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PROOFS of the CORRUPTION OF GEN. JAMES WILKINSON. AND OF HIS CONNEXION WITH AARON BURR - by Daniel Clark. [“Notes” Pages 141-160] 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 141-160] 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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***141*** Note **63-64** |
expence, and then Minor has retailed the news to his employers. Enquire of Mr. Burr about this, and let me know at my return, which will be in three or six months. the tale is a horrid one, if well told. Kentucky, Tenessee, the state of Ohio, with part of Georgia and Carolina, are to be bribed, with the plunder of the Spanish countries west of us, to separate from the Union. This is but a part of the business. Heavens what wonderful doings there will be in those days, But how the devil I have been logged into the conspiracy, or what assistance I can be to it, is to me incomprehensible. Vous qui savez tout can best explain this riddle. Amuse Mr. Burr with an account of it, but let not these great and important objects, these almost imperial doings, prevent you from attending to my land business. Recollect that you - , then, if you intend to become Kings and Emperors, must have a little more consideration for vassals, and if we have nothing to clothe ourselves with, for we can be clothed with the products of our lands only, and if Congress take the lands for want of formalities, we shall then have no produce, we shall make a very shabby figure at your courts. Think of this and practice those formalities that are necessary, that I may have from my Illinois lands wherewith to buy a decent court dress, when presented at your levee. I hope you will not have Kentucky men for your masters of ceremonies. I remain, dear sir, very sincerely, Your humble servant and friend, (Signed) DAN. CLARK. Brigadier General WILKINSON. The preceding is a true copy, and the young man who writes for me having absented himself, unexpectedly, has caused the delay of your receiving it. Truly thine, (Signed) JA. WILKINSON. Hon. D. C. NOTE No. 64. St. Louis, March 8th, 1806. DEAR SIR, NOT knowing whether you have returned from Mexico or not, I have forborne to address you since the receipt of your land claims, and the tale of a tub of Burr, &c. &c. But by the bearer, Mr. Wilkinson, I think proper to advise you, that your claims have been all regis- |
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***142*** Note **64-65** |
tered. Though the have not been acted upon by the Commissioners, yet I have collected from two of the Board, that one only of them is indisputable, I think for five thousand acres, and granted in your own name - the rest stand in need of explanations and testimony. I do not comprehend as yet the particulars, but you may rest assured of my attentions, and that nothing shall be left undone to support your fights. By the next conveyance you shall be more particularly informed, as I mean to bring forward those claims in a few days, in order to ascertain the sentiments of the Board. As I do not know whether this will find you in New Orleans or not, I must not enlarge, but will refer you to my nephew for the news of this territory, should he find you at home. What think of you of the purchase of the Floridas by the U. S. Entre nous, I verily believe it is done - something of great importance has been done in conclave, and that something is to perpetuate our peace with Spain - again entre nous. I write in haste, and am, with much friendship. Your’s, JA. WILKINSON. D. CLARK, Esq. NOTE No. 65. AFFIDAVIT OF M. DE LA CROIX. ON this day, the eighth of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine, and the thirty-third of our independence, before Alexis Cesar Bonamy, one of the Justices of the Peace in the city and for the parish of Orleans, appeared Francis Du Suan de la Croix, a Member of the Legislature of the territory of Orleans, an inhabitant of this parish, who, being sworn on the Holy Evangelistas of Almighty God, did depose and say, that about the middle of the month of October, in the year 1806, he was spoken to by Mr. Daniel Clark respecting the projects imputed to Colonel Burr, which were then the general themes of conversation in the city, and was invited by the said Daniel Clark to be present at a meeting of a number of his friends, which took place immediately afterwards, among whom he recollects Mr. Dominique Bouligny, now of the House of Representatives of this territory, Mr. Joseph Deville Degoutin Bellechasse, then Colonel of the city militia, and member of the Legislative Council, and Mr. Peter Derbigny, then and still Secretary of the Legislative Council when Mr. |
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***143*** Note **65-66** |
D. Clark, after stating what he understood to be the views imputed to Colonel Burr, as well in the newspapers as by report, entreated all present in the most urgent manner to forget any personal animosity towards the Governor, and to rally round the government, and die, if necessary, in its defence. That the said D. Clark further stated his regret at being about to depart for Congress at so critical a moment, and mentioned his fears of the Governor’s incapacity to head the well disposed inhabitants, whom he advised us to encourage to join and support him; and lastly he entreated us, by all we hold sacred, in case of any hostile project on the part of Colonel Burr against the peace of this country, which might be followed by a momentary success, not to attend it, whom we could influence, as we might be forced to give sanction to measures, which would for ever ruin ourselves and country, which he then and always assured us could only prosper by its utmost attachment and adherence to the government of the United States. DU SUAN DE LA CROIX. Signed and sworn before me, NOTE No. 66. {Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
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***144*** Note **66** |
{Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} Mars, 1809. D. BOULIGNY.
