To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1804
From William C. C. Claiborne
New-Orleans December 8th. 1804
My Dear Sir,
I have the Honour to enclose you a copy of my address to the Legislative Council, and of the answer returned thereto. The meeting of the Council has had already a happy effect; the few Intriguers who have laboured to stop the Wheels of Government are greatly discouraged, and the well disposed Citizens highly satisfied.1 The only anxiety I now feel is, that the means I resorted to, to form a Council may meet your approbation.
The filling of a Blank Commission with a name not previously2 sanctioned by you is a liberty which I very reluctantly ventured on, and should certainly not have done it, had I not seen that a state of anarchy and confusion was fast approaching. Seven members being necessary to form a Quorum, and as it might happen that one of the Council might be sick (as is now the case) or from some other cause could not attend, I have filled another Blank Commission with the name of James Mather, an old and respectable3 Inhabitant of Louisiana; an Englishman by Birth, But with respect to the affairs of this District, an American in principle. Mr. Mather is moreover a man of real information and great integrity, and very generally esteemed.
Messrs. Poidrass, Morgan, Kenner, Wycoff, Pollock, Watkins, Dorcier and James Mather now compose the Council, and I believe I can say with certainty, that they are all respectable Men of good understanding, and possessing considerable influence in the District.
I flatter myself that the next Mail will bring me the names of a sufficiency of Gentlemen to complete the Council, and in the mean time I shall console myself with the reflection that my late conduct will receive your approbation. It is believed here that the three Gentlemen of the Council lately named were selected by the President of the United States. For a continuance of your Health and happiness, I pray you to accept the best wishes of your
Faithful friend
William C. C. Claiborne
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Jan. 1805 and so recorded in SJL. Dupl (same); endorsed by TJ as received 20 Feb. 1805 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found, but see below.
Claiborne’s address, presented at the opening meeting of the legislative council of Orleans Territory on 4 Dec., was published in the Louisiana Gazette on 7 Dec. and reprinted in the National Intelligencer on 25 Jan. 1805 along with the council’s answer. Claiborne congratulated the council and emphasized the importance of the work upon which it was about to embark. He called particular attention to the establishment of a judiciary, the governance of New Orleans, the promotion of agriculture and commerce through internal improvements, the promotion of education and “every constitutional encouragement” to religious instruction, and the arrangement of the militia. Replying on 7 Dec., council president Julien Poydras thanked Claiborne for the advice and sentiments conveyed in his speech and expressed the council’s concurrence with them. The council also declared its admiration for the moderation Claiborne demonstrated while simultaneously exercising the authority of “governor, intendant, chief justice, and commander in chief” (Louisiana Gazette, 7, 14 Dec.; National Intelligencer, 25 Jan. 1805; , 110-17).
Claiborne had recommended James Mather to Madison in a letter dated 29 Oct., believing him “worthy the President’s Confidence,” and also suggested Jean François Merieult as another suitable candidate for the legislative council (DNA: RG 59, LAR; endorsed by TJ: “Mather James, Merriult John F. for Legislat. Council Orleans”).
Also on 8 Dec., Claiborne enclosed a copy of his address and the council’s answer in a letter addressed to “The President of the United States” but apparently intended for the secretary of state (RC in DNA: RG 59, TP, Orleans, endorsed by Jacob Wagner as received 23 Jan. 1805; see , Sec. of State Ser., 8:364; , 109-10).
1. Dupl: “gratified.”
2. Word interlined.
3. Preceding two words interlined.