This page includes Daniels Clark's
life up until the end of 1804.
Jump to 1805
Daniel Clark Page 2
| 1766 | Born in Sligo, Ireland, Daniel Clark is schooled at Eton and other schools in England. This schooling is probably paid for by his uncle, a Colonel who retires from the service in Spanish Louisiana. His parents (mother only?) will later settle in Germantown, Pennsylvania. |
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1768 2 January |
Daniel Clark's uncle, also named Daniel Clark and referred to as Daniel Clark Sr., receives his first grant of land near Natchez from the British government. In May 1806 this titles is granted to George D. Banks (5/15/1806, #770, 500 acres on the Mississippi River, v3p415) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 799) |
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1768 15 January |
Daniel Clark Sr., receives two grants of land near Natchez from the British. One patent covers 1,000 acres and a second is 2,000 acres. In August 1805 these titles are granted to James McIntosh (8/1/1805, #470, 1000 acres, v2p383) and John Noble Taylor, and the legal reps. of James Dallas, deceaed (8/1/1805, #471, 2000 acres, v2p385), by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 788) |
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1786 |
Daniel Clark arrives in New Orleans where
his uncle, also named Daniel Clark, employs him as a clerk and then arranges
a job for him in the Spanish Governor Miro's office. Clark quickly learns Spanish
and ingratiates himself to the Dons. |
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1787 February 6 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark includes in an indenture document in January of 1802. This grant from Governor Miro is made to Daniel Clark, Sr. The tract is 1023 acres French measure and will be located in Adams County of the Mississippi Territory. |
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1768 May 26 |
A grant of land by the Spanish governor Miro to Marcos Olivares, later passes on to Daniel Clark Sr. In August 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (8/1/1805, #473, 1000 acres on the waters of Cole's Creek, v2p389) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 788) |
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1787 February 6 |
A grant is made on this day to Daniel Clark, Sr. for 565 acres, french measure, on Second Creek.
This title of this grant from Governor Miro later passes others In May 1805 this title is granted to Jesse Greenfield (5/14/1805, #196, 565 acres, french measure, on the Mississippi River, v1p534) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 782) |
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1787 February 6 |
Another grant is made on this day by Governor Miro to Daniel Clark Sr.
In September 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (9/24/1805, #632, 1,023 acres french measure on the Mississippi River, v3p137) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 793) |
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1787 May 12 |
A grant is made on this day by Governor Miro to Reuben Dunham for 100 acres, french measure, on Bayou Sara.
In February 1807 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (2/4/1807, #119, 100 acres, french measure, on Bayou Sara, v4p124) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 806) |
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1787 May 26 |
A grant by Governor Miro is made on this day to Gilbert Leonard for 600 acres french measure on Buffalo Creek.
In January 1806 this title is granted to Legal representatives of Daniel Clark, Sr. (1/7/1806, #706, 600 acres french measure on Buffalo Creek, v3p287) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 796) |
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1787 May 26 |
A grant by Governor Miro is made on this day to Peter Francis Rose for 1,600 acres french measure on Buffalo Creek.
In January 1806 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (1/7/1806, #708, 1,600 acres french measure on Buffalo Creek, v3p291) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 796) |
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1787 June 14 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark
includes in an indenture document in January of 1802.
This grant from Governor Miro is made to Bartholomew Le Breton. The title later passes to Daniel Clark, Sr. The tract is 800 acres French measure and will be located in Adams County of the Mississippi
Territory. In August 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (8/1/1805, #474, 800 acres french measure on the Mississippi River, v2p391) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 788) |
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1787 August 13 |
A grant by Governor Miro is made on this day to Rosalia de Granpre for 1,153 acres french measure on Second Creek.
In January 1806 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (1/7/1806, #707, 1,153 acres french measure on Buffalo Creek, v3p289) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 793) |
| 1789 January 28 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark
includes in an indenture document in January of 1802.
This grant from Governor Miro is made to Daniel Clark, senior. The tract
is 1000 acres French measure and will be located in Adams (Wilkinson ?) County of the
Mississippi Territory. In August 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (8/1/1805, #475, 1000 acres french measure In Wilkinson, v2p393) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 788) |
| 1793 September 13 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark includes in an indenture document in January of 1802. This grant from Governor Carondelet is made to Daniel Clark, Sr. The tract is 600 acres French measure of swamp land and is located in Adams County of the Mississippi Territory. |
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1793 September 30 |
Another grant is made on this day by Governor Carondolet to Daniel Clark Sr.
In October 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (10/2/1805, #647, 600 acres french measure on the Mississippi River, v3p167) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 793) |
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1794 March 29 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark
includes in an indenture document in January of 1802.
This grant from Governor Carondelet
is made to Caesar Archnard. The tract is 800 acres French measure and
will be located in Wilkinson County of the Mississippi Territory. It later passes to Daniel Clark, Sr. In August 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (8/1/1805, #472, 800 acres french measure on the waters of Cole's Creek, v2p387) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 788) |
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1794 April 9 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark
includes in an indenture document in January of 1802.
