen days. To you Sir is more particularly committed the care of the City, and I persuade myself that you wiU preserve undisturbed that good order which at present prevaUs. If however any event should occur interesting to Society; and which would require my prompt attention, I beg you to inform me thereof be express. Wishing you Health and Happiness I remain Your obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Pitot Esq. Mayor of the City of New Orleans To Col. Freeman New Orleans May 13th 1805 Sir, It is represented to me that Kempers party again menace the tranquUity of the Baton Rouge Settlement and that there is some reason to believe that an English arm'd Vessel AviU in the course of two weeks enter the Lake Ponchartrain, Avith a Adew of co-operating Avith the Insurgents. I do not know how far this information may be correct, but at all events it seems to me to be a meas ure of prudent precaution to strengthen the Garrison of Fort St. John, and I request that the Command of that Post may be given to a Commissioned Officer to whom Such instructions may hereafter be given, as existing cir cumstances may require. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. Lieut. Col. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Freeman LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 55 A Pardon Juan GiUis, Torribia Gala, Manuel Sevilla, Miguel Obrador, Manuel Rodrigua, Jose Maria Milla & Jose Mendoza - Were Indicted for, and conAdcted of Burglary, during the late Temporary Government, and being rec ommended by the Attorney General to the clemency of the Governor, upon the ground, that as their offences had been committed during the ProAdsional Government, doubt might perhaps exist, whether Courts Since organ ized were competent to punish Offences committed under a different order of things. Whereupon his Excellency extended to the Said Offenders (upon condition that they immediately depart this Territory) his Pardon, this 13th day of May in the year 1805. To Gov. Claiborne from Judge Hall New Orleans May 13th 1805 Sir, The Marshal of the District informs me that he has received notice to leave the Chamber in which the Dis trict Court of the United States is now held. It becomes necessary that I should immediately have a Court Room. The United States have hitherto been paying a consider able Rent for the place which I am now obliged to leave. If I am rightly informed, there are Houses in the City of Orleans belonging to the Public. In my opinion the Court of the United States ought to be furnished with one of them. The dignity of the Court, and the safety of the Public Documents demand that a Court House and nec essary Offices for the Marshall and Clerk should be ob tained. I have hitherto delayed to address myself to the Officers of the Federal Government in hopes that your Excellency would have provided me with a proper place. 56 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. I must now call the attention of your Excellency to this subject, and request you to assign me as soon as possible a proper situation, in which the Court and its Officers may be accomodated. I am Sir with great respect Your Excellency's most obdt. Hbl. Sevt. (Signed) Dom. A. HaU Governor Claiborne To Col. Freeman New Orleans May 14th 1805 Sir, I pray you to read the enclosed Letter, and you AAdU perceive, how I am urged to make provision for the ac comodation of the District Court. I knoAV not hoAV to meet the AAdshes of the Judge Avithout your co-operation ; the fact is unless it be the House Avhich you occupy, there is no public Building at my disposal, fitted for the Ses sions of the Court. I feel great regret in subjecting you to any inconvenience, but if it is not in your power to appropriate a part of the Public Store Rooms to the ac comodation of the Court, it seems to me that I cannot consistently with my duty, deny the Judge the use of the Building you now reside in. I sincerely Avish it were in my power comfortably to accomodate the Civil as Avell as the Military Authorities. But as it is not, the Civil Officers may of right claim a preference in the occupation of public Buildings not at tached to the Barracks. I am Sir with Respect and Esteem Your obdt. SeAd. Lieut. Colol. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Freeman LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 57 To James Madison On the Mississippi 60 MUes from New Orleans May 18th 1805 Sir, I left the City on the 14th Instant, and am thus far on my way to Point Coupee. The necessary appointments under the new Judiciary System are made as I pass, and altho I am not enabled on all occasions, to avail the Pub lic of the Services of enlightened men, yet I am per suaded that the conduct of those selected will manifest the strictest integrity. When I left the City every thing was quiet, and I trust no event Avill occur to disturb the gen eral tranquility. In the course of my Journey, I have found the Inhabitants contented, and apparently well disposed to the American Government. A few designing Ambitious Men Avould Avish to create discontents, but it is probable they AAdU not succeed. I was pleased to learn that the last Congress had made Provision for ascertain ing the Legal Titles to Land in This Territory, inasmuch as an early decision, thereon, will promote the Interest of the United States, as well as of Individuals. We abound here in Land Speculators, and the present state of things are most favorable to their Adews. A Gentleman residing in this Territory who passes by the appelation of the Baron De Bastrop, acquired several years ago from the Spanish Government, a grant for one Million acres of excellent Land, Lying on the River Oua chita. It is understood, that the Grant was made on con dition that within a period which was named, the Grantee sould settle on the Land, a certain number of Families. The Condition has not been complied Avith ; but the Grant has nevertheless been considered by the Grantee as valid, and many persons have taken shares and promise them selves therefrom much wealth, of this number is Mr. Lynch of Kentucky a Mr. Moorehouse formerly of New 58 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. York and Mr. Edward Livingston. These Men and Bas trop have for some time been disputing among them selves about the Titles, but they have at length accomo dated aU differences and propose selling out the Land on the best Terms in their power. I do not know that the Baron's Title AviU on enquiry be found invaUd, but it seems to me that it should at least be enquired into by the United States, and that in the meantime, the Citizens gen- eraUy should be cautioned not to make purchases of the Land in Question. If the constituted Authorities should remain SUent, the possession of these Lands avUI pass to innocent purchasers, who may hereafter have a strong claim on the humanity of the United States. I am Sir Avith great Esteem and respect Your Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Secrty. of State P. S. I shall return to New Orleans in 10 or 12 days. To James Madison 60 MUes up the Coast from New Orleans May 19th 1805 Sir, I am this moment informed that the Marquis of Casa Yrujo is greatly interested in the Florida Speculation, or in other words that he has either accepted or purchased a portion of the Lands East of the Mississippi which were recently sold by Morales. I am not at liberty to mention the Gentleman who has given me this information ; from certain considerations he Avishes his name to be knovm only to myself; — but my informant has seen positive proof of the fact he communicates and his integrity is too well established, to permit me to doubt the truth of his LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 59 statements. — thinking it probable that pending the Nego ciation with Spain, a knowledge of the Spanish Ministers Interest in Morales 's Sales might be serAdceable to my Government, I have hastened to address you this Letter. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your Hble. St. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State To Joseph Landry 60 MUes up the Coast from New Orleans May 20th 1805 Sir, A Law of the Territory directs that the first and Sec ond Acadian Coast shall compose a County, and that a Judge for the same shall be appointed, to whom certain duties now vested in you as Commandant, shall be con fided. In conformity to the Law I have appointed Mr. Mi chael CantreU, the most ancient Commandant in the Ter ritory, and I request that you would deliver to him the Papers and Records of your Parish. I have nominated you a Justice of the Peace, and left your Commission Avith Mr. CantreU, who is authorized to administer to you the necessary oaths of Office. I am solicitous that in this new capacity you Avill consent to act, since your uniform correct conduct in private and Public life, is a Sufficient Surety, that your duties Avill be discharged Avith integrity and propriety. Receive Sir my Sincere thanks for your faithful Pub lic SerAdces, and I pray you to be assured of my Respect and Esteem (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Joseph Landry Esq. 60 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To James Madison New Orleans May 31st 1805 Sir, After proceeding up as far as Point Coupee and mak ing many appointments under the neAv Judiciary System, I returned to this City on last evening. My excursion Avas a very pleasing one. I found the Citizens in the enjojoiient of much happi ness, and apparently Avell disposed to the American Gov ernment. I was often detained by the necessary atten tion to CiAdlities, and the friendly welcome which Avas given me rendered such detention particularly agreeable. I trust and believe that my late absence from the City, has not been attended A\dth any Public Inconvenience. I am Sir very Respectfully Your most obdt. Hble. SeA-t. The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secretary of State Copy of a Letter from The Honble. Judge HaU to Governor Claiborne Dated New Orleans June 1st 1805 Sir, I have been visited this Morning by the MarshaU of the District. He informs me that no Public Building has yet been delivered to him for the purpose of holding the Court. I assure your ExceUency, that unless such a BuUding be furnished for the accomodation of the Court of the United States, I shall be obliged to Hire a private House at a Rent at least of from one thousand to tAA^elve Hundred DoUars Per Annum. It is necessary that I should have a large Court Room, Rooms for Grand' and Petit Juries— MarshaU and Clerks Offices. I know of no LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 61 Building belonging to the United States in this City prop er for those purposes, but that at present occupied by the Commandant of the Troops. I am ignorant that this Building has ever been appropriated to the accomoda tion of a Military Officer. One thing I do know, it is this, that the Officers of the Treasury of the United States Avill be astonished at a high charge for Rent of a Court Room, when they are already informed that a Building in every respect calculated for holding their Courts in, is the property of the United States. I am Sorry to be obliged to press your Excellency on this point, but it is one that demands your immediate at tention. I am Sir with Respectful consideration Your ExceUency 's most obdt. Hble. Sevt. (Signed) Dom. A. HaU His Excellency Governor Claiborne P. S. With respect to the old Custom House and a House which I understand is Rented to a Printer, I as sure you that neither will answer my purpose. D. A. H. Copy of a Letter from Gov. Claiborne to Colonel Freeman Dated New Orleans June 1st 1805 Sir, I should be happy to be favored Avith an answer to my Letter of the 14th Ultimo. I returned to this City on last Evening, and in the course of this day I have learned from several Gentlemen that you had received my com munication of the above Date, and avoAA^ed your deter mination not to remove from the Public Building you at present occupy. 62 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. If this information be correct I AviU thank you for the reasons which influenced your Conduct. I am Sir respectfuUy Your obdt. Sevt. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Colol. Fireman P. S. I enclose you a second Letter which I have re ceived from the Judge on the same subject. The Letter Just before written is the one alluded to. w. c. c. c. Copy of a Letter from Colonel Freeman to Gov. Clai borne Dated — New Orleans 2nd June 1805 Sir, I have received your Excellency's Letter of yester day, and I received yours of the 14th of last Month. The latter was handed to me two days after the Date, I did not answer it because you were traveling, and because you were expected to return to ToAvn in two or three Weeks. When I arrived in this City from South Carolina the Quarters I now occupy were used as an Hospital or Bar racks for Spanish Soldiers. Your Excellency had them removed and delivered to me the House. I came into it AAdth reluctance for it Avas dirty and required great labor to put it into decent condition, and now that I have made it a comfortable dwelling I have not the smallest predi lection for it, and I Avould remove from it A\dth greater pleasure than I moved into it, if I Avere furnished Avith other Quarters. I have hitherto relied on Your Excel- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 6S lencys repeated promises that I should not be disturbed in the possession. There are no Rooms unoccupied in the Barracks, — there is not any House at my controul — Where shall I move? If your Excellency had given me timely notice of your Avishes, I could have applied to the Secretary of War for Authority to hire Quarters, and Judge Hall might have been put before this time into possession. I should not then have been under any embarrassment. I had every reason to believe that the idea of turning me out was abandoned, if it had ever seriously occupied your Ex cellency's thoughts. It must have been knoAvn to the Government that this House was my Quarters, — I re ported so to the General. I have sheAvn the Public Buildings to your Excel lency and to Judge Hall — you were of opinion that they could not be spared. I have shewn to the Marshal and the Clerk of the Court, a building, not the printing Office, which they seemed to think would suit their purpose very weU if it were repaired, which might be done. I have written to the Secretary of War, who Avill I should Suppose, order me to rent Quarters. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect your Excellency's most obdt. Hbl. Sevt. (Signed) Constant Freeman His Excellency Lieut. Colol. &c &c Gov. Claiborne Copy of a Letter from Gov. Claiborne To Colonel Free man Dated <^. New Orleans June 3rd 1805 I did not expect an answer to my Letter of the 14th Ultimo which was written the Morning of my departure, until my return to the City. But I did expect, that the 64 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. receipt of that Letter, (and your determination thereon) would first have been communicated to me, before its contents had been made knoAvn to others. Near twelve months ago you were put in possession of your present Quarters by my authority, and was told that the Build ing did not appertain to the Barracks, that it had for merly been occupied as a Public School House, and that it was impossible for me to Say how long your continu ance therein could be permitted. The circumstance of a few sick and disabled Spanish Soldiers being Quar tered there on your arrival, was altogether accidental. They were (I learn) removed from the Barracks to make way for our Troops, and permitted temporarily to re main in the School Room; I know that the inside of the House has, under your direction been improved by the Artificers of the Army; but I have not understood that it has been a source of private expense to you. It is a truth that I have studiously endeavoured to accomodate the Civil Authorities in such manner as not to subject you to any inconvenience. With this Adew I procured with some difficulty accomodations for the Superior Court and Legislative Council in the Municipal Hall. On the arrival of the District Judge I had indeed no suit able Public Building to offer him, but under an impres sion that the Council Avould soon adjourn and that their Hall might be appropriated for the Sessions of the Fed eral Court, I suggested to the Judge the propriety of Renting a Room for his temporary use, stating at the same time my reluctance to disturb your Family, and Avhich reluctance being equally felt by the Judge, he ac^ ceeded to my proposition. But the session of the Coun cil was longer than was expected, and they A^dll A'ery soon be again convpiiprl. Besides the Judge for the County Mr. Workman has I learn applied to the Mayor of the City who has more immediately the Municipal HaU in charge, for the use of the Council chamber, and Avill I LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 65 learn obtain the same. Thus circumstanced, in what manner I ask, am I to accomodate the Federal Court? You inform me that you have "sheAvn to the Marshall and Clerk of the Court a Building, not the Printing office, which they seemed to think would answer their purpose very well if it were repaired which might be done." Will you be good enought to name that Build ing, perhaps it may be made to answer your purpose, and I am certainly disposed to make any arrangements that would mutually accomodate yourself and the Judge. With respect to the repeated assurances which you say I have given that "you should not be disturbed in the possession" I can only remark that you have given to my expressions on the occasion, a construction which was not intended. I certainly did say that I would not subject you to any inconvenience as long as it was in my power to prevent it; and the exertions which I have heretofore made to accomodate the ciAdl authorities is a proof of the Sincerity of that declaration. You have often told me that the United States were bound to find you comfortable Quarters; if so, and there should not be such in the Barracks, I should presume, there would b^ no impropriety in renting a House for your use; One thing is certain, that convenient accomodations for your self and family might be obtained for a much less sum than would be required for a Building calculated for the sessions of the Federal Court. I learn from various quarters that you have received an impression, that the proposition of appropriating your present quarters to the use of the Court, is not only a great indelicacy, but an injury towards you. I persuade myself that you are not seriously so impressed. But if it be the case, I am III — 5 66 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. certain, that on mature reflection you wiU see no good cause for displeasure. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your Hble. Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Colol. Freeman P. S. I AviU thank you to favor me Avith the original, or a copy of the Letter from Judge Hall which was en closed in my communication of the 14th Ultimo. My private Secretary omitted to take a copy of that docu ment. To Henry Dearborn. New Orleans June 3rd 1805 Sir, I this moment learn from the Collector Mr. BroAvn, that a Bill draAvn in his favor on you for 1000 DoUars payable at six days sight and Dated on the 31st day of December 1804 was protested on the 29th of March last. I fear that there has been something irregular or im proper on my part, or the protest would not have been made. Perhaps my Letter of advice was not received, or perhaps my authority to draw on you was not com plete. But in any event, I trust you Avill do me the Jus tice to believe that whatever amount, I may have draAvn for, has been expended on Public account and Avill be faithfully accounted for. But the authority on which my Draft on you was bottomed, was contained in a Let ter from the Secretary of State, Dated October 31st 1803 notifying me of my appointment as Governor Pro. tem. of Louisiana, in which the Secretary says "No particu lar proAdsion is yet made as compensation for the new serAdce in which you are to be employed. The President LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 67 authorizes you for the present to draw on the Depart ment of War, at a rate not exceeding four Hundred Dol lars Per Month to be computed from the commencement of your journey to New Orleans." My Journey com menced on the first of December 1803, and my services continued until the 1st of October 1804, which entitled me as I supposed to the compensation of 4000 Dollars. But having been allowed a fund of 10,000$ for the contin gent expences of the Government of Louisiana, I did not for some time draw on you on account of my compensa tion, being of opinion that the contingent Fund would be sufficient to meet my salary and all other expenses, but finding myself disappointed in this belief I drew on you on account of my extra compensation, on the 12th of July 1804 for 800$, on the 24th of September for 800$ and on the 31st of December for 1000$, the two first Drafts have been honored and the last protested. There is no part of my duty so painful as the one of incuring and accounting for Public expenditures ; — I have exer cised on all occasions the strictest economy, and I did hope that I should experience no difficulty in adjusting my accounts. But I must confess that the protesting of my Bill on the 31st of December has occasioned some anxiety, and the more so since I am uninformed of the reasons which occasioned it ; and lest another Bill which I drew on you, on the 23rd of April for 600$ and of which you were advised in my Letter of the Same Date, might experience a Similar fate, I have prayed Mr. BroAvn (who yet has it in possession) to retain it until you shall honor me Avith a reply to this communication ; I shall also delay until then reneAving my Bill of the 31st of Decem ber in favor of Mr. BroAvn and I pray to be Honored Avith your answer as early as may be convenient, in order that if my authority to draw on you be not acknowledged, I may make immediate arrangements to reimburse Mr. 68 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. BroAvn the amount of the original BUI Avith costs of Pro test. I have the Honor to be Sir very respectfully Your most obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam Chs. C. Claiborne Henry Dearborn Secretary of War To James Madison. c,- NeAV Orleans June 3rd 1805 I was this day Honored Avith your Letter of the first lof April. The appropriation Law to which you allude has not been received by me, nor has it reached any Pub lic officer in this City; I hope however, that in the Con tingent Fund for the Executive Department of this Ter ritory, Congress has been liberal, for I find the expences were necessarily greater than I had anticipated. I am solicitous to have my Public accounts settled, and Avith tliis Adew it would afford me pleasure to Adsit the seat Government the ensuing Fall proAdded the state of things here would permit my absence. I do not know that Mr. Lacald (whom you name) at present resides in this City, but I avUI make enquiry, and Submit to the proper Law Officer how far his conduct in being the OAvner of the Privateer Engene Subjects him to legal animadversion I have the pleasure to inform you that Mr. Graham arrived here on last evening and is in good Health. His assistance Avill afford me great reUef, and 1 am persuaded I shaU find in him the character of a faithful public Officer and an amiable Man. I am Sir Avith respect & Esteem your very Hble. SeAd. The Honble. (Signed) Wiilliam C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 69 To Henry Dearborn. New Orleans June 3rd 1805 Sir, In my Letter of this morning I ought to have stated to you that in a communication from the Secretary of State Dated on the 1st of May 1804 he Says "that from the Receipt of your Commission as Governor and Com missioner until the Country was delivered on the 20th of December last you Avill be allowed your salary as Gov ernor of the Mississippi Territory and your Actual ex pences not exceeding the Rate of 400 Dollars Per Month and from the period last mentioned 5000 Dollars Per Annum including your Salary as Governor of the Mis sissippi Territory &c" Altho this decision had lessened the compensation promised in the Letter of the Secre tary of State of the 30th of October 1803, yet it did not repeal the Authority formerly given to draw upon the Department of War for my compensation and I did think that my Bills for a Sum not exceeding 2400 Dollars would have been duly Honored. I make this statement in or der to convince you, that in drawing a Bill upon you I had good reasons to believe that it would have been duly honored. I now feel uncommon solicitude to have all my Public Accounts settled, and if it were in my power I should like to visit the Seat of Government for that purpose. I should also like to know whether my ac counts Avith your department for Public monies expended while I was Governor of the Mississippi Territory have been examined and what has been the result. My Vouchers were regularly forwarded, and if received, I trust they will be found Satisfactory. Every Cent which was received by me on account of the sales of Rifles was paid to the Military agent by your order. There are other inconsiderable sums yet due on those Sales, which I have requested Major Ferdinand L. 70 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. Claiborne to endeavour to collect and inform me the Amount. I do not recollect any PubUe transaction of mine of a fiscal nature in the Mississippi Territory, that I did not forward regular Vouchers for, unless it be an account of the receipts and expenditures attending the sale of three old Horses, which being Surrendered to me, by the Chactaws as the Property of American Citi zens, were, after being duly advertized and no OAvner ap pearing sold by my order; — after discharging the ex pences which had accrued there remained in my hands I believe about twenty Dollars. This Sale took place shortly previous to my departure from Natchez ; — I do not know that I reported to you these particulars, but they were noticed in my official Journal. Doctor Sibley writes me that he has held a confer ence Avith several Indian Tribes at Natchitoches, and the result has been satisfactory. The particulars of which I presume have been communicated to you. I am Sir Avith great Respect & Esteem Your most obdt. Hbl. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WUUam C. C. Claiborne Henry Dearborn Secretary of War To Henry Dearborn. New Orleans June 4th 1805 Sir, Since my Letters of yesterday, I have again seen Mr. Brown the Collector, who haAdng informed me that in consequence of the Protest of my Bill of the 29th of December, the Account of my Deceased friend Mr. Trist remained unsettled at the Treasury Department, I im mediately paid to Mr. BroAvn the amot. of the Bill and LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 71 costs of Protest, which I was enabled to do, by the friendly aid of a Merchant who made me the necessary Loan. I am Sir with Respect & Esteem Your most obdt. Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WUUam C. C Claiborne Henry Dearborn Secretary of War To Col. Freeman. Q,- New Orleans June 5th 1805 I will thank you for an early reply to my Letter of the 3rd instant, and to inform me whether, or not it is your intention to procure other Quarters than those you at present occupy. I Avish this early information in or der that if it should be found necessary, I may by the next Mail make a suitable representation upon the sub ject to my Superiors, and which I conceive the more necessary. Since I have understood that previous to your aknowledging the receipt of my first Letter, you had made your appeal to the Secretary of War. It may be proper again to assure you that the Building in your Possession never was considered as appertaining to the Military establishment; It is moreover the only Public Building in the City that can conveniently accomodate the Federal Court; and unless it is so appropriated Judge Hall supposes, that he cannot obtain a suitable Court House for less than one thousand or twelve Hun dred Dollars Per Annum, and I am persuaded that com fortable Quarters for yourself and Family may be had, for less than half that Sum. