To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1806

Dear Sir

New Orleans March 4th. 1806

I am honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 16. of January; and its enclosure has been delivered to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

I have also received from the department of State, Commissions for four members of the Council; the fifth member is not yet notified to me—but I trust his Commission will arrive previous to the meeting of the Legislature, which will be on the 24th day of the present Month, March.—Of the Gentleman recommended as Councillors, I only feel solicitous that Mr. Evan Jones may not be appointed; for, whatever may be said to the contrary, there is nothing more certain, in my mind, than that Gentleman does not merit the confidence of the Government.

I shall not be inattentive to the interest of General La Fayette; Mr. Duplantier is, at present, near Baton Rouge, but is expected in this City in a few days, when I shall urge him to make, for the General, the location you recommend.—Perhaps Juan Suarez may be induced to abandon his claim upon the propositions being made which you suggest;—but in any event, a survey of 1000 acres, shall be made.

The Order for the Spanish Officers to depart this Territory, has given great umbrage to them; The Marquis of Casa Calvo has been pleased to consider the measure as one arising from my official communications; and has discovered, on the occasion, some personal resentment; he is, however, at present, under the dominion of his passions,—and on cool reflection, I am persuaded, he himself, cannot but approve the policy of sending away, Men whose residence among us, tended to divide our Society, and to embarrass the local Government.

I wrote you the other day, by Mr. Joshua Lewis who passed by water from hence to Baltimore;—I then mentioned a report which prevailed relative to the increased embarrassments which, under the orders of Morales, our Commerce was subjected to, at the town of Mobile.—I have, however; heard nothing further on the subject, and am inclined to think the report unfounded.

Every thing is now tranquil in this City, and promises to continue so.

I am Dr Sir, With great Respect Your faithful friend

William C. C. Claiborne

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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