Daniel Clark

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Daniel Clark 15 Star Flag

1766-1813

This page includes Daniels Clark's
life up until the end of 1804.
Daniel Clark Page 2 Daniel Clark's "Proofs" Daniel Clark's "Letters"

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 military service to Spanish Louisiana. His parents will leave Ireland later to settle in Germantown, Pennsylvania.
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. To learn more about Daniel Clark's real estate holdings go to Daniel Clark - Land.
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 office of Spanish Governor Miro. Clark quickly learns Spanish and ingratiates himself to the Dons.
1787 August	A business arrangement is made with Isaac Dunn and James Wilkinson to import crops from the Ohio Valley to New Orleans is approved by Spanish authoritiesgiving their firms a monopoly on trade between the regions. Since 1883 the Spanish had sevely restricted American trade on the river and Wilkinson had promoted unrest along the Ohio when the nascent U. S. Congress seemed to be ignoring the needs of western settlers. Within a year young Daniel begins assuming his uncle's business dealings in New Orleans while the elder Daniel Clark spends most of his time at his plantations on the river north of Natchez. and . Clark uses income from the trade to buy finished goods and other commodities from Europe and the West Indies to be sent up the Ohio River and sold at a handsome profit.
1788 Good Friday	The Great fire of 1788. During this year Daniel begins taking over his uncle's business in New Orleans while the elder Daniel Clark spends most of his time at his plantations on the river north of Natchez.
1789 September (1)8	Isaac Dunn dies in the summer of 1789 and the partnership with James Wilkinson, who owes the elder Clark a large sum of money, is dissolved. The younger Clark continues to trade in manufactured goods, foodstuffs and slaves, mostly to the Floridas and Mexican provinces. He acts as an agent for parties in other cities due to his ability to work around the complex trade regulations imposed by the Spanish government in Madrid. Previously the elder Clark has sent a cargo north on the river valued at $8,000 on a boat called the Speedwell, which WIlkinson promises to return loaded with tobacco. Oliver Pollock and Evan Jones are the other merchants in New Orleans who establish good reputations as agents with American companies.
1790 May 20	Most shipping and accounts along the river are closed down between February and June when an abnormal rise in the waters makes the river treacherous. A letter on this date from Wilkinson to the elder Clark says the shipment of tobacco that was to have been made by December of 1789 will not be made soon. June 20 another letter from James Wilkinson expresses mortification that the tobacco has not moved.
1790 September 21	Finally the tobacco arrives with Philip Nolan and is sold to the Spanish Government for $15,850, a total of 118 hogs heads. James Wilkinson's creditors were many and clamorous (Clark $3400). All were paid, but Wilkinson's bankruptcy precipitates his return to the Army.
1791	Early in this year Clark meets Daniel Coxe, Jr. who represents the Philadelphia trading house of Reed and Forde. Coxe discovers that the best/only way around the Spanish regulations was to offer a gratuity (bribe) to certain officials guaranteeing access to the New Orleans market. Clark's position and ability makes him the best route to success. Coxe's brother Tench Coxe has been Assistant Secretary of the Treasury of the U. S. under Alexander Hamilton since May 10, 1790. At that time he transferred all of his business holdings over to his brother to prevent accusations of conflict of interest that had plagued his predecessor. Reed & Forde sends cargoes of flour, brandy, sherry, pepper, cloth, and furniture, while Clark ships furs, cigars and indigo.(REED & FORDE Letter collection HSP) Clark's clients not only learned how to bribe officials but the best methods of smuggling, particularly smuggling specie (gold and silver) out of the colony. Specie was in short supply in the U. S. after the revolution. In Philadelphia advertisements often included pricing in Spanish pesos as inducement for hard currency from foreign ports.
1793	The Bourbon Monarchy in Spain goes to war with revolutionary France. This conflict is a great boon to American trade to New Orleans and commerce grows - most carried out sub rosa. The Spanish authorities had little manpower or will to stop illicit trade. Spain also realizes that Louisiana could not feed itself or manufacture essential goods. Clark and Coxe take advantage of the situation. Cancellation of commercial concessions to France make the U. S. the only major neutral carrier and supplier for Louisiana. The ships of Coxe and Clark usually carried two sets of papers, American and Spanish. Clark realizes the conflict of interests that his business dealings produce. As an agent for local planters he sought the highest prices for crops, as a commission broker for foreign firms (in the U.S.) he tried to buy at the lowest possible price. At this time he divides his business ventures, using Relf and Chew as agents for the planters and Daniel Coxe to represent American and British trade.(John Clark, New Orleans 238,272)
1793 March 16	Losses and setbacks exist. Clark partners with Coxe to avoid competing with him, interference would help neither. Several vessels are lost - the cost of being middleman amid the war between Spain and Great Britain. Still the Spanish are reluctant to allow unimpeded traffic between the colony and the United States.
1793	The American brigantine, the Grand Sachem, The American brigantine Grand Sachem, Captain Ebenezer Baldwin, belonging to Jonathan Arnold arrives from the port of Baltimore, consigned to Daniel Clark as a convenience to the owner. The brig then leaves for Havana carrying with it the governor's wife and daughter, since the brig, protected by the American flag, was deemed safer than a Spanish vessel. (Note 62, Proofs) Many Spanish vessels are lost in the war between Spain France. Still the Spanish are reluctant to allow unimpeded traffic between the colony and the United States.