Jure et affirme,
DUTILLET. Juge de Paix. BEFORE me, the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Peace for the city of New Orleans, personally appeared Mr. Dominick Bouligny, an inhabitant of this parish, and Member of the House of Representatives of this territory, who, being duly sworn according to law, did depose and say, that in the Month of October, 1806, the projects of Colonel Burr and his adherents being then the general subject of conversation in this city, the deponent had occasion to converse about them with Mr. Daniel Clark, then Delegate from this territory to Congress, who invited him to a conference which was to take place between several of his friends respecting this business; that the deponent, having attended, found several persons, among who m he remembers Col. Bellechasse, Mr. De la Croix, and Mr. Derbigny; that Mr. Clark stated his fears respecting the situation of this territory, and exhorted them to forget any personal pique against the Governor, and to rally round him for the defence of their country; that he mentioned his regret at his departure for Washington under such circumstances, and signified his uneasiness at the incapacity of the Governor to command the well disposed citizens; that he conjured them, in the name of whatever they held sacred, not to assist at any meeting of the Legislature, in case Colonel Burr, succeeding in his enterprize, should endeavour to avail himself to the constitutional authorities to consolidate his usurpation; that, in fine, here presented to them that the projects of Colonel Burr could send only momentary, and would be attended by the worst of consequences, and that the good citizens had no other safety to |
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***145*** Note **66-68** |
hope for, but in defending the government, at the expense of their lives. New Orleans, 8th May, 1809. (Signed) D. BOULIGNY. Sworn and signed before me, (Signed) DUTILLET, Justice of the Peace. 0NOTE No. 67. PERSONALLY appeared before me, the undersigned, one of the Justices of the peace for the parish of New Orleans, S. B. Davis, Harbour Master of this city, who, being duly sworn, on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and say, that about the time that information Colonel Burr’s expedition first arrived, he, the deponent met with Dr. Wm. Flood, of this city, at the Coffee house, who informed him that the said Burr was expected to be on his way, or was about to descend the river, with intentions hostile to the government of the U. S. and added, that it was the duty of every good citizen to oppose him, at the risk of his life; upon which this deponent hastened to communicate what he had heard to Mr. Daniel Clark, then about to depart as Delegate from this country to Congress, and after conversing with Mr. Clark on the subject, he was advised by him to serve and support the government of the U. S. by all means in his power, and to make use of Mr. Clark’s name with all his friends, and to whom it might influence to act in the same manner; and the deponent further declares and says, that he was afterwards informed by Colonel Bellechasse, that Mr. Clark had used all his influence to rally his friends in defence of the country; and further this deponent saith not. S. B. DAVIS. Sworn and subscribed before me, this ele- venth day of March, 1809 AIS BONAMY, Justice of the Peace. NOTE No. 68. AFFIDAVIT OF COLONEL BELLECHASSE. PAR devant moi, F. Futillet, I’un de Juges Je Paix pour la ville et paroisse de la neuve le Orleans, est comparu le Sieur Deville Degoutin |
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***146*** Note **1** |
{Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} |
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***147*** Note **68** |
{Complete French/Spanish Text not yet included} Neuvelle Orleans, 20 Mars, 1809. J. D. DEGOUTIN BELLECHASSE. Jure et affirme devan nous. F. DUTILLET, Juge de Paix PERSONALLY appeared before me. Francis Dutillet, a Justice of the peace of the parish of New Orleans, Mons. Joseph Deville Degoutin Bellechasse, President of the Legislative Council of their territory, who, being duly sworn, did depose and say, that on the month of November of the year 1803, he was solicited by the French Colonial Prefect, Mins. Laussat, to accept the command of the militia, of the province of Louisiana, then about to be delivered to him by Spain, and that not knowing with what view the Prefect was actuated, he resisted his offer, which circumstances he communicated to Mr. Daniel Clark, then Consul for the U. S. in this city, who disapproved of his refusal, and earnestly recommended that, If it was not too late, he should accept the proffered command, giving as a reason, that he believed the tranquillity of the country would be insured by so important a trust be- |
