|
PROOFS of the CORRUPTION OF GEN. JAMES WILKINSON. AND OF HIS CONNEXION WITH AARON BURR - by Daniel Clark. [“Notes” Pages 121-140] Daniel Clark  1766-1813 |
|
PROOFS of the CORRUPTION OF GEN. JAMES WILKINSON. AND OF HIS CONNEXION WITH AARON BURR - by Daniel Clark. [“Notes” Pages 121-140] Daniel Clark 1766-1813 |
Note |
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. |
|
Page
***121*** Note **54** ~˜ |
6th. To the sixth he answers - “I never did hear Mr. Clark, previously to his first communication to Congress, speak injuriously of General Wilkinson, further than I have already stated, nor intimate that a friendly understanding did not subsist between them. I think that when the account of General Wilkinson’s proceedings at New Orleans, in the winter of 1806 and 1807, was received in Washington, and mentioned in the presence of Mr. Clark, he expressed his disapprobation of those measures, on the ground of their being unnecessary and unconstitutional, but of this I am not confident.” 7th. To the seventh he answers - “I cannot certainly recollect, but I believe that Mr. Clark did not call on me, and that I did not see him on his way from Richmond to Philadelphia, in the autumn of 1807. If he did call, it was merely for a few minutes, and I had no conversation with him, on the subject of this interrogatory. If I saw him he probably mentioned to me, as he had done at other times, that he was not called as a witness, by reason of a decision of the Court, that no investigation of General Wilkinson’s conduct, unconnected with his testimony against Col. Burr, could be permitted. I have not at any other time had any conversation with Mr. Clark on the subject of the interrogatory.” 8th. To the 8th he answers - “I have no knowledge of any such letter. During the session of the Court of Appeals of this state, at Annapolis, in the summer of 1807, while the case of Colonel Burr and his associates was before the Court at Richmond, I did hear Judge Nicholson and Mr. Randolph, that ht letter was written by the latter gentleman.” 9th. To the 9th he answers - “I had no particular knowledge of those documents, or of their existence, before they were communicated to Congress by Mr. Randolph; but I did learn soon after the trial of Col. Burr was concluded at Richmond, That Thomas Power had in his possession some original documents, tending to prove that General Wilkinson had received money from the Spanish government corruptly in 1796. This information I obtained from Power himself. After the trial he passed through Baltimore, on his way to Philadelphia, and called on me, to deliver a letter of introduction from a gentleman in New Orleans, not Mr. Clark. I asked him to dine with me in a family way, |
|
Page
***122*** Note **54** |
and he came. During dinner he told me that General Wilkinson had violated a solemn engagement with him, by publishing a certificate obtained from him, under a promise that it should be communicated to no one but the President - that this certificate was given at the most earnest solicitation of General Wilkinson, and to enable him to satisfy the mind of the President; that the publication of it, at a time when General Wilkinson knew that he (Power) was summoned as a witness in Burr’s trial, was calculated to injure the reputation of him (Power) by holding him up as a person who had certified one thing, and was ready to testify another; that for the justification of his conduct, and the support of his character, ha was determined to publish the whole affair, with documents in his possession to support his statement, if he could procure the permission of the Marquis de Cassa Yrujo; and that he was going to Philadelphia for the purpose of obtaining such permission. Having conceived a very ill opinion of General Wilkinson’s public and political integrity, from the facts and circumstances which had then become public, I took some pains to obtain from Power all the information that I could, respecting these transactions between General Wilkinson and the Spaniards; but he would satte nothing more particular than is above related. - I some time afterwards learned, not from Mr. Clark, but from a gentleman with whom we are both intimate, that Power had not been able to obtain the desired permission from the late Spanish Minister; but had left his papers, with a narrative, in writing, of the whole transaction, in the possession of Mr. Clark, with permission to use them as he might think proper. I never spoke to Mr. Clark respecting those documents and narrative; but I told the gentleman who communicated the matter to me, that as Mr. Clark was now a representative of the people, and General Wilkinson in a situation where treachery and corruption might prove in the highest degree detrimental to the public interest, I thought it Mr. Clark’s duty to make the matter known to Congress, so that an enquiry might be instituted into general’ Wilkinson’s conduct. I did not then know the particular nature of the documents, nor that Mr. Clark had himself any knowledge of General Wilkinson’s pecuniary transactions with the Spanish government. This gentleman, however, then informed me, that Mr. Clark had much knowledge of this kind, but did not state the particulars. - I added, that, if Mr. Clark thought it best, he might make the communication through Mr. Randolph; but that it was my decided opinion, that it was his duty to make it in some way of other; and I authorised and requested the gentleman to state this to Mr. Clark as my opinion and advice. This gentleman afterwards informed me that he had done immediately after his return to Wash- |
