 1766-1813This page includes Daniels Clark's life the beginning of 1805 to his death in 1813. Back up to his life at an earlier time5 Daniel Clark Page 1 |
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1766-1813 This page includes Daniels Clark's life the beginning of 1805 to his death in 1813. Back up to his life at an earlier time5 Daniel Clark Page 1 |
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1805 Winter, 1805-1806 |
Graham as Secretary of Orleans Territory receives papers from Daniel Clark that estimates of Spanish military forces of garrison towns between Vera Cruz and Mexico (City) in Mexico and Baron Humbold's statistical tables. At the time Graham asks Clark further questions about Mexico, since he believes that war may be imminent. He asks Clark if he would participate in an invasion of Mexico, Clark says only by individuals with the government's permission rather than with the government. Graham remembers this when he hears rumors of Clark's funding of Burr. Clark reveals Dr. Watkin's association with the Mexico Assoc. and tells Graham that he is not a member. |
| 1805 Winter and Spring |
Claiborne
is opposed to the establishment of the Bank of Louisiana but he grants
the ordinance to prevent a violent protest. Daniel Clark is on the Board
of Directors. A vigorous campaign is launched against the governor in local newspapers. Claiborne sends detailed defense to the Secretary of State (Madison) citing the wealth of the opposition and their skill with the "arts of intrigue." The newspapers become the center of political struggle. Over the Winter Burr and Wilkinson's plot makes its way to Washington D. C. They assemble maps of East and West Florida as well as New Orleans and the Louisiana territories. Wilkinson receives a letter from General John Adair, hero of the revolutionary war, urging his efforts in Mexico. Burr tells the British that Claiborne's efforts in New Orleans are ineffectual and on the verge of collapse. He wanted a small British squadron off the mouth of the Mississippi River and $.5 million to finance the operation. He promised to deliver the Southwest, the Mexican territory of Texas and New Mexico. |
| 1805 January |
The Gazette publishes a series of letters by
an "inhabitant" widely believed to be Daniel Clark, John B. Prevost the
territorial secretary or Edward Livingston.
The articles claim that the governor's powers are excessive and the man
given those powers was clumsy and ineffectual. Claiborne
allows Casa Calvo to rule on a dispute
over a slave auction that he had sanctioned. American rights had been
compromised. Claiborne again refuses to answer charges and defends his
position to the Federal government. The next attack concerns the poor state of the militia and the governor's sanctioning of a black militia force offensive to the white majority. This was a question that later led to the duel between Clark and Claiborne. Lewis Kerr and James Workman (Sheriff and U. S. Marshall) defend Claiborne in the Orleans Gazette and the Louisiana Gazette. |
| 1805 January 11 |
Daniel Clark chosen Bank of Louisiana Director. |
| 1805 February 17 |
Micajah G. Lewis, Claiborne's brother-in-law,
is killed in a duel protecting the governor's reputation. Claiborne's
wife had died not long before. |
| 1805 March |
A federal act on this date establishes a state
house of representatives to select a five man legislative council to serve
as the upper house. The President is to have final choice of the five
men. Previously they were to be appointed by the governor. In the subsequent
election only Creoles are chosen, a clear victory for Daniel Clark and
the French-speaking supporters of the "Louisiana Remonstrances". Claiborne vetoes an act from the Creole legislature which declares that the Civil Code would continue. A political revolt ensues. |
|
1805 June 3 |
Aaron Burr goes
to Fort Massac on the Ohio River to meet General
Wilkinson. Wilkinson writes several letters of introduction to influential
citizens of Louisiana. The most important is to Daniel Clark.
This letter is later interpreted by Claiborne and historians as collaboration by Clark, but Clark will claim this was his first meeting with Burr. |
| 1805 June 26 |
Burr reaches New
Orleans and stays for three weeks. He is cordially received by Claiborne,
attends many social occasions as guest of honor including one hosted by
Daniel Clark. Clark loaned Burr several horses and a servant. He stays with Edward Livingston. Burr and Wilkinson needed a war with Spain over Mexico which would attract volunteer troops. At times war seemed imminent with troops facing over the Sabine River. Clark probably knew that Burr was discussing plans with the Mexican Association. This is a secret organization with 300 members that is sworn to conquer Spanish Mexico to enrich themselves. Clark was friendly with the Spanish as well as many members of the association. Clark later points out that Burr also met with Claiborne. |
|
1805 June |
Clark's first meeting with Aaron
Burr who arrives in New Orleans with a letter of introduction from
Gen. Wilkinson. Burr dined with governor
Claiborne and was the guest of several other prominent citizens. Clark
lends Burr some horses to get as far as Natchez and a servant who was
to bring the horses back. Toward the end of June Clark signs a contract with Mr. B. Bosch to deliver cargo valued at $105,000. |
|
1805-1810 |
The Burr Conspiracy and its aftermath propel Clark to the center of attention in New Orleans and to a lesser extent in the nation. From 1805 to his death in 1813 he is never free of the stigma that the conspiracy has placed on him. It dominates his life from 1805 to 1810. |
|
1805 August |
Thomas Power tells Clark that the Spanish government is alarmed by a rumor that an invasion of Mexico is imminent and Clark was mentioned with Burr and Wilkinson in the scheme. Clark writes a letter to Wilkinson reporting the rumors. |
|
1805 September 7 |
Clark writes to Wilkinson about reports of him being the right-hand man of Burr. Clark mentions Minor of Natchez as a possible conspirator and says Power is going to Natchez the next week to look into it. Clark is going to Vera Cruz for 3 to 6 months for a large mercantile speculation and cannot understand how he has been involved. He mentions Illinois lands and asks that these reports not keep him from attending to Clark's land claims. (Note 63, Proofs) expresses fears of Wilkinson's complicity and his (Clark's) unwillingness to be involved. |
| 1805 September 11 |
Two months after the visit by Burr,
Clark sets out on the first of two trips to Vera Cruz. The second visit