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***148*** Note **68** |
ing confided to a man attached to good order, and who possessed the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and he was persuaded such conduct would be agreeable to the government of the U. S. in consequence of which, this deponent informed the Prefect he would take the command of the militia, which was given him as soon as Spain surrendered the country. and further this deponent declares, that on the arrival of the American Commissioners, and possession of the city being given to them, the command of the militia was again offered him, which he would have declined, had it not been for the advice of Mr. Clark, who constantly represented to him the obligation he thought he was under of serving his country; and from that period, until within these few days, when this deponent resigned the command of the first regiment of the city militia, whenever he experienced any disgust in the service, and was about to throw up his commission, he was constantly prevented by Mr. Clark, who never failed to suggest that the deponent had a duty to fulfil, and ought to make great sacrifices, rather than encourage others by his example to withdraw from the service; and the deponent further declares, that at an early period of the year 1806 he was applied to join what was then called the Mexican Society, when he asked if their views were known to Mr. Clark? and when on being informed that he was not a member, he also refused to join it, and immediately gave Mr. Clark notice of the proposal, who blamed the proponent for having listened to it, as he was an officer with a high command, and recommended him to give information of the proposal to the magistracy, which he did; and the deponent further declares, that in the month of October of the aforesaid year, a very few days before Mr. Clark left this city to go to Congress, he called to gether a number of his friends, amongst whom this deponent was one, and informed them of the views and intentions imputed to Colonel Burr, which were then almost the lone topic of conversation, and which, from the reports daily arriving from Kentucky, had caused a serious alarm, and he advised them all to exert their influence with the inhabitants of the country to support the government of the U. S. and to rally round the governor, although he thought him incapable of rendering much service as a military man, assuring them that such conduct only would save the country, if any hostile projects were entertained against it, and that this would be the best method of convincing the government of the U.S. of the attachment of the inhabitants of Louisiana, and of the falsity of all the reports circulated to their prejudice; and Mr. Clark strongly recommended to such members of the Legislature as wee then present, not to attend any call or meeting of either House, in case Colonel Burr should gain possession of the city, stating that such a measure |
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***149*** Note **68-69** |
would deservedly expose every individual concerned to punishment, and would occasion the ruin of the country; and this deponent further declares, that what he has last deposed that he gave information of to the Governor, in the presence of Major Nott, who served him as an interpreter with his Excellency, and that on the arrival of General Wilkinson in this city, on or about the middle of December 1806, he informed him of the proposal made to him to join the Mexican Association, and of the advice given him, the deponent, by Mr. Clark, to avoid all connexion of participation in it; and further this deponent saith not. New Orleans, 20th March, 1807. (SIGNED) J. D. DEGOUTIN BELLECHASSE. Sworn and subscribed before me, (Signed) F. DUTILLET, Justice of the Peace. NOTE No. 69. AFFIDAVIT OF MR. DERBIGNY. TERRITORY OF ORLEANS CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, SS. BEFORE me the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said city, personally appeared Peter Derbigny, Esq. Counselor at Law, who, being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelistas, did depose and say, that some time in the fall of 1806, a few days before the departure of the Hon. Daniel Clark, their Delegate from the Territory to Congress, for the city of Washington, this deponent was invited by said Clark to his house, to be present at a meeting of some of his friends, with whom he wished to converse on important matters; that there this deponent met Messrs. Deville Bellechasse and Dominique Bouligny, both members of the House of Representatives; that Mr. Clark shewed to all present much anxiety, for the fate of this territory, in consequence of the projects of Colonel Burr and his confederates, which were then the general topic of conversation on this country; that Mr. Clark manifested some fears, lest, in a case of emergency, the Governor of the territory should not be capable of heading the faithful and well disposed citizens; that he entreated all present, never the less, to use their endeavours to persuade their fellow-citizens to rally round him, and support the government; that he advised them particularly, in case Colonel Burr should come and overwhelm the go- |