|
Page
***123*** Note **54** |
ington, where Mr. Clark then was. I heard nothing more of the matter until I received from Mr. Lloyd, of this state, a copy of Mr. Clark’s first communication; nor did I ever see the documents until they appeared in print. I believe that Mr. Clark delivered the documents to Mr. Randolph, and that he did so in consequence of my advice and persuasion. Soon after he made the communication, I learned from him, that after his return from New Orleans in the summer of 1807, he had received there intelligence, which convinced him of General Wilkinson’s having received the ten thousand dollars in 1804; and that it was paid by the Marquis de Cassa Calvo, which circumstances prevented the payment from appearing in the book of ordinary expenditures for that year; and that this discovery had given him an entirely different impression of General Wilkinson’s character and conduct, and rendered him more willing than he should otherwise have been to communicate to Congress what he knew concerning General Wilkinson’s former connections with the Spanish government. I recollect nothing more on this subject.” 10th. To the tenth he answers “I have frequently heard Mr. Clark, in speaking of Colonel Burr’s enterprise after it became known, and of the “Mexican association,” say, that he considered all individual or unauthorized attempts on Mexico as not only unlawful, and therefore improper, but as visionary, impracticable and foolish. But that he believed that an army of twenty thousand men, well appointed and commanded, and acting under the authority of the American or British governments, might effect a revolution in the Mexican provinces, and erect an independent government there. 11th. To the eleventh he answers “I never did hear Mr. Clark mention such a project, except as a criminal and visionary scheme, attributed, and perhaps justly, to Col. Burr, and a few of his associates.” Being asked by General Wilkinson who the gentleman was, that is alluded to in his answer to the ninth interrogatory, he answers “It was Richard Reynoll Keen, Esquire, formerly of New Orleans and now in Cuba. I received from him the information of Mr. Clark’s knowledge, and possession of the documents in question, and it was through him that I communicated toe advice to Mr. Clark, as stated in my answer to the ninth cross interrogatory.’ (Signed) ROBERT G. HARPER. The foregoing answers to the direct interrogatory, and to the cross interrogatories of General Wilkinson, hereto annexed, were reduced to writing, and subscribed by the witness, in my presence, read over by |
|
Page
***124*** Note **54-55** |
him, in the hearing of General Wilkinson, and then sworn to by the said witness, before me. (Signed) SAMUEL CHASE NOTE No. 55. Daniel W. COXE’S TESTIMONY. I AGREE that the deposition of Dan. W. Coxe, Esq. shall be taken, and read in evidence, on behalf of General Wilkinson, before the Court of Enquiry, whereof Colonel Burbeck is president. W. JONES, junior, Officiating as Judge Advocate. Washington, June 2d, 1808 To be exhibited to Daniel W. Coxe, Esquire, on the part of Brigadier General Wilkinson. Inter. 1st. Have you ever held conversations with Daniel Clark, Esq. respecting the political situation of the territory of Orleans, and the sentiments of its inhabitants towards the United States? If so, relate the tenor of his conversations, particularly at the period Col. Burr was engaged in the prosecution of his plans. Ans. 1st. I have frequently conversed with Mr. Daniel Clark on the political situation of Louisiana and well recollect that he considered the inhabitants as attached to the United States at the period of the cession, and that it depended entirely on the General Government to cement the bonds of the union, by pursuing a sound and judicious policy. Mr. Clark himself being a strong American in principle (even prior to the cession of that province) having been on various occasions exerted his influence in favour of this country, at the hazard of his liberty and fortune (as is well known to the present and former administrations) it consequently follows, that the people of Louisiana, who derived their opinions principally from him, passed under the American government with the strongest impressions in favour of its wisdom and justice. Mr. Clark, however, considered the policy adopted by the administration (after taking possession of Orleans) as neither wise nor conciliatory, and but ill calculated to inspire the inhabitants of that country with confidence in the liberality of its views and disposition towards them. At the period of Burr’s conspiracy, and since, Mr. Clark believed the. |
|
Page