to Vera Cruz is in February of 1806. On these visits Clark holds meetings with Spanish officials. He returns with reports on military and naval establishments in Vera Cruz and garrisons between Vera Cruz and Mexico City. When he returns from the second trip he gives the information to John Graham, the secretary of the Orleans Territory. He wants them passed to the U. S. Secretary of State but not through Claiborne. When asked by Graham if he would participate in an invasion he answered no if it was to help a government effort but he is willing to support a private effort. Clark had too much investment and commerce with Mexico to aid an invasion, but probably hoped to profit from the situation anyway. |
| 1806 |
During this year Daniel Clark is elected as the
first territorial delegate from Louisiana to the U. S. Congress by the territory
legislature. Claiborne pathetically concerned with what his superiors thought of him. Clark is seeking political allies. He finds one in an old Claiborne nemesis in Natchez and with John Randolph in Congress. Clark is apt to take an ungenerous advantage but loses tight control over his followers in New Orleans. Claiborne's advantage is the patronage that comes with the governors office. |
| 1806 January 10 |
Joseph H. Daveiss, district attorney of the
United States for Kentucky writes an official letter to president Jefferson
(Note 92, Proofs)with an understanding that Mr. Ellicott had years
before disclosed the names of American concerned with the old Spanish
plot. Daveiss is concerned that Jefferson has appointed Wilkinson governor
of St. Louis since he has been mentioned as a principal in the plot. Clark mentions this letter in the Proofs since Jefferson has named Clark as the first to bring the accusations of Wilkinson's deceit to the government. 1806 February 15 Letter from Jefferson to Daveiss in response to January 10. |
| 1806 February |
Clark returns to Vera Cruz on the Caroline
and is followed by the ship Patty with a cargo valued at $55,000.
He returns to New Orleans leaving about $40,000 in Mexico. He does not
get this money until the next year. This time when he returns to New Orleans
the rumors about Burr are much more prevalent
and alarming. Bellechasse tells him
of having been solicited to join the Mexico Association. Clark has avoided
this association because he is the territorial delegate to Congress, owner
of a very large estate, well connected in commerce and society and has
considerable capital in the Spanish dominions. In other words he has
considerable
to lose by being in such an association and his conduct is open (Depositions
65-69). Because he is about to leave the territory again he gathers prominent citizens including commandant of the militia (Bellechasse) several legislators, the council clerk and the Captain of the port (Davis). He entreats them to forget personal feelings toward the governor and render the government every support in their power. In his proofs Clark points to these trips as proof that he was taking considerable risk If he was, as Wilkinson says, planning an invasion of Mexico with Burr. |
| 1806 February 6 |
In a letter to Coxe, Clark states that he expects to ship out on the 9th on the William Wright. The Caroline left a couple days before, perhaps the 4th. |
| 1806 February 13 |
From Congressional Debates - Senate Ninth Congress, 1st Session (p91):Thursday February 13 Mr. Smith, of Ohio, presented the petitions of Daniel Clark, John Hayes and John Dawson and others, purchasers of lands of the United States, in the now State of Ohio, praying an extension of the time for their payment, and a remission of interest on their several instalments, for reasons mentioned in the petition; and the petitions ere read. Ordered, that they severally be referred to the committee appointed on the 16th of January last on petitions of a similar nature, to consider and report thereon. Also: Mr. Worthington, from the committee to whom was referred, on the 22d of January last, the bill, entitled "An act extending the powers of the Surveyor Geneneral to the Territory of Louisiana," reported the bill with an amendment; which was read, and ordered to lie for consideration. The Senate resumed, as a committee of the whole, the bill relating to the salaries of the judges of NEw Orleans; and the bill was amemded and reported to the House accordingly.. Ordered, That this bill pass to the third reading as amended. |
| 1806 February 13 |
From Congressional Debates - Senate Ninth Congress, 1st Session (p192):Friday, March 21 Mr. Smith, of Ohio, from the committee appointed on the 13th of February last, on sundry petitions for extending the times of payment of the purchase money for certain public lands, reported that, upon recurance to the Treasury Department, they find but eight persons, of all those subscribers, owe money to the United States for lands; and as an innovation upon the system of sales of lands will probably be attended with many evils, and so great a proportion of the petitioners are not purchaseres, and can add no weight to the applicatiion, the committee are of the opinion that they have leave their petitions respectively. Ordered, that this report lie for consideration. Mr, Smith, of Ohio, gave notice that he should, on Monday next, ask leave to bring in a bill to suspend the sale of certain lands within the State of Ohio and the Indiana Territory. |
| 1806 March 6 |
Wilkinson's answer to Clark's letter from last September. He speaks of Clark's land claims which have not been acted upon by the commissioners. He has collected from two of the Board and only one of the claims is indisputable, one for 5,000 acres granted in Clark's name, the others need explanations and testimony. Wilkinson's nephew brings the letter to New Orleans. He mentions the purchase of the Floridas from Spain as a done deal (Note 64, Proofs 1806 March 28 Letter from Daveiss to Jefferson (Note 95, Proofs) Plot began between Wilkinson and Gov. Miro. Owings was killed, Nolan great horse trader brought keg of money up the river. Convention of 1788 at Danville Wilkinson rose and proposed a union with Spain. Names Judge (Court of Appeals) Sebastian as drawing a pension from Spain as well as Burr and Adair. James Brown of New Orleans. Breckenridge, Fowler, Judge Innes, Clay the lawyer and Gov. Harrison. Power. |
| 1806 March 29 |
Wilkinson also sends letters March 29 (96) and April 21(97) 1806 March 28, 29, and April 21 Letters to Jefferson from Daveiss giving names of parties and witnesses to Wilkinson's involvement. (Notes 94-97, Proofs). Acknowledged by Jefferson September 12 (Note 98) |
| 1806 April |
Congress passes Jefferson's non-importation act which expires after one month but it is merely the first of many designed to maintain neutrality. |
| 1806 May 20 |
Clark is elected as the delegate to Congress by the Orleans territorial legislature. |
| 1806 May 21 |
Claiborne to Jefferson. The governor admits that Clark has some talents and can be of some value, but the location of Clark to Washington would not change their disagreements. |
| 1806 September 16? |
Population and crop information presented
to the federal government are attributed
to Clark.
