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PROOFS of the CORRUPTION OF GEN. JAMES WILKINSON. AND OF HIS CONNEXION WITH AARON BURR - by Daniel Clark. [“Notes” Pages 18-40] 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 18-40] 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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***18*** Note **2** |
DEAR SIR, A Friend having proposed a Publication relative to services of eighteen or twenty years standing, I furnished him your extract from the memoir you transmitted Mr. Pickering in 17961797. Being a public document I could see no impropriety in this, and I hope you may concur in the same opinion, seeing that it was an introductory paper to me - assailed as I am by the worst, the meanest demons that ever infested the earth - so soon as I have adjusted a single point here I shall be with you, and am Yours JA. WILKINSON. Richmond, Oct. 27, ’07. The Hon. D. Clark. KNOW Y that James Wilkinson and Isaac B. Dunn of the district of Kentucky, now in the state of Virginia, esquires, of the one part, and Daniel Clark of the town of New-Orleans, on the Mississippi, merchant, of the other part, so hereby consent and mutually agree to carry on a commerce between the said district of Kentucky or any other the settlements of the waters of the Ohio within the state of Virginia aforesaid _ to wit, To- |
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***19*** Note **3** |
bacco, flour, butter, tallow, hogs-lard, beef, pork, bacon and bacon hams, on the joint account and risk of the said James Wilkinson, Isaac B, Dunn and Daniel Clark, and the same to be sent down in good order, (dangers of the river excepted) to the town of New-Orleans, addressed to the aforesaid Daniel Clark, to be by him converted into cash, for the common benefit of the said James Wilkinson, Isaac B. Dunn in the particular ratio hereafter written. And likewise that the said Daniel Clark shall purchase and send to the Falls of Ohio, on account and risk of the aforesaid James Wilkinson and Isaac B Dunn, such European and West-India commodities as shall be jointly deemed necessary for the use and consumption of the aforesaid settlements on the Ohio, to be by them converted into cash or such articles of produce as are herein named, for the joint benefit of the said James Wilkinson, Isaac B. Dunn and Daniel Clark in the particular ratio hereafter mentioned. Now be it remembered and it is hereby declared and made known, that the said parties are to be interested in the said commerce in the following proportions, viz. James Wilkinson, to have and enjoy one forth of the profits, which shall appear to arise from the said trade, to be carried on agreeable to the letter and spirit of the contract, from Kentucky to this place and from this place to Kentucky, and also to sustain one forth part of any loss that may happen to the parties in the said trade. In like manner shall Isaac B. Dunn share and enjoy one forth part of the profits, which shall arise from the aforesaid commerce, and in like proportion bear any loss that may happen to the parties in the course of the said connexion. And likewise that the said Daniel Clark shall have and enjoy of the profits which shall arise from the said trade, one half or equal moiety of the whole or bear in like proportion any loss that may be sustained by the parties in the course of their said connexion - Further, it is agreed by the contracting parties that this connexion shall take place on the first day of December next, and continue until dissolved by mutual consent of the said parties, or by prohibition of this government - Provided always that no tobacco which shall be sent down by James Wilkinson, esquire, antecedent to the first day of December next, shall be considered in any wise a property falling within the present connection. And whereas Daniel Clark is now preparing to make a shipment of merchandise to the aforesaid Falls of the Ohio - Be it known that the merchandise is for account and risk of the aforesaid James Wilkinson, Isaac B. Dunn and Daniel Clark in the proportions aforesaid. - Lastly, be it remembered that the said James Wilkinson and Isaac B. Dunn shall not charge commissions for what they buy |
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***20*** Notes **3-4** |
or sell at any part of the settlements of Kentucky on the waters of the Ohio for account of the parties in this concern. Nor shall the said Daniel Clark charge any commission for all or any business he shall transact at New Orleans for account of said concern. In witness whereof the parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals at New-Orleans, this seventh day of August, one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-eight. For James Wilkinson and self, ISAAC B. DUNN, (Seal.) DANIEL CLARK, (Seal.) Signed, sealed and delivered on presence of A. HOOPS, PHILIP NOLAN. James Wilkinson’s accountable receipt for our part of the cargo per the Speedwell’s proceeds and for a debt due by Craig and Johnston for 318l. 13s. 7d. I DO hereby acknowledge that I have not accounted with Daniel Clark for his half of the adventure of merchandise shipped per the batteau Speedwell, Jean Massey Patroon, from New-Orleans to the Falls of the Ohio, consigned to Wilkinson and Dunn, and that I will invest and ship the proceeds of the said adventure, which still remains in our hands. in good and merchandisable tobacco, to him in the month of December next. I also acknowledge that I have a debt due to the said Clark from Craig and Johnston, for three hundred and eighteen pounds, thirteen shillings and seven pence, Virginia currency, under my direction, and that I will or my heirs in case of my death, ship tobacco to him to the amount thereof, as soon as I or they shall recover the same, and when these several obligations into which I now enter are fulfilled by me or my heirs, that the articles of writing, declaratory of a connexion with the said Clark by Wilkinson and Dunn, bearing date the 7th of August, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, shall be void and of no effect: and allow that the power of attorney, which I have had from said Clark shall be canceled and of no less effect from this day, as witness my hand at New-Orleans this eighteenth day of September, in the year of our lord, one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-nine. JAMES WILKINSON |
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***21*** Notes **5-6** |
Personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the justices of the peace for the parish of New-Orleans, Mr. John Ballinger, now resident in Cape Girardeau, Territory of Louisiana, late a member of the Kentucky Legislature, who being duly sworn on Holy Evangelista of Almighty God, did dispose and say, that in the forepart of the winter of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, as well as he recollects, his brother Joseph Ballinger brought two mules loaded with money from New-Orleans to the state of Kentucky for General James Wilkinson, that from the fatigue of the journey and indisposition, his said brother was unable to finish his journey, and got this deponent to conduct the said mules and money to General James Wilkinson at Frankfort, where he arrived on the twenty-sixth day of December in the year aforesaid - the said money was in leather bags and very heavy loads - and this deponent further declares , that the General expressed much satisfaction at the receipt of the money, having been under some apprehensions on account of the delay which had taken place on the journey, which said mules and money General Wilkinson receipted for, which receipt is among this deponents papers, and further this deponent saith not. JOHN BALLINGER Sworn and subscribed to at the city of New-Orleans this 12 day of January, 1809, before me SAME. D. CARLE, Justice of the Peace New-Orleans, 16th February, 1809. SIR, In answer to your letter of yesterday, I have to say, that I remember Gen. Wilkinson’s having stopt at my plantation, in the fall of 1789, (as I think) when he was on his way to Kentucky, accompanied by Philip Nolan. As I live on the west side of the Mississippi, and the General went up on the east, he stopt at some plantation nearly opposite mine, and came over and spent a day or two with me. In the course of our conversation, he told me, that he had left a sum of money under the care of Nolan, who he spoke of as a man of great strength; saying he could tae two thousand dollars |
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***22*** Note **7** |
with one hand from off a mule or horse, and carry them with the utmost ease into a house. I do not remember whether the General mentioned to me the amount he was taking up with him; but to the best of my remembrance, he said, he had two mules or horses for the purpose of carrying his money. This is all I can recollect or the transaction. I am, sir, Your most obed’t serv’t, EVAN JONES. DANIEL CLARK, Esq. ON this twenty-ninth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, personally appeared before me the undersigned, one of the justices of the peace for the county of Orleans, Monsieur Francois Langlois a citizen of the United States and resident of New-Orleans,, who being duly sworn on the Holy Bible did depose and say, that in the year 1794 he was a lieutenant of militia in the service of his catholic majesty, and commanded the galliot the Flecha then on station at New-Madrid, having under his orders the gun boat the Taurean and the bateau the Prince of Asturias; that whilst there a Mr. Owens arrived from New-Orleans with a sum of money entrusted to him by the Baron de Carondelet, to be delivered to general Wilkinson somewhere on the Ohio, and this deponent had directions from the said Baron de Carondelet, to take measures in concert with Don Thomas Portell, the commandant at New-Madrid and the aforesaid Owens, to have the sum entrusted to the charge of this letter, conveyed in safety to its destination - in consequence thereof this deponent at a council held at New-Madrid by Portell, Owens and himself, recommended that resident citizens of that place should be employed to accompany Owens, but his opinion was overruled by Portell and Owens, who thought it would be more economical and consequently more agreeable to the Spanish government, to have a boat’s crew furnished from the galliot of this deponent, which he furnished - and further he deposes that the sum of six thousand dollars which had been brought by Owens from New-Orleans to New-Madrid, and by him delivered to Don Thomas Portell the commandant of the fort, was by Portell embarked on board the galliot of this deponent, to be conveyed to the mouth of the Ohio, |
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***23*** Note **7** |
at which place he furnished Owens with a patron named Pepello and six of his oarsmen, and shipped in his canoe the before mentioned sum of six thousand dollars to be delivered to general Wilkinson, and he declares that the sum was placed by himself in three small barrels, but being apprehensive of some bad design on the part of Owen’s crew, he took back the money into his galliot and retained it twenty-four hours in his possession, when at Owen’s pressing solicitations he redelivered it to him who then departed with it, and some short time afterwards he learned that Owens had been murdered by his crew and the money made away with by them- and further he this deponent declares, that he afterwards arrested and sent to New-Orleans for trial one Vexerano, one of Owens’ crew who was concerned in the murder of the said Owens and plunder of the money. He further deposes that although it was agreed between the Spanish government and Owens, to save appearances, that the money should appear to belong to said Owens, yet he knows it was sent by the Baron de Carondelet for the use of and to be delivered to general Wilkinson, and that knowing the interest which the Spanish government had in this transaction, he wrote an official account to the Baron de Carondelet of the part he had taken in it and the advice he had given respecting the conveyance of the money safely to its destination, and in reply the Baron regretted that his advice had not been followed in every particular, and the deponent further declares that Owens had no other money that the six thousand dollars above mentioned. In testimony of which he has signed. F. LANGLOIS. D. BOULIGNY, Justice of Peace Nouvelle Orleans, ce 28 Janvier, 1795. J'AI apprit, monsieur, avec bien de la peine par votre lettre du 13 de 9bre. la mort de m. Owen; ce malheur set un de ces evenemens qui Pon ne scauroit prevoir, et que la Providence dispose a son gre sans qui toute la prudence humaine puisse l’eviterl je voudrois et j’espere encore que ce malheureux Vexerano sera arrete car cette action est trop infame pour qu’il puisse trouver un asile, Je compte que vous voirez M. Rousseau a la fin d’Avril que vous vous incorporerez avec l’escadre prenant le commandement d’un galere, avec la qu’elle vous descendrez vici a la fin de Juin, amoins que vous ne preferiez de rester encore avec la meme commission dens ces parages; il pariiot quen vous vous ye etes bien porte, ce qui n’est pas peu de choses dans des endroits aussi fievreux, |