***125*** Note **55** |
Creole inhabitants loyal, disinclined to revolution, and averse from turbulence and those political schisms, which appeared to disturb the newcomers among them. Inter. 2d. Do you remember any conversation respecting a plan of separation of that territory from the United States, the manner of its accomplishment, the period when it would take place, or the character of and the individuals concerned in the same? Ans. 2d. I remember no mention, by Mr. Clark, of any plan for the separation of Louisiana from the United States, except the old Western conspiracy for dismembering the Union, and general Wilkinson’s agency in that affair, which, after the development of Burr’s plot, I know he believed to be the source of those enterprizes, in which he considered Burr and Wilkinson as united. Inter. 3d. Have you ever heard Daniel Clark, Esquire, mention that Col. Burr was to be at the head of such a combination, and that he was to be president, with a salary of fifty thousand dollars per annum? Ans. 3d. After the explosion of Burr’s conspiracy, I have heard Mr. Clark express his opinion that Wilkinson and Burr had been acting in concert, but I have no recollection that he ever mentioned to me that Burr was to be president, with a salary of fifty thousand dollars per annum. Inter. 4th Do you know, or have you any reason to believe, any correspondence took place between Daniel Clark, Esq. and Aaron Burr, during the years 1806 and 1807? If so, related your knowledge of the same, and how obtained. Ans. 4th. I know of no correspondence between Burr and Daniel Clark, except a letter that Mr. Charles Biddle informed me Burr had left with him, to be delivered to Mr. Clark on his arrival from New Orleans, and which I supposed to relate to Mr. Burr’s baggage, part of which he told me was left in New Orleans, and called with Mr. Biddle at my counting-house, to enquire if I had received it by way of my vessels. I accompanied Mr. Clark, after his arrival, to Mr. Biddle’s to receive the above mentioned letter, and perfectly recollect his saying, rather peevishly, that Burr and Wilkinson made him of much importance, and would pester him with letters, but that he had declined corresponding with Burr. No baggage or letters were, however, received by me from Col. Burr, for Mr. Clark, or any other person. In further answer to this query, which appears to insinuate a connexion between Mr. Clark and Col. Burr, I beg leave to state, that having myself been always strongly impressed with a belief that Burr was a dangerous and unprincipled man, and the Marquis de Cassa de Yrujo having jestingly observed to me, that he understood Mr. Clark was go- |
|
Page
***126*** Note **55** |
ing to Vera Cruz, and was intimate with Burr when at New Orleans, I immediately wrote Mr. Clark (which was about the end of the year 1805) respecting the Marquis’s observations, and advised him to have nothing to say to Burr in any way. The following is an extract from Mr. Clark’s answer to me on the subject, the entire original of which is annexed hereto, with post-mark thereon. “New Orleans, 6th Feb. 1806. “MY DEAR FRIEND, “I received this day your favor of 20th December, by post, and thank you for the information contained in the private enclosure. Be pleased to assure the respectable person, who informed you I was closely connected with Colonel Burr, that he has been much imposed on in this particular, that I never was acquainted with him until he came last summer to New Orleans, and that I neither was, nor could be, mad enough to attach myself to a man of desperate fortunes, whose stay among us did not exceed a fortnight. If he, or any of his friends, have said anything that could induce people t believe I had any connexion whatever to him, I disclaim it, and time will provide the truth of mine or their assertions; and I shall be glad to learn that an eye wee kept on my proceedings. What, in God’s name, have I to expect or could hope from Colonel Burr? And it is probable I should commit my fortune, and perhaps reputation, at my period of life, to commit follies for him? No, the thing is too improbable to think seriously of, and I solemnly assure you there never has, or never shall be, any connexion between him and me. I lent him, when on the point of departure, a pair of horses, to take him to Natchez, with a servant to bring them back, and bought his bill of 300 dollars on Philadelphia, which I remitted to you; and this is all the politeness or intercourse I had with him, except once inviting him with a party to dinner, and less I could not do, in consequence of the letters of which he was the bearer to me.* I have entered into this long explanation, to set you at rest on this subject; and I beg you will return many thanks to the person from whom you received your information, for giving me an opportunity of being on my guard against the attempts that might be made to entrap me into anything, which could appear like a connexion or intimacy with Mr. Burr, should he ever return to this quarter. “Benjamin Morgan has a vessel called the Patty, belonging to John Craig, or Philadelphia, consigned to him, and this vessel has one of the permissions mentioned in a former letter, Morgan has agreed with the Captain, that he and I shall avail ourselves of this *These letters were from General Wilkinson himself. |
|
Page