|
| 1806 September 27 |
Clark, in New Orleans, to Wilkinson (Note 76, Proofs). If he had known the general was at the heights he would have met him there. As winter approaches Clark anticipates leaving for Washington, Philadelphia (Atlantic States) He talks of hostilities with the Spanish. Folch has 1200 to 1500 regulars at Pensacola, Wilkinson a smaller force. Clark says he must not rely on the Militia of Lower Louisiana. They are disorganized and underarmed. The planters would stay at home to defend there if not assured a force at New Orleans. He says "I received the rejected grants of lands" and asks for information (for or about) respective of the board of commissioners and any information about the frontier. |
| 1806 September |
Clark purchases the Maison Rouge grant. Clark makes his first trip to Vera Cruz on a ship he buys for the shipment, the Caroline. He stays in Mexico about two months, leaves $56,000 which he will pick up on the next trip. |
| 1806 October 2 |
1806 Clark is in Houmas (probably the plantation not the city) and writes to Wilkinson at Natchitoches (Note 77, Proofs). Captain Turner has told Clark that Wilkinson expected to see him in Natchitoches, but Clark says he is preparing to leave for Washington and will not be back until the next Spring or Summer. Clark expects that there might be an armed clash with Herrera at Natchitoches. He also mentions the possibility of peace between France and England. |
| 1806 November |
Letter from Claiborne
to James Madison accuses "the delegate to Congress from this territory." During this time Clark was in the East and able to distance himself from the conspiracy and the media war. John Graham had been told in Lexington that Burr had been authorized to draw up to $200,000 from Clark's accounts, but Graham later retracts his statement |
| 1806 December 1 |
Clark takes his seat in Congress. It is the Second Session of the 9th Congress: From the Journal of The House of Representatives (p465): Daniel Clark, returned to serve as a delegate from the Orleans Territory of the United States, appeared, produced his credentials, and took his seat in the House; The oath to support the Constitution of the United (sic) being first administered to him by Mr. Speaker, according to law. Proceedings and Debates of the House of Representatives (p110): Daniel Clark, returned to serve as a delegate from the Orleans Territory of the United States, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified and took his seat in the House. |
| 1806 December 9 Tuesday |
From the Journal of The House of Representatives (p479): On motion of Mr. Clark and seconded, Resolved, That the Committee on the Public Lands be directed to inquire whether any, and if any, what alterations are necessary in the act for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to lands within the Territoru of Orleans, and the District of Louisiana and to report thereon by bill, or otherwise.. Proceedings and Debates of the House of Representatives (p): |
| 1806 December 24 Wednesday |
From the Journal of The House of Representatives (p):. Proceedings and Debates of the House of Representatives (p215): Mr. Clark said it appeared to him that the gentleman from Pennsylvania had not meant any particular allusion to the people of the Orleans Territory, who had been invariably attached to every nation under whose protection they had been placed. He was able to state, from circumstances within his immediate knowledge, that when the forces of the United States were not suffecient for the taking possession of the country, it was owing to the men under his command that the United States obtained peacable possession. The people of the Territory had offered their services to the United States, and had been disregarded by the man put over them, and a preferance given to another corps. The militia were in an unorganized state - there were, indeed, no militia in the Territory. But, he would venture to say that, whenever their services were required, they would come forward immediately, and would form a band for the defence of the country; and that if there should be a conspiracy against the United States, there would be no Louisianan concerned in it. |
| 1806 December 10 |
Wilkinson
arrives in New Orleans to defend against the conspiracy, writes to Clark,
back east, his appreciation of the steps Clark took to alert
Bellechasse
and the others. 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 foul 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 tomorrow 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 J Wilkinson (Note 70, Proofs) |
| 1806 December 18 |
A letter from the Marquis de Casa Yrujo to
Don Pedro Cevallos, Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Spain refers to
Wilkinson
as No. 13 and describes his association with Burr
and assures him that the association is directed toward severing the western
states from the U. S. rather than Mexico from Spain. It says that Wilkinson, under the pretense of danger at the frontier of Texas endeavored to draw all the disposable forces of the U. S. to that distant point. Apparently he has dismissed the militia sent by the Mississippi Territory, New Orleans Atacapas and Opelousas. He made a pact with the Spanish commandant to withdraw his forces to Natchitoches and the Spanish to the Sabine until the fate of the frontier is decided by negotiations. But the movement of troops there would keep them from obstructing Burr. The Spanish believe that the small force of Wilkinson will then join the militia of Burr to free the Western states and set up their own republic. (Note 55, Note C of PO script, Proofs) |
| 1806 December 24 |
Claiborne to Madison: In this letter Claiborne actually admits that he thinks that Clark had nothing to do with the Burr Conspiracy. He had based his earlier opinion on information from Dr. John Watkins, who had retracted his own opinions. |
| 1806 December 30 |
Edward Livingston affidavit. |
| 1806-1807 Winter |
Clark was informed in the Spring or Summer
of 1804 by Dr. Watkins, then
in the confidence of Gov. Claiborne,
that Wilkinson purchased a cargo of sugar for $10,000, but an inquiry
at the Intendant found this report groundless. Clark reported this to
Dr. Watkins and to Evan Jones
who related it to Wilkinson per Clark's
request. In Washington winter 1806-1807 Clark hears from Mr. Alston that the money had changed hands and was for tobacco as per Col. Ferdinand Claiborne in the Mississippi Territory and from Gen. Smith. But all the tobacco accounts had been settled. |
| 1807 January 8 |
1808 (1807?!) An undated note but postmarked to DC Esq. which Daniel Coxe passes on to Daniel Clark after noting it is in Wilkinson's handwriting. (Note 71, Proofs)It notes that Workman and Kerr have been discovered in an intrigue to corrupt the army and plunder the bank. They are detected by Lt. G. A. Murray. |
| 1807 February 13 |
Clark addresses Congress about loyalty.