1793	1793 to 1799 William Porter is employed by Daniel Clark.(Note 62, Proofs)
1793 Late April	Clark reports that trade with French ports is forbidden. Spain gives permission to go direct to American, English or Dutch ports. Next month brings huge profits, a windfall that the international situation blows his way. He and his partners are protected by the American flag.
1793 June 9	A letter from Clark to Reed and Forde says flour on the brig Gayoso is so bad he is almost arrested by the Spanish authorities, but many articles imported by him are of a necessary nature forcing the Spaniards to wink at his mode of business. He is also aware of the possibilities offered by war between Spain and France or England. The first results are felt even before hostilities begin, as rumors abound, prices skyrocket. Profiteering is a way of business.
1793	(1793 or 1794) La Cassagne, who is postmaster at the Falls of Ohio receives $4000 from the Spanish at New Orleans and takes a ship consigned to Clark to Philadelphia. (Note 62, Proofs)
1794	At the beginning of this year Thomas Power (Note 34 Proofs) is sent by Thomas Portell to Kentucky to make note of progress of what was known as Genet's expedition a plot by the French to regain Louisiana, headed by George Rogers Clark (and La Chaise). About the same time Wilkinson sends a Mr. Owens to pick up $6000 in New Orleans. On the return trip Owens takes a public galley (commanded by Mon. Francois Langlois) to the mouth of the Ohio River and afterward takes a pirogue up the Ohio but is robbed and murdered by the six Spanish sailors that accompany him. Wilkinson tries to keep the incident quiet but a public trial of the sailors in New Orleans brings knowledge of the money to light and raises the interest of General Anthony Wayne, the Commander in Chief of the U. S. Army, who endeavors to intercept correspondence to Wilkinson but is foiled by the cleverness of Power.
1794 August	A hurricane in New Orleans destroys the ship that a Mr. Collins is to take to deliver a second sum of $6333. He fits out a small ship from Bayou St. John to Charleston and delivers ($11,000) in August 1795 to Wilkinson at Cincinnati although Wilkinson was to say that Collins lost a considerable amount of it through speculation in the West Indies.
1794 December 10	Jerome DesGrange, about 40, marries Marie Julie "Zulime" Carriere, 13, whose parents were French born. DesGrange was quite ordinary, perhaps ugly from various descriptions, but claimed aristocratic birth and flight from revolutionary France the year before. Zulime's parents probably arranged the marriage to insure their future and that of their youngest daughter.
1794	A Spanish ship captures four American vessels and brings three of them into Orleans for sale. A protest from Washington fails to free them, but Clark succeeds in intervening. He succeeds in obtaining the release of two of the ships and an armed ship owned by Coxe and Clark recaptures the third. This success in representing the American interests later convinces Captain Isaac Guion, commander of troops at Natchez and Andrew Ellicott, boundary commissioner there, to ask that Clark be given consular status until one is appointed. It will also help him negotiate lower duties for American shipping in 1798.
1795	Spain pulls out of the English-backed alliance against France, bringing conflict with England, and the Spanish crown fears that Americans will join with Britain to take its North American possessions, but the small American community in New Orleans again gains through profiteering. Through Charles Pinckney's diplomatic efforts in the Treaty of San Lorenzo, Spain allows free navigation and entrepot. By royal order neutral and allied nations have the right to trade with Louisiana and the Floridas. Spain makes these concessions out of necessity. Should the British gain the advantage of the naval war, Spain would be forced to rely on neutral shipping, chiefly American, to supply its American colonies. The ships of Coxe and Clark usually carried two sets of papers, American and Spanish. Clark believes that the Spanish duty (21%) on goods imported into Louisiana on American ships (using the deposit) canceled out any advantage of the deposit. At this time imports are subject to a 21% duty, all exports a 6% tariff. The order however prohibits these vessels from making calls in other Spanish- held territories in the Americas. American agents such as Pollock, Evan Jones and Clark increase trade. Great risk as well as huge profits are in store.
1795 January 24	Clark, in Charleston, is asked to give a deposition. (Clark p84) By the letter of Spanish commercial laws all trade is prohibited to her colonies unless it is carried on by natives, or naturalized residents. The extreme rigor of this rule defeated its execution, and the very existence of several of Spain's colonies depended on its relaxation. This took place in New Orleans particularly during the administration of Baron de Carondelet. The first indulgence was granted, by extending the privilege to residents, although not naturalized. Second by the government contenting themselves with the simple declaration of any individual, commonly the consignee, that he was the owner of the vessel. Not made under oath or supported by any documents.
1795 July	Governor Gayoso ascends the Mississippi River to erect a fort and garrison at Chickasaw Bluffs (Memphis): Fort Fernando de Las Barancas. He stays there for two months to supervise the erection and then arrives in New Madrid about September 1st.
