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PROOFS of the CORRUPTION OF GEN. JAMES WILKINSON. AND OF HIS CONNEXION WITH AARON BURR - by Daniel Clark. [“Notes” Pages 41-60] Daniel Clark  1766-1813 |
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PROOFS of the CORRUPTION OF GEN. JAMES WILKINSON. AND OF HIS CONNEXION WITH AARON BURR - by Daniel Clark. [“Notes” Pages 41-60] Daniel Clark 1766-1813 |
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Each section below reflects a true page of this historical publication. Note links refer to the letters and documents that Daniel Clark used as evidence of his former friend's treachery. People and place-name links are to biographical and geographical pages in Encyclopedia Louisiana. Time links are to the Encyclopedia Louisiana Timeline. |
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***41*** Notes **19-20** |
J. MERCIER Sworn before me at New-Orleans, the 31st of August, 1807. AIS: BONAMY, Justice of the Peace NOTE NO. 20. Nouville-Madrid, 21 Juin, 1796. Monsieur, JE me suis rendu a ce poste hier apres-midi... {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
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***42*** Note **20** |
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***43*** Note **20** |
New-Madrid, 22d June, 1796. SIR, I arrived at this post yesterday afternoon, as this is not a proper time to enter into the details of my journey with Mr. S nor to communicate to you the observations on the subjects to which you have so strongly recommended to me to apply my attention, I shall confine myself simply to relate to you the situation with respect to the commission (a) which......... gave me to take .............................................. (a) In the original draft the following words were first written but afterwards struck out and those in italics inserted. “Money which you sent to the commandant of this post for gen. W. - and of which he begged me to take charge.” |
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***44*** Note **20** |
I arrived at Cincinnati the 19th of May - (b) was then at Greenville, not to give rise to any suspicions I thought it was prudent not to set out for head-quarters without having previously obtained permission from gen. Wilkinson who commanded there- this permission did not arrive until the 31st - the second of June I went there and delivered to ........... the dispatches which Mr. S had taken charge of and he had found it impossible to send in any other manner, without exposing them to the risque of falling into the hands of his enemies - I repeated to him the conversations I had with the intendant and don Andres on the subject of the money in question and of the means we had devised to send it to him without running any risque, which were that under pretext of making a commercial voyage I should ascend the Ohio to the falls, or Cincinnati with a cargo of sugar, coffee, powder, &c. all in barrels, each one of which would contain a certain quantity of dollars, these precautions appeared to him so wise that he detained me as short a time as possible without giving umbrage, and sent me off with verbal orders to receive from the commandant of New-Madrid the money which was placed in his hands for him and to give him a receipt for it; when I suggested to him that it would be necessary perhaps that I should present to the said comm’t an order from him, he observed to me that not knowing how many dollars the commandant had rec’d to be delivered to his order it was impossible for him to specify the sum which I ought to receive - adding that he was surprised that don Andres had not designated in his letter (which was the only one of those he had received in which the money was mentioned) what was the sum that had been sent to New-Madrid. “Besides, he added, I find myself in no critical position and surrounded by so many enemies, that to give you an order in writing would be exposing myself to infallible ruin, and to the failure of a project which we have laboured at for so many years” - he authorised me even since he could not give me the order in writing which I asked from him and the commandant would not have understood it if he had given me one in cypher, to write an order myself in his name and to present it to the commandant if it should happen that he made any difficulty. Yesterday as I have already had the honor to inform you I came here and .............................................. (b) In the original the words of Gen. W. were first written and afterwards struck out, but were still legible. |
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***45*** Note **20** |