A week later he addresses land claim adjustments. |
|
1807 March 20 |
Another letter from Wilkinson
(unsigned) to Clark (Note 72, Proofs) He notes that the animosities between
Burr's supporters (mostly Americans and foreigners)
and his enemies (ancient inhabitants - Creoles. On Burr's side: Livingston, Workman, Kerr, Watkins, P. Jones, Dancyark, Bradford the Printer and the Bar in general. Against Burr: P. Lanuse, Garrick, Poydras, B. Morgan, Bellechasse, Fortier, the Urquharts, both Oliver Pollock and George Pollock, Dubourg, Gurley, Duncan, Flood, etc. Referring to himself in the third person he says it is untrue, the rumors that Wilkinson is suggesting Clark's collusion with Burr. Burr, Bollman and their agents have made use of the house of Chew and Relf to cover their correspondence. Relf delivers two letters to Wilkinson from Burr to Bollman. The second one is not addressed and Wilkinson refuses it and questions how Relf knows it is for Bollman. Wilkinson calls Relf a "thick sculled beast" who claims to be ill used by the general. He hints that Mexico is ripe for independence and the opportunity is a golden one for the United States. He says W.C.C.C. is leaving the first of May and Graham has tendered his resignation. Something about Monroe arriving. He has written Clark twice with no answer. |
| 1807 March 27 |
A reprint in the Louisiana Gazette from the United States Gazette - Andrew Ellicott - noted scientist and surveyor gives a glowing description of Clark's services as American vice-consul while New Orleans was still under Spanish control. |
| 1807 May 13 |
John Graham had been told in Lexington that
Burr had been authorized to draw up to $200,000
from Clark's accounts, but Graham later retracts his statement. In a letter from John Graham to Clark on this date he tells of a visit to Beverly Chew who opened the account books of Daniel Clark showing no advance to Burr. In his Proofs Clark mentions Burr's habit to infer, mention or insinuate other's participation. When Clark is in Washington Wilkinson turns his assault on Livingston. Livingston defends those citizens that Wilkinson has arrested and writes a memorial placed before the territorial legislature condemning Wilkinson, but it is voted down. |
| 1807 May |
In May 1807 a reliable source tells Clark
that the Marquis de Casa Calvo had paid
Wilkinson $12,000 not $10,000 in 1804
when Wilkinson was commissioner of the transfer... |
| 1807 May 13 |
Date of Graham letter to Clark that he has
written to Madison the false
nature of reports that Clark was funding Burr.
It seems to be Burr's policy to insinuate the support of those with influence. Graham, who is in Kentucky to collect intelligence on the scheme hears that Burr is bragging of Clark's financial support and passes this on to the Secretary of State. Graham checks into the facts when back in New Orleans and finds this to be false. |
| 1807 May 22 |
Clark returns to New Orleans and a dinner
is given in his honor. Claiborne realizes he has the upper hand in their dispute, but he is still afraid of Clark's influence. Before taking his congressional seat Clark had warned his Creole friends not to become involved. He calls a meeting encouraging them to support Claiborne and to oppose Burr. Affidavits from Bellechasse and Peter Derbigny attest to this. |
| 1807 May 23 |
Claiborne writes to Clark asking if the attacks he had heard about by Clark in the Congressional session were correct. (Territorial Papers Vol. IX p. 738) Notes are exchanged leading to a duel. |
|
1807 May 24 |
Another letter from Wilkinson to Clark.(Note 73, Proofs) in which he lauds Clark for his "interposition on (Wilkinson's) behalf as reported by General Smith, at the seat of government. He calls Donaldson, Urquhart, Lane and Morgan solid citizens. Wilkinson is at the Belize on his way to the Aaron Burr trial at Richmond. |
| 1807 June 8 |
Some time in June of 1807 a former Spanish ambassador to the U. S. sends a Captain Vidal to New Orleans to be consular agent and to report any information concerning Daniel Clark's friend Leandro Muxo and other Spanish subjects and Frenchmen who might be less prominent members of the Mexican Association. This is in a connection with what was later called the Altimira Case. |
| 1807 June 8 |
The feud between Governor Claiborne and Daniel Clark comes to a climax as Clark severely wounds the governor in a duel somewhere in West Florida (Bayou Sara or Baton Rouge area). |
| 1807 June 28 |
Claiborne letter to Jefferson: Clark is in
trouble with the New Orleans City Council because of a perceived close
assocation with Burr. He is also becoming a pariah in Washington. Both Wilkinson and Claiborne have the support of Thomas Jefferson, a huge disadvantage for Clark. |
|
1807 July 10 |
Another letter from Wilkinson to praise Clark's name and reputation at the trial. |
| 1807 September 5 |
Clark leaves on ship to Philadelphia. |
|
1807 October 5 |
(Note 74, Proofs) Letter from Wilkinson in Richmond. He understands that Clark is coming around with Captain Power to do Wilkinson harm. Wilkinson discounts these reports due to Clark's declarations to General Smith last winter and assurances made to Captain McClean in New Orleans. Charges had been made by Bradford. Cenas writes to Wilkinson saying Clark is bound for Philadelphia. It is a long letter. Wilkinson had written to Burr, on Clark's advice and to Dr. Brown, Burr's brother-in-law. Bollman has gone to great pains to implicate Clark to Wilkinson. Swartout tried to convince him that Ogden had gone to New Orleans with dispatches from Burr and that Clark was to furnish provisions. He has a bill on Clark from G. W. Ogden in favor of P. V. Ogden drawn on account of land purchase. Wilkinson obviously feels the weight of the trial on him. |
| 1807 October |
In October 1807 Clark is in Baltimore on his way to Philadelphia, meets Gen. Smith at a coffee house. Smith asks for a certificate of the conversation, but Clark explains the error and refuses the cert. Clark's account is confirmed by examinations of Mr. Harper before the Judge Advocate and by D. W. Coxe by the desire of Wilkinson himself.(No. 54 and 55) |