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***24*** Note **7** |
A present que la fleuve sea haut, vous devez redoubler de soin pour ne laisser introduire personne, ne aucun papier par l’Ohio, tendant a troubler la province; on est etonne en Europe de la tranquillite qui y reigne, et cuex que j’en ai ecarte au commencement de la querre, ou qui en sont sorti pour leurs affairs, ecrivent presentement qu’ils voudroient etre encore a la Louisiane, et louent les soins que nous avons pris pour en ecarter les esprits turbulens, desorte que ces memes gens qui vituperoient autrefois nos dispositions sont ceux qui les exaltent actuellement, et nous exhortent a les continuer. Je recommande a M. Portell de bien traitor les Francois Royalistes, Hollandois, Allemandes, &c. qui se presentetont, et dont je vais former un bel etablissement dansle Ouchita, je vous fais le meme recommendation, mais vous ne leur laisserez aucun papier, livres, ou manuscrits ayant rapport aux affaires du tems. J’ai l’honneur avec la plus parfaite consideration, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur, LE BARON DE CARONDELET. Mons. LANGLOIS. Nouville Orleans, 28 Juin, 1795. J’ai recu, monsieur, vos lettres du 25 Fevrier, 14 Avril, et 15 Mai, par lesqu’elles vous me parlez de M. de Vilemont comme d’un commissione de la cour, ce qu’il vous aura sans doute fait entendre, mais il n’en etoit rien; Don Louis de Vilemonte etoit porteur d’un passeport de lar cour qui lui permet de voiager pendant quatre ans, et rein de plus, mais quand meme il se seroit trouve charge d’une commission vous devez acavoir, qu’elle n’est valable qu’autant que comme Commandant General de la province j’aurois espedie mes ordres aux Commandans perticuliere de lui en permettre l’exercice, et qu’aucun commissionne ne peut agir sans m’avoir fait part auparavant de ses ordres : puisque la chose est faite il n’y faut plus penser, mais vous voyez combien Don Louis Vilemont etoit peu fonde dans ses discussions avec vous. J’ai ete enchante de la prise que vous avez fait du scelerat de Vexerano a qui on a fait ici le proces et qui sera probablement pendu: on pretend qu’il y en a un autre refugie de la province qui etoit du meme complot. Je viens de recevoir par M. Vale votre derniere lettre, je tacherai d’arranger avec M. l’aintendant le defaut de formalite de vos feuilles, mais je crains bien que si Don Thomas Portell ne consent |
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***25*** Notes **7-8** |
a les intervenir vous ne vous trouviez embarrasse, car au tribunal de cuentas de la Havane on ne les passera pas sans intervention: je ne comprends pas comment M. Portell ne vous a pas instruit a ce sujet. J’ai l’honneur d’etre tres parfaitement, Monsieur, Vous tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur, LE BARON DE CARONEDELET. Mons. LANGLOIS. On the 16th day of the month of January, in the year 1809, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of peace for the city of New-Orleans, Monsieur Dominique Bouligny, formerly Adjutant Major of the Regiment of Louisiana in the service of his C.M. and now a member of the Legislature of the Territory of Orleans, who being duly sworn on the Holy Bible did depose and say, that in the year 1795, as well as he can remember, he exercised the functions of Adjutant Major in the Regiment of Louisiana, and was commissioned by the Governor the Baron de Carondelet, to conduct the trial of one Pepillo, who was accused of having been one of the authors of the death of Mr. Henry Owens, (who had been assassinated in the Ohio on the American Territory,) and of the robbery of a sum of money of which this Mr. Owens was the bearer to General Wilkinson and which had been delivered to him by the Spanish Government. And he has further declared that it was public and well known among the officers under the Spanish Government that General Wilkinson was a pensioner of the Spanish Government, and that the major part of the people in office believed that there was no reliance to be placed on the promises which the General made to the Government, because they could not persuade themselves that his influence could induce the people of the Western States to separate from the American Confederation. (Signed) D. BOULIGNY. Sworn to and affirmed before me F DUTILLET. Justice of the Peace. |
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***26*** Note **9** |
personally appeared before me the undersigned, one of the justices of the peace in and for the city of New-Orleans, Mr. Thomas Power, who being duly sworn, doth depose, that in the year 1794 Mr. Henry Owens arrived at New-Madrid from New-Orleans with a sum of money to be delivered to General Wilkinson, as the deponent understands, and believes from the Spanish Government, that he left New-Madrid in the Royal Galliot Flecha, commanded by Francois Langlois, accompanied by a Kings Pirogue, the Galliot destined to the mouth of the Ohio, from whence the deponent understood Owens was to proceed up the Ohio in the Pirogue. And this deponent further saith, that some time after the departure of the said Owens, one of the crew of the Pirogue in which he had embarked at the mouth of the Ohio, returned to New-Madrid and gave information that Owens had been robbed and murdered by the rest of the crew, who had proceeded up the Ohio with their booty. And this deponent saith, that some time in the year 1795, this deponent being at New-Madrid, Lieutenant Aaron Gregg of the American Army arrived there accompanied by Mr. Charles Smith, bearing a letter from Major Doyle, who then commanded Fort Massac, to the commandant of New-Madrid; the letter stated the following circumstances, which were confirmed both by Smith and Doyle to the deponent - that three of the murderers of Owens, after a variety of adventures, were confined under General Wilkinson’s orders at Fort Washington - that by his directions they were put in irons and placed on board a flat under the direction of Mr. C. Smith to be conveyed to New-Madrid - that a letter was given to him from Wilkinson to the commandant of New-Madrid, containing an order to pay five hundred dollars on the delivery of the prisoners - that Smith was proceeding with them, and attempting to pass Fort Massac by night was stopped by Major Doyle who commanded there, who would not permit them to be sent out of the territory of the United States to be tried for a crime committed in it - The letter after stating these circumstances requested Captain Portel to send an interpreter to examine the prisoners who spoke no English - Captain Portel requested the deponent to go on this service which he undertook, and returned with Lieutenant Greg and Mr.. Smith, the latter having presented his order for the five hundred dollars, the payment of which was refused as the prisoners were not delivered. On this deponent’s arrival he found three of the boats crew who had gone up with Owens - on the first examination they confessed the fact of having murdered and robbed him, and they gave to the depo- |