1795 October 3	Thomas Power, on a mission from Gayoso, delivers a message to Wilkinson at Cincinnati. Wilkinson, thinking that Power knows the purport of the message lets on that it is about the separation of the western states from the union by the aid of Spain. Power then travels up river to Galliopolis to sound the French inhabitants of that settlement. He returns to Cincinnati (Fort Washington) confers with Wilkinson, returns to New Madrid where he is immediately given instructions to return to Red Banks (6 days up the Ohio) to pick up Messrs. Benjamin Sebastian, Henry James, John Murray and George Nicholas who are taken to the mouth of the Ohio for an interview with Gayoso. In his deposition Power (Note 34 Proofs) outlines preparations for the takeover of Kentucky: Fortifications at the mouth of the Ohio; military magazine at New Madrid; more Spanish agents in Kentucky; General William Rogers Clark, who is in the pay of the French must be bought, cannon should be cast in Kentucky; Cargo should be accepted down river to launder payments to agents in Kentucky. It also notes that a watchful eye should be kept on both Daniel Clarks, uncle and nephew, as well as Minor, Beauregard, Du Foret, Morales and their friends.
1795 December	Power returns to the mouth of the Ohio with only Mr. Sebastian. Gayoso is camped across the Mississippi and has built a small triangular stockade merely to impress upon anyone that was his reason for being there. They are visited by Julian Poydras and Mr. Bernoudi, Jr. who are headed down river. After a few days Gayoso and Power and Sebastian move on to New Madrid, then Natchez.
1796	War breaks out between Spain and England. The Royal Navy clears the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico of Spanish shipping, forcing Spanish American ports to rely on neutral trade. Again American trade increases dramatically. Clark meets Thomas Power, a Spanish subject, when both board a ship consigned to Clark and heading for Philadelphia. Also along is a judge Sebastian and $4000 which is assigned to Sebastian, a proponent of the western conspiracy.
1796 <BR>Jan. 20	A letter from Carondelet is delivered to Don Thomas Portell commandant at New Madrid and addressed to Don Vincent Folch (later Gov. of West Florida) A sum of $6940 with it is to be given to Wilkinson. Wilkinson sends his agent Thomas Power. Don Andreas Armesto, Sec. to Carondelet is also privy to this transaction. Pierre Derbigny is at this time a resident of New Madrid.(1799 Tomas Portell is commandant at Apalachy) Wilkinson receives his last commercial payment from the Spanish, which is for tobacco that was actually water logged when a flat boat sank in Kentucky in 1789. It was recovered, warehoused and the payments, several sums, were made through Phillip Nolan after 1791.
1796 March	Thomas Power and Sebastian leave New Orleans to travel to Philadelphia, taking 19 days on the brig Gayoso. To Shippensburg by stage. To Redstone on foot, then by flat boat to Cincinnati where they arrive May 17. Power later moves on to New Madrid again to receive the $9640 for Wilkinson. Daniel Clark notes that he knew Power as a Spanish subject residing in New Orleans, but this is when he realizes Power's role in the intrigues.
1796June 27	in New Madrid (Note 21, Proofs)
1797 December	At the end of this year, with Cabildo elections coming up on January 1, Francisco de Riano offers to Daniel Clark (the younger) the office of Procurator Syndic, saying that he can assure him nine of the 12 votes of the Cabildo. This office, he states, (Note 85 of Proofs) is one that demands the character of firmness and integrity that Mr. Clark possesses. Clark returns his thanks and addurance that he will accept the commission if he could do so without taking the oath of allegiance to the government of Spain, since he is not a subject, but had enjoyed its favor and protection.
1797 November 18	The Spanish government allows its American subjects to use neutral foreign ships to trade their goods with all Spanish American ports, a decree that is of great benefit to Louisiana.
1798	Clark is active in protecting Americans from French privateers, using his connections to the Spanish government. He is not an American citizen yet, but knows Capt. Guion, commander of troops in Mississippi and Mr. Ellicott commissioner, charged with establishing the new boundary at Natchez. These two men write to Governor Gayoso asking that Clark be allowed to act as Consul. Clark was able to talk to the owners of the French privateers ending that threat.
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)
1798 March	Clark writes to Secretary of State Timothy Pickering, enclosing a copy of the letter from Guoin and Ellicott. Colonel Clark writes to his old friend Wilkinson asking him to influence President Adams' choice for Consul. Adams chooses instead two vice-consuls: William Emperson Hullings, a Philadelphia physician who had made a fortune as a merchant in New Orleans and Evan Jones, a former New Yorker who had also grown wealthy as a New Orleans merchant. Neither is acceptable to the Spanish crown. Gayoso allows Hullings to act informally and threatens to arrest Jones, who has become a Spanish citizen, serving as a captain in the militia, and even wears his uniform as commandant of the district of Lafourche to accept the consul position from the governor.