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Hbe. Sevt. Lieut. Colonel (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Freeman ' 72 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIAHSS. To Gov. Claiborne from Col. Freeman New Orleans June 5th 1805 Sir, I had the Honor yesterday Afternoon to receive your Excellency's Letter of the 3rd Inst, The Letter which T have written to the Secretary of War Avill probably reach the War Office about the 12th of the present month. I shall expect orders from the Head of the Department to which I belong - to those I Avill pay the most implicit obedience. I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellency's most obdt. Hble. SeAd. His Excellency (Signed) Cont. Freeman Gov. Claiborne Lieut. Colol. &c To Col. Freeman New Orleans June 5th 1805 Sir, Your Letter of this Date has been received and from it I infer, that you do not propose relinquishing the Build ing now in your possession, Avithout instructions to that effect from the Secretary of War. Such being the con struction I placed upon your Letter, I deem it proper to declare that your continuance in your present Quarters, is not agreeable to me. Since by so doing the Federal Court for this District is subjected to great inconven ience, and the United States to an expense much greater than would be requisite to furnish you Avith other com fortable Apartments, I deem it proper further to inform you that to myself (for the present) more properly be longs the care and disposition of the Public Buildings not appertaining to the Military establishment, and I am assured Sir, that your conduct on this occasion Avill not LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 73 be approved by the President, to whom our correspon dence together with Judge Halls communications avUI be submitted. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Sevt. (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne Colol. Freeman To Gov. Claiborne from Judge Hall New Orleans June 5th 1805 (Private) Sir, I have been visited this Morning by the Marshal of the District. He informs me that no Public Building has been yet delivered to him for the purpose of holding the Court. I assured your Excellency that unless such a Building be provided for the accomodation of the Court of the United States, I shall be compelled to Hire a pri vate house at a Rent of (at least) from one thousand to twelve Hundred Dollars Per Annum. It is necessary that I should have a large Court Room — Rooms for the Grand and Petit Juries — Marshalls and Clerks Offices. I know of no Building belonging to the United States in this City proper for those purposes, but that at present occupied by the Commandant of the Troops. I am ignorant that the Building has ever been appropriated to the accomodation of a Military Officer. One thing I do know it is this, that the Officers of the Treasury of the United States will be astonished at a High Charge for Rent of a Court Room, when they are already informed that a Building in every respect calcu lated for holding their Court in, is the Property of the United States. I am sorry to be obliged to press your 74 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. ExceUency on this Point, but it is one that demands your immediate attention. I am Sir Avith Real consideration & Respect Your ExceUencys most obdt. Hb. Sevt. His ExceUency (Signed) Dom. A. HaU Gov. Claiborne P. S. With respect to the old Custom House, and a House Avhich I understand is rented to a Printer I as sure you that neither Avill answer my purpose. Dom. A. HaU (The above Letter appears also on page 356) To Judge Hall New Orleans June 6th 1805 Sir, I have received your several Letters of the 13th May and 1st and fifth of the present month, and Sincerely re gret, that it is not in my power to furnish you with a Public Building for the sessions of the District Court. Colonel Freeman in pursuance (I learn) of the adAdce of Council, adheres to his determination not to retire from his present Apartments. He supposes that I have no Controul over the Buildings the property of the United State, and declares, that he will not remove, but by the orders of the Secretary of War. Thus situated I have but one of two Modes of procedure, either to have re course to a Territorial Judge and compel his removal by the force of the Law, or to State the case to the President and await his decision. The former might lead to further irritation and is avoided in full expectation, that Colol. Freemans Conduct Avill be censured by those whose power to direct him can not be disputed. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 75 In the meantime I see no other mode of accomodating your Court, but by renting a suitable private BuUding. 1 am aware that such Rent AviU be High, and that comfort able Quarters for Colo. Freeman might be had on much more economical terms. But this Officer will Listen to no terms of accomodation, and the Executive and the Ju diciary must consent to submit to his Will, until the case is decided at the Seat of Government. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. ScAd. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Judge Hall To Gov. Claiborne from Judge Hall New Orleans June 6th 1805 Sir, Understanding that Colonel Freeman refuses to com ply Avith your desire to leave the Building which is con templated as the place of sitting of the District Court, and business of great importance pressing on me which requires immediate attention nothing remains for me but to direct the Marshall to hire a suitable House. I have examined the other Buildings of the United States and I do not find any fit for our purposes, the old Custom House which is now Rented is by no means a proper place, the place called the Printing Office is equally unfit. The Public Stores are filled Avith Arms and goods. I am sorry Sir, that it is not in your Power to procure the Building which is in every Point of Adew calculated for a Court House. I regret it the more, as it will be the cause of putting the United States to a considerable expense which I think it is our duty to avoid. I know the disposition of the Officers of the Federal Government to be adverse to unnecessary expenditure. On enquiry 76 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. I do not think that a proper place can be obtained, for less than from one thousand to fifteen Hundred DoUars Per Annum, and for no shorter period than a year. I have now made every effort to prevent unnecessary expenditure to the United States. I must do your Excel lency the Justice to say, that nothing has been neglected by you to effect the object. I have much to lament that our views are frustrated by a conduct which I am sure AviU not be approved at the Seat of the Federal Govern ment. I have the Honor to be Avith great respect and Con sideration Your ExceUency 's most obdt. Hble. Sevt. His ExceUency (Signed) Dom. A. HaU Gov. Claiborne To James Madison New Orleans June"'6th 1805 Sir, I pray you to lay before the President of the United States the enclosed Correspondence from No. 1 to No inclusive, between the Honble. Judge HaU, Colonel Free man and Myself upon the Subject of Appropriating a Public Building to the use of the District Court. You Avill perceive from the Correspondence that the only Building of the United States in this City calculated for the Sessions of the Court is the one that Colonel Free man at present occupies, and I am persuaded the' refusal of this Officer to provide himself Avith other quarters AviU be viewed by the President as a Breach of that spirit of accomodation, which in this District more particularly should actuate every Public Character, and a manifesta tion of a great want of Respect for my Authority as tHe chief Magistrate of this Territory. The Colonel has en joyed the possession of his present Quarters for near LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 77 twelve months, the repairs made to the House were not considerable ; they consisted in White Washing and clean ing the Interior Apartments. The Work was performed by the Artificers of the Army and was not the cause of private expense to the Colonel. With respect to the Property of the United States in this Territory, and more particularly that which belonged not to the MUitary es tablishment, I considered it as committed to my charge, and in consequence have assigned to the Public Officers Such Buildings as were proper to their use, and there are others (of which you were heretofore advised) that have been rented by the Month to Individuals, and for the monies arising therefrom I hold myself accountable to the Treasury Department. I am Sorry that this Uttle misunderstanding has arisen between the Colonel and myself, but the occasion suggests the propriety of my re questing, that the line of demarkation between my pow ers, and those of the Officer who may Command the Troops in this Quarter be distinctly marked, lest here after on a more important question a difference in opin ion should arise. It is certainly true that I am not am bitious of Military Command, and it is equally true, that the cause must be great indeed, before I would have re course to Military force. But while the Army is stationed in the Interior of this Territory, I should presume that a requisition from the Governor ought to be viewed as binding on the Officer Commanding. The Governor is more immediately responsible for the safety of the Terri tory, its situation is always best knoAvn to him. and if there are points where a Military force is requisite for the protection of Society or the support of the Laws, I think the Governor should have Authority to Command such force and not be dependent upon the WiU or disposi tion to oblige of a Colonel, Major, or Captains who may happen (often by merit but sometimes by chance) to be the Commanding Officer. 78 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. , I make these observations because very lately, when in consequence of certain communications from the Mar quis of Casa Calvo, I had requested Colonel Freeman to strengthen the Garrison of Fort St. John, the proposition would not be acceeded to until the reasons of my Avishes were communicated and the Judgment of the Colonel had approved the measure. If the intercourse between this and the Seat of Government was more certain and expe ditious. It would perhaps be best that whenever the Gov ernor might think a certain disposition of the MUitary force adviseable, that he should correspond Avith the Sec retary of War, and that all orders should come through him. But in this remote Territory, when events might arise which would require not only an immediate move ment of the regular Troops but the co-operation of the Militia as was lately the case at Point Coupee, it might be inexpedient to await the decision of the Secretary at War. There is one other point which I deem it expedient to mention; It is this, that the Officers Commanding Frontier Posts in this Territory may be instructed to communicate to the Governor all the occurrences which may tend to disturb the Peace of the Territory : An in formation the more necessary, Since in the event of Hos tilities on the Frontiers, the co-operation of the Militia Avill be necessary, and in Such case early information, would enable The Territorial Executive to make the re quisite arrangements. I beg you to believe, that I have written this Letter solely Avith a view to the Public good, and to remove all causes of future difficulty between the Governor, and the Military Commandant. I am Sir Avith Respect & Esteem Your Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 79 To James Madison New Orleans June 6th 1805 Sir, I enclose you a Paper containing a PubUcation of Messrs. Derbigny Sauv6 and Detrahan relative to their Mission to Congress. You wiU find in this production evidences, of discontent, a want of information and of prudence on the part of the agents, but I beUeve the Pub lication AviU excite but little Interest in the Territory, and be productive of no Mischief. It may therefore be best to permit it unnoticed to Sink into oblivion. We have among us Men who would sacrifice the In terest of any Country, or the Happiness of any people, to the gratification of their personal Ambition. That Such Men should be discontented with the present State of things, need not be a matter of Surprize, but I am per suaded the great body of the Citizens of Louisiana can not be shaken in their Allegiance, or be made to think that they are not greatly benefitted by their Annexation to the United States. There has been a rumor that cer tain discontented persons here contemplated a Mission to France, Avith a view of soliciting the attention of the Emperor to the affairs of this Territory, and praying that he would enforce on the part of the United States the observance of the Treaty. But I rather view this as the passionate menace of Some disappointed, ambitious Sycophant, than the serious project of a party. If how ever this menace should assume the Garb of Sincerity, nothing shall be wanting on my part to bring the energy of the Law to bear upon all who may be concerned. For sometime before, but particularly Since the War between England and Spain, there has been great inter course between Louisiana and the French and Spanish possessions;- The Applications for Certificates of Citi zenship, and passports are numerous, and notAvith- 80 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. standing every precaution, I fear many adventurers, have obtained American protection, who owe to the United States no allegiance. So couAdnced am I, that this is the case, that I have thought it prudent to substitute for the passports which you sent me, and Instrument of Avriting (nearly similar in contents) in my OAvn name, and Signa ture. Had your Passports been used on all occasions I should have required a great number, and your name by being frequently found in the hands of imposters, might loose that respect and credence to which it is entitled. Persons claiming Passports make Oath of their Resident- Ship- before the Clerk of the District Court, and have the same also proven by some other IndiAddual : But I am sorry to say that Oaths are Sometimes disregarded, and Bona fide Subjects of Spain and France have obtained American Passports. I am Sir Avith Sentiments of High Respect and consid- Your most obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secretary of State The Governor of The Territory of Orleans, presents his respects to Colonel Freeman, and begs to be inform 'd whether the Garrison of Fort St. John has been Strength ened. New Orleans June 6th 1805 To James Madison. g-j. New Orleans June 6th 1805 Captain Edward Turner, the late Civil Commandant of Natchitoches is now in this City, and I have receiv'd from him much general and local information. Captain LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 81 Turner believes that the Spaniards have encreased their Forces in the ProAdnce of Taxus, and is certain that they have erected Several new Forts, and strengthened their former fortifications. He is persuaded also, that Span ish Agents have endeavoured to alienate the Affections of certain Indian Tribes from the United States, and that these same Agents have soured the minds of many of the people of Natchitoches towards the American Government, and impressed them with an opinion that Louisiana or at least the Country'West of the Missis sippi Avill shortly return under the dominion of Spain.^ Captain Turner's Statement throughout is supported by a Letter I recently received from Doctor Sibley. He particularly Mentions that Spanish Troops had lately arrived at the Bay of St. Bernard, and were engaged in erecting two new Forts. The Doctor adds that the Com manding Officer at one of the Forts, had Sent a Message to the Indian Tribes to the following effect ; to Wit ' ' The Americans holding Louisiana was all wind; that they were gathering in upon them, and should soon have Forts at Appelousas, Attakapas, Natchitoches and near New Orleans, and if the Indians were Avise they would aban don their new friends, and attach themselves to their old friends the Spaniards who would not forsake them." The Doctor received his Intelligence from an Indian Chief, and seems to give it entire credence. Captain Turner and Doctor Sibley both inform me, that the in trigues of the Priests at Natchitoches, have had an in jurious tendency, inasmuch as they have weakened the allegiance of the Citizens by giving currancy to an opinion that they would soon become Spanish Subjects, and excited a hatred against the American Government, ^ It was the opinion of Claiborne that the activity of the iSpanish au thorities at this time confirmed the rumor that an effort would be made to recover that part of Louisiana lying west of the Mississippi. Ill — 6 82 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. by representing, that it afforded no protection to ReU- gion, and that an association with infidels (meaning the Americans) would dishonor the Shades of their an cestors, who had lived and died in the true faith. A character calling himself the Bishop of one of the In terior Provinces of Mexico, lately made a Adsit to Natchi toches; he travelled Avith great dispatch and in much Pomp. He appeared to be a man of great Literature, and of considerable address, he kept a Journal and took the Latitude of many places through which he had passed. His enquiries as to the Geographical Situation of Louisiana were minute, and from his general conduct it would seem that his visit was rather Avith Political than Religious views. This Bishop was received by the Commandant at Natchitoches with respectful attention, and after rest ing a few days in the Adcinity of that Post, took his de parture for the City of Mexico & to which place there is said to be from Natchitoches a plain direct road, that can be travelled Avith facility at every Season of the year. Doctor Sibley & Captain Turner both inform me, that they have seen a manuscript writing purporting to be the Official Journal of a French Officer who in the year 1719 was instructed to erect a Fort on the Bay of St. Bernard. In this Journal there are Letters from Official characters which shew that at that period the extent of Louisiana was a source of Jealousy to Spain, that a dis pute as to limits had arisen between the Subordinate Agents of France and Spain, but that the claims of the former extended from the Perdido to the Rio Bravo, and were bottomed upon a treaty refered to in the corres pondence called the Treaty of Cambria. VieAving this manuscript writing as an important document, I shall Solicit Dobtor Sib|ley in whose possession it now is, to cause a copy thereof to be taken and to transmit the or- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 83 iginal to me for the purpose of being deposited among the Records of Louisiana. The Copy I will request the Doctor to forward to the Department of State. I am Sir very respectfully your most obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State To the Post Master General. New Orleans June 7th 1805 Sir, Your Letter of the 15th of March was not received by me until a few days ago : — Mr. Abraham arrived in tliis City when I was absent on a Adsit to Some of the Dis tant Counties, but I hope that on that account, the Public Service has not sustained injury. PreAdous to. my de parture I had written to the Marquis of Casa Calvo and to Governor Folch, relative to the passage of the MaU through that part of Louisiana called West Florida. The answer from the Marquis was satisfactory, and the Governors reply Avill probably be equally so. The Gen tleman who was the Bearer of my communication to Gov ernor Folch was one Ship- wrecked in the Lake, and pro ceeded a second time on his passage to Pensacola, but was pursued and driven back by a British Privateer ; he * however has at length I hope made a safe Voyage, and his return is daily expected. Mr. Abraham communicated to Mr. Cenas and to my Private Secretary the arrangements he thought neces sary for the safe and speedy conveyance of the Mail, and he seemed to think that the establishment of a Ferry across the Lake was the only measure wherein he re quired my assistance and on this point I have made the 84 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. proper enquiries & given the necessary instructions. The Lake wUl for the present be crossed at a Point recommended by Mr. Abraham and other persons pos sessing a knowledge of the Country, and a Mr. Lafon has agreed to convey the Mail in a Safe Boat, and Avith all possible expedition. Mr. Cenas avUI however in a few days visit the Lake in order to ascertain more par ticularly the advantages of the crossing place at present and to make some permanent arrangements. The Post office money in my hands Avill be paid to your order, but I AvUl submit to you whether the expense of sending by express my late Letter to Governor Folch upon the sub ject of the Post through Florida should be paid from the Post office money or whether it should be made an Item in the Contingent expences of this Territory. Have you any late News from Mr. Monroe, and when may we hope to receive possession of the Floridas, untU the Limits of the Ceded Territory are knoA\Ti, things here will never be in that tranquil and prosperous state which I so ardently wish. I am D. Sir Avith great Respect and Esteem Your Sincere friend and obdt. Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne The Honble. the Post Master General To James Pitot. NeAV Orleans June 8th 1805 Sir, I have received a Letter from the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Nuns in this City, in Avhich it is stated, that in a late performance at the Theatre their community had been held up to the Public as an object of derision, and that the last Act was marked Avith peculiar indecency and LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 85 disrespect, and it is proposed to be renewed on Tuesday next, and She Solicits the protection of the Civil Au thorities. For myself Sir, I consider the Police of the Theatre as falling more immediately under the notice of the City Magistrates, and that on yourself as Mayor of New Orleans particularly devolves the duty of check ing the irregularities of the Stage. The Society of Nuns in this City is under the protec tion of the Law, and their peculiar situation must inter est in their favor the feelings of every breast. In fuU expectation therefore that you Avill use your influence and authority to protect this amiable order from injury or insult, I have addressed you this Letter. I tender you Sir assurances of my great respect and Sincere esteem William C. C. Claiborne The Honble. James Pitot Esq Mayor of the City of New Orleans To the Abbess of the Ursuline Nuns. New Orleans June 8th 1805 Holy Sister, I am honored Avith your Letter of this Morning, and its contents shall receive my immediate attention. I greatly regret that a Representation at the Theatre should have been marked Avith indecency and disrespect towards your Amiable community, and I shall use my influence to prevent a repetition of an occurrence which every good Citizen must lament. I renew to you holy Sister Assurances of my great respect and Sincere Esteem! (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne To the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Nuns 86 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To Thomas Jefferson. T. o- New Orleans June 9th 1805 Dr. Sir, I did not untU four days ago receive your Letter of the 26th of March & I pray you to be assured, that its contents shall receive my careful attention. Mr. Briggs is now in this City, and in the Course of a few days the Location and Survey on the Canal of Carondelet AviU be made under his immediate direction. The result shaU be transmitted to you Avithout delay. I do not know that on investigation the claims of the City to the commons AviU be found Strictly legal — But the use of them is so ¦essential to the Health of the Inhabitants, that I should be sorry they should pass into the hands of Individuals. The Lands on the Canal of Carondelet, are not at pres ent very valuable, but cannot faU to become so. You may rely upon my best exertions to promote the Inter est of General La Fayette, not only from my disposi tion to comply Avith your Avishes, but from my Friend ship and Gratitude for a character who rendered my Country such eminent serAdces. This City is already becoming unhealthy. Many Americans will retire into the Country, and among them Mr. Graham^ whose early departure I have most earn- esttly advised For myself I am not under serious ap prehension, and shall therefore for the present remain in the City where duty requires my presence. As yet the fevers are only Bilious — But it is feared in the course of the Summer we shall again be vdsited by that dread- fud scourge, which communicated to many Families (the past year) so much distress. I am D. Sir A\dth great Respect your faithful friend Thomas Jefferson (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne President of the United States " The Secretary of the Territory. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 87 To Dr. John Sibley. New Orleans June 10th 1805 Sir, I have received your Several Letters of the 26th of AprU and 2nd of May with their enclosures. I regret that the State of things in your County should be so un pleasant, but I reply upon the exertions of the CiAdl Of ficers to attach the confidence of the well disposed Citi zens to the Government of the United States, and to de feat the Machinations of those who would Avish to excite Discontent and disaffection. It is expected that the Coun cU Avill be in Session on the 20th instant in conformity to their prorogation, but their powers on the 3rd of July Avill cease, and it is not presumed that they Avill turn their attention to any object but that of remedying a few de fects which has been discovered in the existing Laws. The Accounts you have given of certain Tribes of In dians West of the Mississippi I have read with great pleasure, and it will no doubt be very satisfactory to the President of the United States. It would seem as if the Caddo Nation manifested a decided influence over the various Tribes of Indians, Avith whom our Frontiers can have connection. It is therefore certainly the best policy to direct your attention more particularly to the Caddoes whose present friendly disposition I am per suaded you Avill be enabled to render permanent. The manuscript writing which you mention is certainly an important Document, whether viewed as an acquisition to the faithful Historians who may hereafter turn his atten tion to to the discovery settlement and groAvth of Louisi ana or as strong evidence in support of the claims of our Government to the Tract of Country lying between Per dido and the Rio Grande. You will oblige me if you Avill cause a Copy of the manuscript writing to be taken, .and I will make the person whom you may employ a reason- 88 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. able compensation. The Copy I avUI thank you to for ward to the Secretary of State, and the Original Manu script I would wish myself to receive, in order that it may be deposited among the Records of the Province, I have communicated to the Secretary of State the above arrangement, and I am persuaded it Avill meet his ap probation. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Doctor J. Sibley Natchitoches P. S. I learn from Captain Turner that the Manuscript was in the hands of a Gentleman whom he had engaged to take a Copy; if you find this Gentleman capable of taking a correct copy I have no objection to your em ploying him. W. C. C. C. To the Secretary of the Treasury. New Orleans June 10th 1805 Sir, I enclose you an account and Vouchers against the United States for 409 Dollars and 66 2-3 Cents which were expended during the last Provisional Government in Louisiana and which are not included in any account heretofore transmitted. I had A\dshed to have sent on by this Mail a final Statement of my accounts, but am prevented from the circumstance, that Letters of Ad ministration have not yet been granted on the Estate of Joseph Briggs my late private Secretary and to whom the United States was indebted. An administrator is expected to be quaUfied in a few days, and I shaU em brace an early opportunity to have a settlement Avith LETTER BOOKS OF W^ C. C. CLAIBORNE. 