|
1807 October |
Another letter from Wilkinson from Richmond mentioning an extract from a memoir Clark transmitted to Pickering in 1796-7.(Note 2, Proofs) |
|
1807 October 10 |
Another letter from Wilkinson
from Richmond. Wilkinson is alarmed that Burr has subpoenaed Clark. Wilkinson
has changed his direction to accusing Clark of treason with Burr. October 12 - Wilkinson to Clark (Note 75, Proofs) anxious to see him but it is a matter of great delicacy. |
|
1807 October 24 |
Wilkinson publishes a pamphlet titled A Plain Tale signed A Kentuckian. He sends a copy to Clark with a letter acknowledging his authorship. In the pamphlet he explains that he gained exclusive trade with the Spanish for his fellow westerners in 1787. He explains that this monopoly of trade is acquired by means that would not be honorable to detail. Clark notes that Wilkinson seems to think that dishonor would be attached to the disclosure, but none to the act.(P11, Clark) |
| 1807 Autumn |
Clark travels from Richmond to Philadelphia. |
| 1807 |
1807 Clark returns to New Orleans. |
| 1807 |
Wilkinson
asks Power, then governor Folch to vouch for his innocence. Power signed
an affidavit quickly but Folch dances around with his honesty at stake.
Wilkinson also approaches Salcedo who is in Philadelphia, on his way to
Texas to be governor there. Salcedo publishes in the Philadelphia Gazette
only that Daniel Clark was universally known in Louisiana as a zealous
patriot of the United States, an upright man of the highest integrity
both in his public and private affairs, always preferring the public good
to his own interest. He could only answer the innocence of Wilkinson by
revealing the intrigues of his own nation.(Clark p 64) I am endeavored to be discredited(Clark p 76) - 1st By an attempt to shew that I continued an intimacy with Wilkinson, inconsistent with a knowledge of his guilt. 2d. That my evidence had been contradicted by other testimony. 3d. That I have before profaned the sanctity of an oath. 4th. That I was concerned in the conspiracy of Burr. 1). Clark took an oath in the year 1798 when the U. S. government was established in the Mississippi Territory below Natche(s) "gave me a title I had endeavored by previous services to merit and which no subsequent conduct has tended to disgrace." Previous to this although he had knowledge of Wilkinson's treasonable designs, he was under no obligations to reveal them. Becoming an American citizen he felt it his duty to discover whether this disgraceful conexion continued. At Lotus's Heights Clark learned the truth of the connection, but was assured that it had been broken off. With this assurance, which unfortunately was groundless, Clark continues an association with the general. Among his uncle's papers is a letter to the elder Daniel Clark from Wilkinson announcing the arrival of the younger Daniel Clark at the Camp at Loftus Heights on October 23 1798. Other letters mention this stay on November 1 and the departure several days later. |
| 1807 November 6 |
Report of Clark's heroics in saving survivors of a shipwreck. |
| 1807 winter |
Separation because of Congressional duties is detrimental to his relationship with Zulime. While onthe East Coast Daniel Clark meets Louisa Caton. |
| 1807 November |
The courtship with Louisa Caton ends when
Wilkinson meets with Caton family members
at a social gathering in Annapolis. He tells them that Clark's financial
situation is not as solid as every one thinks. He tells Richard Caton
that there are difficulties with Clark's creditors. In New Orleans he is believed to have several mistresses of less than pristine character and has courted several other respectable ladies. Clark falls in love often, endures scornful laughter and sarcastic grimaces of old Creole acquaintances in coffee houses. His ral mental state bounces between pride in his accomplishments and pangs of guilt about Zulime and Myra. |
| 1807 December 14 |
Clark again takes his seat in Congress. It is the First Session of the 10th Congress: From the Journal of The House of Representatives (p73): Daniel Clark, the delegate from the Territory of Orleans, appeared, produced his credentials, and took his seat in the House; The oath to support the Constitution of the United States being first administered to him by Mr. Speaker, according to law. Proceedings and Debates of the House of Representatives (p110): Daniel Clark, returned to serve as a delegate from the Orleans Territory of the United States, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified and took his seat in the House. |
| 1807 December |
Clark, through representative John Randolph
of Virginia accuses Wilkinson on the floor of the house of complicity
with Burr which continues until June 28, 1808 court of inquiry clears
Wilkinson. But Wilkinson continues his assault on Clark even after his death in August 1813. Creoles are the "old order" in New Orleans as more Americans move there. The clash of cultures will last until the eve of the Civil War |
| 1808 |
Wilkinson
is the first and most vocal accuser of Clark. The conflict spreads to
newspapers. The Louisiana Courier backs Wilkinson while The Louisiana
Gazette backs Clark from 1808 to 1810. Clark attempts to start up Louisiana Lanterne Magazine, but can not get enough subscribers to support it. |
| 1808 January 1 |
The Embargo Act goes into effect. This was
a culmination of the neutrality policy as a result of the mauling of the
American frigate Chesapeake by British warship Leopard the previous
June. Some called for immediate declaration of war. This act prohibited
intercourse with any port outside the United States. All ships were prepared
for sail and cargoes found before the embargo took effect. Clark and his associates had lost several ships to British warships and privateers. Profits were still made by other voyages. Smuggling helped the bottom line. Staples pile up in New Orleans, cotton prices are low. Spanish West Florida is especially hard hit by the embargo, the colony is on the verge of starvation. |
| 1808 January |
Clark letter to Thomas
Power outlining his strategy against
Wilkinson.