1798 April 18 Wednesday	The following written message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Malcolm, his Secretary: Gentlemen of the Senate I Nominate George Mathews, Esq. of Georgia, to be Governor; Arthur Miller, Esq. of Connecticut, to be Secretary; and William Wetmore, of Massachusetts, Daniel Clark, of the Mississippi Territory, and Daniel Tilton, of New Hampshire, to be Judges, of the Mississippi Territory. John Adams United States, April 18th, 1798, The message was read. Ordered, that it lie for consideration. This excerpt from the Senate Executive Journal (pp269-270) nominates the elder Daniel Clark to be a judge. Daniel's uncle, already in frail condition, declined. http://memory.loc.gov
1798 May 1	On this date Daniel Clark presents a memorial to Spanish Intendant Juan Morales in which he describes himself as the American vice-consul in New Orleans even though the crown still refused to recognize foreign representatives who might encourage intrigues against colonial governments. Spain is at war with England which has put a stranglehold on all shipping to the Caribbean Clark's memorial proposes equal taxation of American and Spanish exports. Americans ships would be allowed to carry Louisiana products from New Orleans to ports in the United States or other foreign nations after paying the export duty charged Spanish ships. In return Spanish ships could take cargoes from American deposit, without payment of export duties, to ports except those of Spain and her colonies. Americans were reluctant to ship Louisiana products with the existing 21% tariff, but Americans could ship Louisiana sugar freely and Clark wanted that ability extended to other cargoes. New Orleans merchants endorse the proposal. Gayoso calls a meeting of the Junta de Real Hacienda, representatives of the Royal treasury. which approves and expands the proposal. Neutral shipping had the same duty on both imports and exports, and none existed on cargoes to and from American settlements on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. He also gained, from the Spanish Government a reduction of duties on imports from 21% on dry goods and 26% on liquors to 6%. He gave this information to Major Freeman to pass on to the American government. He hints at including the possible treason of General Wilkinson, but Major Freeman says it would be improper for him to present that information about his commanding officer.
1798 October 22	On this date Clark stays with Wilkinson in a tent at Loftus Heights and hears his confession of the late plans to conquer the western states. Clark is forthcoming because at the time he resided in New Orleans, was subject to Spanish laws and had no obligation to the government of the United States or expectations of becoming a citizen of the United States. Clark refuses a request by Wilkinson to be an agent in his quest to trade $10,000 owed to him by the Spanish Government for governor Gayoso's plantation near Natchez. Wilkinson says his connection to the Spanish is over and Clark says he would say nothing about it to the U. S. Government. Wilkinson later denies that he was in a tent at the time and met with Clark, saying he slept on his boat.
1798 October 22	In a deposition (Note 48 Proofs) Isaac Guion says he joined the army camped at Loftus heights on this day. He met Daniel Clark who stayed another day or two and then left for 12 to 15 days towards Natchez after which he returned and was there on the 20th of November for maybe two more days.
1798 November 18	During 1798 the right of deposit finally opens for Americans in New Orleans. Daniel Clark is the first to use it and his name is entered into the customs books a total of fifteen out of 52 entries for the year. He sends cotton from Natchez and Nashville to Virginia, flour from the Ohio Valley and tobacco from Kentucky to Atlantic ports. Also listed were exports of pork and beef products, furs, lead, iron, and specie. (Whitaker)
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.
1798 December	Daniel Clark, at the urging of his uncle, travels to Natchez where he takes an oath of allegiance to the United States.
1798-1803	Being the middleman has its disadvantages as timing is important to gain profits before his competitors. Supplies are often in a state of either feast or famine. But Clark has the skill to cut through red tape and has superb connections, having worked in the governor's office and understanding the members of the Cabildo and local officials along the river. And as he knows well the indispensable ability to place a bribe in the right hand is vital. Products being shipped down river to New Orleans include flour, pork, clothing and material for clothing. There is a persistent shortage of well made apparel. Clark has to warn his Philadelphia clients repeatedly not to send substandard items to New Orleans. They try to send clothing rejected by the French government. Yellow pants are not popular in New Orleans, only white will do. Clark also has to deal with problems finding enough pilots to guide American ships through the mouth of the river and up to New Orleans. Clark writes to Madison, who is now Secretary of State to report that ships often have to wait for a week to spot ships that know which route to take to the port. At one point his partner Coxe is arrested by Spanish authorities for trying to take soundings of channels near the mouth of the river. American shipping is becoming predominant at the port. The Spanish fear this trend, but rely on American merchants to bolster their own economic security.
1799	Even Reed and Forde, Coxe's firm, ignores his warnings and pester Clark for money owed. Many articles on its invoices are not suitable for the market, are too late or are in plentiful supply in the city. Louisiana is perceived as a dumping ground for goods unmarketable elsewhere. like shoes of poor quality and pantaloons that are out of fashion. Perhaps in this year Daniel Clark notices Marie Julie Desgrange, nee Carriere, known as Zulime. This dark beauty is 18 and has been married for five years to Geronemo Desgrange a refugee from France who owns a wine and confection shop on the 600 block of St. Ann. Clark begins to frequent the wine shop which is heavily indebted to him.
1799 12 February	A letter from Daniel Clark Jr. to Thomas Jefferson. Sir You will pardon the Liberty I take when I inform you that your letter of the 24th June of last year directed to Mr. Philip Nolan with whom for many years I have been connected in the __ Friendships has in his __ __ come into my possession. That __ing and enterprising man is now and has been for some years first? employed in the countires bordering the Kingdom of New Mexicoeither in catching of furnishing? horses and __ for? on the Banks of the Mississippi at the fall of waters with a thousand head which he will in all probabbility drive into the U. S. . Having directions from him to peruse all letters addressed to him previos to this being forwarded that in case of accident no __ contained in them should awaken the fantacy of the suspicious folk? among whom he has by a coincidence of fortunate circumstances intorduced himself. I have by this meansgained a knowledge of the object of your researches __ __ particular pleasure in affording my __ of __ to forward your letter in safety to him. You are? right in supposing him to be the only person capable Thomas Jefferson Papers Series 1. General Correspondence. 1651-1827 (Image 881 of 1088) http://memory.loc.gov search Daniel Clark
1799 13 March	A letter from Wilkinson at Loftus Heights saying that Gayoso asks too much for the mansion, telling Clark to forget it.