89' him. Upon the subject of my expenditures during the Temporary Government I can only say, that I was Gov erned by a prudent economy; if the charge of Printing and Clerk Hire should appear extravagant, I beg that the one may be attributed to the Customary high charge of printing in this City and the other to imperious ne cessity. During the Temporary Government the duties of my Office were peculiarly laborious ; — Until the sickly season commenced the last year Avith the assistance of two Clerks and writing myself about Seven or eight Hours a day I was enabled to get through the Business ; but during the Months of July August and September, I employed four Clerks, and it seldom happened that more than one of those were well at a time. Since the first of November I have employed a Private Secretary and promised him 800$ Per Annum. I discover that in the appropriation Law, there is no provision for an ex penditure of this kind, but I trust, the Accounting Of ficers of the Treasury Avill allow the charge when I as sure them, that the duties of my Office rendered neces sary the services of such a person; and even now that the Secretary of the Territory has arrived I find a Pri vate Secretary to me indispensible. Nor do I think the Secretary can well discharge the duties of his Office without the assistance of a Clerk. I find likeAvise that no provision is made for a Translator of the French and Spanish Languages, or an Indian Interpreter, but I trust a just compensation for the Services of these Characters Avill be allowed, when I assure you Sir, that their Serv ices cannot be dispensed Avith. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. The Honble. WiUiam C. C. Claiborne The Secretary of The Treasury 90 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. The United States, To Wm. C. C. Claiborne Governor General and Intendant of The Province of Louisiana, Dr. For Sundry Disbursements during the Temporary Government — To Wit No. 1 To this sum paid Eliza Middleton for a Jail &c for the CiAdl Commandant of Concordia for 8 months & 26 days @ 66 10 P. Moh— $88. 100 No. 2 To this sum paid Doctor Watkins in full for his Services in my Office as a Clerk during the Temporary Govt. — 50.00 No. 3 To this sum paid Fontaine for Public Printing from 1 March 1804 to Feby. 9th 1805— 118.00 No. 4 To this sum paid Messrs. Belleurgy & Renard for PubUc Printing— 63:00 No. 5 To this sum paid Thomas SirUes Ken nedy in full for his SerAdces as a Clerk in my office during the Tempor ary Government for the months of July Augt. & Septmeber 1804 150.00 Total Amount New Orleans 10th June 1805 66 $469. 100 To Judge Trouard. New Orleans June 12th 1805 Sir, I have the Honor to enclose you a Commission as Judge of the County of German Coast. I am particu- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 91 larly desirous that you should accept this Office, because I am persuaded, that the duties thereof would be dis charged by you with integrity and fidelity. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. Mr. Trouard (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne Judge of the County of German Coast To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 12th 1805 Sir, I Avill thank you to inform me at what period you pro pose removing the Troops into the Country, the position they are to occupy, and the number of Men that are to remain in the City. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Sevt. (Signed)' Wm. C. ,C. Claiborne Colol. Freeman To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 12th 1805 Sir, I am advised by the Mayor of this City of a claim against the United States for 642 Dollars for the pave ment and other improvements made on' the Side Walk of the Streets adjoining the Barracks. As you appear to suppose that you have particularly in charge the Build ings of the United States in this City, or rather those in which Troops have at any time been stationed I presume 92 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. you will feel no difficulty in adjusting this account as a Public Agent, and I shall therefore refer the Mayor to you for a settlement. I am Sir very respectfully Your Hble Sevt. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Colol. Freeman To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 12th 1805 Sir, I have received Your Letter of the Morning and am indebted for this evidence of your polite attention. The Guard at the Government House is only intended to give security to the Records of the ProAdnce which are de posited in one of the lower Rooms; I presume a Non commissioned Officer and three privates Avill be sufficient. The orderly whom you are good enough to furnish me with I find very useful and particularly so in conveying Official Letters and Notes from my Office to persons re siding in the City. I have hoAvever no favorite Non Commissioned Officer. Lieutenant Taylor has promised to select for me a sober discreet man. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your obdt. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne To Mr. Audry. New Orleans June 12th 1805 Sir, I enclose you two Commissions, the one as Coroner for the County of German Coast, and the other as a Jus tice of the Peace. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 93 I am particularly desirous that you should accept of these Offices, because I am convinced that you would discharge the duties with Fidelity and Integrity. Receive Sir, my Sincere thanks for your faithful Pub lic SerAdces and accept assurances of my great Respect and Esteem. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne M. Andry To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 13th 1805 Sir, Your Letter of the Morning is received. My com munications to you are always official and therefore an acknowledgement of their receipt Avill at all times be ex pected. The Mayor avUI be requested to lay before you the Account against the United States, and I am happy to learn that you are authorized to adjust it. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 13th 1805 Sir, The Captain of the Orleans Rangers having informed me that the Public Arms in possession of his company are unfit for use, I request that for as many arms as he may return to the Public Stores, you would direct the 94 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. proper Officer to deliver him a like number upon his re ceipting for the same. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your Hble Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 13th 1805 Sir, The Mayor of the City is particularly desirous for the Settlement of a claim against the United States for im provements made on the side Walk of the Streets adjoin ing the Barracks, and of which I informed you in my Letter of yesterday. But since the receipt of that Letter has not been acknowledged, it has perhaps miscarried, I shall therefore again name the subject, and observe that the cFaim has arisen out of a Municipal regulation. Some time ago the City Council directed, that within a period which was specified, the side Walks of the different streets should be paved, and the Gutters repaired, that the owners of Lots should cause the improvements pre scribed, to be made, and on failure that the same should be done by some person selected by the Mayor, and at the expense of the respective oAvners of Lots. In this way has arisen the claim against the United States, and it seems to me to be one that ought to be promptly paid. A similar claim will shortly arise for improvements made in the Front of the Lot you now occupy, and as I am not willing to take upon myself any public Agency that does not clearly belong to my Office, I request that you Avould inform me whether or not you suppose yourself author ized to adjust the claims alluded to in this Letter. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Hble. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 95 To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 13th 1805 Sir, Your last Letter is now before me. It is unfortu nate, that we cannot understand each other. There is only one question to which I requested an answer, and that was whether or not you felt yourself authorized to adjust the accounts of the City against the United States for improvements made in Front of the Barracks. If you are Authorized to act on this occasion I have noth ing to do in the Business, if you are not, the subject must receive my attention ! I am Sir very respectfully Your Hble Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 14th 1805 Sir, I have organized Another Company of Volunteer Militia in this City, under the Title of the ' ' Orleans Com pany of Light Infantry." It is composed principally of Young Men, Natives of Louisiana, and the bearer of this I. B. Dejan is appointed the Captain. This Company is particularly desirous to be armed and equipped by the fourth of July next, and with a Adew to their encouragement, and to meet what I suppose to be the wishes of the President, I request that you would direct, that Captain Dejan be furnished from the Public Stores upon his receipting for the same, such number of Public Muskets as he may wish not exceeding forty. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne 96 . MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To James Madison. c,. New Orleans June 16th 1805 feir, Two Spanish Schooners from Vera Cruz, have ar rived at this Port, and are consigned to the Marquis of Casa Calvo. They brought with them a large Sum in Silver, report says One Hundred thousand Dollars, but it is believed the real Amount is much greater.^ This money is said to be destined for the payment of the Pen sions aUowed to persons residing in Louisiana, and to meet the expences which the Marquis has or may incur as Commissioner of Limits. The religious dispute of which you have been advised, is not yet adjusted; the parties have resorted to a suit at Law, to determine the right of possession to the Church, and it is expected that a great share of zeal and acrimony wiU be excited. I have organized the several Inferior Courts in the Terri tory, and shall next turn my attention to the Militia. Y'our communication of the 1st of April is the last which has been received. I have the Honor to be Sir Avith respect & Esteem Your most obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secretary of State To Thomas Jefferson. New Orleans June 17th 1805 Dear Sir, A Mr. Lafon is now engaged in surveying the Land on the Canal of Carondelet. He supposes that about eight or nine hundred Acres may be had, nearly half of " It was the thought of Claiborne that this money was intended to be used in organizing the movement for the recovery of the country west of the Mississippi. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 97 which he says is excellent, and not subject to be over flowed. Mr. Briggs has been very unwell ajid could not, in person attend the Surveying. I am D. Sir with great respect your faithful friend (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Thomas Jefferson President of the United States To the Post Master General. New Orleans June 17th 1805 Sir, The Map which I have now the Honor to enclose was made out by a Mr. Lafon from an actual survey of the Country which it delineates, and ought of consequence to be very accurate. If it is so no difficulty Avill be ex perienced in the Transportation of the Mail on the Route Marked out by the red lines along the Canal of Caron delet, the Bayou Gentilli, the Chemin du Chef Menteur to the River of that name, as the Road is so far weU opened ; — from hence for the present at least, the trans portation must be by water through the Bayou and Lake Catharine across the Rigolets and then either up one of the Branches of the Pearl River to the residence of Mr. Favre, or along another one to a place marked on the Map Boisdore, or perhaps it would be better to termi nate the Water Carriage a little to the West of this at a place marked (0) where once stood the village Maran- goin, and from whence there is an old Indian Road lead ing through the Pine Woods in a Northern direction. From this place Mr. Lafon tells me it is according to his Maps about 130 MUes to Fort Stoddart. Should the III— 8 98 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. Transportation of the Mail by water along the Bayou Catherine &c be objected to, as more tedious and ex pensive than a Land Carriage, it is the beUef of Mr. La fon that the Government may open a road from the River Chef Menteur in the direction pointed out by the Red lines through the He Aux Pins and the Island at the Mouth of the Marongoin to Boisdore for $3500. The difficulties he says are not great, tho it would be neces sary to throw up SmaU Levees in Some places, as the high Avinds from the South east occasionally force the Waters of the Gulph over the Bank at particular places. Until this can be done my oAvn impression is that the Route by the Bayou Catharine ought to be f oUowed : I shall therefore recommend it to the Post Master here to send his Mail in that way until your directions are re ceived. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your obdt. Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne The Post Master General To James Pitot. New Orleans June 18th 1805 Sir, I am Honored Avith the receipt of your two Letters in relation to the Corps of Gendarmery. Persuaded Sir, of the respectability of the Citizens to whom you have com mitted the Command of that Corps, I AviU Avith pleasure appoint them Officers in the MUitia, and on tomorrow at 12 oClock in the forenoon, if the Gentlemen Avill attend at the Government House, the Commissions shaU be made out. Upon the subject of the claim against the United , LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 99 States for the Banquettes, I would wish to have a per sonal conference with you, and promise myself that pleasure tomorrow. Accept assurances of my respect & Esteem The Honble. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne James Pitot Esqr. Mayor of the City of New Orleans To James Pitot New Orleans June 20th 1805 Sir, Your Letter of the 19th instant was duly received. The Span and Bridge Boards which you mention may be deposited for safe Keeping in the Artillery Park and such Police Officer as you shall name may at all times have access to them. Colonel Freeman will give on this occasion the necessary orders. I thankfully acknowledge the friendly accommoda tion which several of the Public functionaries have re ceived from the City Council, and as far as may be in my power you will not find me wanting in a return of good offices. I have the Honor to be Sir with great respect Your obdt. St. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Pitot Esqr. Mayor of the City of New Orleans To Col. Freeman. g.j. New Orleans June 20th 1805 The Mayor of this City, Solicits that "Such Spans and Bridge Boards the property of the City" as are com monly employed in the unloading of Vessels when the 100 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. same are not in use may be deposited for safe Keeping in the enclosure commonly caUed the ArtiUery Park. Under an impression, that the desired accommoda tion AviU not Subject the Military to the SmaUest incon venience, I request that the Deposit of the Spans and Bridge boards be permitted, and that Such Police Officer as the Mayor shaU name may have free access to the same. I am Sir very respectfuUy Your Hble. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 20th 1805 Sir, Your Letter of the 18th instant was received. In relation to the movement of the Troops to Point Coupee and Natchitoches, I have only one Avish to ex press, and in that I doubt not but you have anticipated me ; it is, that the Offices Commanding detachments be in structed to manifest a respect for, and to cultivate a good understanding Avith the civil authorities, and that every caution be used on their parts to prevent the Sol diery from offering insult or injury to the Citizens. The general reputation of the American Officers, and the knoAvn discretion of the Gentlemen Commanding the De tachments about to march are indeed a Guarantee for their good conduct; but nevertheless an order to the ef fect mentioned, may be proper, since it is one of those imposing mandates which at all times and under all cir cumstances receives the attention of a Soldier.' A Doctor Cooley residing at Point Coupee has by • This polite intimation that the military should respect the civil authority was enough to arouse the ire of Col. Freeman. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 101 I Letter requested me to inform you that his professional Services would be rendered the Troops stationed at that place, for the pay and emoluments of a Surgeons Mate. If the services of a Private Physician for the Garrison of Point Coupee should be wanting, I am persuaded that Doctor Cooley would be found deserving of Confidence. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your Hble. Sevt. (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne Colol. Freeman To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 21st 1805 Sir, Your Letter of the Morning is received. My com munication of yesterday contained no reflection on the Officers under your command, and I profess Sir, to be at a loss for the cause of the very great sensibility you have discovered on the occasion. I know that it is not uncommon to give to Officers commanding Garrisons sit uated in the very Heart of a settlement, instructions sim ilar to these which were suggested in my Letter of yes terday ; — but in the case before us I believe it unneces sary; the discretion of the Officers about to March Avill insure their acting Avith propriety, and need not the aid of instruction from their commanding Officer. I am Sir very respectfully Your obdt. SeAd. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne 102 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL AECHIVES. To Gov. Claiborne from Col. Freeman New Orleans June 21st 1805 Sir, I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your ExceUencys Letter of yesterday. I flatter myself that the Officers under my Command, Avill never require an order to respect the Civil Author ities, or the rights of their feUow Citizens." I have re ceived a Letter from Doctor Cooley upon the subject you mention, I shall return him an answer by Lieutenant Wilson. I have the Honor to be Avith great respect Your Excellency's most obdt. Hble. Sevt. His ExceUency (Signed) Constant Freeman Gov. Claiborne To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 22nd 1805 Sir, At Point Coupee there is a Public Lot consisting (I believe) of three Acres in Front and forty deep; On this Lot there is a comfortable Building in Avhich the Civil Commandant was formerly accomodated and one or two other Small Houses. As I consider the Public property in this territory as more immediately in my charge I re quest to be informed whether any and AA'hat instructions relative to the same, you have given the Officer who is to be stationed at Point Coupee I am Sir very respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne ' The old, old quarrel between the civil and the military authority. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 103 To Col. Freeman. New Orleans June 22nd 1805 Sir, Your Letter in answer to mine of this Morning is re ceived. One of the Houses to which I alluded was pos sessed by Lieutenant Lewellin, nor do I know of any other Public Lot, at Point Coupee, than the one occu pied in part by the Military Detachment. Mr. Miller has not obtained permission from the Competent Authority to establish a Ferry at Point Coupee. By a Law of the Territory, all applications for Public Ferry's must be made to the Judges of the re spective County Courts, and to that source Mr. Miller must resort. I hope my Letter of yesterday in answer to yours of the same Date was received. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. Colol. Freeman (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Message from Governor Claiborne, To the Legisla tive Council, at the opening of their Second Session on the 22nd day of June 1805. Fellow Citizens of the Legislative Council ! Being aware that your present session must neces sarily be short, and believing that the approaching warm season would render an early departure from the City particularly agreeable. I shall urge only for your con sideration, such Subjects as seem to me to require the immediate attention of the Legislature. The most im portant of these arises out of the Act of Congress fur ther proAdding for the Government of this Territory. By the Ordinance to which that act refers, it is declared that the Court to be established in virtue of it, ShaU 104 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. have a "common Law Jurisdiction", and that the Citi zens shaU be entitled to the benefit of Judicial proceed ings according to the course of the common Law." I recommend it to you to consider how far this con stitutional provision will necessarUy innovate upon your present System, and what measures may be expedient to prevent the inconveniences that might attend an unpre pared transition from one mode of practice to another. I further advise that you proceed to regulate the fees and duties of Notaries PubUc. The continued and gen eral complaint of the exactions of some of these Officers, can not be quietted Avithout Legislative interposition. In the Laws passed at your last session, for regulat ing the Practise of the Superior and County Courts, some ommissions have been observed; of them the most material is the want of some process enabling a Credi tor to imprison Debtors until they make a full disclo sure and surrender of their property, on oath ; whUe you Avill perceive the propriety of Guarding the industrious classes of the community against imposition and deceit, I am persuaded you AviU esteem it a duty to protect the honest Debtor, who gives up all he possesses, and not in that case to suffer the loss of Liberty to be added to his other Misfortunes. Under the act proAdding for the appointment of a Master and Wardens of the Port of New Orleans ; I had avaUed the pubUc of the serAdces of very suitable Char acters. They entered upon their duties Avith prompti tude, and CAddenced much faithful attention. But find ing that the perquisites arising f eU far short of meeting their necessary expenditures, they have recently aU re signed. It is therefore worthy of enquiry what farther provision may be necessary to enable the Executive to execute a Law so essential to the good of Commerce. It Avill also be adviseable in my opinion, that you recon- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 105 sider the means of improAdng our inland Navigation. But in whatever Bill you may form upon the Subject, I trust that whUe you hold out most liberal encourage ment for useful enterprize, you Avill be careful to Secure the PubUc Interest against the arts and frauds of un principled speculators. These Fellow Citizens are the measures which I recommend. If there are others which ought to be adopted, I feel assured, that they avUI en gage your attention. (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne. New Orleans June 22nd 1805 To James Madison. New Orleans June 26th 1805 Sir, The Legislative Council is again in Session they were to have met on the 20th, but a Quorum was not formed untU the 22nd instant, and on the same day, I communicated a Message in writing, of which a copy is contained in the enclosed Paper. I shall prorogue the Council on the third of July Sine die, and in the mean time, it is expected they avUI pass several very necessary Laws. An impression exists here that the Council does not necessarily cease under the late act of Congress until the first of November next ¦; I myself hold a contrary opinion, but I should like to have your sentiments on the Subject. Colonel Burr ar rived in this City on this Evening. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Obdt. Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) Wm. C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secretary of State 106 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. To the Judge of German Coast County. New Orleans June 29th 1805 Sir, Your Letter of the 25th Ultimo was duly received, I lament that any difficulty should exist on the part of Messrs. Andry and St. Amand as to the delivery of the Official papers now in their possession. I AviU however write to them to give up to you aU the Records and docu ments belonging to their late Offices. So Soon as it can conveniently be done I Avill "prepare and forward to you Commissions for those Gentlemen, whom you have rec ommended as Justices of the peace, and Avith their aid I flatter myself you will be able to get the Judicial Au thority of your County into complete operation. I am Sir very respectfuUy Your Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne The Judge of German Coast County To James Pitot. New Orleans July 1st 1805 Sir, I had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 26th June together with its enclosure which I take the Uberty now to return, for as Colonel Freeman is more immedi ately charged Avith the Public BuUdings in this City oc cupied by the Soldiers, I think it most proper, that he should transmit to the Secretary of War, the Account for the Banquettes near the Barracks. But as I am par ticularly desirous that no unnecessary delay may take place, I wil mention the Subject to the Secretary by Let ter, and urge him to an early adjustment of the account. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 107 With respect to the Muskets wanted for the Gendar mery I have to observe, that such as were in the posses sion of the Municipality (and I learn there are about twenty Stand) may be appropriated to their use; any re pairs or alterations that these might want you are at liberty to direct. With much pleasure I would furnish Pistols and Swords, but unfortunately in those Articles the Military Stores are defective. I do not propose a Military Parade on the 4th instant, it is dispensed with on account of the very warm Season. But it is probable that the Officers of the Militia avUI on that day pay their respects to the Commander in Chief, and of course those of the Gendarmery Avill be expected. I am Sir Avith Respect and Esteem Your obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Jas. Pitot Esq. Mayor of New Orleans To James Pitot. New Orleans July 3rd 1805 Sir, I am this Moment Honored with your Letter of the 1st instant. By the existing Laws justices of the peace are vested with the powers heretofore devolving upon Sjmdics, as far as relates to the Levees Roads, and the police of Slaves. I have no objection to encrease the number of Justices of the Peace if it be necessary for the Public convenience, and will pay due respect to your recommendation of suitable characters, but I am inclined to the opinion that the City Council cannot revive the Office of Syndic's, unless they dispossess them of aU Ju dicial Authority. The powers and duties of Magistrates 108 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. must be prescribed by the Territorial Legislature, and the appointments can alone be made by the Governor I I am Sir with great Respect Your most obdt. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Pitot Esqr. Mayor of the City of New Orleans Speech — delivered by Governor Claiborne, to the Legislative Council, on proroguing them, July 3rd 1805. FeUow Citizens of the Legislative CouncU! I have attended in this Hall for the purposes of proroguing your session, and thus to close perhaps forever, the Po litical connexion now subsisting betAveen us. The occa sion has given rise to reflections, calculated to excite on my part, a great degree of sensibility. To you, Gentle men, who have participated Avith me the ToU of Legis lating for a Territory Situated as this has been, where a general innovation throughout the Avhole System of Gov ernment, presented a variety of Legislative objects, that required the exercise of a more than ordinary share of Talent and discretion; — Where prejudice and former Habits presented impediments to that progress of im provement, which experience had suggested, and reason Sanctioned ; and above all, where party Spirit, lighted up by restless, and occasionally by unprincipled ambition, was too successful in producing distrust and inquietude ; permit me to observe, that to Citizens, who neither influ enced by any wayA\^ard impulse of the moment, or awed by the difficulties in vieAv, attended Avith fidelity, and re mained Avith firmness at the Post assigned them by their Country, a great debt of gratitude is due, and my sincer ity cannot be questioned, when for them I profess much respect, and a sincere regard. Uncandid men have said. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 109 and many have been deceived into the belief, that this Country became annexed to the United States under the most favorable auspices, and that therefore every dis satisfaction manifested by the people, may be attributed to the feebleness or Avickedness of the local administra tion. To what degree of credit this statement is entitled you Gentlemen will know. But let the stranger be told, that at the period of the Cession, the aspect of affairs in Louisiana was not such as to Justify an expectation on the part of those intrusted with the Government, that their administration would for sometime, be otherAvise than painful and perplexing. In a Territory whose Citizens are for the most part either natives, or descendants of natives of France and Spain, who had long cherished a fond remembrance of the Country of their forefathers; — In a Territory that had been controuled by the Will of Arbitrary Chiefs, for near a Century, and Harassed by frequent change of Al legiance; — where past favors, had made those impres sions, which like causes every where produce, the man indeed must be little acquainted with human nature who had supposed that in a Territory thus situated, the prin ciples of the American Government could have been in troduced without difficulty, or that the Public function aries could have discharged their duties in Such a way, as to have conciliated the good opinion of all. That the people have experienced inconvenience must be admitted, but it was inseperable from the change of dominion. Dur ing the first provisional Government, probably some er rors may have been committed, and these have too often been exaggerated, by the malevolent and designing. On this Subject, however, I feel no uneasiness as the errors of a good intention will readily be excused by a generous people; — but in relation to the calumnies to which I have been subjected, and their authors, I look doAvn up on them with contempt, from that eminence on which 110 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. conscious rectitude has placed me. I beUeve I may con fidently assert, that the provisional administration in Louisiana was commenced and conducted with consist ency, as to the principles by which its acts were gov erned; a principle of mild and concUiatory justice, re solved on at an early period, as the best poUcy that could be pursued, in a District, where the harmony of the Cit izens was secured but by slender ties, and where it was the daily labour of some to rend those ties Asunder. Armed as that administration was Avith extensive power, it was perhaps difficult, to avoid the Character of Tyr anny, without being exposed to charges of defect on the other extreme. Superficial observers, and perverted minds are often unable to view the arm as otherAvise than feeble, which then cloathed Avith power refuses to exert it. But the principle was fixed, and if occasions did occur that might have justified a departure from it, I nevertheless look back Avith pleasure to the forbear- ence that was so happily perservered in, and I feel proud in the reflection, that no unworthy spirit of resentment was at any time manifested by the Government or its friends. But whatever upon the whole may have been the defects of that administration, this much at least we find to be a fact, that the Country has Suffered no mate rial injury from them ; that through the favour of Heaven and the amiable disposition of the people in general, good order was preserved, private and public rights se cured, and the Territory advanced in Agriculture, Com merce, Population and real Wealth. Fellow Citizens of the Legislative Council! I now come to the period: at which your labours commenced, and permit me to assure you of my great admiration of the judgment you have manifested in Selecting proper objects of Legislation. Your code of criminal Law, ex hibiting a system at the same time mild and energetic, the judicious innovations which you have occasionally LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. Ill made in the municipal, arrangements of the Country; the- wise Acts you have passed for the convenience encour agement, and protection of Commerce, as well for the internal improvement of the Territory; and above all, the laudable provision you have made for the introduc tion of Science and Literature, and for the education of the rising generation, will remain lasting testimonials of your abilities, discretion and real Patriotism. With re spect to the Laws for the organization of the MiUtia, I have great confidence in their success; but a sufficient time, has not elapsed to give the operation of them a fair Trial. Within a period so limited as that of your sessions, and with such a diversity of duties before you, more could not have been expected, and it is a subject of congratulation that so much has been done, and done so well. Another important change in the nature of our Government now awaits us. The Congress of the United States, ever just to their engagements, and faith ful to the Interests of all within their protection, have assigned the period at which Louisiana is to become one of the Sovereign and Independent States of the Ameri can Union. In the meantime the right of self Govern ment is extended to this district under the like restric tions which have been laid on our fellow Citizens, in the other Territories of the United States. This species of Temporary Government has been found commensurate to the protection of Society, and the advancement of the general weal, and is certainly well calculated for the gradual introduction of those representative principles, on which the future Constitution of the State (when erected) must necessarily be predicated. But possibly there may be many, whom this new form of Government AviU faU to satisfy. It would indeed be a presumption unwarranted by experience, to calculate on universal ap probation of any measure. The Best of Men may occa sionally differ in poUtical sentiments, and the investiga- 112 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. tion of their opinions leads to truth, and may be consid ered one of the salutary incidents of PoUtical freedom. But unfortunately society is sometimes infested with members who argue not to enUghten, but to mislead their fellow Citizens, and who from motives of disingenuous a,mbition, or from malice, labor incessantly to raise themselves on the ruin of others. That there have been and still are a few Individuals, among us of that descrip tion, is I fear too true. Under their Patronage, Cal umny may recommence its efforts — It may distort the most innocent actions, and pervert error into crime ; — It may enter the threshold of domestic life, harrow up pri vate feelings, and produce private distress : But the Dis trust of the discerning, and the contempt of the good, Avill Sooner or later drive the authors into obscurity. Fellow Citizens of the Legislative CouncU! After the Political change, on the eve of which we now are, there remains but one more which this Terri tory is destined to experience, and that is its complete incorporation into the American Union. We have heard Idle reports of various kinds, respecting Territorial Divisions, and patrial, and sometimes total retrocessions to foreign Powers, but these seem to me, to be the fanci ful Chimera's of unreflecting minds. My firm belief is, that the Mississippi wUl cease to flow, e 'er she ceases to behold Louisiana attached to the Empire of American Freedom. A disposition to encroach on the Territories of others, is foreign to the nature of our Government; but the perfect preservation of her own, is one of its vital Principles. Just to the rights of others, the Amer ican Nation Avill preserve their oivn inviolate, or perish Avith them. Fellow Citizens of the Council ! I fear the range I have taken has been too extensive, and that I trespass upon your polite attention. Your LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 113 duties are closed. I declare your Session prorogued Sine-die. You Avill retain my affectionate remembrance, and my best Avishes accompany you. William C.~C. Claiborne New Orleans Jury 3rd 1805 Daniel Carmich to Gov. Claiborne. His Excellency Governor Claiborne Sir, As you may probably consider my long stay in Pen sacola somewhat singular, I must inform you that I de livered your dispatches to Governor Folch on the 2nd June, and waited on him the 4th and requested him t6 Dispatch me as soon as possible, as I was very anxious to return to New Orleans, in a vessel that was to sail in two days. He told me that the Vessel should not sail without me, at the expiration of two days he told me that as there was a Brig in the offing which he suspected was an Enemy's, he could not permit any Vessel to sail. She proved to be a Brig from New Orleans that he had been expecting some time, and which he intended to fit out as a Privateer. I called on him again when he told me he was very sorry but that no Vessel could sail for one of two days, I afterwards learnt from "a Spanish Officer, that the Port was not to be opened until the Privateer Brig was fitted for sea, which induced me to apply to the Governor for a passport to MobUe, when he informed me that there was likewise an Embargo there (which I have since Learnt was not the case) that he could not grant the passport ; about eight days afterwards he gave me his dispatches, and told me I might go to MobUe, the III— 9 114 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. day foUoAving it was knoAvn that the Port was opened, but that the Governor would not sign their passport un til the Avind was fair, after waiting some days when I found there was no certainty when he would sign their Passport, and as the wind probably might come fair whUse he was asleep, and before His ExceUency could be awakened might veer about, I took my departure for Mobile by Land, and got there on the 30th of June. I am Sorry to Inform your ExceUency, that when I had descended the River Mobile, I discovered that my Pockett Book which contained Governor Folch 's dis patches was missing, and have every reason to beUeve I was robbed of it on the Wharf at Mobile. It was not in my power to return, and I proceeded as far as the pass of Christiana where I met a Vessel Bound to MobUe, by which I sent to Governor Folch informing him of the ac cident, and requesting him that duplicates of his dis patches might be forwarded as soon as possible, conceiv ing that it would be the most expeditious way of obtain ing them, as I had met Avith so much delay myself. I have the Honour to be Sir Your most obdt. SeAd. New Orleans (Signed) Daniel Carmick July 4th 1805 To James Madison. New Orleans July 5th 1805 Sir, In a former Letter, I advised you of the Departure of Captain Carmick for Pensacola, Avith a Communication from me to Governor Folch upon the subject of the Post Route through West Florida. Captain Carmick was de tained much longer than was expected, and has returned LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 115 without Governor Folchs answer. A Copy of Captain Carmicks Letter to me, the occasion is hereAvith en closed ; he was detained at Pensacola by the Spanish au thorities, and I am inclined to think, that to their jeal ousy and suspicion may be attributed the loss of the Dis patches, with which the Captain was charged. I learn however that Governor Folch had no objection to the Post Route, and that his protection would be afforded the Post Riders. I fear it AviU be some time before the new Route will become Safe and expeditious. The Rider a Mr. Abrahams has been once here, and he represents the Road from thence to Fort Stoddart, as being diffi cult, and often interrupted by high Waters. I am Sir very respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C.~ Claiborne Jas. Madison Secty. of State. To James Madison. New Orleans July 6th 1805 Sir, On the third Instant the Legislative Council was prorogued, sine die, and I have the Honor to enclose for your perusal a copy of a Short address which I made on the occasion. Perhaps you avUI perceive on my part a greater share of feeling than ought to have been mani fested, but the late state of party here was such that I could not well have omitted noticing it, and I am per suaded that the allusions made to the effects of Calumni ators may have a good effect ; not on them, for they are callous to every virtuous impulse: but Avith the people whom I trust Avill not for the future be as easily imposed upon by pretended Patriots. Finding that reports still 116 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. existed relative to the retrocession of Louisiana to Spain, and that Such reports tended to lessen the confi dence and affections of the Citizens for the American Government, I thought it proper to express the senti ments contained in the latter .part of the address and I flatter myself you wiU not suppose that I said too much on the subject. I have the Honor to be Sir very respectfuUy Your Hble. St. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne James Madison Secty. of State To Thomas Jefferson. New Orleans July 6th 1805 Dear Sir, I have this day received from on Board a Barge sev eral Trunks and Boxes directed to you, one Cage Avith four Birds, and a small living animal somewhat resem bling our common Grey Squirrel. They were sent by Captain LcAvis" to Mr. Chanteau of St. Louis, and by him transmitted to me. Finding that some of the Trunks and Boxes contained Peltry of various kinds, I had the same opened. The Skins had been wet and were a Ut tle injured, but by being carefully dryed in the sun, cleansed and put up in Barrells, I am adAdsed that they may be preserved. I received no particular Memoran dum of the contents of the Boxes, but I find that many of the skins are numbered, and of course I conclude, that Mr. LeAvis's communications relating thereto has been forwarded to you, from St. Louis. The little Animal seems to be sick & I fear Avill not 1 * Collections made by the Lewis and Clark expedition for the Presi dent. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 117 live. The Birds are well, and have exceUent appetities ; — I shaU be very careful of them, and propose forward ing the whole to Baltimore by the Ship Comet that AviU probably saU for that Port in fifteen days. I am D. Sir Avith great respect Your faithful friend Thos. Jefferson (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne President of the United States To Dr. John Sibley. g.^ New Orleans July 8th 1805 The Northern Mail has this moment arrived, and brought me a Packet from the President of the United States. In it was enclosed a Dispatch for you which is now forwarded; The Packet directed to me, came in a disordered state, the Letters were wet, and some of them scarcely legible. I have the Honor to enclose for your perusal a Copy of a short address — ^which I made on proroguing the Leg islative Council. I have nothing new to communicate; The Legislature did very Little Business; perhaps I shall pay you a visit in the Month of August. Captain Turner has been ill but is now on the recovery. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obdt. Sevt. Doctor John Sibley (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Natchitoches To Mr. St. Amand. g- J. New Orleans July 9th 1805 The Law of the Territory, haAdng vested in the Judge of German Coast County, certain duties formerly de- volAdng upon you, as Commandant, and Mr. A. Trouard 118 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. having been appointed the Judge, you avUI be pleased to deliver to that Gentleman aU the Records and Docu ments belonging to your late Office. I am Sir very RespectfuUy Your obdt. Sevt. (Signed) WUliam C. C. Claiborne Mr. St. Amand late Commandant Second German Coast To Manuel Andry. New Orleans July 9th 1805 Sir, I am sorry that you have declined the Acceptance of the appointments which were offered to you. From your former good conduct I was SoUcitous to avaU the public of a continuance of your services, and I therefore transmitted to you Commissions which I would alone confide to Men of Integrity, Talents and Patriotism. Accept assurances of my great Respect (Signed) William C. C. Claiborne Manuel Andry Esq. late Commandant Second German Coast To the Judge of German Coast County New Orleans July 9th 1805 Sir, I have this moment received your Letter of the 7th instant. You certainly had power to compel a delivery of the Records, but your forbearance was wise, and I accord with you in opinion that the Constituted Author- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 119 ities should act Avith mildness, and use every Honorable expedient to attach the affections and confidence of the People to the new order of things. You avUI be good enough to present the enclosed Letters to Messrs. Andry and St. Amand; and I am persuaded they will immedi ately deliver to you the Records and Papers appertain ing to their late Offices. Accept assurances of my great respect & Considera tion The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne The Judge of German Coast County To the Marquis of Casa Calvo. New Orleans July 11th 1805 Sir, The President of the United States contemplates sending a Mission up the Red River Avith instructions to proceed to the sources thereof, and he proposes to con fide the Same to the more immediate direction of the Honorable William Dunbar" of the Mississippi Terri tory; A gentleman whose Life has been devoted to Science. With a view to the safety of the Citizens who may be engaged in this undertaking and to prevent their receiving distructions from any subjects of his Catholic Majesty Avith whom they may meet, I solicit of your Ex cellency a Passport for Mr. Dunbar, and his Party. I persuade myself that this request Avill readily be acceeded to when I assure your Excellency that the object of this Mission is merely geographical and scientific, having in Adew nothing unfriendly to Spain, and for your entire satisfaction on that point, if you should think proper to send one or two persons to Avitness the proceeding, they 'For biographical data see Encyclopedia of Mississippi History, Vol I, i>. 663. 120 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. Avill be received into the party and subsisted at the ex pense of the United States. I take this occasion to renew to your ExceUency as surances of my great respect and Sincere Esteem! (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne His Excellency The Marquis of Casa Calvo To James Madison New Orleans July 12th 1805 Sir, I enclose for your perusal, a Copy of a Letter which I this day received from the Reverend Mr. Walsh, together Avith my answer thereto. You avUI perceive that the Schism of the Church is not likely to be adjusted ; I con sider it a contest of an extreme delicate nature, and one in which I shall very reluctantly take part. But I sus pect that the Marquis of Casa Calvo is the foreign Agent alluded to by Mr. Walsh, and if I should be furnished with CAddence of his interference, I shall hasten to inform him, that his conduct is viewed as indeUcate and improp er. The Monk who heads the opposition to Mr. Walsh, is a Spaniard and devoted to the Spanish Government, there can be little doubt but the Monks from Havanna will come here vidth the like foreign attachments, but I cannot see how their residence among us can be pre vented. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Hble. Sevt. The Honble. (Signed) WiUiam C. C. Claiborne Jas. Madison Secty. of State LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 121 To Gov. Claiborne from Rev. Patrick Walsh. New Orleans July 11th 1805 To His Excellency Governor Claiborne Sir, Your Excellency is no stranger to the unfortunate Schism that has recently taken place in this City, nor to the interruption of public tranquUity that has resulted therefrom, all proceeding from the Ambition of a refrac tory Monk, supported in his Apostacy by the fanaticism of a misguided populace, and by the countenance of an Individual, whose interference may fairly be attributed less to zeal, for the religion he would be thought to serve, than to the indulgence of private passions, and the pro motion of Adews equally dangerous to religion and to CiAdl order. Your Excellency in common with every im partial observer, of the late occurrences, Avill do me the justice to OAvn that I have done all in my power by the most conciliatory and charitable means to allay the fer ment so unexpectedly and so undeservedly raised against the Authority with which I am vested. Whoever candid ly examines my conduct, both on this, and on former oc casions, during the space of Fourteen years that I have governed (from time to time) the church of Louisiana Avithout any exception, having been made to my conduct, either in my Public or private capacity, will acquit me of any Ambitious or selfish views, as nothing but zeal for the Welfare of the Church, committed to my charge. Could Support me against the disgust, naturaUy excited by the ingratitude I have experienced, and the difficulties I have had to encounter, I cannot without being essential ly wanting to my duty both as an Ecclesiastic, and as a faithful Citizen omit acquainting your Excellency Avith a circumstance, that seems pregnant Avith danger to pub lic tranquility. I have been assured that two IndiAdduals 122 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. whom I can name (instigated by a certain foreign Agent^ (whom I also can name) have gone to the Havanna Avith the express intent of procuring a re-inforcement of Monks, to Support Father Antoine de SedeUa in his schis matic and Rebellious conduct. I also understand that the arrival of this Re-inforcement here is daUy expected. In giving your Excellency this information, I acquit myself of what I consider an incumbent duty: With respect to the expediency of permitting or prohibiting their intro duction, I Avill not presume to offer any opinion: from what one has already done. Your Excellency AviU be en abled to Judge what many others of the Same Stamp are likely to do. I have the Honor to be Avith due Respect and Sincere Regard Your Excellency's M obdt. Hb. St. His Excellency (Signed) Patrick Walsh Governor Claiborne Vicar General To Rev. Patrick Walsh. ^. NeAV Orleans July 12th 1805 teir, I am Honored Avith your Letter of yesterday. The Schism in the Church is to me a subject of regret; it tends to disturb that Social intercourse which sweetens Ufe, and to lessen the respect of the Citizens for the Min isters of the Gospel ; — A respect which I consider essen tial to the good of the church. For if those who profess to be the followers of the meek and Humble Jesus, in stead of Preaching Brotherly love and good AviU to man, and enforcing their precepts by example, should labour to excite dissension and distrust in a community, there is indeed ground to fear that the Church itself may cease ' The Marquis of Casa Calvo took an active part in behalf of the Spanish priest who resisted the authority of Vicar. The sentiment of the people of the Mississippi Valley against Spain was very pronounced at this time. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 331 To James Madison. N 0 June 15. 1806 I have this moment held a conversation with a Gen tleman of respectability from the County of Opalousas. He represents that a considerable emigration is about to take place from that County to the Spanish settle ment on the river Trinity, where great encouragement is given to Settlers. The Gentleman adds that the ancient inhabitants of Opalousas are much dissatisfied Arith our Judicial Sys tem ; that the trial by Jury is not approved, and that the LaAvyers are execrated ! It is not in my power to remove the cause of this dissatisfaction. I never admired the system of County Courts. The old plan of Command ants was, in my opinion, best suited to the present state of the Territory; but the legislative Council preferred the immediate introduction of a Judiciary on american principles — and I reluctantly acquesced in the measure. I earnestly recommended to the late legislature a re vision of the system; it was admitted by all to be de fective; but the members differed so much as to the means of improring it, that finally they adjourned, and left the subject untouched. The conduct of the Lawyers in the interior Counties is a source of great discontent. They are said to be ex travagant in their charges ; to encourage litigation ; and to speculate on the distresses of their clients. I fear there is too much truth in this statement ; but it is not in my power to apply a corrective. The people here will for some years experience griev ances. They grow out of the nature of things, and time alone will furnish a remedy. Among the Emigrants to this Territory there is a description of people which I consider the greatest pests than (that) can afflict any honest society. They are those avaricious Speculators who go about Arith a little 332 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL AECHIVES. ready Cash to seek whom they may devour. Some of these hungry Parasites have, I am told fattened on the labors of these ancient Louisianians who have and are about to emigrate to the Trinity. It is probable that many persons who also emigrate to the Trinity from the Counties of Nachetoches and Rapids." They are dissat isfied with our Court System; fear Taxation; and are made to believe by Spanish Partizans that their fortunes will be benefitted by^ a removal. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne N 0. June 16. 1806. William C. C. Claiborne, Governor of the Territory of Orleans. To the Sheriff of the County of Orleans, and others whom it may concern. Greeting : Whereas Jean Louis Chesnaugh a free black man was tried and conricted before the honorable the Court of the County of Orleans of the crime of Larceny, and was thereupon sentenced, as by the Records of the said Court will more fully appear, to receive tAventy stripes: And whereas it is represented to me that the said Jean Louis Chesnaugh is an object of mercy : I do here by pardon the offence aforesaid, and remit the punish ment to which the said Chesnaugh has been sentenced, and do order him to be discharged. Given under my hand and the seal of the Territory at New Orleans this 16. day of June 1806 and 30. year of the Independence of the U. S. [L. S] Signed W. C. C. Claiborne ' The loss of citizens going over the line into Spanish possessions was not very great. LETTEE BOOKS OF AV. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 333 To Thomas Jefferson (Private) N 0 June 17. 