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***27*** Notes **9-10** |
nent a circumstantial detail of their adventures afterwards. A few days afterwards the deponent went to Louisville with Lieutenant Gregg and Mr. Smith for the purpose of interpreting for the prisoners who were there delivered to a justice of the peace, (Captain Harrison,) who transmitted them to another at Baird’s Town, (Captain Frye, )but the men denying the fact before the justices, they were retained for further evidence. And this deponent saith, that he did not divulge to the justices the confessions made by the prisoners to him, because he knew it was the wish of the Spanish officers to have the men delivered to them rather than tried in the territory of the United States, and that such wish arose from a fear of divulging the secret of Owens; mission on a public trial. And this deponent saith, that he left the prisoners at Baird’s Town and afterwards understood that they had been sent to Frankfurt where they were afterwards discharged for want of evidence, and further this deponent saith not. THOMAS POWER. Sworn and subscribed before me, in New-Orleans, the 18th March 1809. E. FITCH, Justice of the Peace. Farvors, Dec. 7th. 1808. DEAR SIR, I AM thus far on my return from Pascagola. My friend there, has not any letter or receipt in the hand writing of W. that is of importance. - In the latter end of the year 1794, he was sent to Orleans in company with Owens for money. He carried a sealed packet for the governor, but had no power of attorney of order. In the sealed packet, he understood from W. were letters of introduction - on these he received from Gill-Bear 6333 dollars, and Owens received 6000 dollars. Owens went up the river, and C___ns went to New-York and returned down the Ohio to Cincinnati, where he delivered his charge to W. in the month of Aug’t 1795 - He asked W. for a receipt but he refused to give him one - and called on Mr. J. Brown of Kentucky who was present, to take notice that they had settled and he, C___ owed him nothing ____ Mark the caution of an experienced villain. _ Are mercantile transactions |
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***28*** Note **10** |
for such large sums settled in this way. - C___ns was sent for in Ap’l last, by governor Folk, to Pensacola, and his deposition taken, and sent immediately to W__n. this dep’n, I suppose, was not laid before the court of inquiry, as in their report they say. It did not appear to them that he had received any money after the year 1792 at which time he entered the army. - I have been delayed so much longer in finding Capt. C___ns than I expected that it is necessary I now go on to Natchez, otherwise I would cross the Lake and see you again - The business would not stop here, the money sent by Mr. Power and deposited in the store of Montgomery Brown can be proven in Kentucky. These three sums will amount to about 20,000 dolls. Add to this the depositions of three or four respectable men, with whom he has conversed on the subject of bringing the Kentuckians under the Spanish Govt. and to whom he has urged the advantages of such a measure - Such testimony can be procured in Kentucky - I cannot yet say whether it will be in my power to meet you in the city of Washington, during the sitting of Congress - Should I be so fortunate I again repeat to you that proof will not be wanting to establish the fact - Unless I can raise or obtain the use of five or six thousand dols. for the next season, it will be out of my power - I was in hopes of collecting cotton at Natchez, and by shipping it obtain bills on New-York, payable at sixty or even 90 days sight. On these bills I could raise money in Kentucky - but I am told by Mr. Harrogan that cotton will not sell either in Orleans or New-York - this if true, augers badly as to the continuance of the embargo - I am indeed at a loss what to do - I write this in a hurry at Farvors - It will be handed you by the mail carrier - I will hope to hear from you at Natchez, by the first mail, or sooner if you can - If you think of anything that will be of advantage please communicate it - NOTE - When C___ns , received the money, he gave a receipt in the following words - Received from Gilbert Leonard six thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars for the use of Gen. James Wilkinson, which I promise to deliver to him, the risk of the seas, &c. excepted - - I have not a doubt my friend C_____ns was candid with me - He says he knows his deposition was not pleasing or such as was expected - Accept of my good wishes, and believe me to be sincerely your friend - JOHN ADAIR |
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***29*** Notes **11-12** |
NOTE NO. 11. PERSONALLY appeared before me the undersigned, one of the justices of the peace for the city of New-Orleans, Mr. William Miller of the county of Rapides, in the territory of Orleans, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and say, that some time shortly after the hurricane, which happened in this country in the month of August of the 1794, he chartered and fitted out, in the company of Mr. Robert Cochran of Natchez, a small vessel in the Bayou St. John, near this city, in which they both sailed for Pensacola and New-Providence, and at that time he formed an acquaintance with Mr. Joseph Collins, who shortly before arrived in this city with a Mr. Owen from the Ohio - the said Collins was the occupied in fitting out a small vessel in the Bayou St. John, in which was shipt a sum of money, as said Collins informed the deponent amounting to upwards of six thousand dollars, w.ch he, s.d Collins had received from the Spanish Government, for the account of General Wilkinson, and he also informed this deponent that a sum of nearly equal amount had been delivered to Mr. Owen for the same purpose, with which he returned by way of the river; and this deponent further declares that this step occasioned at the time much surprise, as it was contrary to law to ship cash and subject to seizure and confiscation when discovered; and this deponent further declares that the s.d Joseph Collins set sail a short time before him, with the aforesaid money on board his vessel, as said Collins informed this deponent; and he afterwards learned that he had arrived therewith in safety at the port of Charleston. WM. MILLER. Jure pardevant moi ce onzieme du moi de Mars mil huit cent neuf. DU COURNAUX, Juge de Paix New-Orleans, 26th June, 1808 DEAR SIR, To corroborate the facts that you have laid before Congress and the public relative to Brigadier-General Wilkinson I offer |