1799 June 12	A letter from Daniel Clark to Thomas Jefferson describes Philip Nolan as an extraordinary and enterprising man, whom nature seems to have formed for enterprises of which the rest of Mankind are incapable"
1799 12 November New Orleans	A letter from Daniel Clark Jr. to Thomas Jefferson. Sir I have had the pleasure of receiving the letter you wrote me in June last year and of delivering that which was enclosed for Mr. Dunbar who thinks him self honored by your application to him. Whilst at his house we had the satisfaction of seeing Mr. Philip Nolan arrive from New Mexico. He has brought with him 1,000 head of horses and by a singular favor of Providence has escaped the snares which were laid for him. Gayoso, the late Governor of the providence of Louisiana a few months before his death wrote to the Governor of Texas, the province conferring on this to the westward to arrest Nolan on his return as a person who from the knowledge he had acquired of the interior parts of New Mexico might one day be of injury to the Spanish Monarchy. The __ words have been affected according to his wish and Nolan might probably have been confined for life on mere suspicion, but fortunately the Governor of Texas died a few days before the letter reached San Antonio the Capital of his Government. The person __ing the office of Governor pro tem knowing that another has been appointed by the Vice Roy refrained from opening the letter __ to the late Governor and during this interval Nolan, who was unconscous of the machinacions? of his eminence __ __ __ the Province way __ as usual with the __ attention and only learned the circumstances from me a few days ago when preparing to go to the Frontier of Texas to bring in a small drove of horses which he had still remaining there. The certainty that the blind yet suspicious people would never believe that he could correspond with a Person in your high station on any Subject un__ed with Politics induces me to regard your __ __ nothing to the world which could be traced to him for any Communications how inocent __ in itself would be suspected if in case of discovery would have been fatal. __ __ no longer any __ to fear on the? Head and __ __ shortly forwarding you the information You require. In company with them is a Person a perfect master of __ language of signs of which Mr. Dunbar has made mention in his letter to you. I have proposed to Nolan to send him on to the U. S. that you might have an opportunity of learning from him __ __ any particulars respecting his customs. and have offered to defray his expenses till his return here make him __ a compensation for his time. If he can be induced to undertake the voyage I shall take the liberty of giving him a __ to you. __ you may know the __ __ the __ Customs __ if the __ Strength, Population. I am altogether unknown to the people of the U. S. You will not, I hope, take the liberty __ and the novelty will probably compensate the trouble of acquiring __ information. Should any particulars respecting the Country __ on which I could procure intelligence. I would spare no trouble on getting it and when connected with Subjects with which I may be un acquainted my __ have __ such that I flatter myself I could obtain it by applying to those who have had better opportunities __ __ __ than myself to attend to the __ of Science. In your letter to Nolan I think you hinted that Horses are found nowhere in a wild state but inAmerica.. I some time ago by accident stumbled on a __ __ Voyages __ __ __ in which mention is made of some found wild in Siberia or in Turkey They are represented as small, exceedingly fleet, __ and hare to catch living in Mr. __ of the settlement of great injury to the inhabitants by the __ of __ __ I paid no attention to the theory at that time but if the __ falls again in my way I shall forward it to you as it may _- other particulars on the same subject which I do not recollect. The title may haowever be sufficient for you to procure it. __ the Country produces excellant Oranges I have presumed to send __ __ __ of Mr. Daniel W. Coxe of Philadelphia a barrell of hand picked __ __ __ to be delivered to you and a Box of Pecan Nuts, __ _- are not I understand common in the Atlantic parts of the U. S. Tho? they grow everywhere on the banks of the Mississippi from the __ River to the Sea, generally in the low grounds ever in places overflowed by the annual rise of the waters. The tree grows to the usual size of forest trees and affords a delightful shade in summer, it might be worthwhile to cultivate it in Virginia for use __. I propose to send you shortly by way of Baltimore __ __ __ __ direct for Virginia a Bag? of a superior kind which I am promised by a friend and will occasionally take the liberty of sending you anything which I may suppose as __ __ or curious with you that I can procure here. I __ with respect for your most obedient and most humble servant Daniel Clark Junior Thomas Jefferson Papers Series 1. General Correspondence. 1651-1827 (Image 1034 of 1088) http://memory.loc.gov search Daniel Clark
1799 November 12	A letter from Daniel Clark to Jefferson describes Lucas Talapoon" In company with [Nolan] is a Person, a perfect master of the Language of signs... I have proposed to Nolan to send him on to the U.S. that you might have the opportunity of learning from him many curious particulars respecting his country..." Clark offered to pay him expenses and a salary if he would journey to Monticello so that Jefferson might "know the Man. " Documents concerning Philip Nolan p312
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.
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.