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***150*** Note **69-70** |
vernment to prevent, if possible, any of the inhabitants of this country from co-operating in his measures, and above all not to suffer the Legislature, if called by him, to meet; that Mr. Clark expressed his regret of being bound by his duty to absent himself at so critical a conjuncture, and finally recommended them to call forth all their firmness and courage in defence of their government, and to spare not even their lives, to save, to save their country from ruin; and further this deponent saith not. P. DERBIGNY. Sworn before me, at New Orleans, the 28th day of February, 1809. AIS BONAMY, Justice of the Peace. NOTE No. 70. New Orleans, December 10th, 1806. MY DEAR SIR, I REFER you to the bearer, Mr. Donaldson, for the interesting scenes which agitate our darling city and poor devoted Louisiana. I am here to defend her against revolution and pillage by a hand I have loved. Suspicion is afloat, and numbers are implicated. Thank God. your advice to Bellechasse, if your character was not a sufficient guarantee, would vindicate you against any fool imputation. By the last advice Burr expected to reach Natchez with 2000 men the 20th inst. If he brings no more, he will not dare approach this place. where I shall to-morrow have 1000 regular troops; and your creoles will turn out with great vivacity. I am pushing an armed flotilla high up the river, to drive the revolutionists on shore, and save your plantations and prevent the insurrection of your negroes. Farewell, my dear sir, and believe me, ever yours, (Signed) J. WILKINSON. HON. D. CLARK. |
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***151*** Note **71-72** |
Letter without a date. But bearing the post-mark of the 8th January, 1808, from New Orleans. It is from Wilkinson, intended for me, and was addressed to Mr. Daniel W. Coxe, of Philadelphia, who, having read it, forwarded it to me, knowing that it must be meant for me, and stating it to be in Wilkinson’s hand, which he knew. IT is a fact that our fool has written to his contemptible fabricator, that you had declared, if you had children you would teach them to curse the U. States as soon as they were able to lisp, and he gave the Mayor and Gurley for authors. Cet Bete is at present up to the chin in folly and vanity. He cannot be supported much longer; for, Burr or no Burr, we shall have a revolt, if he is not removed speedily. The moment Bonaparte compromises with G. Britain will be the signal for a general rising of French and Spaniards, and if the Americans do not join, they will not oppose. Take care! Suspicion is abroad; but you have a friend worth having. You will see Livingston’s philippie to W*******; it is replete with falsehood, and is laughed at here by everybody. So much for the establishment of an improved character. Your’s, R.R. Workman and Kerr have been discovered as an intrigue to corrupt the army, and to plunder the bank. It is said Lieut. G. A. Murray has detected them. D. C. Esq. Note No. 72. Written by Wilkinson, though unsigned. (Confidential) The animosities which have been excited in this city by Burr’s friends and well-wishers and his enemies and opposers are deep, rancorous, and deadly. It would seem that the former, composed almost exclusively of our own countrymen and foreigners, embrace the mass of talents and enterprise; but the latter comprise almost the whole of the ancient inhabitants, and the great mass of established character and for- |
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***152*** Note **72** |