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***30*** Note **12** |
you the following as they occurred to me. The mean chicanery that has been used recently in this ever unfortunate country to procure affidavits had prevented me from coming forward in that shape. However you may use this as you please and I will solemnly declare to the facts as stated before any sort of record when legally called upon. In the months of August and September 1797, I accompanied General Wilkinson on Lake Huron and up the Straits to Lake Superior on our way down to Detroit, as we entered the river St. Clair we met a command of men with dispatches for the General, the same day after his having read his letters he invited me to go on shore with him to shoot pigeons - while on shore he told me that Mr. Thomas Power had arrived at Detroit in his absence, that Col. Strong the commandant acting under an order of Major Gen. Wayne’s had him in confinement - that he was apprehensive that he would have to send Mr. Power out of the country - altho’ he knew him to be an honest clever fellow, a man of talents and one that had rendered him great services - but unfortunately that Mr. P__ was suspected as a spy, and the U. States suspected him Gen. W_____ and at the same time quoting the old adage - that it was more criminal in some to look over the hedge than in others to steal a horse - asking me “how I would like to take a trip to New-Madrid” with Mr. Power - I answered very well, he then enjoined secrecy on me - We arrived at Detroit before the middle of Sept. 1797 and found Mr. P - (as the Gen. had stated) in confinement - he was immediately set at liberty and a few days after I dined with him at the General’s table, a very short time after I dined with him at the General’s table, a very short time after this (perhaps next day) I was sent for by the General, who informed me that he had other duty for me than that of escorting Mr. P. that captain Shaumbaugh was selected for that command, that I must hold myself in readiness to proceed to Kentucky there to procure money on bills and pay the troops at Fort Massac and Fort Knox (at Vincennes) which order I obeyed and left Mr. P. at Detroit - In the beginning of November following I met capt. Shaumbaugh at Fort Massac on his return from New-Madrid where he had delivered Mr. Power, he showed me his instructions from the General relative to Mr. P. in which capt. S_ was ordered not to permit Mr. P. to enter any of our forts and denied him the use of pen, ink, pencil, or, paper, &c. on reading those instructions I expressed some surprise at this great precaution when I knew that Mr. Power had traveled through that country on his way and that he had his full Liberty at Detroit. Capt. Shaumbaugh laughing sit was a bore, In the month of February 1798 I met Mr. Jo- |
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***31*** Note **12** |
seph Collins in Philad. we spent some together in that city. Having been acquainted with Mr. Collins in the Western Country and had known him to live in the General’s family, our conversation turned much towards the events in that country in the course of our being together, he gave me a detailed account of his having taken a large sum of money from New-Orleans to Charleston, South-Carolina, for General Wilkinson, valuing himself very much on the great risk he had run in the voyage - his statement was something in this way, he embarked at or near New-Orleans in a small boat with the money as above mentioned, with three or four hands Spaniards or Frenchmen, that he coasted it round, that the boat proved leaky, he had to halt many times to repair her and that finally, he burned lime out of which by a certain process he formed a certain cement that effectually stopped the leak, and he fortunately terminated his voyage. During the many times he was obliged to lay on shore to repair he was under the necessity of taking out his bags or boxes of silver - the great apprehensions that he entertained of the dishonesty of his crew - his vigilance in watching fearful lest the would attempt to rob and perhaps murder him, &c., &c. - I again in the same year in the month of December met Mr. Collins at Cincinnati on the Ohio where he in part superintended the building a large flat boat for the accommodation of Mrs. Wilkinson and family, and in January 1799 set out in company with them for Natchez, having provided a boat for my own accommodation and Mr. Collins navigating and having the control of all the boats for the family, I had little to say in the movement, except to give them whatever aid I could. During our passage which according to my recollection was from 25th January to the 28th of February, Mr. Collins and I were almost every day together - our conversation frequently turned on general Wilkinson’s final arrangements - I myself believing that the expenses he had to encounter, and his mode of living could not be discharged by his pay and emoluments - to this Mr. Collins acceded, but always observed that the general had other resources, quoting the money he had delivered for him at Charleston, as proof of it. Frequently speaking of himself (Mr. Collins) said that while in the general’s employ he had become a Spanish subject, and that he would soon avail himself of it and make the Spanish dominions his permanent residence, which he has actually done and now resides in Mobile. Accept, dear sir, my best wishes for your health and all its concomitant blessings. JAMES STERRITT The Hon. DANIEL CLARK. |
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***32*** Note **13** |