1800 October 1	By 1800 Spain's foreign minister, Mariano de Urquito, writes that Louisiana costs more than it is worth. Among these costs were concessions to American traders. Smuggling and fear of an American take over is eroding the colony's economic usefulness. Louisiana had failed at its original purpose as a buffer protecting Mexico against expansion by English and American pioneers. In the secret Treaty of San Ildefonso October 1, 1800 Spanish first secretary Manuel de Godoy finally rids himself of Louisiana, which he had attempted to do in June of 1796. They want to keep it secret so that the United States is not alarmed that the territory is being transferred to a more powerful owner. It was not a well kept secret. Louisianians will hear rumors about it next year and Spanish authority in Louisiana, including the Cabildo's will be severely weakened. The French have agreed not to allow the colony to slip into English or American control, an agreement they will break.
1801	During 1801 a near disastrous deal almost bankrupts the partnership of Clark and Coxe. Clark begins considering the breakup of the partnership The association of Clark with Richard Relf and Beverly Chew begins about this time. Late in the year Clark travels to Philadelphia to attend to business and follow up on rumors about Napoleon and his designs on Louisiana.
1801 March 26	Jerome (Geronimo) DesGrange travels to France to visit family in Provence and the estate left to his young wife Zulime and her sisters. Two notarized documents are quickly made: a Power of Attorney, Carriere sisters to DesGrange (Gaines v. City of New Orleans, 2:2137) another Power of Attorney, DesGrange to his legitimate wife. (Gaines v. City of New Orleans, 2:2138) Clark's attentions toward Zulime become more physical, he has fallen for her. (Check letters in the HSP - Daniel Coxe papers: DC to DCx 7/25/1798 (2letters) JDes to DCx 8/20/1798, 9/15&25/1798) DesGrange will be gone until late Summer of 1802.
1801 July	July 1801 Letter from Desgrange in Bordeaux to Clark (Transcript, Gaines v. City of New Orleans 2:2158) DesGrange entrusts Clark with his business, which is heavily indebted to Clark, and with his young wife. A son, perhaps by DesGrange had died in infancy. Zulime was pregnant again by the fall of 1801. According to Daniel Coxe a daughter, Caroline, is born to Zulime early in 1802 (or late 1801 according to Notorious Woman in a deposition of May 21, 1835 for W. Whitney and Wife v. Eleanor O'Bearn, et al. case no 843, Probate Court of New Orleans, reprinted in Transcript of Record, Gaines v. City of New Orleans, 2: 1878 deposition of Daniel Coxe, Jan. 6-9, 1841) Caroline will be shuttled around to various guardians supported by Clark, through Coxe. After Clark's death she is introduced to Clark's mother by Coxe as Clark's "natural child." Before Mary Clark's death Caroline is married to John Barnes as Caroline Clark.
1801 July 16	Daniel Clark receives his official appointment as consul in New Orleans from President Jefferson. It will be confirmed the following January by Congress. Some in the Jefferson administration questioned Clark's loyalty and the commission nominating Clark indicates that he was a Spanish subject. Although Clark is not apologetic he knows that they have him confused with his uncle. with his uncle.
1801 October 29	Zulime sells several slaves to Sinforiano Caillavet, husband of her sister Rose, using the power of attorney left by her husband. The money raised was perhaps to pay for a trip to Philadelphia for Caroline's birth.
1801 November 9	Zulime transfers the power of attorney to Sinforiano Caillavet, her brother-in-law.
1802 January 13	Sinforiano Caillavet makes a payment for slaves to Zulime, who has not yet traveled to Philadelphia.
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.)
1802 January 26	Appointment proclamation by Jefferson (Note 87, Proofs) making Daniel Clark U. S. Consul at New Orleans. With his nomination as Consul of the United States at New Orleans confirmed by the Senate, a commission is made out calling him a subject of Spain. Clark meets with the President and shows proof that he was never a subject of Spain, but had been naturalized in 1798 at Natchez. He receives a new commission stating that he is a citizen of the United states residing at New Orleans. (Note 87 of Proofs) Jefferson later states that Clark forwarded papers of proof of this with a request that they be perused and burnt. Clark says this is untrue, that the papers were forwarded to Madison by letter dated March 8, 1803,(Note 88 of Proofs) an extract of which was sent to Congress Feb. 4 1808.
1802 February 18	A letter from Clark to Relf and Chew asks them to arrange a source of money in Philadelphia independent of Coxe, a business "kept to yourselves" ( Feb. 18, 1802 Transcript Gaines v. Hennen, 894,Clark to Relf and Chew.) Clark has taken a step away from Coxe, using Relf and Chew for exporting from New Orleans. Is this move to set up payment for care of Caroline?
1802 Spring	During this Spring Clark's parents leave Ireland to settle in America. They arrive in New Orleans only to find that he is in Philadelphia. (Clark to Relf and Chew, March 29, 1802 in Gaines v Cities of New Orleans and Baltimore, General Case Files no. 2715 Record Group 21 National Archives, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, TX.