tune. Pour example, in the first party you find Livingston, Workman, Kerr, Watkins, P. Jones, Daneyark, Bradford the printer, and the Bar in general; in the other, P. Lanuse, Garrick, Poidrass, B. Morgan, Bellechasse, Fortier, the Urquarts, both Pollocks, Dubourg, Gurley, Duncan, Flood, &c. It has been hinted that much pains have been employed to induce you to believe that General Wilkinson is hostile to you, and even reported you. This is a stale device to augment the numbers of a desperate party, for the suggestion is without the shadow of a foundation; and though Mr. Burr and his accredited agents have made, or endeavour to make, much use of Mr. Clark’s name, General W. has never mentioned it. Burr, Bollman and their agents have made use of the House of Chew & Relf to cover their correspondence. And Mr. R. has delivered to the General one letter of importance from Burr to Bollman. He offered another, which he said was for Bollman, tho’ it was not addressed. “For your own sake,” said the General to him, “take that letter away, destroy, and say nothing of it;” because it appeared extraordinary, indeed, that he should know for whom the letter* was intended. Yet this thick sculled beast has taken it into his head that he has been very ill used by the General and joins his abuse. The concord and confidence of the community is, I fear, destroyed for a long period, property is falling, and misfortunes will overtake many yet the seeds of discontent are deeply sown, and will germinate on the first favourable occasion. In the mean time, the Chiefs of Mexico are ready to declare independence, on the slightest encouragement of the U. S. to whom they look for alliance and support. I write facts. Fir I have enterprized and hazarded much to ascertain since November last. The opportunity appears to be a golden one, and I hope it may suit the policy of our country to adopt it. The poor devils on the side of Texas have all retired, and Nacogdoches is left with its usual guard. They will never attempt another campaign in that quarter. W. C. C. C. leaves this the first of May, and Graham sends in his resignation. Livingston, and my quondam friend, I. B. I understand, are praying for and promising the arrival of Monroe. I have written you twice, and have no answer. Your ancient and principled friend. D. C. Esq. *The General would not read it. |
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***153*** Note **73** |
Balize, 24th May, 1807, at night. MY DEAR SIR, I regret deeply that I did not see you before my leave of New Orleans. I remained at my quarters until the day was advanced, and the order for sailing being at twelve, I felt it proper to embark. Let me repeat, that your noble, manly interposition in my behalf, as reported by my friend General Smith, at the seat of government, was not necessary to secure to you a friendship, founded on almost twenty years acquaintance, but makes it my peculiar duty, pending the highly important developments which are at issue, to watch over and defend your fame, should it be implicated in the discussion. I did earnestly desire a conciliation between yourself and the Governor of the territory, because I considered such a coalition in the present moment might insure a happy tone to the great substantial and important interests of the American nation, which believe me has escaped a hellish scourge, to be ascribed to that decisive conduct for which I have been stigmatized, but will ultimately be thanked. I have never attempted to justify the infractions of the law which were forced on me in New Orleans by an impending great calamity, and I shall hold myself ready to go even to the stake, should our country require it, to do away the dangerous tendency of the precedent; yet I can never repent what I have done, and would repeat it a thousand times for if a destructive evil to a national community can be arrested by the ruin of an individual, should he pause? I think not, and under this impression I have acted. Guard against the blandishments of faction be on the watch of the needy, greedy, unprincipled adventurers, who are sucking the best blood of your ancient fellow citizens analize their characters, and views, and motives and their seductive arts, and acknowledge talents, will prove unavailing. Cling to the plain, simple, well-meaning natives of your country, and such solid industrious citizens as Donaldson, Urquhart, Lane and Morgan, and you will contribute to the happiness and prosperity of Louisiana. I write you in haste, and more from the heart than head. You will know how to estimate this license, and must believe me. Most truly, dear sir, Your friend and servant, (Signed) JA. WILKINSON. The hon. D. Clark Esq. |
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***154*** Note **1** |