Power was to get information from Don Matias Alfuente the Spanish government's
inspector of tobacco. Wilkinson had not sold tobacco to the Spanish since
1790-1791 but has continued to receive payments. Enemies (of Wilkinson?) - George Mather met Clark 1784, Colonel William Wikoff. |
| 1808 January 11 |
Clark makes his accusations of Wilkinson in a statement submitted to Congress. (Note 45, Proofs) |
| 1808 January 14 |
letter from Andrew Ellicott to Clark stating that he is perplexed by the inexplicable paradox of the government's support of General Wilkinson. |
| 1808 January 20 |
In Proofs Clark mentions an address by Jefferson to Congress on this date in which the president refers to a paper on the commerce of "Louisiana bearing the date 18th of April 1798 communicated by Mr. Daniel Clark of New Orleans, then a subject of Spain." This was also alluded to in Wilkinson's A Plain Tale. Clark shows (Notes 85 and 86) that he was never in fact a subject of Spain and became a naturalized citizen of the United States at Natchez in the year 1798. |
| 1808 January 20 |
Jefferson's address to Congress. (Note 84,
Proofs) Starts off mentioning the court of inquiry instituted by a request
of General Wilkinson into his conduct.
Information that is gathered by the government touching the subject of
foreign agents, etc. trying to dismember the Union include mention of
the first two years of Washington's administration information not deposited
in any public office. During the first two years of the Adams administration Andrew Ellicott was employed in the designation, along with Spanish authorities, of the boundaries of the United States with colonies of Spain. All papers of Ellicott except one have been passed on to the inquiry and the information contained in it was kept secret but he was called to testify on that information. It was on the "Commerce of Louisiana", dated April 18, 1798 and was communicated by Daniel Clark then a "subject of Spain". It contains facts about commercial transactions of Wilkinson. A fire at the end of 1800 in the War Department Office destroyed the report. He then says that about a year after he took office Clark submitted more papers pertaining to the same subject and a request that after their perusal "they be burnt." This was not done. On these papers there was no information of corrupt receipt of money as far as Jefferson and Secretary Madison could remember, so it was considered a dead matter. He goes on to state that the recent accusations regarding Wilkinson are the first to come to him. |
| 1808 January 21 |
Letter from Andrew Ellicott per Wilkinson's
innocence says the late Mr. P. Nolan was
a patriot. Ellicot was a commissioner that carried the treaty of 1796
to Spain. President Washington spoke of suspicions of U. S. citizens connected
to Spain and Wilkinson's name was particularly noticed. Mentions several
documents to the State Dept. Nov. 14 1797, including
Mr. Power's mission in June 1797 to TN and KY which he found outlined
in a document dated Oct. 1797. In Nov. 1798 Gayoso's letter partially in cipher mentioning Wilkinson's pay from Spain the original which he now believes is in the hands of D. Clark or T. Power. In October 1799 Capt. Portel, commander at Apalachy informed him that at New Madrid, 1796 he gave $9640 to Power for Wilkinson and was assured that it was not for commercial transactions but for his pension. Ellicot states all this but says that his own observations of Wilkinson's behavior were correct with respect to the U. S.(CLARK p69-72) 1808 May 6 (Note 54, Proofs) |
| 1808 March 11 |
A letter in the Louisiana Gazette from a Creole correspondent supporting Clark. |
| 1808 March 22 |
A reprint in the Louisiana Gazette from the
Louisiana Lanterne Magazine supporting Clark. Also a reprint of an item from Relf's Philadelphia Gazette again defending Clark by saying that General Wilkinson dragged the names of notable figures into his plans to convince potential supporters of his cause. |
| 1808 April 12 |
At the house of Samuel
Chase, a judge of the Supreme Court in the city of Baltimore a deposition
of Robert Goodloe Harper, Counselor at Law, to be read before a military
court of inquiry: Late February or Early March 1807. He answers no to
whether Daniel Clark knew of any bribe in the amount of $10,000 given
to Wilkinson in 1804. He, Harper broached
the subject. Clark did imply that other money, at different times did pass that way, but declined and avoided explanation. He tells how he met Power who was in possession of documents proving Gen. Wilkinson's treachery and later gave the documents to Daniel Clark. After the summer of 1807 when he returned to Washington Daniel Clark said he had received intelligence that Wilkinson had received the money in 1804 from Casa Calvo. He mentions Richard Reynoll Keen, formerly of New Orleans, then Cuba. as the person who has helped him communicate with Clark. |
| 1808 June 2 |
Daniel Coxe deposed. Says he went to Mr. Biddle's House with Clark to pick up a letter from Burr. Coxe had received no letters or baggage that were intended for Burr. |
| 1808 June 18 |
A letter from R. Newman to a Mr. Alburtis (Note I, postscript, Proofs) in which he talks about Power (and later Nolan) who came to Newman at Natchez with interrogatories designed to implicate General Wayne and to establish certain charges that Wilkinson brought against him. Wilkinson relies principally on Newman, offering rewards mingled with threats. Newman says that in 1794 in the army in Kentucky Wayne was convinced he was surrounded by a formidable conspiracy, but he confides in Wilkinson and is betrayed. But he dies soon after and Wilkinson is chosen to replace him in death. He knows of the conspiracy of 1796-7 but can do nothing. He believes the French might just have the opportunity to be fooled by Wilkinson if they should come the way of Spain and the U. S. |