August 7th, -95. MY FRIEND, I have now I intended to say this morning rec’d your favour by Mr. McDowell. He has eat with me, but will return 20 miles this evening, which obliges me to rise from cool Madeira to drop you a hasty line - it will be disordered of course, for hurry always produces confusion. I send that which is handed about here (and to me by judge Turner) as the bottom of another memorable treaty - from the mo. Kentucky to the mo. of Ohio, we have a near neighborhood with our old friends - will it be a good one? or will mutual aggressions soon throw open the temple of Janus once more? - the gov’t. here I am told scouts this important production of our Solomon - it is my business to keep my peace, which to a man of Mercury, whose heart and tongue are in unison is no easy thing - If my very damned and unparalleled crosses and misfortunes, did not uncash me, I would be with you in flour, but as I have honour of 6590 dollars, rec’d for me in N.O. 1740 only have reached my hand, this independent of poor Owens loss - the whole of this last sum is not lost, but is not within my controul, and will not be for 6 or 9 months - I am more sorry for his son, and if I can serve him respecting the property left behind, and you think him honourable, he may on your recommendation receive a letter to my friend - this “entre nous” - because I have refused many. I know that an emotion of Friendship induced you to give me the mare, and when I am outdone in that commerce may “perdition catch me”-_yet I love the brute I must confess - if she runs she must run your property, or she will certainly break a leg or a thigh - you understand me I send you fifty dollars by Mr. McDowell - what was I to pay you for her? We must not misunderstand one another - If I lend the nag to you and any misfortune ensues, I shall not be pleased, nor will you be happy - but if she is essential to your pleasure or pastime, although no other man should have he honour to cross her, she is yours at what she cost me - I make a single reserve, if you can make a match, and make me in for a bet of 100? cash, I will divide the risque of her safety with you. Old Tony tis currently said, will go to Philadelphia so soon as he finishes the dependencies of his treaty - this entre nous also - if this should be true, you will hear from me - in the mean time pardon this scrawl, which I have not time to examine, and believe me to the bottom your friend and obed’t serv’t. JA WILKINSON. Col. ADAIR |
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***33*** Notes **14-15** |
In the Galley the Victoria, Bernardo Molina Patron, there have been sent to Don Vicente Folch nine thousand six hundred and forty dollars, which sum without making the least use of it, you will hold at my disposal to deliver it at the moment an order may be presented to you by the American general Don James Wilkinson. God preserve you many years. New-Orleans, January 20th, 1796. (Signed) THE BARON DE CARONDELET. To Senior Don TOMAS PORTEL I certify that the foregoing is a copy of the original to which I refer. New-Madrid, 27th June, 1796. (Signed) TOMAS PORTEL. Translation of a letter from Thomas Power to Don Thomas Portel, commandant of New-Madrid, dated June 27th, 1796, at New-Madrid. “Having received verbal instructions from Mr. James Wilkinson, the American general, to take charge of the money, which by a letter he received from the secretary of the government, D. Andres Armesto, under date the 7th or 8th March last, of which I was bearer, he has advice, is deposited in this post, and being informed by the official letter which you have received on this business fro the governor general of the province, of which you will be pleased to furnish me a copy, that said money is not to be delivered without an express order from the said Mr. Wilkinson. I find myself forced to relate circumstantially, some particulars to smooth and remove the difficulty which the want of a written order on the part of the aforesaid general Wilkinson presents. Although this relation may appear an abuse of the confidence with which the governor general of the province and the governor of |
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***34*** Note **15** |
Natchez. and particularly gen. Wilkinson have humoured me, I am persuaded that the urgency of the case which offers will serve me as an excuse and justification. You are not ignorant of the fact, that don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, being here in the month of September of the year last, he entrusted to me some dispatches of the greatest importance, for gen. Wilkinson, which I carried to Cincinnati , and returned with the answers in the month of November. By order of the said don Manuel Gayoso, I made immediately another journey in the Ohio, and I ascended it to the Red Banks in search of Mr., Sebastian, who came with me to the mouth of the Ohio, where we met with the governor of Natchez. At the end of December I accompanied this gentleman to Natchez, and went thence to New-Orleans. The principal object of my going down was to take charge, by order of general Wilkinson, of the money which you now in deposit for him, which is shown by the letters which he wrote to the governors of this province and of Natchez; but at my arrival, the money had been sent off in one of his majesty’s galleys for this place, which I learned from the baron de Carondelet, the intendant, and Don Andres de Armesto, I repeatedly (conversed) on this business wit the two last of these persons, urging forcibly the necessity of sending sugar, coffee and powder to New-Madrid, to form a cargo to take to Kentucky with Wilkinson’s money, hiding by this means the true intention of the voyage, and giving it the appearance of a commercial speculation. All this Wilkinson had before represented as indispensable, for many reasons, particularly in order to avoid a misfortune similar to that which had already occurred. At last the secretary told me that the barge in which Mr. Aaron Gregg, the American officer was to go up, was destined for this service, and that as for the crew he would permit me to chose among the Creoles, resident in this post, those who might appear to me most worthy of confidence, so that I left New-Orleans, with the belief that at my return to this post, I should find every thing disposed comfortable to what I have just related. On arrival at Greenville, I informed gen. Wilkinson of the steps which I had no doubt had been taken from whence has resulted, that he like myself was impressed with the belief that all the measures for executing this service with success, had been taken, I cannot communicate all the motives why gen. Wilkinson has not given me an order in writing - but one of them was, that he did not now the sum of money which you had to deliver to his order, the governor not having written a word to him on the subject; the secretary only saying, that his money was deposited in New-Madrid, without expressing the sum. In the letters in cypher from general Wilkinson for the governors, which are |
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***35*** Note **15** |