***127*** Note **55** |
permission, and shall ship a cargo in the vessel; and the Marquis de Cassa Calvo will give us the necessary certificates. We propose that the cargo shall amount to forty thousand dollars, to be consigned to me; and a friend, whom I shall name another time, shall have one third interest. “We pay for vessel and permission at the rate of two dollars per bbl. freight, for the quantity we ship, and I count on our gaining one cent. per cent. on the amount of the adventure. We shall have 15,000 dollars insured here; and Price and you, when you hear further from Morgan, and Chew and Relf, can have the rest covered at home for the voyage out. As for the return back, I must trust to circumstances to be able to advise you. We have on hand almost all the goods w shall ship, and shall consequently have little or no advances to make, which could interfere with any advances intended for you, and even in the event of capture, the amount insured will be a remittance to you; this is but a hint to you for the present - to-morrow, when things are more matured, I shall write to you. “I expect to sail on the 9th, in the William Wright, as advised some time since. The Caroline dropt down river a day or two ago. “Your’s affectionately. (Signed) “DANIEL CLARK. Inter. 5th. Have you considered General Wilkinson Daniel Clark, Esq. at any time on a friendly footing? Do you know whether any change took place in Daniel Clark’s opinions, and when, or General Wilkinson? Ans. 5th. I have never considered Mr. Daniel Clark and General James Wilkinson as being friends beyond mere appearances. Mr. Clark always thought ill of the General on account of his Spanish connexions, and never to me (even in confidence) uttered an opinion in his favour, I know that he was impressed for a long while with the idea that Wilkinson had relinquished his pension from Spain, and finding him still patronized by the administration (though it was acquainted with his former agency in the old western conspiracy) he continued to maintain an intercourse with him, which both his own public situation, as consul for the United States at New Orleans, and Wilkinson’s, as military commander in the south western country, rendered necessary. A great change to the General’s further disadvantage, however, took place in Mr. Clark’s opinion, from a variety of circumstances, among which may be noticed the following: - 1st. The period and manner of Wilkinson’s communication to the President, accompanying his deposition of the contents of Burr’s cyphered letter to him. 2nd. His proceedings, denunciations and arrests in New Orleans, which Mr. Clark |
|
Page
***128*** Note **55** |
conceived to be outrageous and improper. 3d. His affidavit before the grand jury at Richmond, who, on the simple facts before them at the time, had nearly found a bill for misprision of treason, against Wilkinson, as a coadjutor of Burr, and Mr. Clark declared to me on his arrival in this city, last October, that he considered the perfidity of Wilkinson, in his capacity of commander of the American army, as without a parallel, and was fully convinced of his being the author of the conspiracy when he claimed the merit of frustrating. I am thus particular, as I have been so pointedly interrogated at the causes of Mr. C’s alienation from the General, after an intimacy of many years, and I deeply regret the necessity of using terms and epithets, which alone are adequate to convey my knowledge of Mr. Clark’s opinion of General Wilkinson. I will further state, that though Mr. Clark was convinced at one time, that the General did not receive, in 1804, the ten thousand dollars from the Spanish government, of which so much mention has been made, he however, changed his opinion on subsequent information, and was convinced that Wilkinson did receive the money, in violation of his promise to him to drop his Spanish connexions, though it did not appear charged on the Spanish treasury books, on account of its being part of a larger sum of secret service money; placed at the disposal of the military Governor of Louisiana, and not of the fiscal and accounting officer. Mr. Clark also believed, that the General, by way of screening himself form the suspicion of being connected with Burr and of increasing executive confidence in his fidelity, had denounced may innocent persons (and his name among them) in a letter to the President, which has never been published. The foregoing circumstances furnished additional reasons for the ultimate and entire estrangement of Mr. Clark from General Wilkinson, and completed his disgust at and abhorrence of his conduct. Inter. 6th. Do you recollect D. Clark’s opinions, and when, of General Wilkinson’s conduct at New Orleans in 1806 and 1807, whether he confided in his loyalty to the United States, or suspected him? Relate any knowledge you may have, and whether, from Daniel Clark’s opinion of the General, or your own knowledge, you have ever proffered your assistance, mercantilely, or otherwise, in advancing his interests? Ans. 6th. The first part having been already answered, I will merely add, that I am unacquainted with any offer of mercantile or other aid having been made by Mr. Clark of myself to advance General Wilkinson’s interests; though as to what Mr. C may have done, I cannot speak with certainty beyond my own knowledge. Inter. 7th. Have you, since the charges exhibited in the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress by John Randolph |
|
Page