| 1808 October 4 |
letter from Beverly Chew, in Amsterdam, to Richard Relf. While in Paris he heard from General Pontalba that he has seen and held in his hands a commission of Wilkinson as a Spanish officer. Mr. Skipwith was also a witness to this. Pontalba was a Col. in the Spanish army under Carondelet and married to the niece of Miro. |
| 1808 October 30 |
Affidavit by William Miller before Richard Claiborne, Judge of Rapides Parish. Miller lives in the settlement of Bayou Boeuf and was at Loftus heights during Clark's visit with Wilkinson and remembers the meeting as Clark states it. |
| 1808 September |
Napoleon seizes Spain. Vidal prevails upon John Mowry, Federalist editor of the Louisiana Gazette, to open up columns to Spanish Propaganda flaming Spanish enthusiasm. William H. Johnson is hired on September 10 to create El Misisipi a Spanish-English newspaper. Imperial French consul Col. Deforgues edits the Echo du Commerce which announced the end of the monarchy of Don Carlos. The Echo lasted until March. |
| 1809 January 13 |
Letter from Lewis Craig to Daniel Clark (Note D, postscript, Proofs) Telling the story of Captain John Chiles who had been at Wilkinson's home in 1790 and Wilkinson told him of his plan to sever the Western states from the U. S. with Spain's help Chiles takes the information to two officers who Wilkinson says are part of the plan and both deny it. Wilkinson later asks Chiles to forget it. |
| 1809 January 16 |
Dominique Bouligny Affidavit before F. Dutillet, Justice of the peace in New Orleans states that he, Bouligny, now a member of the legislature was in 1795 the Adjutant General in the Regiment of Louisiana, commissioned by governor Carondelet to conduct the trial of one of the men accused of killing Owens who was delivering $6000 dollars to Wilkinson.(Note 8, Proofs) |
| 1809 February 28 |
Affidavit of Pierre Derbigny, a member of the legislature of the Territory of Orleans. He reports on a meeting in October 1806 called by Clark and attended by Dominique Bouligny, Joseph Bellechasse and Peter Derbigny, among others. He calls on them to forget personal animosities against the governor and rally in defense of the city against the intrigues of Burr. (Note 65, Proofs) |
| 1809 March 8 |
Affidavit of Du Suan De La Croix, a member of the legislature of the Territory of Orleans. He reports on a meeting in October 1806 Called by Clark and attended by Dominique Bouligny, Joseph Bellechasse and Peter Derbigny, among others. He calls on them to forget personal animosities against the governor and rally in defense of the city against the intrigues of Burr. (Note 65, Proofs) |
| 1809 March 11 |
Affidavit of Samuel Davis, Harbor Master of New Orleans. He reports on a meeting with William Flood concerning the intrigues of Burr who was reported at the time to be on his way down the river with hostile intentions toward the United States. (Note 67, Proofs) |
| 1809 March 15 |
Affidavit of Francisco De Riano (Note 85, Proofs) in which Riano proposes (1797) that Daniel Clark should take the office of Procurator Syndic |
| 1809 March 20 |
Affidavit of Joseph Bellechasse, President of the Legislative Council of the Territory of Orleans. He reports being solicited by the French Prefect Laussat in November 1803 to be the commander of the Militia of Louisiana, but he resisted the offer until he talked to the U. S. Consul Daniel Clark, who encouraged him to accept the office. When the U. S. commissioners offered him the position he accepted only after Clark told him is was his duty for he owned the respect of the citizens and the new officials. In early 1806 he was asked to join the Mexican Association, but when he asked if Daniel Clark was a member he was told no. For this reason he did not join. (Note 68, Proofs) |
| 1809 April 7 |
Affidavit of Antonio de Argote (Note 86, Proofs) regarding Governor Gayoso's demand (in February 1798) that the elder Daniel Clark revoke the power of attorney that he had given to his nephew Daniel Clark. |
| 1809 May 8 |
Affidavit of Dominique Bouligny, a member of the house of representatives of the Territory of Orleans. He reports on a meeting in October 1806 Called by Clark and attended by Mr. De La Croix, Joseph Bellechasse and Peter Derbigny, among others. He calls on them to forget personal animosities against the governor and rally in defense of the city against the intrigues of Burr. (Note 66, Proofs) |
| 1809 March 18 |
Deposition of Thomas Power (Note 34 Proofs) |
| 1809 |
Clark choose not to run for a second term
as the territorial delegate to Congress. Instead he backs his ally
Dr. John Watkins who loses to
Julien Poydras He now realizes just how much the Burr affair had set him back. He publishes his Proofs citing his experiences with the treachery of Wilkinson, Wilkinson strikes back in the press and there is still sufficient reason to believe that Clark is involved. The struggle for political dominance with Claiborne had often gone Clark's way, but in the end it has been settled in Claiborne's favor. Claiborne's handling of the Burr affair had been inept, but he tamed his nemesis with the brush of treason, assuring the upper hand in the contest of power. Clark retreats further into his real estate business. He had been so self- assertive,so confident that failure brought a deep bitterness to him. The last three or four years of his life seemed to be a preparation for his demise, putting his affairs in order and disposal of his properties. |