1802 Early	Zulime follows Clark to the east coast with her sister Sophie. Before Clark had left New Orleans rumors spread that Desgrange had another wife in New York. According to Sophie, Daniel Clark and Zulime had talked about marriage before he had shipped out. Zulime and Sophie go to New York while Daniel stays in Philadelphia on business and waits for confirmation of the rumors. The sisters find that the church where DesGrange was married has burned down and all the records lost. They follow clues and find a witness to the wedding in Philadelphia: an old French dentist named Dr. Gardette Clark and Zulime are allegedly married in Philadelphia in the Spring of 1802. Sister Sophia could not recall the Catholic priest's name. The witnesses are Sophia, an unnamed Irish friend of Clark's and a Mr. (Eugene) Dosier of New Orleans. A fact that is important to the mystery is that the Society of Friends, the Quakers, who run the secular government in Pennsylvania, do not keep records of marriages. Coxe later denies any knowledge of his partner's marriage. Daniel Clark insists that the marriage must be kept secret until Desgrange is convicted of bigamy. Clark returns to New Orleans late in the Spring of 1802, without Zulime.
1802 May-August	Clark spends the Spring in New Orleans but by August he is on his way back to the East Coast and then to London to find cotton buyers. While in Europe, he travels to Paris as a Creole merchant of New Orleans to learn more about Napoleon's plans for Louisiana. He is perhaps working undercover to gain knowledge without being a representative of The United States.
1802 Late Summer	Zulime returns to New Orleans after Clark leaves. She is surprised to find not one, but two other Madames DesGrange in the city. DesGrange lands in the New Orleans jail but he buys his way out of the prison and escapes the colony. Although the church begins hearings on the question of his bigamy it is never resolved, forcing Daniel Clark to deny any marriage to Zulime.
1802 August 14	Jefferson learns that Clark is in New York and in a letter on this date he urges Gallatin to contact him in order to advise a doctor being sent to New Orleans on the needs for a marine hospital to care for sick sailors. Clark answers the letter with several letters over the next few days advising at length how the doctor should equip himself before going to New Orleans. Dr. Bache arrived in New Orleans March 27, 1803 only to learn from vice-consul Hullings that arrangements for a hospital for the sailors had fallen through. (Rooney)
1802 October	While Clark is away from New Orleans Juan Ventura Morales, as the Spanish Intendant, closes the river to American shipping. The true source of this order is murky, but most believe that it comes from Madrid, or perhaps Paris. Spanish leadership in New Orleans is seen as weak, but the result is disastrous to farmers and settlers all the way up the Ohio valley. Residents of New Orleans suffer because products from the farmlands to the North cannot be unloaded and begin to crowd the port. For some the order is final confirmation that the colony is changing hands.
1803 February 14	A letter from Madison to Claiborne includes word from Daniel Coxe that Daniel Clark should be back in New Orleans by now - meaning by the time that the letter reaches Claiborne in February.
1803 February 27	Clark returns to New Orleans and immediately rides to Ft. Adams to confer with Claiborne, who is governor of the Mississippi Territory. Clark is frustrated that Claiborne will not take the initiative to march on the city and seize it for the United States in this moment of confusion. Clark was often brash with his decisions and Claiborne would always defer big decisions to others. An eerie silence falls on the letterbooks of Claiborne until he acknowledges his commission to receive Louisiana from France. A letter from Claiborne to Madison acknowledges that Daniel Clark is back from Europe - and is now in Natchez.
1803 March 4	Clark has returned to New Orleans from Natchez. In the office of Pedro Pedesclaux Daniel Clark signs Sp. Power of Attorney with Juan Ventura Morales. pp-v43p180
1803 March 8	Clark sends an order to Washington Morton to deliver a packet of papers to Secretary of State Madison. Perhaps he has obtained a notarized copy of his naturalization papers while in Natchez. In a letter that accompanies the packet Clark alludes to a person from Kentucky who may be guilty of conduct treasonous against the United States in 1796 or 1797. This person had been in New Orleans 1795-96 negotiating for Kentucky, independent of the general government, for navigation of the Mississippi before the result of the treaty of St. Lorenzo was known. He is alluding to Wilkinson. Clark says in Proofs (Note 88, Proofs) that at this time, knowing that France was soon to take possession of New Orleans, he was concerned that the French would learn of the old conspiracy to separate the western states and would contact the conspirators to resurrect the idea. In Note 89 he argues that the French believe that the mountains east of the Mississippi are the natural boundary between the U. S. and Louisiana and refers to the impossibility of remaining at peace with the French
1803 April 1	Laussat arrives in March as the French Prefect of the Louisiana colony. Laussat makes himself a nuisance to the Spaniards and a object of dislike to the Americans. In Clark's absence (?) William E. Hullings acts as the unofficial American consul. Hullings meets with Laussat and sends dispatches to Secretary of State Madison. Laussat says that the order to close the port was not French He did not recognize any consuls in New Orleans at that time but lets it known that he expects a large number of French troops. Eleven days later he writes that the troops are in Saint Domingue to quell the slave rebellion there. The rumor mill in New Orleans now believes that Spain will not cede Louisiana after all.
1803 Late April	By an order from Morales all communications with Americans on the Tombigbee River and in Mobile are cut off. The River from Mobile is the shortest route to supply American settlers in what is now Northern Alabama.