(Confidential) Richmond, October 5th, 1807 DEAR SIR, HITHERTO your name has not been mentioned, as I understand, in Burr’s trial. I have received several letters from New Orleans lately, which have occasioned me some surprise. They impart, that you were coming round to Capt. Power, to do me all the injury you were able, and that, to induce Power to come, you had accommodated him with the means, and had agreed to support his family. This I could give no credit to, after the justice you had repeatedly rendered me, not only by your long statement to Mr. Perkins respecting my first voyage to New Orleans, and the consequences, given at a late period, of which I have the copy you furnished me, but also by the declarations you made to General Smith last winter, and your recent assurances made Captain McClelan to New Orleans, of which I have certificates. What may be Mr. Power’s object I cannot divine, since he voluntarily, in May last, tendered me, in his own hand, a declaration of my innocence of his mission to Kentucky from the Baron Carondelet, as far as comes within his knowledge, to which he offers to make oath. Cenas writes me, that you desired him to inform me you were bound to Philadelphia, but would not come here, unless compelled by an attachment. This is utterly unintelligible; but no doubt, if Burr calculates on you, by ripping up your correspondence, to throw a slur on my character, he will send forward such an attachment. I have laboured assiduously to avoid the violation of private correspondence, whilst Mr. Burr, in the true character of a depraved villain, had adverted to a letter said to be received from me, in terms calculated to excite suspicions injurious to me, yet to my reiterated demand refuses either to bring forward that letter, or to give me leave to bring forward his private letters which I received at St. Louis, one of which relates to your communication received from New-Orleans, in which you mention Power and Minor, and the report of a mediated Mexican expedition, and the revolt of the western states, &c. &c. I had mislaid this letter when I wrote you from Washington, but have since found it. You will recollect you desired me to write Burr on the subject, which I did; and also gave his brother-in-law, Dr. Brown, an extract of your letter, to transmit him, the receipt of which he acknowledges. Much pains were taken by Bollman to induce me to believe you were concerned. Swartwout assured me Ogden had gone to New |
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***155*** Note **74-76** |
Orleans, with dispatches for you from Burr, and that you were to furnish provisions, &c. Many other names were mentioned to me, which I have not exposed, nor will I ever expose them, unless compelled by self defence, because I believe much fraud, artifice and falsehood, were imposed on me, as well as others, to cheat, deceive, impose, and, in case of discovery, to implicate. Among other documents handed to me in New Orleans is a bill on you from G. W. Ogden, in favor of P. V. Ogden, whom I sent round, drawn , as he says, on account of the land purchase. This I have never uttered. Things of this nature, and our correspondence of twenty years torn up before a court of justice, in this hour of distrust and suspicion, may effect irreparable injuries to the innocent. Burr has said in Court, that he expected testimony from New Orleans, to prove that “himself and the country had both been “sold.” I shall be happy to hear from you, and am, with respect and esteem, Dear Sir, Your’s, JA WILKINSON. DANIEL CLARK, Esq. NOTE No. 75. DEAR SIR, HEARING of your movement from New Orleans, I addressed the enclosed to you in Philadelphia, where I expect lieut. Murray waits for you. I wrote him since your arrival, and he will be here in three or four days. I am desirous to see you, but the reports in circulation make it matter of great delicacy. With respect and esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your obedient Servant, (Signed) JA WILKINSON. Richmond, October 12th, 1807 THE HONORABLE DANIEL CLARK NOTE No. 76. New Orleans, 27th September, 1806 .DEAR SIR, I have been favored with your letter from the Heights, and had you previously informed me when you might be expected there, I |
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***156*** Note **76** |
should have been on the spot at the time of your arrival. Removed as you now are to a distance of one hundred and fifty leagues for Orleans, it will be morally impossible for me to undertake a journey to see you, as the near approach of winter renders my departure for the Atlantic States indispensable within a fortnight, and I shall not be here till some time after Congress breaks up. Neither myself or any other of your friends will ever doubt that you will act with the Spaniards with as much prudence as your orders permit; and if hostilities should be the consequence, your superior must be responsible to the nation and not you, for the conduct. The only thing I fear is, that you should not have force enough to defend the country in case of attack, as Folch has at least 1200 to 1500 regulars in Pensacola; and if you strike on the side of Natchitoches, you ought to be prepared for a retaliation on his part against this quarter. On the militia of Lower Louisiana you must place no reliance. The never have been organized, they are unarmed, and I know there are in the stores but 2500 stand of spare arms, a great part of which I presume it