here inclosed, he tells them, that he has sent me to bring the aforesaid money, informing you that the No. 1 is for the governor general of the province and the number 2 for don Manuel Gayoso. I will add, that gen. Wilkinson, when I represented to him, that on presenting myself without his order in writing, some difficulty might arise, authorized by me, if the case required it, to write an order that you should deliver his money, specifying the sum there might be, signing it in his name, and giving you a receipt therefore. I cannot omit, that the commission of gen. Wilkinson was so sudden, so urgent, that it was extended even to limiting my return to my destination by the first of August, of which I advise you that you may endeavour not to delay the service. I believe that the governor general is not ignorant of the embarrassments of gen. Wilkinson, nor can he be ignorant, that for a long time past he has been expecting this money, the delay of which has been the cause of much trouble to him, involving him in great difficulties; and I can assure you, confidently, that he will be very much disgusted with any delays in the expedition, which might be productive of serious injury. As for the mode of carrying the money, it is evident, that to take it openly, would be too scandalous a thing, if I were not to say - madness! The unhappy result of the expedition of the unfortunate Henry Owen, ought to serve us as a beacon, in order not to lose ourselves on the same rock, and to make us take another course less dangerous. I would wish to put a bag of one thousand dollars in a barrel of coffee or sugar, so that although the difference of the respective gravity, between silver, sugar and coffee, be very great, the quantity being so small, it would not be easily known. It would likewise be prudent to carry some barrels without money, in order to sell them before arriving at Cincinnati, if it should so happen that any one should offer to buy these goods; because not to sell them when it might be done to advantage, would excite suspicion, and to complete the disguise, it would be well to take a certain quantity of powder and rum. If these dispositions should appear defective, I beg you should make such changes as may be to your mind. God preserve you many years. THOMAS POWER. DON THOMAS PORTEL, New Madrid, June 27, 1796. |
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***36*** Note **16** |
Translation of a letter from Don Thomas Portel to Mr. Thomas Power, dated at New-Madrid, June 27th, 1796. “HAVING well considered the contents of your letter of this day. I mention that I agree in every thing, to make whole of the reflections you place before me, and although at first sight it appears that I ought to avail the decision of the governor general as he prescribes to me in his official letter of the 20th January, of the present year, and of which I enclose you a copy which you request of me, the circumstances which you expose are such, that they leave me nothing more to do than to tell you to forward me a memorandum of the number of pounds of coffee, sugar, barrels in which to fill the powder and rum you desire for your expedition, because so soon as I receive it I will get it ready at your desire, informing you that for the merchandise you must sign me an acknowledgement of having received it, &c. and for the money a receipt, as the attorney of gen. Wilkinson. In order that the barge may be ready as you may want it I have written an official letter to the lt. col. Don Vincent Folch, that he may send it as soon as possible, because as nothing was said to me of what you have mentioned respecting it, Mr. F. Laughton asked it of me for an affair of service, and took it loaded with corn to the fort of Can Fernando, and it has not been returned, although I have required it, thinking it might be wanted here. Don Vincent Folch having answered me, that if I had not orders to keep it there were none to return it. The two letters in cypher remain in my hands, which I shall forward at the first safe opportunity with the distinction you point out, No. 1, to the governor general and No. 2, to the governor of Natchez. As for packing the money and arranging the barrels, as soon as they are ready, between you and myself all this may be done without any one else acquiring a knowledge of it. God preserve you for many years. New-Madrid, 27th June, 1796. THOMAS PROTEL. TO DON THOMAS POWER. |
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***37*** Note **17** |
PERSONALLY appeared before me the undersigned one of the justices of the peace in and for the city of New-Orleans, Mr. Thomas Power, who being duly sworn saith, that some time in the month of June in the year of our Lord 1796, he arrived at New-Madrid after having had several conferences with general Wilkinson by order of the Baron de Carondelet on the subject of a proposed separation of the Western Country from the U. S. under the protection and by the aid of Spain - that he was sent to New-Madrid by general Wilkinson for the purpose of taking charge of a sum of money which he had brought notice tot he general was lying there for him from the Baron Carondelet - that on his first demanding the same in the name of gen. Wilkinson, capt. Portell the commandant refused to deliver it without a written order - and that as he had none he was obliged to write a letter to Captain Portell entering into all the details which were necessary to show him that he this deponent was acquainted with the object of sending the said money, that the said Portel wrote him an answer agreeing to deliver him the sum of money in question for general Wilkinson and at the same time sent him a copy, of the order from the Baron de Carondelet which accompanied the delivery of the money to him Portel - that the said letter and answer were dated the 27th June 1796 and the said order from the Baron de Carondelet is dated the 20th January in the same year, and are the documents which have been laid before Congress by John Randolph and Daniel Clark, Esqrs. - and this deponent saith, that by virtue of the arrangement made by the said letters he received from Don Thomas Portel the sum of 9640 dollars which he packed up in barrels of sugar and coffee, and was proceeding up the Ohio with the same when he was stopped and searched by lieutenant Steele - that in consequence of this interruption he landed his cargo at Louisville and went on horseback to Cincinnati where he met general Wilkinson and informed him of the circumstances that had occurred, on which the general directed him to deliver the dollars to Philip Nolan which the deponent did - that the said Nolan conveyed the barrels of sugar and coffee in which the dollars were packed to Frankfort, where the deponent saw them opened in the store of Mr. Montgomery Brown, that the sum of nine thousand dollars was given by general Wilkinson’s direction to Philip Nolan and the remainder 640 dollars was retained by the deponent with the general’s consent |