(Directed) To the baron Carondelet, knight of the order of St. John, mareachal de camp of the armies of H. M. gov. gen. vice patron of the province of Louisiana and West-Florida, and inspector of the troops. |
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***46*** Note **21** |
NOTE No. 21. New-Madrid, 27th June, 1796. SIR, I arrived at this place yesterday afternoon - my return has been delayed nearly one month beyond the time I had calculated upon. Mr. S. and I parted at Cincinnati the 19th of last mo. - he was then not perfectly in health, and a good deal worsted by his journey: which, owing to the uncommon severity of the weather, had been attended with more fatigue than we expected to encounter. - At some future and not distant period I will do myself the honour of laying before you some of the particulars of our travels, and the reflexions that occasionally pressed themselves on our minds - the situation in which I am thrown by a concurrence of circumstances originating in a want of foresight, is far from being pleasant. indulge me in a few minutes patience and I will acquaint you with it. S.... at Cincinnati gave me charge of the letters he had received for ........ who was then at Greenville; the vigilance and activities of his enemies made it unsafe to trust them to any ordinary conveyance; I therefore resolved to carry them myself - but not to attract the eye of suspicion, and to remove even the shadow of it, I judged it necessary to remain at Cincinnati until I obtained permission from gen. Wilkinson to visit head-quarters, where he commanded - having obtained it, I proceeded thither without delay, and arrived there the second of June and delivered the letters. - ........ asked me what arrangements had been made to have the money forwarded to him. I informed him that I had agreed with dn. Andres, who appeared to have the arrangement of that business, that I should proceed up the Ohio. in the barge in which lieut. A Gregg returned to Massac, with a cargo of sugar, coffee, &c. in barrels, and that, to elude the grasp even of conjecture, the money should be put by small quantities into the barrels - that I was to have the selection of the boat’s crew from among the Creoles and Canadians living at this place, or on board the king’s galleys - and that I understand the sugar and coffee had been sent up with the dollars. Pleased with these artful precautions. which to him appeared well calculated to lull suspicion, blind the inquisitive, avert danger and ensure success, he gave me verbal orders to take charge of the money, proceed with all possible dispatch for New-Madrid, and return speedily to Cincinnati. The reason for his not giving me an order by writing is |
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***47*** Note **21** |
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***48*** Note **21-22** |
Yours, &c. GOVERNOR GAYOSO NOTE No. 22. LANCASTERNouvelle Madrid, 3 Januier, 1797 MONSIEUR, {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
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***49*** Note **22** |
Mons. Le Baron de Carondelet TRANSLATION OF NOTE No. 22. New Madrid, 3d January, 1797 SIR, I arrived at this post the first of last month. I intended to announce to you this visit in person: but the most contrariant events have prevented me, and so not yet permit me to set out for New Orleans, to render you an account of my mission, in which I have succeeded, in spite of the opposition of Wayne. - I should have already returned to the capital, if I had myself been the bearer of the letters of *** which I have received some days since by Mr. Nolan. The gazettes which I have received some days since by Mr. Nolan. The gazettes which I have the honour to send you with this will in- |
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***50*** Note **22** |
Your most obedient servant, Baron de Carondelet |
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***51*** Note **23-24** |
NOTE No. 23. New Madrid, 3d Jan. 1797 SIR, I ARRIVED at this place on the first of last month, and have been detained here by a concurrence of unlucky circumstances. *** had ordered me to stay here until Nolan should arrive with the letters. Mr. Nolan did not arrive before the 17th of 18th of December. I was ready to set off on the 22d, when the severest frost ever known in this country suddenly froze the river for a great distance from the bank. It still continues frozen, and such vast quantities of ice float down the part that is not frozen, that to attempt to go down it in any thing but a small canoe would be rushing into the jaws of death. I enclose you two newspapers, by which you will learn the manner in which I have been treated in the U. S. and the reasons