would be necessary to keep for the troops, to supply them, in case of accident. Besides, you know that the planters and merchants will not easily leave their homes, to the utter ruin of their affairs, when there is no force to compel them. I know I am entering into a THORNY PATH, and shall expect a great deal of trouble. I WOULD THANK you for your advice, to direct me; and if you would give me a line to some f your friends in Congress, disposed to favour or serve Louisiana, you would, perhaps, afterwards find your account in it. You may direct to me, to the care of Mr. Daniel Wm. Coxe, at Philadelphia, until the session commences. I received the rejected grants of lands, and would be obliged to you to give me what information you are possessed of respecting the proceedings of the board of Commissioners, what the people in the upper country expect, and what it would be proper to attempt for them, with any hope of success. You will oblige me much by giving me, from time to time, advices of what is passing on the frontiers, and point out in what way you think I may be of service to you. I remain, with esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) DANIEL CLARK. Brigadier General WILKINSON. |
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***157*** Note **77** |
Houmas, 2d October, 1806 DEAR SIR, I HEARD by Captain Turner that you had got to the Rapids of Red River, and were to proceed next morning to Natchitoches I long to learn of your arrival there, and the result of your communications with Herrera, which I presume must be unsatisfactory, as he cannot in honour recede, after what had already passed, even were his orders discretionary. I therefore suppose hostilities must take e place, and were the preparations and means in your power equal to the object, I should have no doubt but you would bring matters to an honourable issue for yourself and your country. I flatter myself, however, that your force is small, you will not expose your reputation, unless circumstances should be so favourable as to promote you victory. Captain Turner informed me that you expected I would see you at Natchitoches. On reflecting, you must perceive the impossibility of realizing such an idea, as I have not time sufficient to undertake the journey, and return to Orleans previous to the time requisite for embarking or the seat of government; and however strong the desire of seeing you is, on my part, I must defer the pleasure till my return in the spring, or beginning of summer. Of this I already advised you, previous to leaving town, and for fear of accident now mention it a second time, that you may not be disappointed by waiting to take any measures till you saw me. Peace between England and France was confidently expected, messengers were daily passing between them, the English funds had raised, and concurring advices from other quarters give every reason to expect that this great event may take place. It may have a great effect on our politics, and I wish we may not be exposed to the vengeance of the three great maritime powers of Europe, by our conduct to each of them. You are, however, better able to calculate the effects to be feared, or to be expected than myself, and I shall refrain from further observations. I shall write to you from New Orleans, previous to my departure, and will advise you from thence of anything in my absence. I sincerely wish you success, and that the means of insuring it depended upon yourself alone. I remain, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely, (Signed) DANIEL CLARK. Brigadier General WILKINSON. |
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***158*** Note **78-79** |
MY DEAR SIR, I DID not answer your letter by Taylor, but I did better; I procured him a pension of twenty dollars per month. I was to have introduce my friend Burr to you, but in this I failed by accident, He understands your merits, and reckons on you. Prepare to visit me, and I will tell you all. We must have a peep at the unknown word beyond me. I shall want a pair of strong carriage horses, and about 120 dollars each, young and sound, substantial, but not flashy. I am in health, and, in spite of the neglect of friends, and the shameful omissions of attornies, have this day given sit a damper. Perdition overtake the Jew scoundrel; he had nearly destroyed me by a decree, of which I have no intimation, although it is almost seven years old. Enough for present. Thine ever, JA. WILKINSON. Rapids of Ohio, May 28th, 1805, 11 o’clock, A. M. I sail in an hour. Gen. ADAIR. Write me Private. NOTE No. 79. Copy of a letter from General Dayton to General Wilkinson, written in cypher, except those parts printed in italics. This cypher was designed by General Dayton, and founded on the hieroglyphics known to General Wilkinson and Colonel Burr. July 24th, 1806 (Hieroglyphics) It is now well ascertained that you are to be displaced in next session. Jefferson will affect to yield reluctantly to the public sentiment, but yield he will; prepare yourself therefore for it; you know the rest. You are not a man to despair, or even despond, especially when such prospects offer in another quarter. Are you ready? Are your numerous associates ready? Wealth and Glory. Louisiana and Mexico. I shall have time to receive a letter from you before I set out for Ohio |