***129*** Note **55** |
and Daniel Clark, Esquire, gone to Lancaster? Was the motive of the visit to see or communicate with Andrew Ellicott? Did you see or communicate with Andrew Ellicott, and what respecting? Were you induced by the desire of any other person to take that visit? Ans. 7th. I did visit Lancaster last Jan. and for the express purpose of seeing Mr. Andrew Ellicott, and inducing him to attend the Court of Enquiry, as an evidence, which however he declined doing, unless the bill, giving Courts Martial power to coerce the attendance of witnesses, was passed, in which case he said he should go to Washington, although he considered the Court of Enquiry as incompetent to the proper investigation of Gen. Wilkinson’s conduct. My journey to Lancaster was my own free act, and without the knowledge or instigation of any person. It arose from a conversation I had a few days previous with Captain John Dunlap in this city, who informed me that he had conversed with Mr. Ellicott on his return through Lancaster, who corroborated Mr. Clark’s statement, as laid before the House of Representatives, and declared Wilkinson to be a pensioner of Spain. On entering Mr. Ellicott’s house, the evening of my arrival at Lancaster, I found him engaged in explaining to a number of gentlemen of the Legislature the affair of the old western conspiracy, and Wilkinson’s participation therein, which Mr. E. was elucidating by references to his printed journal when commissioner on the part of the United States for running the southern boundary. He confirmed the correctness of Mr. Clark’s statement., and mentioned his own agency in detecting Wilkinson’s connexion with the Spaniard’s by means of intercepted letters, &c. the circumstances of which he said he had communicated in cypher to our government at the time, and the following is a memorandum I made on returning to my lodgings, of some other important circumstances mentioned to me my Mr. Ellicott: - “Jan. 30. Andrew Ellicott informed me this evening, that in the month of June, 1801 (as well as I recollect) he communicated, personally, to Mr. Jefferson, the exact sum of money that had been sent by Don Thomas Portel to General Wilkinson; that this money was not on account of any mercantile transactions, but of the pension allowed the General by the Spanish government; that General W. was not a man to be trusted; and if continued in employ, would one day or other disgrace and involve the government in his schemes.” Inter. 8th Do you know any other mater or thing that may be of use in the enquiry respecting the conduct of Brigadier General Wilkinson, which the military Court of Enquiry is now prosecuting at Washington? |
|
Page
***130*** Note **55** |
Ans. 8th. I declare, that under the authority of Mr. Clark to receive and open in his absence all letters addressed to him, I have lately received per mail the one hereunto annexed, addressed to him by Mr. Thomas Gemmel, and dated Pinkneyville, 22nd March, 1808, and which I conceive it my duty to lay before the Court of Enquiry. Pinkneyville, March 22d, 1808. “DEAR SIR “From a short and imperfect acquaintance I have taken the liberty of writing to you. I have been informed by a gentleman of undoubted veracity attached to the United Sates army, now stationed at the camp near this place, that General Wilkinson has written to two officers of the army, to wit, Colonel Kingsbury and Captain Boyer, both stationed at said camp, requesting each of them to give testimony relative to the interviews you had with General Wilkinson at for Adams, at the time mentioned in your communication to Congress. You may perhaps have heard and know better the relative situation or standing of those deponents with the General than I, and what influence he may have with them. The first, I am credibly informed, has been promised a furlough; the second flattered with a prospect of promotion to a majority. Each of them have received a letter from the General, holding forth fair promises at the commencement, and concluding with an earnest request that they be punctual in sending on their depositions, the purport of which is intended to invalidate that part of your testimony, which relates to the interview with the General at Fort Adams; and each of those gentlemen have been heard to say that you were with the General but a few hours at that time. “The General has also requested that those depositions be written by Major Stoddard, who was immediately sent for the upper country of this territory for that purpose. He arrived, and they are now at work. “Having heard Captain Sterret, of New Orleans, speak of your visit to the General, and knowing that his statement will correspond with yours, as to time and duration of stay, I have written to him, requesting that his deposition might be taken in legal form, and forwarded to you as soon as possible. Mr. Evans, of Forth Adams, I think can testify the same. There are several gentlemen in this neighbourhood, whose testimony would go in corroboration, who will not come forward voluntarily. Mr. Evans, I presume, will. If so I will have his deposition taken, and enclose it to you. The unusual anxiety and interest the friends of General W. express on this occasion, altho’ they endeavour to conduct the business as secretly as possible, has induced me to take |
|
Page