why *** did not venture to trust me with any papers. I am happy, however to acquaint you that I delivered my charge in safety. I do not transmit you ***’s letters, not to depart from his orders, which are not to let them out of my hands upon any consideration, but to deliver them personally to you; besides, I expect to be with you almost as soon as bearer of this. After I shall have explained to you at Natchez the motives of my conduct through the whole of this delicate and difficult business, I flatter myself it will meet with your approbation. I have the honour to be, with respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant. His Excellency Governor GAYOSO. NOTE No. 24. Territory of Orleans, sct. JOHN McDONAUGH, jun. Being duly sworn, doth depose, that at some time in the month of March, in the year 1804, Gen Wilkinson consulted with this deponent as a commission merchant, on the probability of sugar or cotton shipped from this country to the Atlantic ports turning to advantage. The advice of this deponent to purchase for him sugars to the amount of nine or ten thousand dollars, payable in cash. This deponent accordingly purchased for the General, through Messrs. Dusan and Dubourg, brokers, one hundred and seven hogsheads of sugar, and chartered the ship Louisiana (in which the General took his passage) to transport it to New-York, the said sugar being shipped on the sole risk and account of the General. That the |
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***52*** Note **24-25** |
JOHN McDONAUGH, jun. Sworn before me this 4th September, 1807, at the city of New-Orleans. JOHN LYND, Justice of Peace NOTE No. 25. SOME time between the 10th and 20th days of January, 1807, in conversation with General Wilkinson, on the subject of publications in the Western world, I expressed a belief that some of the charges there brought against him (the General) were true, and remarked that they were generally credited in Kentucky. I noticed the immense sums of money he expended, as tending to impress a belief that he had some other resourse than his pay and emoluments as Commander in Chief of the army. I informed him that I had heard it very confidently asserted, that the money he paid to Mr. John McDonaugh, for sugars, when the Americans took possession of this country, was received from the Marquis de Casa Calvo. The General declared the report false, and raised to ruin him That he had received the money from Lieut. Taylor, for extra services. Shortly after this conversation with General Wilkinson, I had one on the same subject with Governor Claiborne. He told me, that when he first heard of the purchase of sugars by the General, he was inclined to believe that he had come by the money with which he made the purchase corruptly but that he had an explanation for the affair with General Wilkinson, who had removed every suspicion from his mind and added, that the General received |
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***53*** Note **25-26** |
JAMES M. NRADFORD. Sworn and subscribed to, at the city of New Orleans, This seventeenth day of March, 1809, before me, SAMUEL D. EARLE Justice of the Peace in and for the parish of the city of New Orleans. NOTE No. 26. COURT OF ENQUIRY. Washington City, July 4th. AFTER a full investigation of such evidence as circumstances as have come to the knowledge of the Court, in the course of its proceedings, a correct statement of which is hereunto annexed, and after mature deliberation upon the same, the following opinion, the amount of the testimony, is respectfully submitted: It hs been proved to the satisfaction of this Court, that Brigadier-General James Wilkinson had been engaged in a tobacco trade with Governor Miro, of New Orleans, before he entered the American army in 1791; that he received large sums of money for tobacco delivered in New-Orleans in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine; and that a large quantity of tobacco was condemned, belonging to him, and stored in New-Orleans that year; but it has not been proved, and after the fullest investigation and comparison of testimony in the possession of the court, it does not appear that he has received any money from the Spanish government, or any of its officers, since |
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***54*** Note **26** |