This grant from Governor Carondelet
is made to Daniel Clark, Sr. The tract, commonly known and called by the
name Aigo, is 5800 acres French measure and will be located in Adams County
of the Mississippi Territory. In August 1805 this title is granted to Daniel Clark (8/1/1805, #476, 5,800 acres french measure on the waters Bayou Sara, v2p395) by a congressional commission on land claims in the Mississippi Territory. (American State Papers, Public Lands Vol. 1 Page 788) |
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1797 May 26 |
A grant is made on this day that Daniel Clark includes in an indenture document in January of 1802. This grant from Governor Gayoso is made to Marcus Olivarez. The tract is 1000 acres French measure and will be located in Pickering County of the Mississippi Territory on Fairchild's Creek. |
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1798 February 10 |
Because of a disagreement between Daniel Clark and Governor Gayoso, the governor requests that Daniel Clark, the uncle, remove the power of attorney given to the younger Daniel Clark to transact his business due to the fact that he is not a subject of Spain. The Uncle refuses and leaves for his plantation near Natchez but is stopped by two armed dragoons and put under arrest in New Orleans until he agrees to revoke the power of attorney. On the 10th of February 1798 in the office of Don Carlos Xemes, Notary Public, Daniel Clark the senior gives this power of attorney to Antonio de Argote. A signed affidavit to this fact is reproduced in Proofs dated April 7 1809. (Note 86) |
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1798late |
About this time Clark reassumes control of his
uncle's estate. Clark claims that he has become an American citizen. He
has established himself as a leading merchant in the city. Governor Gayoso takes a liking to him and recognizes him as vice-consul from the United States even before he is a U. S. citizen. As acting vice consul of the U. S. in Louisiana Clark works in concert with Evan Jones and writes to the U. S. Secretary of State . He negotiates with the Intendant and the Cabildo to improve the favorable trade. Until this time American vessels had been forced to pay a 15% duty on Louisiana goods exported in American ships. This is reduced to 6%, including imported goods of American origin. Morales is also persuaded to drop all export duties on goods going to American settlements upriver. Madrid orders a return of the duties but this is successfully protested by colonial representatives. Morales is strongly supported by Clark and Jones. Clark convinces Morales that reversing the policy would only hurt the colony and would encourage smuggling. Clark has the greatest difficulty on a 3% duty on all forms of specie (currency) that is sent through the port by American merchants. This money is used along the river at other American ports to buy goods. Clark predicts the resurgence of a violent remedy if this duty is allowed to grow. These problems, are the result of war in Europe and the confusion of the Spanish colonial leaders who get mixed signals from Madrid. They continue until the Fall of 1802 when Morales ends the right of deposit and closes the river to American shipping. |
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1798 December |
Daniel Clark, at the urging of his uncle,
travels to Natchez where he takes an oath of allegiance to the United
States. |
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1799 October 1 |
The Elder Daniel Clark dies leaving his estate to his nephew. Daniel is 32 and gains official vice-consular title from the U. S. government about this time. |
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1799 October 10 |
This date is mentioned in a document, called an indenture, as the date that Daniel Clark inherited seven plantations from his uncle Daniel Clark Sr. The senior Clark's wife is named Jane. |
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1802 January 21 |
Clark is in Philadelphia where he signs a
document, called an indenture, that mortgages seven plantations that he
inherited from his uncle, to Edward Burd of Philadelphia. The purpose
of this legal move is to allow partner Daniel Coxe to continue signing
promissory notes to Burd for the purpose of procuring discounts at different
banks in Philadelphia. This document mentions a wife of Daniel Clark Sr. named Jane.(HSP collection.) |
| 1804 March |
Passage of the territorial Act. Creoles want statehood immediately, but the federal government sees the act of territory as only the first step. The Creoles find out that Governor Claiborne had authority to alter, modify or repeal any legislation passed by their representatives. Louisiana is divided into two territories and the Territory of Orleans is divided into twelve counties. The residents of Louisiana are also upset by the ban on further importation of slaves. The law was more severe than the rest of the nation (where it will be banned in 1808). Clark's uncle had been an importer of bozales (slaves imported directly from Africa). |
| 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 11 |
Daniel Clark chosen Bank of Louisiana Director. |
| 1805 February 26 |
Clark is selling a St. Bernard plantation. |
| 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 June |
Between 1800 and 1806 Clark had purchased
several blocks of land near Bayou St. John belonging to Louis Antoine
Blanc and another individual named Vidal to create Faubourg St. John. In June Faubourg St. John is laid out by Barthelomew Lafon. It is an immediate success. |
| 1806 June 5 |
A fire breaks out at Daniel Clark's Ropewalk. |
| 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 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): |
| 1807 August 7 |
House for rent. |
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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. |
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1805 |
Move on to part two of Daniel Clark's life. Daniel Clark Page 2 |