***131*** Note **55** |
the part I have. Conscious that it can do you no injury, I shall feel happy, if I have had it in my power to render you a service. (Signed) THOS. GEMMEL DANIEL CLARK, Esq.” Post-mark as follows: “Pinkneyville, M. T. Ma. 24th Washington, May 18.” Having a personal acquaintance with the Baron de Carondelet, Thos. Power, and the late Governor Gayoso, and Philip Nolan, and previously seen the documents laid by Messrs. Randolph and Clark on the table of House of Representatives, I do aver and declare, from my own knowledge of the hand-writing of those four persons, that the statement of Daniel Clark, in regard to the genuine writing or signatures of them, is true and correct. I have examined them, with a view of proving the same, if ever called upon for that purpose. I also declare that I have lately perused the official copy of a public dispatch, in the Spanish language, from the Marquis de Casa Yrujo to Don Pedro Cevalios, Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Spain, dated Philadelphia, 18th December, 1806, which communicates the entire conviction of the Marquis that General Wilkinson (well known and designated in the correspondence of state under the name or appellation of No. 13,) was united with Burr in a plan to sever the western country from the Union, and that there was nothing to fear from their views, which were not directed against the Spanish possessions, but against their own country. I further declare, that on the arrival of Mr. Thomas Power in this city from Richmond last October, I had many conversations with him, and he appeared much incensed against General Wilkinson, for having (as he said) faithlessly published a certificate which he had given him the preceding spring at New Orleans, at his particular request, under a solemn promise that it was intended merely for Mr. Jefferson’s private inspection, to quiet his suspicions, and should never be made public. Mr. Power likewise related to me an interview he had with General Wilkinson, on arriving at Richmond from New Orleans, as follows; after being conducted (I think by night) to the General’s chamber, or the General to his, Wilkinson locked the door, and with emotions of agony and despair, raising his head and hands toward the heavens, exclaimed - What, Power - are you come here to do? - and what evidence do you intend giving before the court? - Can’t you go out of the way? - To which Power replied - I shall answer nothing which can implicate my own government. - “If so, “said the general, “I |
|
Page
***132*** Note **55-56** |
“am safe; give me your hand, and do you promise this?” Power answered, that was his intention. I further declare, that I have obtained information, which I believe may be fully relied on, That William Lewis, Esq. of this city, Counsel for Colonel Burr’s, possesses facts, statements and documents, which will prove that there existed between Burr and Wilkinson an agreement and mutual understanding in relation to the conquests which they projected making in the West, and that they were to co-operate in the accomplishment of that object. PENNSYLVANIA, SS. Before me, Thomas Smith, Esq. one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, personally came D. W. Coxe, of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, and being duly sworn, declareth and saith, that the foregoing Answers to the foregoing Interrogatories contain the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, in the subject matter, according to the manner therein stated. (Signed) D. W. COXE. Sworn and duly subscribed, before me, this 13th of June, 1808. (Signed) THOMAS SMITH. NOTE No. 56. {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
|
Page
***133*** Note **56-57** |
{Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} (L.S.) EL BARON DE CARONDELET
ANDRES LOPEZ ARMESTO.THE Baron de Carondelet, Knight of the Order of St. John, Brigadier of the Royal Armies, Governor, Vice Patron of the Provinces of Louisiana and West Florida, and Inspector of their Troops, &c. I certify that the American brigantine, the Grand Sachem, Captain Ebenezer Baldwin, belonging to Jonathan Arnold, arrived here from the port of Baltimore in the Month of December of the last year, agreeable to the royal order of the 9th of June of said year, consigned to Daniel Clark; that she sailed from hence in the month of July of the present year, loaded with American property. I further certify that any other effects loaded onboard said vessel belong to American merchants, and came consigned to this city in virtue of said royal order; and that it may produce the necessary effect, I grant the present, signed with my hand, and scaled with the seal of my arms, and counter signed by the under written Secretary for his Majesty in this government. New Orleans, 15th November, 1794. (L.S.) EL BARON DE CARONDELET
ANDRES LOPEZ ARMESTO.NOTE No. 57. {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} DON Francisco Rendon, Intendente de |
|
Page
***134*** Note **57-58** |
{Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} (L.S.) FRANCISCO RENDEN.
CAYNO VALDES.DON Francisco Renden, Intendant of the Army and Treasury of the Provinces of Louisiana and West Florida, Superintendent Subdelegate and Judge of the Admiralty of them, in the mercantile affairs of their commerce and traffic, &c. I certify that the brigantine called the Charleston, Ebenezer Baldwin, Captain, the property of William and James Thayer, arrived at this port, loaded for account of her owners, and on the same account sails for the port of Charleston, with a clearance from the royal customhouse of this place, conformable to the cedula of commerce of this province, granted the 9th of June of last year, 1793; and that it may appear, I grant the present, signed with my hand, sealed with my arms, and countersigned by the Secretary of this Intendancy, in New Orleans, the 28th November, 1793. (L.S.) FRANCISCO RENDEN.