It has been stated by the General, that after his damaged tobacco had laid some years in the stores at New-Orleans, his agent there received for it, and transmitted to him, the several sums credited in the copy of an account current presented by him, and marked No. __ ; and under the impression that the letters accompanying said account were written by his said agent, Philip Nolan, the Court think it highly probable that statement is correct. They, however, do not consider the verity of it of the least importance in this case, since, if he did receive the money as stated, the transaction was fully justifiable, and if he did not receive it, there is no proof of his having received it at all. It is therefore the opinion of this Court, that there is no evidence of Brigadier-General James Wilkinson having at any time received a pension from the Spanish government or any of its officers or agents, for corrupt purposes; and the Court has no hesitation in saying, that as far as his conduct has been developed by this enquiry, he appears to have discharged the duties of his station with honour to himself, and fidelity to his country. H. BURBECK, President T.H.CUSHING, Members. JONA. WILLIAMS, City of Washington, June 28th, 1808. July 2d, 1808 Approved, (Signed) |
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***55*** Note **27** |
NOTE No. 27. DR. JAMES WILKINSON, Esquire, in account current with CLARK & REES. 1787. To balance of account this date, 4 0 Aug. 27. To cash lent him, per note, 3000 0 1788 . Apr. 17. To cash paid William and Richard Thomas, per receipt, 90 0 May 15. To cash paid Joshua Barbee, per receipt, 100 0 To cash paid James Ferguson, per his order, 52 4 July 12. To cash paid his bill in favour of L. T. Beauregard, 1626 6 14. To cash paid his bill in favour of Spoartsman, 861 0 To cash paid his bill in favour of Ballenger, 360 0 29 To cash paid Major Dunn, per account, 281 2 3389 0 Aug. 8. To cash paid Wm. McFaden, on account of ___ 180 0 Major Dunn, for 3 passages by schoo. Navaro, 333 6 Dol. 333 6, ex.152 p.cent. 219 0 To cash paid Maj. Dunn, in full, 355 7 10185 5 SUPRA, CR. 1788 July, 29 By nett proceeds of sales made for his account, Silver 9835 5 By a Negroe man named Jesse, 350 0 10185 5 N.B. There is a quantity of tobacco on hand in bulk, weight unknown; also seven hogsheads full, which have not been weighed; for |
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***56*** Notes **27-28** |
Errors excepted. New Orleans, 8th August, 1788. CLARK & REES By virtue of the powers in me vested by James Wilkinson, Esquire, I do hereby acknowledge and declare that I have examined the above account, and that I have received from Messrs. Clark & Rees, of Now Orleans, merchants, the several articles and payments in the said account, - balanced, as it stands, this 8th day of August, 1788. ISAAC B. DUNN NOTE No. 28. DR. General JAMES WILKINSON, Esquire, in account current with CLARK & REES. 1789. Apr. 9 To cash remitted you by I. Ballenger, 1650 0 To our acceptance in favour of L. T. Beauregart 2665 3 To ditto in favour of Reand & Fortier, 1333 3 To cash paid, Benj. Fisher, per your order, 141 1 To ditto paid your order in favour of Thomas, 200 0 To ditto paid Mr. Moore , 50 0 To ditto paid boatboatmen’s wages, 948 5 1/2 To amount paid your not for cash lent last year, 3000 0 To cash paid Parcells Parker 41 6 To ditto paid A. McGilliwray’s account against Philip Nolan, 99 3 To ditto for bacon, hams and rice, to be explained by Cn, Dunn, 33 4 Carried over, 10170 0 1/2 |
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***57*** Notes **28** |
Errors and omissions excepted. New Orleans, May 1st 1789 (Signed) CLARK & REES. I have examined the within account, and find it right; and do hereby acknowledge to have received of messrs. Clark and Rees, the sum of six thousand two hundred and fifty-one silver Spanish milled dollars of Mexico, being authorized so to do by General Wilkinson’s letter to Daniel Clark, bearing date 27th February last, having signed three receipts oof the same tenor and date. (Signed) A. M. DUNN. DR. General JAMES WILKINSON to Moses & John Moore. To an error in his account with Mr. Moore to his prejudice, and in favor of Gen. Wilkinson, 1564 lbs. Tobacco, at five dollars, 77 4 By balance due J. Wilkinson, in account with Moses more, 30 1 May 1. To cash paid, Captain A. Dunn, ____ To General Wilkinson’s debit, 47 3 |
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***58*** Note **29** |
NOTE No. 29. SALES of 342 hogsheads of tobacco, shipped by James Wilkinson, (on the purchase of which the sum of 729l. a balance due Daniel Clark, Esq. for his half of the proceeds of the bateau Speedwell, was invested, and in proportion thereto said Clark is interested) consigned to Philip Nolan, New Orleans. Sold to governt. 226,649 lbs. Nett, at 80 p. 1000, 18131 7 Charges. Paid for packing, in hard money, 149 0 Lost, to procure this money, 11 per cent 16 3 165 3 Paid the pickers, in paper money 88 0 Lost, to procure this money, 6 per cent 5 0 92 2 Sundry expences, to be explained by P. Nolan, 105 0 Lost, to procure this money, 10 4 115 4 Mr. Ballenger’s board for 30 days, at 1 dollar 30 0 Lost, to procure this money, 0 4 30 4 Mr. Nolan’s allowance, from the 27th July until the 25th, September, 60 days, at two and a half dolls. Per day 150 0 Lost, to procure this money, 10 per cent 15 0 165 0 Cooperage, per account, 541 4 1111 1 Proportion of expence to be deducted, 329 5 781 4 17350 3 Deducted from invoice, 1500 0 15850 3 Errors and Omissions excepted. PHILIP NOLAN. New Orleans, Sept. 21, 1790 |