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***38*** Notes **17-18** |
for the purpose of paying expenses, but which he gave directions to secure for him from the Spanish government in the settlement of his account - and this deponent further saith, that he sold the sugar and the coffee in which the dollars were packed to Mr. Abijah Hunt of Cincinnati - and this deponent further saith that when he afterwards saw general Wilkinson and informed him that he had delivered the money agreeably to his orders, he said it was well, and further this deponent saith not, THOMAS POWER. Sworn and subscribed before me in New-Orleans the 18th March 1809. E. Fitch, Justice of the Peace. City of New-Orleans, sct. PETER DERBIGNY of New-Orleans, counselor at law, being sworn on the holy evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth, that some time in the year 1796, this deponent being then a resident at New-Madrid, on the Mississippi, Mr. Thomas Power, then employed by the Spanish government on a private agency, went up the Ohio as far as Cincinnati, as this deponent was told, and returned some time afterward to New-Madrid in quest of a sum of money which was delivered to him by Don Thomas Portell, then commandant of that post. That this deponent was informed by a Spanish officer, on whose veracity he had every reason to depend, that the said money was destined for gen. Wilkinson, who was in a secret correspondence with the Spanish government. That Mr. Thomas Power, in order to conceal the said money, which was as far as this deponent can recollect, a sum of nine thousand dollars or thereabouts, bought from this deponent some barrels of sugar and coffee, in the centre of which the said money was packed up in small bags which were made for that purpose in this deponent’s family. That after these preparations were gone through, |
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***39*** Note **18** |
Mr. T. Power set off on his way back to Cincinnati; and that on said Power’s return from thence, this deponent was told that the said money had arrived safe and had been delivered to general Wilkinson. And this deponent further saith, that shortly after the surrender of Louisiana to the United States, a rumor having circulated that gen. Wilkinson had shipped in the vessel in which he returned to the Atlantic States, a large quantity of sugar, the price of which he had paid him in dollars lately coined, contained in bags not yet unsewed, and such as they are when sent from the Spanish mint this deponent grew suspicious that it was again money paid by the Spanish treasury to gen. Wilkinson, and felt it his duty towards the government to whom he had of late sworn allegiance, to inform the governor of this province of the facts to him known concerning the money sent up to gen. Wilkinson in 1796; that the governor Claiborne then requested this deponent to write to the President of the United States on the subject; that this deponent wrote accordingly to the President of the U. S. and delivered his letter into the hands of gov. Claiborne, after having shown him the contents, which he approved of, and that as the said letter was not signed, this deponent by the advice of gov. Claiborne, mentioned therein to the president that he might know the name of the writer from gov. Claiborne himself if he should wish it. And this deponent further swears, that in the winter of 1804 to 1805, this deponent being then at Washington City, in the capacity of a deputy from the inhabitants of Louisiana to Congress, jointly with Messrs. Dostrehan and Sawis, he was introduced to col. Burr, then vice-president of the United States, by gen. Wilkinson, who strongly recommended to this deponent, and, as he believes, to his colleagues, to cultivate the acquaintance of col. Burr, whom he used to call “the first gentleman in America,” telling them that he was a man of the most eminent talents, both as politician and as a military character; and this deponent further swears, that gen. Wilkinson told him several times, that col. Burr, so soon as his vice-presidency would be at an end, would go to Louisiana, where he had certain projects, adding, that he was such a man as to succeed in any thing he would undertake, and inviting this deponent to give him all the information in his power respecting that country; which mysterious hints appeared |
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***40*** Notes **18-19** |
to this deponent very extraordinary, though he could not then understand them, and further this deponent saith not. P. DERBIGNY. Sworn before me at New-Orleans the 27th of August 1807. AS: BONAMY Justice of the Peace for the Parish of New-Orleans COPIES Test, WM. MARSHALL, Clk. Territory of Orleans, sct. JOHN MERCIER, jun. Of the city of New-Orleans, being duly sworn, maketh oath, that he was one of the clerks in the office of the governor in the time of the Spanish dominion during a period of nine years, from the year 1792 to the year 1801. That whilst this deponent was employed in the said office, to wit, in the years 1795 and 1796, a secret correspondence was carried on in cypher between the said governor, then the Baron de Carondelet, and some person of note, who then was in the western part of the United States, and, as this deponent believes, on the waters of the Ohio. That this deponent had no certain knowledge of the name of the said person, but that it was a matter of notoriety among those who were employed in the said office, that the said person was general Wilkinson. That this deponent was entrusted with the care or charge of deciphering some of the letters which were received from the said person, and of copying some of the answers which were made to them by the governor. That the cypher was understood by means of a small English dictionary, and that so far as this deponent recollects, the number of the page and line where the word was in the dictionary was made use of instead of the word itself. That this deponent very well recollects that the project treated of in the said correspondence was the dismembering of the western states and territories from the union, but that he is not able to recollect the particulars. And this deponent further |
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