| 1809 |
In his Proofs of the Corruption of General
James Wilkinson and his Connexion with Aaron Burr Clark charges: 1. From 1794 to 1803 the general was a pensioner of the Spanish government and might very well be still on the payroll. 2. Acting as a Spanish agent Wilkinson's object was to dismember the United States which he attempted to do so on several occasions. 3. Wilkinson knew, favored and advised the enterprise of Colonel Burr and never resolved to be treacherous to his accomplice until he could no longer with safety be treacherous to his country. |
| 1809 |
Clark was never indicted for treason. He had
been a leading figure in the city's merchant community and a guiding light
in its active and elaborate social life. The effect of the Burr
affair on Clark is marked. Starting about 1808 he began a gradual withdrawal
from this vigorous life. The withdrawal lasting four years brings significant
changes to his life. |
| 1810 July, August |
The Louisiana Courier and editor JBS
Thierry are still defending Wilkinson.
The Gazette and the short lived Louisiana Lanterne Magazine
accused Thierry of being a front for Wilkinson. |
| 1810 July 27? |
Clark begins to dissolve his partnership with
Coxe in a letter saying Coxe knew how he felt. He had confidence in Coxe,
but he had been considering the dissolution since 1801. He had been kept
from it because of the unsteady finances of the firm. Because of handsome
profits made in European trade Clark felt it was time to make a graceful
exit and urged Coxe to do likewise. The reasons he states center around
the person of Richard Relf. Clark believes that Relf had deceived Clark and Coxe as to the actual state of financial affairs, specifically as to how much is owed to other merchants. However this does not lead to Clark severing ties with Relf and Chew immediately. |
| 1811 November 12 |
A letter to William Hamilton concerning two
pieces of land near New Iberia in Attacapas for sale by Clark.
Since the Spanish period the Ropewalk has blocked any extension of Chartres and Royal into the "uptown" area of Faubourg St. Marie. Clark demands $20,000 indemnity before he would give permission to build through his building. The building burned down and he rebuilt it despite public outcry, and emerged victorious over the government. |
| 1811 November 12 |
The original will by Clark naming his mother Mary in Germantown Pennsylvania as the main beneficiary will be accepted by Judge James Pitot as the legitimate will. Relf and Chew are named the executors. Clark has three sisters: Eleanor O'Beirne, Jane Green and Sarah Campbell |
| 1811 |
Before leaving on a trip to Philadelphia Clark writes a short will leaving his estate mostly to his mother and naming Richard Relf and Beverly Chew as the executors. He does this even though he does not trust Relf. |
| 1812 June |
The outbreak of war between England and the
U. S. cripples the economic fortunes of Daniel Coxe and Relf
and Chew. The partners had loaned large sums of money to various planters in the region. Those loans could not be repaid because the blockade had interrupted commerce. An emotional letter to Clark refers again to Relf's deceptive portrayal of the partner's financial state. Coxe's high point had been in June of 1803 but he had always owed much to creditors. The letter sounds like a man coming the end of the road and knowing it. Clark is clearly in a distressed state of mind at this time, much of it concern over Coxe's financial state. Clark outlines plans for his estate and leaves it in the hands of Relf and Chew While Clark is no longer a member of the firm he still had financial ties and obligations and he also suffers from the British blockade of the Mississippi. |
| 1812 June 29 |
A letter to Coxe has a despairing tone and
shows the loss of vitality and great energy that had marked Clark's personality.
Coxe's poor judgment in several questionable undertakings played a role
in their estrangement, but he had made mistakes before. Relf's statement of the last year incorrect and the state of affairs is much more embarrassing then he had thought. But Clark warns Coxe that it must be kept a secret religiously) as its publication would be injurious to Clark's family and unproductive to those connected to him. If I have not written to you of late it was because being myself oppressed with horror of mind caused by my anxiety for you and the situation of things here. I knew my letters would partake of the gloom I felt and could not be agreeable to you. (Coxe heavily in debt at this point)) Growing tensions between U. S. and U. K. also contributed to reverses. U. S. most important neutral carrier dealt with both France and U. K. since 1790s. War of nerves and seizures on high seas.. A quasi war existed between U. S. and France in late 1790s. Clark and Relf made fortunes sending flour to Havana, Martinique and St. Domingue, but it was dangerous now because of growing hostilities between England and U. S. But president and Congress strike the telling blow. |
| 1812 June |
The outbreak of war between England and the United States |
| 1813 August 16 |
Dies mysteriously of an unknown malady. To close friends he was a gentleman of great loyalty and honor, to enemies a villain totally lacking those traits. Thought with his head but ruled by his heart. Certain standards of conduct maintained for his friends but enemies were fair game to whatever device could be employed to bring them down. |
| 1800 |