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***59*** Note **30** |
NOTE No. 30. Lexington, Kentucky, May 20, 1790. MESSRS. CLARK & REES, GENTLEMEN I LAMENT that I should be obliged to address you at this late day, but the causes producing the delay have been insuperable. This will be handed to you by my agent, Mr. Philip Nolan, who carries with him, and will exhibit to you for final settlement, the account of the unfortunate adventure by the Speedwell, he being specially authorized by me for that purpose. Amidst the embarrassments which result to me from this fatal expedition, it is with pleasure I reflect, that whilst I am obliged to abide by a dead loss on the sales, without remedy of consolation, you must feel yourselves indemnified by the advance you had upon the merchandize originally furnished from your store to the adventure, and for which you received cash. The proceeds of this adventure are invested in tobacco, at a very low price, which I hope will get to a good market. Tou will observe that I have consigned this cargo to Mr. Nolan, and authorized him to act for me in the storage, inspection, &c. because the quantity now shipped will overrun the claims of the owners of the Speedwell nearly two thirds, and I have determined to make no discrimination in the cargo, for fear of accidents to the boats, which might be assigned to the account of the Speedwell, or lest I should subject myself to the imputation of partiality to my private interest, and be charged with selecting the best tobacco. No difficulty can offer in the settlement, because when the costs and charges, and the nett profits of the whole cargo, are ascertained, the proportion due to the owners of the Speedwell can be readily established. This is the principle of settlement which I have directed my agent to take for his guidance, and to which I shall invariably adhere. I am sorry to inform you that one of our flats, after being loaded with forty hogsheads, sprung a leak, and in spite of our endeavours sunk. The tobacco is wet, but I believe we shall be able to save the greatest part of it; though it will involve the inevitable detention of this tobacco until my next shipment, when it will go down on the same principles as the present cargo, of which it is indeed a part. I have directed Mr. Nolan to require the original vouchers, on which the accounts rendered by you last year are founded, many of them being absolutely necessary to my own indemnity against the persons collaterally interested or connected to them. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, JAMES WILKINSON. Messrs. CLARK & REES, Merchants, New Orleans. |
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***60*** Note **31** |
NOTE No. 31. Louisville, June 20th, 1790 GENTLEMEN, YOUR surprise at hearing from me at this late date cannot exceed the mortification and regret I feel from the delay. My boats unfortunately grounded in Kentucky river, and were left by the flood. Mr. Nolan will give you the details, and will explain to you the personal hardships and risques I have been exposed to for three weeks past. Events have justified the propriety of my making no distinction in the tobacco shipped at this time, or allotting any separate portion for the account of the Speedwell, as three of the fleet which sailed are still aground in Kentucky river, with one hundred and eighteen hogsheads on board. The tobacco Mr. Nolan now takes down can be appropriated on the same equitable principles, and the same just scale of proportion, set forth in my letter of the 20th of May. The drowned tobacco is by this time completely recovered, I expect, at a loss of twelve or fifteen pounds. I shall ship it, and it will go down with the three boats which are aground, so soon as the flood offers, which I expect must take place in the course of the month. The stoppage of the boats has been attended with some additional expence, which was unavoidable in the measures necessary to get them out of the Kentucky river, and secure the tobacco. With due respect, I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, JAMES WILKINSON. Messrs. CLARK & REES. |
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