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***159*** Note **79-80** |
OHIO. Address one to me here, and another to me in Cincinnati. Receive and treat my nephew affectionately, as you would receive your friend. DAYTON NOTE No. 80. July 16th, 1807 MY DEAR FRIEND, As you are said to have removed your head-quarters down the river, and there is a report that the Spaniards intercept our mails which pass necessarily through the territory occupied by them, in order to reach you, I think proper to address you in cypher, that the contents may be concealed from the Dons, if they make so free as to open the letter. Take the following for the catch word of check word (and you may very readily decipher the figures.) Viz. in your own hieroglyphic (.); but in your own alphabet thus - (Hieroglyphics.) Every thing, and even in Heaven itself, appears to have conspired to prepare the train for a grand explosion; are you also ready? For I know you flinch not when a great object is in view. Your present is more favourable that your late position, and as you can retain it without suspicion or alarm, you ought by no means to retire from it until your friends join you in December, somewhere on the river Missisippi . Under the auspices of Burr and Wilkinson I shall be happy to engage, and when the time arrives you will find me near you. Write, and inform me by first mail what may be expected from you and your associates. In an enterprise of such moment, considerations even stronger than those of affection impel me to desire your cordial co-operation and active support. DAYTON Wealth and honor. Adieu. Burr and Wilkinson. Courage and union Let me hear from you by mail, as well as by the first good private conveyance, and believe me, with the best wishes for your prosperity and happiness, most truly, Your friend and servant, JONA. DAYTON If you write in cypher (Hieroglyphics.) Use the same word, viz. |
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***160*** Note **81** |
WILKINSON’S SECOND AFFIDAVIT. I, James Wilkinson, brigadier general and commander in chief of the army of the United States, to warrant the arrest of Samuel Swartwout, James Alexander, Esq. And Peter V. Ogden, on charge of treason, misprision of treason or such other offence against the government and laws of the United States, as the following facts may legally charge them with, on the honour of a soldier, and on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, do declare and swear, that in the beginning of the month of October last, when in command at Natchitoches, a stranger was introduced to me by Colonel Cushing, by the name of Swartwout, who, a few minutes after the colonel retired from the room, slips into my hand a letter of formal introduction from Col. Burr, of which the following is a correct copy: Philadelphia, 25th July, 1806. “DEAR SIR, Mr. Swartwout, the brother of Colonel S. of New-York being on his way down the Missisippi, and presuming that he may pass you at some post on the river, has requested of me a letter of introduction, which I give with pleasure, as he is a most amiable young man, and highly respected from his character and connexions, I pray you to afford him any friendly offices which his situation may require, and beg you to pardon the trouble which this may give you. With entire respect Your friend and obedient servant, (Signed) A. BURR his Excellency General WILKINSON.” Together with a packet, which he informed me he was charged by the same person to deliver me in private. This packet contained a letter in cypher from Colonel Burr, of which the following is substantially as fair an interpretation as I have heretofore been able to make, the original of which I hold in my possession: “I, Aaron Burr, have obtained funds, and have actually commenced the enterprise. Detachments from different points, and under different pretences, will rendezvous on the Ohio, 1st November. Every thing internal and external favours views; protection of England I sacred; T----- is going to Jamaica, to arrange with the admiral on that station; it will meet on the Missisippi England Navy of the United States are ready to join, and final orders are given to my friends |
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