CAYNO VALDES.NOTE No. 58. {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
|
Page
***135*** Note **58-59** |
(L.S.) EL BARON DE CARONDELET
ANDRES LOPEZ ARMESTO.THE Baron de Carondelet, Knight of the Order of St. John, Brigadier of the Royal Armies, Governor, Vice Patron of the Provinces of Louisiana and West Florida, and Inspector of their Troops, &c. I grant a free and safe passport to Mr. Ebenezer Baldwin, Captain of the American brigantine the Charleston, to go from this port to that of Charleston, loaded with the produce of this province, with a clearance which he has taken from the Royal Custom-house, and the crew which appears on the ships articles which he had presented to me, with the express condition of not receiving on board his vessel any prohibited persons, or any otherwise, without my permission. Therefore I order the Captains and Patrons of vessels subject to this government, and request and intreat the Commanders of His Majesty’s squadron and ships, and those of other powers, to put no impediment to his voyage, but rather to give him such assistance as he may need. Given under my hand, and sealed with the seal of my arms, and countersigned by the undermentioned Secretary for His Majesty in this government, in New Orleans, 28th November, 1794. (L.S.) EL BARON DE CARONDELET
ANDRES LOPEZ ARMESTO.NOTE No. 59. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. STATE OF NEW YORK, SS. BY this public instrument, be it known to all whom the same doth or my concern, That I, George D. Cooper, a Public Notary in and for the State of New-York, by letters patent under the great seal of the said state, duly commissioned and sworn; in and by the said letters patent invested “with full power |
|
Page
***136*** Note **59-60** |
and authority to attest deeds, wills, testaments, codicils, agreements, and other instruments in writing, and to administer any oath or oaths to any person of persons;” do hereby certify, that on the day of the date hereof, before me personally came and appeared John Blagge, of the city of New-York, merchant, who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith, that in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one he, this deponent, together with John Jackson and Leffert Lefferts, both of the said city of New-York, were the owners of the brig Grand Sachem, and that Thomas Wooster, who sailed the said brig Grand Sachem in the year last aforesaid, from New-York to New-Orleans, had not at that time, not has he at any subsequent period had, any transfer or conveyance of the said brig Grand Sachem from this deponent and the said John Jackson, and Leffert Lefferts, nor had he, the said Thomas Wooster, any interest or concern whatsoever in the said brig, at that or any subsequent time, prior to the sale of the said brig to Jonathan Arnold; he further saith, that he, this deponent, together with the said John Jackson and Leffert Lefferts, sold the brig Grand Sachem, and conveyed her, after her return from New-Orleans in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, to Jonathan Arnold, of the said city of New-York, and that this deponent and the said John Jackson and Leffert Lefferts made no other transfer or conveyance of the said brig Grand Sachem that the one to the said J. Arnold. J. BLAGGE. Whereof an attestation being required, I have granted this under my Notarial Firm and Seal. Done at the city of New-York, in the state of New-York, the twentieth day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eight. IN PROEMISSOREM FIDEM. GEO. D. COOPER, Not. Pub. NOTE No. 60. {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
|
Page
***137*** Note **60** |
{Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} ANDRES LOPEZ ARMESTO I, DON Andres Lopez de Armesto, formerly Secretary to the government of he province of Louisiana, one of his Majesty’s commissioners of limits, honorary commissary of war, and at present authorised to review the militia of the Havanna, do hereby certify, that having arrived in the province of Louisiana about the latter end of May, 1772, and been appointed secretary of that government in 1779, I had the satisfaction to communicate with and receive particular favours from Mr. Daniel Clark, deceased, colonel of the militia of the United States, at Natchez, with whom I maintained the strictest union and friendship. Hence originated, from the first day of the arrival of Daniel Clark, jun. His nephew, in December, 1786, my close and friendly connexion with him, which continued without intermission until I was forced to leave New Orleans, about the beginning of March, 1806. During the residence of both the uncle and nephew in New Orleans, I observed, |
|
Page
***138*** Note **60-61** |
with singular pleasure, that the generous and amiable character of old Mr. Clark, and his virtuous consort, were universally acknowledged, and particularly by the governors, officers, and others in the employ of the Spanish government; and that his nephew, Daniel Clark was invariably maintained the same reputation, and with more particular distinction during the administration of Don Stephen Miro, the Baron de Carondelet, Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, and the Marquis de Cassa-Calvo. I also certify that Daniel Clark never took the oath of allegiance to Spain, although he was solicited so to so on different occasions, and that he was allowed by the Spanish government the special indulgence of continuing to enjoy the same commercial and agricultural privileges, in Louisiana, as an inhabitant of the province, without the slightest interruption or molestation; and in order that it may be known to whom it may