1806 The legislature having adjourned, I feel my mind re lieved from much of that anxiety I lately experienced." I nevertheless am abundantly occupied in my office, and am for the present confined to the City. So soon hoAV- ever as I shall cause the Laws passed by the legislature to be printed and distributed, it is my intention to visit the several Counties on and adjacent to the Mississippi, with a riew of benefitting my health, and to aid in com pleting the organization of the militia, and promoting among the Citizens a military spirit. There are indeed many obstacles to rendering the militia of this Territory an efficient Force; but the object is so desirable that I shall spare no pains to effect it ; nor will I permit myself to be discouraged by any difficulties. I sincerely regret that the Legislature should have risen Arithout amending the present Judiciary system of this Territory ; it was recommended by me to their atten tion and the propriety of a reform was suggested; the system was esteemed exceptionable by all parties; but such a difference in opinion existed as to the means of improvement, that nothing was finally done. This sys tem establishes County Courts; provides for their fre quent session ; and allows liberal fees to LaAvyers, and to the officers of the Court. The system is generally repro bated, and is really the source of much discontent. The trial by Jury; the poAvers of the Court; and the fre quency of their Sessions, are all objected to : But the con duct of the Lawyers particularly in the interior counties, has occasioned great dissatisfaction, and has served to aUenate the affections of the Louisianians from the Gov ernment. These men are said to encourage litigation; to extort from their clients heaA^ fees ; and when the judg- * The relations between the Governor and the legislature became more harmonious toward the close of the session. 334 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. ment of the Court and costs of suit come to be paid, they the LaAvyers are not unfrequently the only monied men who attend the Sheriff's sales, at least such is the in formation which it brought me from Opalousas and other Counties. We have among us another description of people who by their conduct, contribute to disturb the harmony of this Society. They are avowed Speculators who profit by the distresses of individuals, and enrich themselves by engrossing, on the loAvest terms, the property of the ancient Louisianians; and yet these same Speculators contrive to render themselves popular by abusing the Government and its officers; and in this Avay they pass for Patriots — and the innocent unsuspecting Louisian ians are nuturing in their bosoms. Vultures Asho would not willingly leave them the path which leads to the Grave of their ancestors. During the visit I purpose making in the Country I AriU endeavor to find out the various sources of discon tent among the good Citizens of this Territory, and as far as is in my power, they shall be remedied." In the mean time I pray you to be assured that the most perfect good order prevails, and that the laws are in complete operation. Designing and uncandid men Avho risit the United States, and others who may correspond A\dth per sons near you, may probably represent the state of things here in colours infinitely worse than they really are ; and I am well aware that these men would Avish to attach much blame to the Executive authority ! -but believe me Sir that these suggestions are for the most part made by those who view me as being in the Avay of their pro motion. These people (the Louisianians) have experi enced inconveniences Avhich Avere indeed inseparable from ' This idea of going directly to the people to judge public opinion was the best evidence of Claiborne's democratic spirit, it was uncom mon among territorial governors vested with his powers. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 335 the change of Government. Some of their inconven iences are only imaginary; but unfortunatly, all their grievances either real or supposed it is no difficult task to make them believe, are alone attributable to the Gov ernor. I cannot but express to you the high satisfaction I feel at the conduct of Judge Sprigg and Judge Mathews. They keep aloof from the political disputes, and partake in none of the intrigues for which this City is so famed. They cannot fail to be respected, and AriU preserve the purity and dignity of the American Judiciary. * There are doubtless some exceptions ; I know some Gentlemen that practise in the County Courts, whom I am sure, deserve not this Character. W. C. C. C. * * I do not consider as Speculators those enter prising Men who have made Money by their Industry, and who Arish by honest and fair purchases of real prop erty to encrease their fortunes. W. C. C. C. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne Circular to Sheriffs N 0. June 18. 1806 It has been reported to me, that, at the sales of prop erty taken under Execution, the Sheriffs are themselves not unfrequently the Purchasers. Speculations of this kind are by me considered as im proper, and I esteem it a duty to discourage them. I take this occasion therefore to apprise you, that if hereafter any Sheriff shall, either by himself or an agent, be the purchaser of any property sold under an Execu tion directed to such Sheriff, I shaU consider his conduct as highly exceptionable. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne 336 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES.N 0. June 20. 1806 The Sheriff of the County of Point Coupee. Inclosed is a Writ of Election, which you will cause to be executed in conformity to the Law entitled "An Act prescribing the formalities to be observed in the election of the Representatives of the Territory of Orleans : ' ' and of which act you are herewith furnished vrith a Copy. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne By WUUam C. C. Claiborne, Govr. of the Ty. of Or leans : To the Sheriff of the County of Point Coupee ; and all others concerned: Whereas S. Croizet has resigned his seat as a Member of the House of Representatives of this Territory, for the County of Point Coupee I have thought proper to issue this my Proclamation, hereby requiring that an Election be holden on the third Monday in July next, and the two foUoAving days, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the said S. Croizet : The Sheriff of Point Coupee, Arith two such Justices of the Peace as may be named by the Judge of the County of Point Coupee Commissioners for the purpose, avUI conduct the Election, and cause is to be holden in con formity to the prorisions of the Act entitled "An Act prescribing the formalities to be used in the election of the Representatives of the Territory of Orleans. ' ' Given under my hand and the Seal of the Territory at New Orleans this 20. day of June 1806, and 30th year of the Independence of the United States. [L. S.J Signed W. C. C. Claiborne LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 337 N 0 June 20. 1806. The Sheriff of the County of Opalousas : Inclosed is a Writ of Election which you will cause to be executed in conformity to the Law entitled "An Act prescribing the formalities to be observed in the Election of the Representatives of the Territory of Orleans:" and of which Act you are herewith furnished vrith a copy. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne By W. C. C. Claiborne, Governor of the Territory of Orleans : A Proclamation : To the Sheriff of the County of Opalousas; and all others concerned : Whereas Louis Fountaineau has resigned his Seat as a member of the House of Representatives of this Terri tory, for the County of Opalousas : I have thought proper to issue this my Proclamation, hereby requiring that an Election be holden on the 3d Monday in July next and the two following days, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of of the said Louis Fontaineau : The Sheriff of the County of Opalousas, with two such Justices of the Peace as may be named by the Judge of the County of Opalousas Commissioners for the purpose, AriU conduct the election, and cause it to be holden in con formity to the provision of the Act entitled ' ' An Act pre scribing the formalities to be observed in the Election of the Representatives of the Territory of Orleans." Given under my hand and the seal of the Territory at New Orleans this 20. day of June 1806 and 30th year of the Independence of the U. S. [L. S.J Signed W. C. C. Claiborne m — 23 338 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. To F. Duplessiss N 0 June 19. 1806. I am desired by the Governor of the Territory of Or leans to inform you that he accepts your resignation as Treasurer of the County of Orleans; he thanks you for your faithful serrices - and appoints John Chabaud your Successor, to whom you vrill be pleased to deUver the papers and Accounts belonging to the Office. Signed R. Claiborne Secy, to the Governor Sheriff of Orleans Coimty. ^ ^ ^l. June 1806 You AriU be pleased to report to me, in Avriting, the names of the Persons now in confinement in this City under a Judgment rendered either by the Superior or County Court. You vriU state the offence of which each person was conricted, and the punishment to which he was sentenced. You vriU be pleased to make me your Re port without delay. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Henry Dearborn N 0. June 21. 1806. I inclose for your perusal several General Orders which have been issued since the receipt of your letters of the 26. of April, and the 6. of May. By these you vrill perceive that I am not inattentive to the militia service; and I pray you to be assured that every effort in my poAver shall be made to infuse among the Citizens of this Territory, a martial spirit. I cannot however but acknoAvledge that I encounter many difficul ties in organizing the Militia, and that Time and great ex ertions Avill be required to render it an efficient Force. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 339 To Thomas Jefferson Private N. 0. June 21. 1806. My friend Mr. Riebelt who returns to the United States under an apprehension that he has met Arith some heaA^ domestic misfortune, can give you much interest ing information as to the state of things in this quarter. The Troops ordered to this Territory ; vrith the aid of the Militia, are, in my opinion, amply sufficient to repel any force which our Spanish neighbours could, at pres ent, assemble ; and in any event, I pray you to entertain no fears as to the safety of New Orleans and its depend encies. With respect to the Militia of the Territory, I cannot count vrith certainty on their entire and active co-opera tion. I however doubt not but that many would prove faithful to the American Standard. No man could have laboured more ardently than myself to support in this quarter the interest and the honor of my Country and to attach the Louisianians to the American Government. But in these efforts I have met Arith much opposition and from a quarter where it was not expected. If there be any serious disaffection to the American Government in this Territory, it may, in a great measure, be attributed to the Intrigues of a few designing, discontented, restless men, whose native language is English." The views of these men I have uniformly opposed ; and of course I am honored Arith their hatred, of this number is Mr. Daniel Clark who will, most unquestionably say much and do much with a view to my injury on his arrival at the seat of Government: but vrith respect to Mr. Clark's state ments, or those of his Partizans, all I ask is, that before they are believed, I may have an opportunity of explain ing and justifying my conduct. ' Claiborne's idea that his troubles were due to his enemies among his own countrymen was not unfounded. 340 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. I hope my dear Sir, you will pardon the solicitude I manuf est on this occasion. Within tliis Territory ; within the very City where I reside, misrepresentations of my official acts the most cruel have been made — and means the most dishonorable have been resorted to vrith a riew of injuring my political reputation! I cannot therefore but suspect that my Enemies AriU be most unjust towards me when they may be at the Seat of Government. The Territory is tranquil, and the great Body of the people take no interest whatever in our political affairs. The Laws are enforced and the most perfect good Order is preserved. On the return of Mr. Graham, I pray your permission to risit the U. S., unless you should suppose that my pres ence here; or in the Floridas, might be useful to my Country. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne ; To Secretary Graham N 0 June 22. 1806. I sincerely hope you have reached Virginia in safety, and that you may be enabled speedily to return to this Territory. I had much difficulty with the Legislature. The re jection of their Bills occasioned dissatisfaction, and the majority in the two Houses were urged by the Intriguers to publish a manuscript, in which the Executive was de nounced to the people. This measure is attributable, by some, to the influence of Mr. Daniel Clark — avIio has late ly said in a public company, that he should arriA'e at the Seat of Government in September, and that there would be another Governor of this Territory in November." So ' The election of Clark, who was the political enemy of Claiborne, greatly disturbed the Governor. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 341 it seems he calculates that in one month after his arrival, he vrill be enabled to manage the Executive of the United States. I can assure you Sir, that every thing is tranquil in this quarter, and that the most perfect good Order pre vails. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Thomas Jefferson Private N 0 June 22. 1806. I am honored vrith the rect. of your interesting Letter of the 27. of AprU. The arrangement of our Militia which was recom mended to Congress, was well calculated for the defence of our Country, and it is regretted by me that the sys tem was not approved. The proposition which was submitted to Congress, with a riew to the immediate settlement of a part of this Territory by American Citizens on the Condition that they should, in the event of war serve in our armies, was received here Arith great approbation. It's adoption would have attended vrith many happy consequences. - besides adding to the safety of the Territory, it would have increased the American population ; have facilitated the introduction of the American Government, Laws and Language; increased the value of the adjoining vacant Land - and therefore have liberally compensated the United States for the Donations bestowed on settlers. Indeed I view this proposition as one founded on such good policy, that I hope sincerely it may (be) renewed at the next Session of Congress - and I anxiously anticipate its adoption. The force destined for this Territory, Arith the aid of the Militia, is for the present sufficient for its protection. 342 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL AECHIVES. I have given my opinion to the Secretary at War, as to the best mode of disposing of the Troops ordered on this Station, and I shaU take care to have my MUitia so ar ranged as to give immediate aid, if the occasion should require their serrices. On the Mobile, and towards Pensacola, the Spanish Agents continue to manifest an unfriendly disposition. From the side of Nacogdoches, every thing was quiet at the date of my last dispatches. My oAvn impression is, that they are Arithdravring their Forces from the western Provinces, to the Sea Board Arith a fiew of repelling Mi randa, and putting doAvn a spirit of insurrection among the people. We have here no correct information of the progress of Miranda; it is however very certain that a spirit of disaffection exists in many of the Spanish proAdnces, and that of late there have been several partial insurrections. The Spanish government is very weak towards Mexico. Their regular troops are few in number, and so enfeebled by a continued inactirity for many years, that it is sus pected they would make but little opposition to an active an bold Invader. I have been surprised that England has not made an atack in that Quarter. It presents to her an easy Conquest, and I should suppose one too which would prove highly injurious to her Enemies. But perhaps England countenances Miranda, and AriU give him effec tual aid. The exploring party under the direction of Mr. Free man was not long since on the eve of departing from Nachetoches. I hope they meet Arith no interruption in ascending the Red River. I feel much anxiety for the safety of Captain LeAris ; and anticipate Arith pleasure his happy return to his Country and to his friends. If Sir you have any certain news of the progress of that enterprizing and valuable LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 343 young man, will you be good enought to communicate it tome? Mr. Deplantier is sincerely the friend of General La Fayette, and will unquestionably.be attentive to his in terest. The late Act of Congress is favorable to the Gen eral. I hope now there will be no difficulty in locating the vacant land on the Canal Carondelet, Mr. Deplantier is at present absent from the City, I however avUI write him, and suggest the propriety of his acting without de lay under the late law. Two Gunboats have arrived from Kentucky, at this Port. They are built of strong materials, and seem well adapted for the Lakes and for the serrice for which they are intended. I have heretofore apprised you of my intention to risit in the course of the Summer several Counties on the Mississippi; and if circumstances will permit, perhaps I may venture as far as Nachetoches. I shall set out on my excursion early in the ensuing month and in the course of my journey I propose to write you frequently and to give you an accurate account of the Country and of the disposition and sentiments of the people. Mr. Riebelt of whom you speak so favorable has pass ed some time in New Orleans. I find him an interesting acquaintance. He unites to much information firm prin ciples of Republicanism. He however is under strong apprehensions of haring experienced some domestic ca lamity, and takes his passage on tomorrow in a ship for Baltimore. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Isaac Camp N 0 24. June 1806. Having understood that you retired from Point Cou pee Arithout giving the Security required by Law, I have 344 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL AECHIVES. deemed it proper to confer the Office of Sheriff of that County on another Citizen. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To the Mayor of Orleans N 0 June 24. 1806. On Sunday last a Comedy was performed at the The atre which has wounded the feelings of the Ladies of the Ursuline Convent.^ This Piece is calculated to bring their Order into disrepute, and to hold them up to the derision of the People, at least such is the impression of the ladies. During the last year the Ladies of the Convent com municated to me their wish that the performance of this Comedy should be discouraged. I addressed a letter to the late Mayor on the subject, and I had hoped that the same cause of offence would not again occur : but in this , hope I have been disappointed — and I must now request your influence and authority to prevent another repre sentation of a Piece which gives afffiction to a Community whose Sex, amiable characters an correct deportment cannot fail to interest in their favor the good and rirtu ous. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne N. 0. June 24. 1806. To the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent Holy Sister, I am honored with the receipt of your letter, under date of the 24th Instant. The Representations at the Theatre of which you complain, are to me sources of regret, and I beg you to be ' Claiborne had been the friend and protector of the good sisters, and they thought he could control the theatre. LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 345 assured, that all my influence will a second time be used vrith the Mayor of this City (to whom more properly be longs the duty of checking abuses of the Stage) to pre vent a repetition of those exceptionable pieces. I am sorry that these Representations should have given affliction to the Community over which you pre side ; they may have amused the thoughtless ; but cannot I am sure, be approved by the reflecting part of society. The sacred objects of your order, the amiable charac ters which compose it and the usefulness of their tempor al cares, cannot fail to command the esteem and confi dence of the good rirtuous. I pray you holy Sister, to receive the assurances of my great respect, and sincere friendship. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To James Madison N. 0. June 25. 1806. Sir, A few days since, an inhabitant of this Territory, a Spaniard by birth, was arraigned at the Bar of the Su perior Court on a charge of murder ; and upon trial was acquitted. This event is only worthy of notice in conse quence of a question which arose in the course of the trial and the decision made thereon. The Counsel for the prisoner demanded, in conformity to the principles of the Common Law, a Jury composed in part of his country men. It was conceded that the Prisoner to was an inhab itant of Louisiana at the period of the Cession to the U. S. and was still an inhabitant thereof, but in as much as he had not taken the oath of allegiance to the U. S., he was in fact an alien, and a subject of the King of Spain. I am happy however to inform you that the demand was not acceded to by the Court; and altho' the Judges 346 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. did not give in detail their reasons for rejecting the claim of the Prisoner, yet it was understood to be the opinion of the Court, that all persons who resided here at the per iod of the Cession and did not withdraw from the Prov ince Arith the Spanish or French authorities, could not otherwise be considered that Citizens of the U. S. I rejoice at this decision since it has removed from my mind a cause of some inquietude. Certain American Lawyers who are settled here, have doubted whether the people could be considered as American Citizens until they had taken the oath of allegiance to the U. S., or could be conricted of Treason should they enter the Armies of a Power at war with the U. S. I have always thought this opinion erronious. It seemed to me that the Alle giance of the Inhabitants of the ceded Territory to Spain and France haring ceased, it (the aUegiance) must of necessity attach to the Power that protected them ; & I never considered the administering the oath as a neces sary measure. But since LaAvyers of some eminence pro fessed to entertain a contrary doctrine, I am happy to find my opinion supported by a decision of the Superior Court. I have the honor to be. Sir, Very respectfully your obdt. Servt. Signed William C. C. Claiborne To James Madison N. O. June 26th 1806. Sir, I was informed on yesterday that an office for the sale of Lands in East and West Florida, was noAV open at Pensacola, under the direction of Mr. Moralis. It is un derstood, that the Titles for Land heretofore sold by LETTER BOOKS OF W, C. C. CLAIBORNE. 347 Moralis, will now be completed, and it is probable, the remaining vacant Land, will in a short time be taken up. Several Gentlemen of this City, will in a few days either go in person or send their agents to Pensacola; I give you this information, under an impression, that pending the negotiation Arith Spain, it may be useful to the execu tive to know, that if the Titles of Mr. Moralis are recog nised, the U. States, should they purchase the Floridas, vrill probably not acquire one acre of vacant Land, which is fit for cultivation. I have the honor to be Sir, Very respectfuUy your mo: Obt. Servt. Signed William C. C. Claiborne To Henry Dearborn N. 0. AprU 4th 1806. Sir I have this day drawn upon you in favour of Richard Claiborne an order for 48 Dollars payable at five days sight; this sum has been paid by me, for two uniform Coats which I presented to two Chiefs of a friendly Tribe of Indians caUed the Hamos; they reside on the waters of the Mississippi in the County of Acadia vrithin this Territory, and have been in the habit of^gcriring small presents from Governors. The account & vouchers are inclosed. I am, Sir, With great respect your mo: hble. Servt. Signed — William C. C. Claiborne 348 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To Henry Dearborn N. 0. June 26th 1806. ^Sir, I have nothing new to communicate ; It is understood here, that Governor Folch, and Moralis are so hostUe to each other, that the recall of one of them from Pensacola is daily expected ! If Moralis should be superseded, per haps our present embarrassments on the Mobile may be removed; but of this, there can be no certainty. Mor alis however, I do not expect any evidence of a friendly disposition ; and I must confess, that Governor Folch has not heretofore discovered any great wish to accomodate. We are making preparations at this City, to celebrate Arith some Eclat, the 4th of July, & I am happy to per ceive, that many of the Ancient Louisianians are dis posed, to unite on this occasion Avith the native Citizens of the United States. On the 4th of April, I drew a Bill on you, for 48 dol lars in favour of Richard Claiborne, payable at five days sight, of this Bill, I adrised you by letter & inclosed the a/c & vouchers. The money was expended in the Indian Department. The Bill was put into the hands of a Major Fortier to collect, who informs me, from Richmond, that the bill remained unpaid ; but does not state, that it had been presented. Fearful however, that my letter of ad vice may have miscarried, I hercArith inclose a Duplicate thereof. There is another expense in the Indian Department, which I have incurred, and on Avhich I must solicit your opinion, before I shall settle the account. A Tribe of friendly Indians liring in this Territory, had sold (some years ago (under the Spanish Government) a tract of Land to a Citizen; to this Land there Avas lately set up another claim, and the business was brought before the Superior Court. The Indians thought themselves called upon to sup- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 349 port the claim of the Citizen holding under their Title, and solicited me to assign them Council. I engaged in their behalf, the services of Mr. Lewis Kerr, an attorney at Law, who argued the cause ably, but the decision of the Court was against the Indians Title. I was visited the other day, by Mr. Kerr, and spoken vrith upon the subject of his fee ; I talked of fifty Dollars as a just compensation; but Mr. Kerr names one hun dred as the lowest sum which was offered in this City, for the serrices of a Lawyer, in a Cause of any import ance. We however agreed to submit the subject to the Secretary at War. I will only add that the services of Lawyers here, as well as those of every other description of Citizens can not be acquired, but on terms, which to the northward must have the appearance of great extravagance. I have the honor to be &c Signed William C. C. Claiborne. To Albert Gallatin N. 0. 30. June 1806. $¦ Cts I have this day drawn on you for 1607 :44, payable to the order of William BroAvn Collector of the Port of Ncav Orleans at 5 days sight. The above sum is now due me from the United States for monies expended on public Service as will appear from the vouchers heretofore forwarded, and those noAV inclosed. You will observe that the Contingent a/c for the last is to a greater amount than for any preceding quarter : but this has arisen from the circumstance that some accts. heretofore raised were not presented for settle ment until vrithin the last month. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne. 350 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL AECHIATES. I To Thomas Jefferson N 0 July 5. 