concern, and serve the necessary purposes, I hereby, at the request of the above mentioned gentlemen, grant this certificate with particular satisfaction. Havanna, 25th June, 1808. (Signed) ANDRES LOPEZ ARMESTO NOTE No. 61. No. 5. Five. IN pursuance of an act of the Congress of the United States of America, entitled “An Act concerning the registering and recording of “ships or vessels.” Jonathan Arnold, of the city, county and state of New-York, Merchant, having taken or subscribed the affirmation required by the said act, and having affirmed that he is the only owner of the ship or vessel called the Grand Sachem, of New-York, whereof Ebenezer Baldwin is at present master, and is a citizen of the United States, and that the said ship or vessel was rebuilt in the state aforesaid in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-nine, as appears by certificate of registry, No. 92, granted at this port on the 28th day of December, 1791, and now given up to be canceled, on account of transfer of property; and John Lasher, Surveyor of this district, having certified that the said ship or vessel has one deck and two masts, and that her length is seventy feet five inches, her breadth twenty feet, her depth twenty feet ten inches, and that she measures one hundred thirty-three tons; that she is a square sterned brig, has a round tuck, quarter badges, and man head; and the said Jonathan Arnold having agreed to the description and admeasurement above specified, and sufficient |
|
Page
***139*** Note **61-62** |
security having been given, according to the said act, the said brig has been duly registered at the port of New-York. Given under our hands and seals, at the port of New-York, this tenth day of January, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three. (L.S.) JOSEPH NOURSE, Register. (L.S.) CHARLES TILLINGHAST, Dep. Col. (L.S.) BEN. WALKER, N. Off. DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK, PORT OF NEW-YORK. WE certify the within to be a true copy of the original certificate of registry of the brig Grand Sachem, taken from the record on file in this office. Given under our hands and seals of office, one thousand eight hundred and eight. (L.S.) D. GELSTON, Collector (L.S.) S. OSGOOD, N. Officer NOTE No. 62. AFFIDAVIT OF WILLIAM PORTER. WILLIAM PORTER, of the city of Baltimore, being solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth and saith, that he lived in the family of Mr. Daniel Clark, of New Orleans, in the years 1793 and 1794, and that he was in the employment of Mr. Clark from the year 1793 to 1799, during which time he had constant access to his books and papers; that the brig Grand Sachem, with Mr. Jonathan Arnold, her owner, on board, arrived from Baltimore at New Orleans in the year 1793, and proceeded for the Havanna in the beginning of 1794, with the Governor’s lady, daughter, and suite on board; that when she sailed for the city of New Orleans she had American colours flying, and was known to the Governor, and other officers of the government, to be American property; that to satisfy the Governor of this vessel’s being really American property, he understood, and believes, that Mr. Clark shewed to the Governor the American register and papers of said brig, which induced him to send his family in her, for their security, as Spain was then at war with France; that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, Mr. Jonathan Arnold was the sole owner of said vessel; that Mr. Clark, as will appear from |
|
Page
***140*** Note **1** |
his books, had nothing more to do with the Grand Sachem, than merely to receive a commission for transacting her business; that this deponent kept, himself, the accounts of said vessel, and furnished them to Mr. Arnold, as her owner; and that during her continuance in New Orleans he never saw her wear Spanish colours, but, on the contrary, when celebrating the fourth of July, 1794, she wore American colours during the day in the harbour, and notoriously belonged solely to Mr. Arnold, and was American property. WM. PORTER. Sworn and subscribed before April 28th, 1808. NOTE No. 63. New Orleans, 7th September, 1805. DEAR SIR, MANY absurd and wild reports are circulated here, and have reached the ears of the officers of the late Spanish government, respecting our ex Vice-President, You are spoken of as his right hand man, and even I am now to be of consequence enough to combine with Generals and Vice Presidents. At any other time but the present, I should amuse myself vastly at the folly and fears of those who are affected with these idle tales, but being on the point of setting off for Vera Cruz, on a large mercantile speculation, I feel cursedly hurt by the rumours, and might in consequence of Spanish jealousy, get into a hobble I could not get easily out of.. Entre nous, I believe that Minor, of Natchez , has a great part in this business, to make himself of importance, He is in the pay of Spain, and wishes to convince them he is much their friend. This is, however much suspicions on my part, but the channel through which the information reached me makes me suppose it. Power, whose head is always stuffed with plots, projects, conspiracies, &c. &c. &c. and who sees objects through a mill-stone, is going to Natchez, next week , to unravel the whole of this extraordinary business, and then God have mercy on the culprits, for Spanish ire and indignation will be leveled at them. What in the name of heaven could give rise to these extravagances? Were I sufficiently intimate with Mr. Burr, and knew where to direct a line to him, I should take the liberty of writing to him. He has amused himself at the block head’s |
|
|