1806 Private P. U. S. I few days since I risited the settlement of Terra-au- boeuf, so caUed from a Creek or Bayou on which it is situated an where formerly Buffaloe ranged. This Bayou lies to the east of the Mississippi, and is about 22 miles in length. It makes from lake Born and communi cates Arith the Mississippi abour 15 mUes below New Orleans. The Bayou is at present nearly dry, but when the river is high the back water admits the passage of large Batteaux. The Settlement of Terra an beouf was established by Genl. Galris. The inhabitants are for the most part Spaniards from the Canary Islands, who, in emigrating to Louisiana received donations of land and other eridences of the bounty of the King of Spain, they are an uninformed, inoffensive humble people, whose pri mary cares are the support of their famUies and a rigid conformance to the principles of the Catholic reUgion. There is only a small quantity of tillable land on the Bayou. On the one side it is limitted by lake Born, and on the other by the Mississippi Swamps. The farms generally consist of from four acres in front and from 15 to 40 acres deep. There are however some few Citi zens who claim larger tracts. The soil is f ertUe and Avell timbered. Near the Lake I obserA^ed a considerable quantity of the Live Oak. There are three of four Plant ers on the Terra an beouf Avho cultivate the Cane and others Cotton; but the settlers for the most part turn their attention to the culture of Corn, Rice, Potatoes, vegitables, and raising of Poultry. For the Surplus of their provisions Ncav Orleans presents an immediate and lucrative Market, and the City is indebted to them for a considerable portion of its daily supplies. LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 351 I must confess that I was much gratified during my risit at Terra au Beouf. The people seemed to me to be equally removed from riches as from want. Their oAvn labor gave them the means of support, and with their situations they seemed to be content. I fear however that the lands will ultimately be engrossed by a few in-- dividuals. They are well fitted to the culture of Sugar, and altho ' the Cane cannot fail to enrich those who grow it, I must be permitted to regret the degree of debility which it will entail on a considerable portion of this Ter ritory. The population will never be considerable. The sugar plantations AriU always be extensive, and it not probable that they AriU ever be cultivated by freemen. But when I take into view the vast country watered by the Mississippi, and the facility with which thousands of Citizens could hasten to our relief, I entertain no appre hension from attacks from Arithout ; but to guard against insurrection on the part of that unfortunate race of men in which we are likely to abound, I am induced to think that it AriU always be expedient to maintain in this vicinity, a small regular Force. The settlement of Terra au Beouf I suppose could furnish about 120 men fit for militia service ; but of this I am not certain. The efforts I have heretofore made to organize the militia in that quarter have not proved suc cessful. I have not been enabled to find suitable char acters for Captains & Subalterns. As I before observed these settlers are an uninformed people. Few can either read or Avrite ; But I nevertheless esteem them a useful portion of our society ; they are industrious and honest ; obedient to the laws, & content Arith their situation. During the late temporary Government in Louisiana, and within a few days after my arrival, I appointed a Mr. Mendez Civil Commandant of Terra au Beouf. He is I believe a very honest man, but was not a favorite with the people and they were greatly dissatisfied with his ap- 352 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. pointment; so much so that some were disposed, as Avas stated to me, to resist his authority. I was adrised to embrace this occasion to evince the energy of the Ameri can government, and I was strongly pressed to despatch a military force to the district and to cause to be arrested and conveyed to Prison such persons as had expressed dissatisfaction at the appointment of Mr. Mendez. I hoAvever did not desire to commence my Administration with any high toned measure, nor did I think the occa sion justified it. My desire Avas to enlist in favor of the new order of things the affections of the People, and not to excite their fears. The counsel was therefore re jected, and I pursued a course more congenial Arith my OAvn disposition and the genius of the government which I served. Three or four of the most influential inhabi tants were directed to attend at the Government House, and of whom I made enquiry as to the causes of com plain against Mr. Mendez! I found them not very im portant, but Avere nevertheless such as induced me to ac cept Mr. Mendez 's resignation Avhich had been tendered. A Mr. Garrick Avas shortly named the Commandant, and the district continued tranquil. During my late risit I passed a night Avith Mr. Garrick, Avho is now a Justice of the Peace and Major of Militia. He supports a good character and has the confidence of the People. He pro fesses to be an admirer of the American Government, but is of opinion that for the present it is not Avell calculated for the Territory. Mr. Garrick does not approve the American Judiciary. The mode of attaining justice is too circuitous and expensive. He spoke of LaAvyers as sources of inquietude to this society and expressed a fer vent Arish that he might only know them by name. I shall leave this City in the course of the day, and propose visiting the several Counties on the Mississippi. During my journey I shall occasionally write you, and LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 353 wiU endeavour to make my letters acceptable by giring you some account of the Country and the manners and sentiments of the Peope. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne PS. From the point of junction of Terra Beouf vrith the lake to the Sea is not more than 12 or 13 leagues dis tant, and I learn that Vessels of from 40 to 8- tons bur then might approach near the Terra Beouf. I fear in time this lake may be resorted to by Smuglers, and as well Arith a riew to their discouragement as to guard against the approach of an enemy to New Orleans by the way of Lake Born perhaps it may be adrisable to estab lish a small military post on Terra Beouf. The tillable land is alike fertile on each side of the Bayou; perhaps in some places it may extend further than 40 acres in bredth. W. C. C. Claiborne. To Henry Dearborn N 0 July 5. 1806. On yesterday the Citizens of this place exhibited a degree of patriotism which afforded me pleasure. All the Stores in the City were closed by order of the City Council, and the inhabitants generally suspended their usual avocation. High Mass was performed in the forenoon at the churches, and a Tedeum sung. At night a new Tragedy called Washington or the Liberty of the new World was performed and much applauded by a numerous audience consisting for the most part of ancient Louisianians. The Tragedy being finished the company repaired to the public baU room and the even ing was closed Arith dancing. As was usual federal salutes were fired from the Forts, and the Battalion of ni— 24 354 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. Orleans volunteers paraded on the occasion. From these particulars you wUl observe that the American feeling is not in exUe from this Territory. There are indeed some ancient prejudices which are difficult to remove, and there are some local parties encouraged by a few de signing men, whose native language is English, which in some measure stifle the germ of patriotism; but I per suade myself that the time is not distant when the Louis- ianins generally AriU be zealous members of our repubUc. The Officers of the 3d Regunent have been exercised by the Adjutant General. Those of the 4th Regiment AriU be exercised on this day. the officers attached to the MUitia generally AriU receive instructions as to the man ner of exercising by Regiments, BattaUons and Com panies. I shall leave the City on this day on a risit to the Country and shall in the course of my journy attend at as many of the assemblages of the Officers for exercise as may be in my power. I shall take care that the public serrice shaU receive no injury by my absence from the City. AU official dis patches AriU be conveyed to me vrithout loss of time, and if my presence should become necessary at New Orleans, I can speedily repair thither. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Albert Gallatin N 0 July 6. 1806. I have the honor to transmit you vouchers and a/cs. $ for 1256.31, being the monies which have been expended for the improvements to the Government House and other public buildings. The rents of the public BuUdings have enabled me to LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 355 make these improvements, and to leave in my hands a small balance which is lodged in the Branch Bank. I have not been enabled to make a settlement vrith one Citizen to whom I rented a Public building, which pre vents me from forwarding to you at this time a general statement of the public building a/c ; but I shall do so on my return to the City. The Buildings which I have rented out, and the terms on which they are rented, I have heretofore acquainted you vrith, and also the Secretary of State. I am now on a visit to the several Counties on the Mississippi as well with a view to avoid a residence in the City during the Sickly Season as to attend in person to the better organization and disciplining of the Militia. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Henry Dearborn N 0 July 6. 1806 I was present yesterday at the Exercise of the Offi cers of the 4. Regiment by the Adjt. General. There were 23 officers present, all in complete uniform, and each manifested an ardent desire to become acquainted vrith his duty. I find that my presence excites a laudable spirit of emulation, and vrill I am persuaded have a good effect. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne Instructions to R. Claiborne, Secretary to the Governor N 0 July 7. 1806. 1. From 9 until 2 the office is to be kept open. Your punctual attendance is expected, and every person haring business is to be treated vrith poUteness and speedily dispatched: 356 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. 2. No person is to receive a Certificate of Citizen ship unless his claim to the same shaU be proven by Ms OAvn oath, and that of two land holders or House holders of the Territory: 3. No Passports are to be granted except to Native Citizens of the United States, or persons who have obtained Certificates of Citizenship: 4. You are furnished vrith blank passports, and the Notaries are furnished Arith a necessary number of blank Certificates; but to give vaUdity to either the :seal of the Territory must be affixed, and you wiU take care that in no case it be improperly appUed : .'5. You will in no case for the seal receive a greater sum than is allowed by law. 6. You vrill receive aU my official and private dis patches, all of which you vdU forward to me : my offi cial dispatches you AriU open, and if you should think them of sufficient importance to be forwarded to me l)y Express, you AriU apprize the Mayor of the City of the contents, and if he thinks vrith you as to their importance, you vrill request Mr. Cenas to engage an Express : 7. Mr. Vassant vrill from time to time risit the City to whom you AriU deUver to be conveyed to me aU my letters and papers; and those dispatches from me which he may be the Bearer of, you avUI cause to be put into the Post Office : 8. You vrill write me from time to time, and keep me adrised of every occurrence of any moment : 9. In the event of your sickness, the keys of the Office are, during such sickness to be committed to Doctor Flood: 10. You AriU take care that no person handle or peruse any paper in the Office but yourself, and the contents of any communications to me or from me, are to be LETTBE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 357 kept secret unless in such case where you are directed to adrise Arith the Mayor. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Mayor of Orleans N 0 July 8. 1806. It was stated to me on yesterday that the Holders of Slaves complained generally of the negligence of the Police. It was said that the Taverns or Cabarets in the City were numerous, that Negroes and free people of colour were licensed as Tavern Keepers, and that their houses were resorted to by Slaves who passed most of their nights in dancing and drinking to their own injury and the loss of serrice to their Masters. Near to the residence of Mr. William BroAvn the Col lector I was informed there were several disorderly houses, and it was added that the evil Avas daily increas ing. Fully persuaded of your vigilance and zeal in the discharge of your duties, I have given you the informa tion I received, and if it be correct, I have no doubt you AriU apply the proper corrective. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Henry Dearborn 26 miles from N. 0. July 9. 1806. On yesterday the officers attached to the 5. Regiment of Militia were exercised in my presence : 18 officers were present, all in complete uniform, and each erinced a sin cere desire to perfect himself in knowledge of military Tactics. The exercise being over, we sat doAvn to a sump tions dinner, and in the Toasts which were given a degree 358 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. of patriotism was erinced which no good American could vritness Arithout emotion of pleasure. The Officers stated to me that the general want of arms was a great impediment to the complete organiza tion of the militia. They expressed a vrish that the Unit ed States would loan to each Regiment two or 300 stand of muskets, and added that at present a necessary supply of arms could not be obtained in this Territory. To these observations I replied, that the sentiments and Arishes of the Officers should be communicated to the Secretary at War. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To R. Claiborne German Coast County 9. July 1806 It is important to the interest of the Territory that the acts passed at the last Session of the Legislature should be published as soon as possible ; and I desire that you do from time to time urge Mr. Anderson the Printer to exercise a due degree of diligence. Six hundred copies of the Laws are to be deliverd at my office and you vrill cause them to be distributed Avith out delay in manner pointed out in the "Act to establish a mode of promulgation both of the laws which may be enacted by Congress for the Territory of Orleans, and of those which may be enacted by the Legislature of this Territory. ' ' I am aware that you vrill experience some difficulty in transmitting the Laws to the distant Counties for want of conveyances; but if private opportunities should not speedily offer, they must be forwarded by express and the expense attendant thereon must be paid out of the Contingent fund. You will observe that unless the Laws are speedily transmitted to the Judges and Sheriffs of LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 359 the several counties, that the Census of the people wiU not be taken, nor can the Tax on land for the present year be collected. I have inclosed you the form of two letters which you AriU copy and address to each County Judge and sheriff when you forward to them the Laws. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To R. Claiborne German Coast County 10. July 1806. Will you enquire of such Citizens as you may suppose can adrise you correctly, whether there is at present a due degree of care observed by the City Police Arith re spect to the assembling and the conduct of negro Slaves. If you should learn that the police is not sufficiently m.- gilant you vrill communicate the information which you may receive to the Mayor of New Orleans, and to the Judge of the County, and urge each of them to cause to be info reed the "Act prescribing the rules and conduct to be observed with respect to Negroes and other Slaves of this Territory. I must again solicit your attention to the speedy pub lication and distribution of the Laws. Mr. Anderson must complete the work with dispatch. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To R. Claiborne Private. German Coast County July 10. 1806. Permit me to remind you of the propriety of taking every necessary precaution to ensure the safety of the Records and Papers in my Office. I pray you not to 360 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. leave the door of my Office open for one minute unless when you should be present, or to permit any one but yourself to handle the papers. I have in New Orleans many Enemies, and among them there is one who would in my opinion overleap every principle of deUcacy and even of honesty to injure me. The man to whom I aUude, once got possession of a paper from a private House, and afterwards published it vrith a riew to my injury. The man to whom I allude once acquired possession (in what manner I know not) of the private Letters of a re spectable Gentleman of Natchez whom he disUked, and supposing that the contents of those letters would injure the writer, he treacherously forwarded them to one of his Enemies. This man is now in New Orleans; and though he may never risit you himself, he has his Spies and his Courtiers in every quarter. His great wealth enables him to acquire the serrices of bad men, and such, many such are now obedient to his Orders. I enjoin it upon you to act Arith the most scrupulous integrity and the utmost caution. Your poUtical connection vrith me vrill occasion your conduct to be observed ; and whatever exception can be taken of it, AriU be blazoned forth Arith all the exageration which envy and Calumny can give. I have signed my name to many Blank Passports, and Notarial Certificates. Be it your care that these Blanks are not improperly used. My honor is in some degree committed to you. I rely on your fidelity and prudence. Be assured that attempts avUI be made to betray you into error. One Passport improperly obtained may occasion me much trouble. On no occasion receive a Cent more than the Law entitles you to for the Public Seal. The man who once wished to be imprisoned in order that I might give an eridence (as he pretended) of Energy, would, in the plenitude of his liberality, reward a Private Secretary either in person or by an agent Arith many dol lars for one impression of the Seal. But in all his acts LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 361 there is design. He would cheerfully have been impris oned to have supported against me, a charge of Tyranny ; and would lose 1000 dollars in order to be furnished vrith an eridence that money had been illegally received in my office. Let not any expression in this letter wound your feelings. My confidence in your integrity is unshaken: but I owe it to my own reputation to give you this pre cautionary adrice; and I request that you consider this letter as official and to be governed by it accordingly. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Thomas Jefferson Private— 24 MUes from N. 0. July 10. 1806 Dear Sir, On the 5th Instant I left the City & passed up on the East side of the Mississippi. It is only six months, since I last risited this ricinity, and I discover eridences (vrith in that period) of considerable improvement. Several new Buildings are completed; others repaired, and the Fields extended, and laid out vrith more regularity and taste. My first day 's travel was only 8 miles to the house of Mr. J. B. Macarty a member of the Legislative Council, & Colonel of the fourth Regiment of Militia ; I found the officers of his Regiment assembled for the purpose of Re ceiving the Instructions of the Adjutant General; and was much pleased vrith their (apparent) ardent desire, to acquire a Knowledge of military tacticks. Colo. Macarty possesses a large sugar Estate and of course a consider able income, he entertains with much hospitality and is particularly attentive to strangers. Between Colo: Macarty 's farm & the City, resides Mr. Bore; he is a neat Planter, and has evinced much Taste in the arrangement of his Gardens & Yards. The 362 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. next seat to Mr. Bore, is that of his son in Law, Mr. Fouche; a Gentleman who was lately recommended by the Representatives of this Territory, as a member of the Council ; Mr. Fauche has erected a commodious dwelling House, and the avenues which lead to it, are ornamented vrith handsome Rows of Trees ; he does not cultivate the Cane, but depends principally upon his Garden, and the daily market of New Orleans for his Income, and I learn it is not inconsiderable. I continued vrith Colonel Macarty two Days, and on the 8th set out for a Mr. Adelar Fortier's, where the of ficers of the 5th Regiment were to assemble for exercise. Colo : Macarty was so obliging as to accompany me dur ing the Journey, our conversation turned principaUy upon agriculture ; the Colonel esteemed the Cane the only sure and lucrative crop, which could be cultivated in the Lower part of this Territory. Formerly Indigo was the staple commodity; but for several years in succession, the Crops were considerably diminished, and on many Farms entirely destroyed. The Planters changed their seed, and procured a species from Campeachy; For the first year this quality pf Indigo prospered ; but was ulti mately attacked by the Common Enemy. This destroyer was a Avorm, called by the Inhabitants vers luisants; a species of the Chenille ; they commenced their ravages in the year 1790; the prospects of the Farmer AA'ere often blasted in a night; it sometimes happened that prepara tions would be made to reap on the MorroAv, the fruits of his labour ; but in the course of the night, the Crops Avere destroyed. Thus it was, that Indigo was finally abandon ed, and the Planters resorted to a more certain Culture ; some raised Corn; others Cotton; but Mr. Bore in the year ninety six, turned his attention to sugar ; The Cane had previously been brought from the Havanna, and or namented the Gardens of the Louisianians ; But Mr. Bore has the Credit of being the first to introduce it in his LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 363 fields ; he succeeded beyond his expectations, & found for his sugars an immediate and lucrative market; other Planters followed the Example of Mr. Bore, and the Cane will doubtless, be very soon Cultivated in every part of this Territory, where the Climate permits. The facility Arith which the sugar Planters amass wealth is almost incredible; the failure of Indigo for several years and the expense attendant on Sugar Avorks as preparatory to the Culture, had occasioned the Planters to be greatly involved; but they are now generally free of Debt, and many have added considerably to their fortunes. It is not uncommon vrith 20 working hands to make from 10 to 14 thousand Dollars, and there are several Planters whose field negroes do not exceed forty who make more than 20,000 Dollars each year. The sugar Plantations must of course be highly esti mated; they have encreased in value one hundred 7 25 per Cent, since the Province was Ceded to the United States ; and it is not probable that they have yet reached their true value. The sugar Planters raise also a sufficiency of Corn for their oAvn use ; It is planted in the same field vrith the Cane, and each Crop prospers ; nor do those Citizens who resiede near New Orleans, neglect their Gardens ; I think Colo : Macarty told me ; that his daily receipts from the market were equal to 9 Dollars. We arrived at Mr. Fortiers about one 0 'clock ; the of ficers being exercised the balance of the day was passed around the festive Board, where much harmony prevail ed, and many patriotic Toasts were given. The family of the Fortier 's are numerous and the males are remark able for their honesty, industry, hospitality, and manly persons ; Major Fortier to whom I lately introduced you by letter, is of this family, and his figure is not more com- 364 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. manding than that of several others, with whom I am acquainted.^ On yesterday, I dined Arith Mr. Destrehan; he is es teemed the best Sugar Planter in the Territory, and is perhaps the wealthiest ; his sugars bring him near thirty thousand DoUars per Annum, and his rents in the City about six thousand dollars; but he is nevertheless an Economist; Everything around him has the air of Sim- pUcity; his table is good, but by no means luxuriantly served ; he is much attached to retirement, and the educa tion of his Children (ten in number) and the improve ment of his Estate, constitute (at present) his primary cares. Mr. Destrehan is certainly a man of sence, but has strong prejudices, and altho they may be founded in er ror, it is not in the power of Man to remove them; he continues of the opinion, that Congress has not been jnst to the ceded Territory; but is nevertheless an admirer of the American Government. I was somewhat surprised at the late resignation of Mr. Destrehan as a member of the Legislative CouncU ; I had supposed, that after having laboured to obtain for the Territory a change of Government, he would not have Aritholden from the People his public serrices; but he complains of a want of health, and that his private af fairs imperiously demand all his attention. I am inclined to think however, that Mr. Destrehan is influenced by other considerations ; he probably foresees, that the pres ent grade of Government will not be popular; the en crease of taxes which AriU of necessity attend it, AviU oc casion the People to murmur, and perhaps he may sup pose, that by retiring to private life, he may conserve his popularity, until Ave shall be formed into a state, and then ' The ancestor of Alcie Fortier, the Louisiana man of letters and historian. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. , 365 he may fill an office of great dignity and more gratifying to his ambition. I fear it AriU not be in my power, to make the journey which I had contemplated; the heat of Summer has al ready made me sick ; I have at this time a slight fever ; but I do not calculate on its continuance. I propose re suming my route on TomorroAV. Signed Wm C. C. Claiborne. To Thomas Jefferson Private 36 Miles from New Orleans July 11th 1806. Dear Sir, On this day at 7 O'clock, I set out from Mr. Fortier's and arrived at Noon, at the House of Mr. Truard, the Judge of the County Court, for the County of German Coast. Judge Truard had envited to his House, the Jus tices of the Peace, and the other Civil officers of the County, and Arith whom I had the honor to dine. The day passed pleasantly away, and I was pleased to find, that the American Government and Laws began to be under stood and admired by the Company. Judge Truard is a native of Paris, and has received a liberal Education ; he early emigrated to Louisiana, and is married to a Cre ole of the Country, by whom he has had several children. I find in Mr. Truard the Character of an honest, enteUi- gent man, and a zealous American; he, alike vrith his guests, professed to be admirers of the principles of our Government, but were of opinion that the American Ju diciary was not adapted to the present state of the Terri tory ;^ they thought the Trial by Jury, was not desirable, and complained most heavily of the conduct of the Law yers ; Judge Truard, as well as his neighbours are culti- 'The objection of the French to the introduction of the English common law system was general among them. 366 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. vators of the Cane, and are greatly augmenting their wealth; I Saw at Judge Truard 's some Peaches of an Ex- cellenct quality, to the raising of which this Climate is happily adapted. In the neighbourhood of Mr. Truard 's two Americans have estabUshed sugar Plantations - Mr. Butler late of the Mississippi Territory, and Mr. James BroAvn from Kentucky ; the former has a flattering prospect, and AriU probably make the present year fifteen thousand DoUars ; the latter is only preparing for the Culture of Sugar the ensuing year ; he purchased his Estate the last year, for (I believe) sixteen thousand DoUars, and at presnet, he would probably refuse forty thousand DoUars. My in disposition stiU continues ; but I persuade myself it wiU not prove serious. Signed William C. C. Claiborne. William C. C. Claiborne Governor of the Territory of Orleans. To the Sheriff of Acadia County. AVhereas Anseme Roman was lately conricted before the honorable the County Court for the County of Acadia for an assault & Battery, and was there upon sentenced to imprisonment for 1 month, to pay a fine of 500$, and to give security to preserve the peace towards aU good Citi zens of this Territory for the period of 12 Calendar months next ensuing : Now therefore be it KnoAvn that I William C. C. Claiborne Governor as aforesaid by rirtue of the power in me vested, and for divers good reasons me thereunto moring, I have thought proper to grant in part my pardon to the said Roman, and I hereby whoUy remit the fine of 500$, to which the said Roman was sen tenced : but the residue of said sentence to remain in full force and rirtue. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 367 Given under my hand and the seal of the Territory at New Orleans this 13th day of July 1806, and 31st year of the Independence of the United States. [L. S.J Signed W. C. C. Claiborne. To James Madison. 66 Miles from New Orleans July 14. 1806. Sir, In a former letter I advised you of my intention to risit the several Counties on the Mississippi, I am now on that Journey, and hope to accomplish it in a short time ; unless indeed I should be arrested by indisposition, which is not improbable, for an exposure to the summer's sim has already made me very unwell. I have taken the necessary measures to prevent the public serrice sustaining injury by my absence ; and when ever my presence in the City may be necessary, I shall repair thither vrith great dispatch. I sincerely hope that on the return of Mr. Graham, in October next, it vrill be permitted me to risit the United States. Among other objects of my visit to Wash ington, I am desirous to settle my public accounts. Signed W. C. C. Claiborne To Henry Dearborn 66 Miles from New Orleans July 14. 1806. Sir, On yesterday the officers of the 6th Regt. were exer cised by the adjutant General. It was not in my power to be present, being confined by a slight indisposition, to my chamber. I however feel much better at present, and propose prosecuting my journey on tomorrw. 368 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL AECHIATES. I received on las Evening a letter from Havanna by the way of New Orleans, under date of the 30th ultimo. My correspondent states — "The Marquis of Casa Calvo and his son arrived here from Pensacola on Monday last, and AriU sail from hence on the morrow evening, in the ship Sally, Capn. Hills, bound for Boston. He avUI I pre sume proceed direct to Madrid Arithout risiting the City of Washington. ' ' I hope our differences A\dth Spain may be adjusted prerious to the arrival of the Marquis at Madrid. I fear he is not friendly disposed to the United States ; He left this Country under an impression that the possession of the West bank of the Mississippi was essential to the in terest of the King his master ; and I am inclined to think he did not entertain a just opinion either as to the dis position or power of the U. S. to preserve and defend the ceded Territory. A few days prerious to my departure from the City I risited the settlement of Terre au Boeuf, so caUed from a Bayou on which it is situated. This Bayou is to the East of the Mississippi ; It is 22 mUes in length - makes from Lake Born, and communicated Arith the Mississippi about 15 miles below the City. I learn that Vessels from 40 to 80 Tons burthen, may approach near the Terre au Boeuf, by way of the Lake. I think therefore that it is adriseable to establish a smaU military Post on this Bayou. The settlers on Terre au Boeuf are numerous. They are for the most part Spaniards from the Canary Islands. There is also a Bayou to the East of the Mississippi, about 9 leagues above the City of New Orleans, on which the french and afterwards the Spaniards estabUshed a Garrison. This Bayou makes from Lake Ponchartrain, and through which the Chacktaw Indians formerly ap proached the settlement, and did mischief. If a rupture LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 369 vrith Spain should be deemed ineritable, it may be exped ient to secure that pass ; but at this time it is perhaps un necessary. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne To Thomas Jefferson Private At Mr. Barranger 's 66 miles from New Orleans 15th July 1806 Dear Sir, I am now in the Country of Acadia, and my indispo sition having assumed a more serious aspect, I shall avail myself of the hospitality of Mr. Barranger, and continue vrith him, untill my fever (which is still slight) shall have left me. Mr. Barranger 's farm is in a high state of cultivation, and his Improvements greatly surpass those of any other Citizen; his house is commodious, built of Brick, and in conformity (I am told) to the Italian mode ; the Gardens are extensive, and handsomely arranged ; Mr. Barranger has heretofore cultivated Cotton; but his Crops haAdng for the last few years been considerably diminished by the ravages of the Chenille, he proposes for the future to raise the Cane, & is now busily engaged in erecting the necessary Sugar works. When I descended the River, in December 1803, I was delighted Arith the Farm and Improvements of Mr. Barranger, and made enquiry, as to the sum, for which they could be obtained. I was told, that they were for sale, and twenty five thousand dollars were the consideration; It so happened however that for want of funds it was not in my power to become the purchaser, and Mr. Barranger refused the other day an offer * * * * (Manuscript torn) (Manuscript torn) * * * * j^q^^ agreeable sea III — 25 370 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL ARCHIVES. breezes thro 'out the Day. The Country of Attackapas and of Oppelousas which adjoins it, is the most beautiful I ever beheld; the Praaries are extensive; replenished vrith the richest verdure, and affording Food for numer ous Stocks of Cattle. Thro' the Praarees, ran many small streams of water, on each side of which (for about 10 Acres) there are Groves of wood, which in many places afford exceUent Timber. The River Teche (which communicates vdth the sea) passes thro' the two Counties; it may be nari- gated to a considerable distance by vessells of Fifty Tons burthen, & I learn that at its mouth, the depth is from six to 7&14 feet. On the Tache, the Citizens are for the most part settled, and I have observed many well im proved farms. The Inhabitants generaUy cultivate Cot ton, Corn, & Rice ; several are preparing for the culture of the Sugar Cane, to which the climate and SoU are said to be favorable, but I do not learn, that the Planters are in general, enclined to abandon the raising of Cotton. I am not now more than 10 Leagues distant from the sea, and there is not a Tree to interrupt the Sea Breezes ; Attackapas is a Ioav, flat Country, and the frequent Rains (at this season of the year) render it disagreeable to the Traveller; but the Climate is certainly salubrious, & I shall be much disappointed, if my health is not soon restored. The warmth of Party Spirit in this Country, seems to be subsiding; but harmony in the Society is not yet restored. Here also, the Judicial System of the Territory is a source of Complaint, and the LaAvyers are much feared by the People. It is probable, there vrill be a considerable emigration from Attackapas and Op pelousas to the Spanish Settlement on the Trinity; sev eral families have already emigrated, and many are pre paring to follow. The Season here, has been uncommonly wet, and I have noticed Arith regret, that the Crops are unpromis- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 371 ing; the Citizens however vrill find a sure resource in their stocks of cattle, which cannot fail to prosper in this beautiful grazing Country ; they feed in the Spring and summer in the Prairies, and retire in winter, to the marshes near the Sea ; they demand but little care from man; Nature supplies them abundantly with food, and they require no other salt, than what they meet near the Sea Board. I shall proceed in a few days to Oppelousas, from whence, I shall again do myself the honor to write you. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. To John Watkins '• Attackapas 29th July 1806. Sir, I have received your letter of the Instant, and thank you, for this evidence of your kind attention and remembrance. The recovery of your health affords me pleasure, & I sincerely hope it will continue uninterrupted thro 'out the season. I have abundant reason to be satisfied vrith your attention to your public Duties ; and l;iowever some men who are constitutionally enclined to find fault, may complain, I pray you to believe, that your fidelity in of fice, AriU always be acknowledged by the good and the discerning. Prerious to the receipt of your Letter, I had heard of the fire in the City, and I also learned vrith regret, that the assistance of the Citizens, was not rendered in that regular manner, which is calculated to make it effectual ; the circumstance must have attracted your attention, and the occasion will doubtless be embraced by the City Coun cil to establish some general and fixed Rules of police. In the City of Philadelphia, the Regulations of the police 372 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. concerning fires are so well understood, that every Citi zen knows his Duty, and a collection of thousands of In habitants, are in a moment brought to act, vrith the same celerity and order, as a well constructed machine ; hence it is, that fires there are speedily subdued, and it seldoms happens that that destructive element produces much mischief. I sincerely hope that your City AviU continue free from the ravages of Fever ; I think the Inhabitants owe much to the police for their present safety; the Improve ments to the Streets, have contributed much to cleanli ness and of course to health ; I have always thought, that if Trees were introduced into your City, an additional security would be given to the health of the Inhabitants ; It is to be regreted, that the Streets are in General so Narrow, as not to admit of the planting of Trees; but they can Arith facility be introduced on the Levee, and in the Square fronting the Principal ; and I am persuaded, that the good effects would soon be perceived. The Trees which I should most admire would be the A\dld Locust, and the Common Poplar ; they are of quick growth, of a durable nature, and afford a fine shade; The Lombardy Poplar has been introduced into some of the Northern Cities ; but I have lately learned, that they have been destroyed ; It is said, that these Trees nour ish a worm Avhose sting is poisonous ; that some Citizens of Philadelphia have lost their lives by the Sting of this Insect, and that in consequence, the Trees have been de stroyed by a Decree of the City CouncU. I cannot vouch for the truth of this statement ; I heard it since my de parture from New Orleans, and I conununicate it to you, as a circumstance worthy of notice. I believe the fall of the year, is the Season for plant ing Trees, and I should indeed be AveU pleased, if on my return, I should find that you had made the necessary arrangements to furnish the busy Merchant, A\dth shade, LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 373 while occupied on the Leavee, and the amiable fair, Arith pleasant walk in the Public Square, when they should be disposed for exercise, or enclined to honor man, Arith a riew of those charms, which the most humble ; ought to be permitted to admire. You vrill have heard of my Indisposition; the Fever was for some days incessant ; it left me much enfeebled ; but I nevertheless prosecuted my Journey, and I find my self much benefited by exercise and a Change of Climate ; I shaU set out for Natchez in a few Days, by the way of Oppelousas; If imperious circumstances should not othervrise direct, I shall probably risit again the County of Attackapas, prerious to my return to New Orleans. Will you present my affectionate Remembrance to Mrs. Watkins, and accept the Best Arishes of . &c. Signed William C. C. Claiborne To J. W. Gurley, Atty. Gen'l J. W. Gurley Attackapas 29th July 1806. Sir, The conduct of Judge Belly of the County of Ibber- ville has been (in my opinion) highly exceptionable, and his continuance in office is not approved by the Citizens. You have already been apprised of my doubts as to the power of removal by the Executive, and you know the grounds on which these doubts exist! wUl you ex amine the question with care, and give me your opinion upon the subject? I am certainly enclined to revoke Mr. Belly's commission; but before I act, I vrish to be as sured of my authority! Under a Law passed at the last session of the Legisla ture, a Judge may be indicted for misconduct in office. The complaints which were made to me, against Judge 374 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL AECHIVES. Belly were transmitted to you ; It is your prorince to ex- samine them, and to do that which your duty suggests and your judgement approves. I presume not to direct you, to prosecute any indiridual; but I cannot but express a vrish that every person, who should abuse a public Trust, should be arraigned, and punished according to Law. I cannot too earnestly press you for an opinion, as to the power of the executive to remove a County Judge, •and by the Law constituting your office, you vriU observe, that it is made your duty to give an opinion, upon any Law question, which shall be submitted to you by the ex ecutive. The first Law of the Government of the Terri tory declared, that Inferior Judges and Magistrates should continue in office for 4 years, and it is now a ques tion, whether this prorision, is repealed by any subse quent act of Congress relative to this Territory. I know that Judge Prevost was once of opinion, (at least he so expressed himself) that the Governor could not remove a County Judge ; his opinion is not Arith me a very high authority ; but it makes me the more desirous, to reflect maturely previous to my acting. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne To Henry Dearborn County of Attackapas July 29th 1806. Sir, I have been greatly delayed on my Journey, by an attack of fever, and altho' it has now left me, I never theless am so enfeebled that I fear it vrill not be in my power, to risit (as I had intended) the several Counties of the Teritory. The Adjutant General hoAvever, A\dll attend to the discipline of the officers, and no means in my power shall be omitted to render the Militia an effi cient force. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 375 I learn from Nachetoches, that the Spaniard are again assembling a respectable force at Nacogdoches, and threaten to recross the Sabine ; It is also stated to me, that a Detachment of Spanish Troops, had marched for the purpose of intercepting the exploring party (up the Red River) under Mr. Freeman, but that from the friendly disposition of the Caddo Indians towards the United States, No fears were entertained for the safety of our Countrymen." I shall set out in a few days for Oppelousas, & from whence I shall proceed to the County of Concordia — op posite to Natchez ; where (unless my presence in New Or leans should be necessary) I shall probably remain a short time. I have the honor to be Sir, &c. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. To R. Claiborne Attackapas July 30th 1806. Sir, By the return of Mr. Vassant, I inclose you several official, & private Letters, Avhich you vrill be pleased to forward according to their directions. The official Letters are left open, and prerious to seal ing them, you vrill examine them vrith the original Copies, which are also sent open, in order, that they may be in- tered in regular succession on my official Journal. From what I can learn, I have abundant reason to be satisfied Arith your attention to the Duties of your office, and I pray you to be assured of my encreased confidence in your fidelity. I shaU in a few days set out for Natchez, ria Oppel- 'This expedition excited the suspicions of the Spaniards who re garded it as conflicting with their Interests. 376 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. ouses, and if on the arrival of Mr. Vassant at New Or leans, there should be dispatches for me of importance, you may forward them to me by Mr. Vassant ; but other- Arise, you vrill keep this Gentleman employed in my office, untill you hear further from me. I have only to add, that on application to Mr. Cenas, he AvUl procure for you such Express Riders, as may be deemed necessary, and to the Same Gentleman you may apply, for such advances of money on public account, as may be found necessary. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. To Judges of Counties N. 0. August 4. 1806. Circular, On the Ultimo I had the honor of transmitting to you, through the Sheriff of your County, your por tion of the Laws of the last Session of the Legislature. I have it in charge from the Governor to solicit your attention to the Act entitled "An Act for laying a Tax on real Estates in the Territory of Orleans," and to ex press his entire confidence that the duty required of you by the Said Act vrill be promptly and faithfully dis charged. Signed Richard Claiborne. To Sheriffs Circular. N. 0. August 4. 1806. Sir, On the Ultimo, I had the honor to transmit to your care the proportion of the Laws of the last Session of the Legislature for your County. LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 377 I have it in charge from the Governor to request your Speediest attention to the Act entitled "An Act for tak ing the Census of all the Inhabitants of the Territory of Orleans". Signed Richard Claiborne. To Judges Circular, New Orleans August 18. 1806. HercArith you will receive — copies of the Land Law of Congress for the Territory of Orleans, which you vrill be pleased to distribute among the Citizens of your County Arith all possible dispatch, it being of the first consequence to their claims to be made acquainted with it. Signed R. Claiborne. P. S. On the Ultimo I forwarded to the Sheriff of your County, your portion of the Laws of the Terri tory which I hope arrive safe. To Col. Freeman Natchez August 17th 1806. Sir, > :, 1 " A considerable Spanish Force, has crossed the Sabine, and was on the 8th Inst, near the Bayou Pierre, where they contemplated establishing a Garrison. In consequence of this information, I shall return to the frontier Counties ; and propose seting out for Rapide in the morning. General WUkinson has not arrived. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. 378 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. Concordia August 17th 1806. Doctor John Watikins, Sir, Haring heard that a considerable Spanish force, was in the vicinity of Nachitoches, I propose seting out on tomorrow for the Counties of Rapide & Nachitoches, for the purpose of putting the Militia, in the best possible State. Unless some imperious circumstances should pre vent you may expect to see me in New Orleans on or be fore the 15th of next month. In the mean time, you AviU keep me adrised of every occurrence of Importance, and I also adrise and request that you maintain a regular correspondence vrith Cowles Meade" Esqr. the acting Governor of the Mississippi Territory, who AriU if the occasion may require, detach to New Orleans, such num ber of his Militia, as may be in his power. If you make me any Communications by Express, you vrill be pleased to direct your Messenger to proceed by the route of Attackapas and Opelousas. I shall endeavour to be in New Orleans by the 15th of September, and sooner if possible. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne To R. Claiborne Natchez 17th August 1806. Sir, I received on this morning by Express, Dispatches from Nachitoches. A Considerable Spanish Force has crossed the Sabine, for the purpose of establishing a Garrison, on the same ground, from which a Spanish De tachment was not long since driven by Captain Turner. In consequence of this information, I shall return to * Claiborne at once applied to Mead for help against the Spaniards. LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 379 the Frontier Counties, and propose seting out for Rapide in the morning. I trust that the safety of New Orleans Avill not be menaced during my absence; but if any event, should render the services of the Militia necessary, Colo: Bell- chasse has (in my absence) authority to give the neces sary orders. You may expect to see me in l^ew Orleans in the course of next month. The dispatches from Nachitoches are of a nature, which make it my duty to proceed to that place. You vrill keep me adrised of every occurrence of an Interesting nature, & if it be necessary to communicate vrith me by Express, the Messenger must pass thro' At tackapas, and Opelousas, on Avhich route, he will be cer tain to meet me or to hear where I am. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne The undersigned having learned, that a considerable Spanish Force had crossed the Sabine, for the avowed purpose of establishing a garrison at or near Bayou Pierre, vrithin a short distance of Nachitoches, are of Opinion.1st. That unless the orders issued some time since by the Secretary of war to the officer commanding at Nachitoches, not to permit an armed body of men to cross the Sabine, have been rescinded, it is adrisable to dislodge the said armed force, and to cause them to retire to the West Bank of the Sabine. 2d. That if the Regular Troops at Nachitoches, should not be deemed sufficient to compel the Spaniards to retire, that a part of the Militia of the Territory of Orleans, should be called into serrice and ordered im mediately to Nachitoches. 3d. That to encourage the Militia of the Territory of Orleans, to repair Arith promptitude to the Scene of Action, Governor Claiborne's presence may be neces- 380 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL AECHIVES. sary, and it is therefore deemed adrisable that he re pair Arithout delay to the Counties of Rapide and Nachitoches. 4th. To provide for the better safety of the two Terri tories, and particularly for the security of New Or leans, it is deemed proper, that the militia of the Mis sissippi Territory should be placed on the best pos sible footing; that Arith this riew, orders are to be issued for Battalion and Company musters and in the event, that any Spanish Force should threaten an at tack upon the City of New Orleans, and certain in formation thereof received, that the acting Governor of the Mississippi Territory, AriU immediately order to the said City such portion of his MUitia as the safety of his oavu Territory may permit. 5th. That if the Spaniards should actuaUy commence hostilities in the vicinity of Nachitoches, and assist ance from the Mississippi Territory should be essen tial, that the acting Governor vrill detach to that post one hundred mounted Infantry. The undersigned regret the absence of General Wil kinson at this crisis, but will on his arrival, in obedience to the instructions of the President of the United States — detach for duty such portion of the Militia of their respective Territories as may deemed adrisable and vrill place the same under the orders of the said General. With a riew of receiring accurate information of the Sate of things in New Orleans and its ricinity, it is proper that during the absence of Governor Claiborne from that City, the acting Governor of the Mississippi Territory, should maintain a correspondence Arith Doc tor Watkins Mayor of said City, in whose discretion and patriotism the undersigned have much confidence. LETTBE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 381 The undersigned AriU communicate to each other oc currences of Importance. Done at Natchez on the evening of the 17th of August, in the year 1806. Signed ( Wm. C. C. Claiborne. ( Cowles Meade. To Henry Dearborn Concordia (opposite Natchez) Augt. 18th. 1806. Sir, On yesterday I received by Express, a letter from Nachitoches, of which the enclosure No. 1, is a Copy. You wUl perceive. Sir, that the Spaniards have crossed the Sabine in force, and are advancing towards Bayou Pierre. Under an impression, that my presence would ani mate the Militia, and induce them to rally (if the occa sion should require) around the Standard of their Coun try, I shall set out on this day for Nachitoches via the County of Rapide, and expect to reach the Post on the 22d Instant. At the date of my last letters, everything was tran quil at New Orleans ; I apprehend no danger from Pen sacola or Mobile ; I shall however make but a short stay at Nachitoches, and vrill return to the City with all con venient dispatch. On the arrival of General Wilkinson, I AriU conform Strictly vrith the Instructions contained in your letter of the 8th of May last. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. 382 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL ARCHIVES. From Edw. D. Turner Nachitoches August 8th 1806. Sir, I have thought it necessary to adrise you by special Express, that yesterday Major Porter returned from the Spanish Camp Arith an answer to a letter he bore from Colo: Cushing, demanding of Governor Herrara what was intended by his crossing the Sabine Arith a Military force &c, &c, &c, the reply of the Governor, to execute the Orders of the Capn. General, which were to receive that Territory to the King, who had been in possession of it for time immemorial. That the transaction of forcing off a Detachment of his Majesty's Troops was considered a riolence obserAdng he should not permit any usurpa tion, and warning the Colo : not to attempt any infringe ment. Major Porter fell in Arith the Camp about forty five miles from here, on the Bayou Pierre Road, and soon after he left them, they broke up, and bent there march this way, with the evident appearance of a determination to occupy their old position, they were yesterday in the middle of the day, Arithin 30 miles, and expected tonight to be within twelve (Dr. Sibley information) it is said they have received a reinforcement besides the detach ment who went to thwart the explorers - that a large body of regular have passed the Trinity on their way to join them, and that the Explorers are on their way back. Our Militia have not been organized, and there is no authority for calling them out should necessity require. These circumstances, I hope vrill induce your Excellency to pay us a visit, when you vrill be cordially (received) by all well wishes to our Country, and by none more sin cerely than your humble Sert. Signed EdAvd. D. Turner. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 383 His Excellency Govr. Herrara, or Officer Commanding the Spanish Army at or Near the Settlement of Bayou Pierre Nachitoches August 26th 1806. Sir, On my arrival at this post, I learned with certainty, that a considerable Spanish Force had crossed the Sa bine, and advanced within the Territory claimed by the United States. It was hoped, Sir, that pending the ne gociations between our respective Governments for an amicable adjustment of the Limits of Louisiana, that no additional settlement would be formed, or new Military Positions assumed be either Power, within the disputed Territory; a Policy which a conciliatory disposition would have suggested and Justice sanctioned; but since a contrary conduct has been observed on the part of cer tain officers of his Catholic Majesty, they alone vrill be answerable for the consequences which may ensue. The above proceeding. Sir, is not the only eridence of an unfriendly disposition which certain officers of Spain have afforded. I have to complain of the Outrage lately committed by a Detachment of Spanish Troops, acting under your Instructions, towards Mr. Freeman and his party, who were ascending the Red River under the Or ders of the President of the United States. Mr. Freeman and his associates were narigating waters, which pass thro' the Territory ceded by France to the United States ; they were narigating a River on which the French had formerly made Settlements far beyond the place where they were arrested; a fact of notoriety, and in support of which, the testimony of several Citizens residing at and near the post of Nachitoches can be adduced. But nevertheless Mr. Freeman and his party were assailed by a BattaUon of Spanish Troops, and commanded to return. A proceeding the more exceptionable, since the objects of Mr. Freeman, were merely scientific, haring in 384 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. view nothing hostile to Spain; Objects which were long since communicated by me to his ExceUency the Marquis of Casa Calvo, and which thro ' him I presume must have been made know to the Governor General of the ProAdnce of Taxus. This Detachment of Spanish Troops, whose move ments I learn are directed by your ExceUency, did, on their march commit another outrage, towards the United States, of which it is my duty to ask an explanation. In the Caddo Nation of Indians, the Flag of the United States was displayed, and commanded from the Chief & Warriors all the respectful veneration, to which it is entitled. But your Troops are stated to have cut doAvn the Staff on which the Parilion waved ; and to have men aced the Peace and safety of the Caddo's, should they continue their respect for the American Government, or their friendly Intercourse vrith the Citizens of the U. States. I experience the more difficulty, in accounting for this transaction, since it cannot be unknoAvn to your Excel lency that while Louisiana appartained to France, that the Caddo Indians were under the protection of the French Government, and that a French Garrison was ac tually established in one of their rillages: hence it fol lows Sir, that the cession of Louisiana to the United States, Arith the same extent Avhich it had AA'hen France possessed it, is sufficient authority for the display of the American Flag in the Caddo Village, and that the dis respect which that Flag has recently experienced, sub jects your Excellency to a serious responsibility. I am unwilling to render this Communication unnec essarily lengthy, but I must complain of another outrage which has been committed under the Eyes of your Excel lency. Three Citizens of the United States of the names of Shaw, Irvin and Browster were seized by Spanish sol diers within 12 miles of Nachitoches, and have been sent LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 385 Prisoners to Nacogdoches. I cannot suppose, that his proceeding is unknown to your Excellency, and I should be wanting in duty, did I not avail myself of the present occasion, to demand information as to the cause of their arrest, and detention. There is still another subject on which I must address your Excellency. It is reported to me, that several slaves the property of Citizens of the United States have lately escaped from the serrice of their Masters, and sought and found and Asylum at Nacogdoches. I have seen the Correspondence between your Excellency and Judge Turner upon this subject, and I learn your determination to await the orders of the Governor General of the Prov ince of Taxus ; I AriU forbear therefore for the present, to press their immediate delivery to the order of their Mas ters, but I must urge Your Excellency to discourage for the future, the escape of Slaves from this to your Terri tory. & I request that such as may repair, to the bound's of your Command may be forthwith returned. Your Ex cellency will readily perceive the cause of my solicitude on this subject ; if fugitive Slaves are to receive the pro tection of the Spanish authorities, the property of the Citizens of this Territory is indeed insecure, and a good understanding between our two Governments ought not and cannot be preserved. During the last year, I had a Correspondence Arith his ExceUency the Marquis of Casa Calvo (who was then at New Orleans) relative to some negroes who had escaped to Nacogdoches, and in conse quence of the Interference of the Marquis, I am led to believe that they were restored. I was since officially in formed by the Marquis, that his Conduct on that occa sion was approved by his Catholic Majesty and I conse quently concluded that the Mischief was at an end. It cannot, I presume be unknown to the officers of his Catholic Majesty, that Ministers from the U. States have III — 26 386 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. repaired to Spain for the avowed purpose of amicably adjusting the existing differences; — I should greatly regret therefore if any occurrences in this quarter should prevent that amicable Arrangement, which the interest of each Nation would adrise. But if the officers of Spain should persist in their acts of agression, your ExceUency AriU readily anticipate the consequences; and if the Sword be drawn, let those be responsable, whose un friendly Conduct has rendered it indispensable. Colo : Henry Hopkins, the Adjutant General of the Militia of this Territory, AviU have the honor to deUver to your Excellency this communication, and to await your answer. I tender to your ExceUency the assurances of my great respect and high Consideration. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. To Henry Dearborn Nachitoches Augt. 28th 1806. Sir, I left Concordia on the 18th, and arrived at this place on the morning of the 24th Instant. Colonel Cushing has, I learn, transmitted you a copy of his Correspondence Arith the officer commanding the Spanish Detachment, and acquainted you of the means he has taken to strengthen the force of the United States at this Post; It is therefore unnecessary for me to say any thing on those points. Under an impression, that the orders heretofore is sued to the officer commanding at Nachitoches not to per mit an armed force to cross the Sabine, would have in duced Colonel Cushing to march against the Intruders now in this Vicinity, I esteemed it my duty to repair to LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 387 this County, in order to animate by my presence the Militia, and if the occasion should require, to call the whole, or a part thereof into service; but it seems, that from the Instructions of General Wilkinson to Colonel Cushing, that he (the Colonel) does not think himself au thorised (for the present) to act under the orders given to Major Porter. Previous to my departure from Opelousas, I had heard of the approach of the Spanish Troops, and of their intention to cross the Sabine; in consequence of Avhich I determined to risit Fort Adams, in or der to advise A\dth General Wilkinson and the Gov ernor of the Mississippi Territory, as to the means of defence, and particularly to learn from the General, whether he would require the assistance of any and what portion of my militia ; disappointed in meeting the Gen eral at Fort Adams, I repaired to Natchez, and there proposed to await his arrival; but the information from Nachitoches was of such a nature, as to enduce me to come hither, Arithout delay. I have found the Americans, who are settled in the frontier Counties devoted to their Country, and solicit ous to be called into service ; they have all seen the Mes sage of the President, which announced to Congress the Instructions to the officer commanding at Nachitoches, and would of course cooperate the more promptly vrith the Army of the United States : — I am sorry however to add, that the same degree of patriotism does not exist among the French part of our society; many of the an cient Louisianians are still attached to the Spanish Gov ernment, and others are so fully impressed Arith an opinion that the United States are unable to resist "the mighty power of Spain", that in the event of War, they would probably be disposed to take a neutral Stand, as the safest course. I should be happy to learn, that our difficulties Arith 388 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. Spain were adjusted; but if the issue of the negociation is yet doubtful, permit me to suggest for consideration, the expediency of calling into service four Companies of Militia Cavalry, & Stationing the same on this frontier; these Companies might be draAvn from this and the Mis sissippi Territory; but in that case the United States would have to furnish the swords and Pistols, for the Militia Cavalry in this quarter have not been enabled to furnish themselves vrith these necessary arms. The Counties of Attakapas, Opelousas, Rapide and Nachi toches may all (at this time) be depredated upon Arith impunity, by an active Enemy; these Counties are for the most part a prairie Country; the Spanish forces are composed principally of Cavalry and might at their AviU make predatory excursions. The United States Army in this quarter, can only give protection to the positions which they occupy; Our Infantry would, doubtless, repel attacks, but unsupported by Cavalry, they could never obtain a complete Victory. The Spanish Troops have made a retrograde move ment; they had advanced their main Body to Arithin 17 miles of Nachitoches, and their patroles as far as the Bayou Funda to which it is Contended the province of Texas extends; this Bayou is about seven Miles from Nachitoches ; but Arithin these few days past, they have fallen back to the settlement of Bayou Pierre, about fifty five or sixty miles distant from Nachitoches ; their num bers are conjectured to be one thousand, the greater part Cavalry, and reinforcements are daily expected ; — They are amply supplied vrith Beef Cattle, but it is said, a scarcity of bread is experienced. If the Spanish Army should at any time advance vrithin the District over which the Government of this Territory has exercised Jurisdiction, I shall exteem it my duty to repel them. But it rests with the mUitary officer commanding at Nachitoches, to determine, from LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 389 his orders, how far it may be proper in him, to force them from their present position and when to commence his operations; all I can say is, that I will furnish him Arith such portion of my Militia, as our present popula tion AriU permit. The enclosures No. 1, 2, and 3, are copies of letters from Mr. Freeman, Doctor Sibley, and Judge Turner; in consequence of which I have addressed a letter to the officer commanding the Spanish Troops, of which No. 4 is a copy, and will forward you his answer, as soon as it is received. Prerious to my departure from Natchez I consulted with Mr. Meade the acting Governor, as to the means of immediate defence, in the event that a Spanish Force should attack the settlements of the Territory of Or leans, or menace the safety of the City of New Orleans; and if the occasion should require, I am persuaded that we should receive the most prompt assistance from the Mississippi Territory. I believe every thing is tranquil in New Orleans and that the public Interest sustains no injury by my ab sence; I maintain a Correspondence with Doctor John Watkins the Mayor of that City, and if any event of im portance should occur, I shall be informed thereof by express; In the mean time, I esteem it advisable to re main in the vicinity, and if the duties of my office will permit, to aAvait the arrival of General WiUdnson, when I shall have nothing further to do in this quarter, than to comply with your instructions of the 8th of May. The Spaniards have been intriguing with the Indians and seem solicitous to excite them to War against the United States. Some Tribes are much inclined to the Spanish Interest, but I learn, that the General wish is to remain neutral. I am acquainted by Doctor Sibley of the means he 390 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. has taken (at this Crisis) to conciliate the good disposi tion of the Indians, and to defeat the Spanish machina tions; I approve of those means, and I have no doubt but that the object, will in a great measure be effected. I have issued the necessary orders, to call into ser rice (whenever the occasion may demand) a respectable Detachment of Militia, and have made the foUowing ap portionments among the several Counties, nearest this Post ; from Concordia, One Captain, One Lieutenant, one Ensign, two Sergeants, two Corporals and forty Pri vates; from Opelousas, Two Captains, two Lieutenants, two Ensigns, Six Sergeants, Six Corporals and Eighty Privates; from Rapide two Captains, two Lieutenants, two Ensigns, Six Sergeants, six Corporals and one hun dred Privates, and from the County of Auachita. One Captain, one Lieutenant, one Ensign, two Sergeants, two Corporals, and forty Privates. Battalion musters have been ordered in the several Counties above named, and I have expressed a Arish, that the force required may be obtained by Voluntary Inlistments ; but if this should not be the case, I have directed a Draft. The Detach ment are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment warning. I am this moment assured by Colo : Cushing, that if the Spanish Army, should advance one foot Arithin the acknowledged limits of this Territory, he would in stantly march against them. It is due to Colo : Cushing to remark, that the troops at this Garrison are in excel lent order and the strictest discipline is observed. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 391 To Cowles Meade Nachitoches Augt. 28th 1806. Cowles Meade Sir, I inclose for your perusal a Copy of a letter, which I have addressed to the Secretary at War ; that com munication together with the papers to which it refers, AvUl acquaint you fully of the State of things in this quarter. Colo : Cushing does not think himself authorised (at this time) to act under the orders given to Major Porter; the instructions of General Wilkinson are supposed by the Colonel to countermand (in part) the former Orders. The Settlement of Bayou Pierre, where the Spanish army is now posted, has never been subject to my Juris diction; It was once demanded of the Commissioner of Spain the Marquis of Casa Calvo, as an appendage of the Post of Nachitoches; but was refused; vrith these facts the Government are acquainted. I pray you to Maintain a Correspondence with the Mayor of New Orleans, and to advise me of every inter esting occurrence. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. To James Madison Nachitoches Augt. 28th 1806. Sir, My official letter of this date, to the Secretary of War which I presume you AriU have the perusal of, will ac quaint you Arith the cause of my visiting this post, the part I have acted since my arrival, and of the unpleas ant state of things in this vicinity. I have received under cover from your Department, Commissions for James Mather Senior and Pierre Fau- 392 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. chet as Legislative Councellors and which I shall deliver on my return to New Orleans. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. From Gov. Herrera His Excellency Spanish Camp August 28th 1806. Governor Claiborne. Sir, The troops of the King my master which I have the honor to command on this side of the River Sabine are for no other object but to preserve a good harmony be tween the United States and his Majesty by Keeping en tire the Country which belongs to the latter. Major Freeman was navigating on red river in the Dominion of his Majesty, which never belonged to the Province of Louisiana, now in the possession of the U. States, and therefore he was requested by the command ing officer of the Spanish troops to retire into the Coun try of his jurisdiction. I think as your Excellency does that all the Country which his Catholic Majesty has ceded to France belongs to the U. S. but the Cado's nation is not upon it and on the Contrary the place which they inhabit is very far from it and belongs to Spain ; I therefore gave them no tice if they vrished to continue to live under the domin ion of the U. S. it was necessary for them to pass into their Territory and that if they would remain Avhere they are, they should be obliged to put doAvn the American colours; they consented to this, and were uuAriUing to leave their place of residence ; but having delayed more than the due time in putting doAvn the said colours, I urged them to it by force. The three Citizens of the United States Avhom I kept inn my advanced posts, have been so detained because they were found there twice, and on distinct days, em- LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 393 ployed to observe our positions and motions; I spoke thrice Arith them, and each time they disagreed on the motive of their coming, and at last told me that they wished to settle themselves in the dominions of his Ma jesty and in St. Anthony de Bejar ; I therefore sent them to the Governor of that province under a guard on ac count of the length of the way and because it was not proper that they should travel alone, when they had ren dered themselves suspicious. The detaining of the Slaves run away from Louisiana into Nacogdoches is a metter pending before the Captain General of this province who will have likewise due in formation of the reasons for which those of whom your Excellency speaks to me have been sent back and for the examination of the whole, I think the best account which I can give of the matter, is by sending your Excellency's letter to which I now answer and which was handed to me by Colo: Hopkins adjutant General of the Militia Avho shall be likeA\dse the bearer of this. The troops of my King from their character and cir cumstances will not contribute directly or indirectly to excite the emigration of the negro Slaves. And for my part, I do assure your Excellency that they AriU not commit, and hostilities which may trouble the negociations Avhich are now pursued by the Ambassa dor of the U. S. at the Court of the king my master, but in case I should be provoked to do so, I will endeavor to preserve the honor of his Majesty's troops and to ful fill the duties which are incumbent on my character and that of the officers under my command. I seize this opportunity for presenting to your Ex cellency my respects and consideration. Signed Simon de Herrera. 394 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES. To Gov. Herrera Nachitoches Augt. 31st 1806. Sir, By the return of Colonel Hopkins I am honored with your Excellency's reply to my communication of the 27th Instant. I continue of opinion, that the advance of Spanish Troops within a Territory claimed by the United States, is eridence of an unfriendly disposition, nor can I per ceive any thing in your Excellency's letter, which can justify or extenuate the offenxive conduct towards Mr. Freeman and his associates, or the Indignity offered in the Caddo Nation, to the American Flag. You have not denied, Sir, that the French when in possession of Louisiana, had established a Garrison on the red River, far beyong the place where Mr. Freeman and his associates Avere arrested on their voyage, or that the Caddo Indians were formerly considered as un der the protection of the French Government. The si lence of your Excellency on these points, proceeds prob ably from a knowledge on your part of the correctness of my Statements. I shall however, touch no further on these transactions in my correspondence A\dth your Ex cellency ; But AriU hasten to lay the same before the Pres ident of the United States who AriU know what measures to direct when wrongs are offered to the American Na tion. I cannot, however, refrain from expressing my dis pleasure, at the arrest and detention, under your Excel lency's orders, of the three Citizens of the United States, Shaw, Irvin and Brewster ; they are charged Avith no of fence which would warrant Imprisonment and transpor tation to St. Antoine. A state of actual Avar between our two nations, could not have justified your conduct to wards those unoffending Citizens. I can venture to as sert, that the suspicions of your Excellency as to the ob- LETTEE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 395 jects of Shaw, Irvin and Brewster are unfounded; they certainly could have no particular inducements to notice the positions or movements of your Troops ; the fact, I believe is, that these men were desirous of gratifying their curiosity, and wished your Excellency's passport to visit St. Antoine : Under this impression, and from the circumstance that they were Arithin the Territory claimed by the United States, I deem it my duty to demand their release and speedy restoration to their Country. It cannot be supposed that the distance to St. Antoine or the personal convenience of these Citizens occasioned the Escort which attended them; they appear on the con trary to have been treated by your Excellency as State Prisoners, and as such, I have information of their hav ing passed through Nocogdoches under a strong Guard. Your Excellency will recollect that the subjects of his Catholic Majesty are daily in the habit of visiting the post of Nachitoches, and cannot but observe the positions and movements of the American troops in this quarter ; they, however, are permitted to pass vrithout molesta tion. A friendly and innocent intercourse between the Citizens of the one, and the subjects of the other power, has not as yet been interdicted by this Government. I am persuaded, therefore, that your Excellency vrill see that the arrest of Shaw, Irvin & Brewster was prema ture, and that their detention is highly improper ; I have no personal knowledge of these men ; they are American Citizens, and of course under the protection of the Gov ernment of the United States ; In the name of that Gov ernment, therefore, I do now demand their release, and that they be restored to their Country as soon as possi ble. Pending the negociation between our respective Gov ernments, I could Arish that hostilities should not com mence in this quarter, but if provoked, by the unjust ag gressions of the forces of his Catholic Majesty, the troops 396 MISSISSIPPI TEEEITOEIAL AECHIVES. of the United States will endeavor to maintain their own and their Country's honor. Lieutenant Duforest of the American Army, is charged vrith the delivery of this letter to your Excel lency, and to bear me such answer as you may think proper to return. I renew to your Excellency the assurances of my re spectful consideration. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. To Gov. Herrera Nachitoches Sept. 2d 1806. Governor Claiborne offers to Governor Herrara, his best wishes for the Speedy recovery of his health, and sincerely desires, that Doctor Hayward, may be enabled to contribute to his relief. Governor Claiborne AAdU take much pleasure, in ren dering to Governor Herrara, such friendly CiAdlities as may be in his poAver. To Henry Dearborn Nachitoches Sepr. 4th 1806. Sir, My letter of the 27th ultimo, acquainted you of the crossing of the Sabine by a considerable armed force ; of several outrages which they had committed, and also, inclosed a copy of a communication which I had ad dressed to Governor Harrara, or the officer commanding a Detachment of Spanish troops at or near the settlement of Bayou Pierre. I now have the honor to transmit you a Copy of Governor Herrara 's ansAver No. 1, and also of another Communication which I have made to that of ficer No. 2 ; But to this, it is probable an answer AriU not LETTBE BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBOENE. 397 be Speedily returned, owing to to the Indisposition of Governor Herrara, who is represented, to have been con fined to his bed for several Days past, by a severe attack of billions fever. The Spanish Army continues encamped at Bayou Pierre, and was four days ago, states to be 12 hundred strong. Governor Cordero from St. Antoine in his way to the main Army, had arrived at Nocogdoches vrith three hundred regular Troops, and report said, that two Regi ments of Regular Troops, were expected at the mouth of the Trinity from vera Cruix ; but to this report, I do not give credit. The Troops at the Bayou Pierre, continue amply Sup- pUed vrith Beef Cattle; and Flour, Salt, &c, is brought from the interior Provinces (packed on mules) at a great expence; It is said however, that the pasture grounds are failing, and that the Horses are in a most wretched State. I believe, I may venture to inform you, that these Military movements have not been directed by the Court of Spain ; but are measures which the vice Roy and Coun cil of Mexico, have thought proper to adopt. I have heard from a source entitled to credit, that in conse quence of the removal beyond the Sabine not long since (under the orders of the President) of a small Detach ment of Spanish Troops, the Vice Roy and Council of Mexico resolved, "(vrithout awaiting the orders of the king) to take the necessary measures to defend the Prov ince of Taxus, and to preserve inviolate the Dominions of his Catholic Majesty". In consequence of this reso lution. Troops have been raised, and a considerable force ordered to take post, east of the Sabine. The Instructions of General Wilkinson to Colonel Cushing are such, as to determine the Colonel, not to act on the offensive, until further orders ; in the mean time, he is making arrangements to take the field, and has or- 398 MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIATES. dered to this Post, such Troops as can well be spared from Fort Adams. For myself I have esteemed it a duty, to put my Militia in the best possible State, and to hold in readiness to march at a moment's warning, a respecta ble Detachment; Being uninformed of the Instructions which have been given to General WUkinson, to whom (by your letter of the 8th of May) I learn, that the imme diate command of the Troops in this quarter, is commit ted, I have felt myself in an extremely delicate situation ; but when I heard of the rapid approach towards Nachi toches of so considerable a Spanish force, and knoAving as I did, that the regular Troops in this quarter, did not then exceed four hundred, I should have been wanting in duty, had I not repaired to this Frontier, and made aU the prorisions in my power, for the protection of the Territory, which had been committed to my care. I caimot withhold from you, the unfortunate impres sions, which the advance, and the undisturbed movements of the Spanish Army on this side of the Sabine, have made upon the Ancient Louisianians ; our acquiescence is attributed either to our inability to encounter the forces of his Catholic Majesty or that the Country West of the Mississippi is shortly to be receded to Spain. So Gen eral are these impressions, that the respect of the Louisi anians, in this quarter for the American Government is daily declining. This is given on the information re ceived from the Americans at Nachitoches. I have stated the Spanish Army to be tAvelve hundred strong, and that a reinforcement of three hundred was expected ; in point of numbers this force is respectable ; but neither the officers or Privates are accustomed to war, being for the most part Militia, and I do not hesi tate to give it as my opinion that Arith the regular Troops now here, and those ordered from Fort- Adams, together Arith such militia, as I could have embodied in 12 Days, they might be compelled to retire beyond the Sabine. LETTER BOOKS OF W. C. C. CLAIBORNE. 399 Lieutenant Duforest, who was the Bearer of my last letter to Governor Herrara, has this moment returned; he reoprts, that the Governor continued dangerously Ul ; but was informed, that Governor Cordero was momently expected, who would reply to my letter. Lieutenant Duforest adds, that he understood, that the Spanish Army consisted of Eleven Companies," of 110 each; but were generaUy militia Cavalry, and that for want of pasturage, most of the horses had been sent to the west Bank of the Sabine. Having made every effort in my power to place my mUitia in the best possible State, and to call to the field at a moments warning a respectable Detachment ; haring learned from the Military Commandant Colo: Cushing, (who seems to be a correct officer) that he did not con sider himself Authorised to act on the offensive, and there being no prospect of an attack on the Territory, to which my Jurisdiction has extended, I do not see that my presence here is longer necessary, and shall there fore in a few days, set out on my return to New Orleans ; but propose remaining a short time in the County of At tackapas, unless my presence in the City shall become necessary. I cannot avoid again stating to you how essential cav alry is, to the defence of this Territory, if the negocia tions Arith Spain should fail, and War ensue, the forces of his Catholic Majesty now in the Province of Taxus, may (in our present situation) greatly distress the Coun ties of Nachitoches, Rapide, Opelousas and Attackapas ; the Country West of the Mississippi, is for the most part a prarie Country, and cannot be defended by Infantry alone. From Opelousas and Attackapas, a considerable army might be supplied vrith Beef Cattle; but this re source might at this time be speedily destroyed, by a De tachment of Spanish Cavalry. Signed Wm. C. C. Claiborne. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 01459 5921