1803 April 30	Letter from Wilkinson to Clark about Jefferson ? (Note G , postscript, Proofs)
1803 May 29	Clark warns Madison that Laussat is not to be trusted. Laussat suggests to Salcedo, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, that nothing should be done about the right of deposit until he hears from Paris. Laussat also tries to stop passage of an American vessel that is delivering military supplies to American settlements up river. Clark is worried about the method of change of government. Clark writes to Claiborne, currently the governor of the Territory of Mississippi. He says HREF="../people/moralesjv-bio.htm">Morales has told him that the U. S. may not always be a friend of Spain and it was in the best interest of Spain that all American settlements in Spanish territories be discouraged (through Wilkinson). Clark convinces the Spanish to reassess the Tombigbee order, warning that the Americans may resort to violence to reopen markets and supply lines.
1803 June 2	Clark to James Madison: A Junta de Hacienda was called by the Spanish colonial leaders and the revenue officers decide that the right of deposit should be resumed. Supplies of flour, as usual are low and the Distrust of Laussat is growing among residents in New Orleans. In Europe Napoleon decides to sell New Orleans and Louisiana. $11.25 million for the purchase; 3.75 million for assumption by the U.S. government of its citizens' debts against France. Neither Claiborne nor Laussat were told of the agreement for several months after it was signed. The deal must be discussed and ratified by the American Congress. Laussat labels rumors of the sale as improbable and imputable.
1803 June 9	Letter from Wilkinson to Clark about Claiborne. (Note H, postscript, Proofs) A message comes by express, but Wilkinson is too sick to answer in length. Clark has done something to be appreciated by the people on the Tombigbee. Wilkinson says "CCC was afraid you (Clark) should do anything to deserve the thanks of our government. He is a mass of duplicity, meanness, envy, ignorance and cowardice - Yet you should not make any attack on him at present."
1803 September	Madison asks Clark to watch Spanish troop strength and attitudes toward Americans. Secretary of Treasury Gallatin suggests that consul Clark be informed of American posturing "if he can be trusted to that extent". Obviously there is still concern about Clark's loyalty.
1803 October 4	Clark to Madison: Incident of French cutter Terreur - the crew has pressed sailors from other ships, some Spanish. The Terreur goes to sea but Salcedo severs relations with Laussat who was perhaps to succeed Edmund Genet as Ambassador to U. S.
1803 October 30	Probable date of conception of Myra Clark (Gaines). Daniel Clark is probably manic with desire to impress upon everyone that he should be Governor of Louisiana. He seeks solace in the arms of Zulime. At first he regrets the resulting child but later becomes obsessed with his only possible heir.
1803 October 31	Madison asks Clark to provide Claiborne and Wilkinson with information on Spanish who may try to prevent the transfer to the U. S. A letter to Claiborne at the same time puts his troops on alert.
1803 November 7	Clark to Claiborne: Casa Calvo is thinking of pushing back the transfer. Two days later he tells Claiborne of the imbecility of the governor (Salcedo) and the unpopularity of the Marquis (Casa Calvo who is a commissioner of the transfer) to the citizens of New Orleans.
1803 November 11	Clark to Claiborne: "For God's sake lose no time in marching this way" Clark forms an American civil guard, with Lassaut's blessing, to act as a police force. He has applied to the Spanish government for one or more companies of cavalry to pass by land to New Orleans. Well timed says Claiborne since Louisiana has not yet passed to French hands.
1803 Mid-November	Claiborne to Clark: Enclosed is a letter from Madison. The necessity of using force is contemplated at New Orleans. Madison asks Clark again to watch Spanish troop strength and attitudes toward Americans. Claiborne needs information of the military strength at New Orleans and the best approach to the city. Claiborne has confidence that Clark can rally any necessary force for the interests of he United States. Claiborne expects Lassaut to be cordial, but he understands that Clark does not have a friendly rapport with the French diplomat and suggests the aid of William Hullings. If Spain is really disposed to resist they are to expect reinforcements from Havana. Claiborne wants Clark's opinion on this. He is to give a duplicate of his reply to Major Trask, who is in New Orleans as a private citizen on his own business. Claiborne reminds Clark of the pacific principles on which the purchase commenced.
1803 Third week of November	The situation is still tense but Clark is more confident of a successful outcome. His European connections note that the Spanish Crown is so dependent on Paris that they were unlikely to oppose the transfer despite its displeasure. He encouraged haste to transfer and troops to insure peace. On November 22 Clark notes that the city gates are in such disrepair that they cannot be shut, the old ramparts and forts are useless as a defense. Clark resumes discourse with Laussat, but continues to show the Spanish an outward coldness toward him to retain the confidence of the Spaniards.
1803 Late November	At this time Claiborne informs Laussat that he and Wilkinson are to be the commissioners on the transfer of Louisiana to the United States.
1803 November 30	Ceremonies mark the transfer of Louisiana to France. Clark has again offered his services to Lassaut. He assembles Americans for the ceremonies and is appointed their Captain but keeps their presence muted. As consul, Clark reports general satisfaction about the news of American control, but adds that some French merchants are being troublesome and are encouraged by Laussat. After the ceremonies all Spanish troops are ordered to their barracks, but there will never be enough French troops to replace them, so the American civil guard is appreciated by all.
1803 December	Clark is already trying to stake a claim in the new government. He is still the chief source of information for the federal government in New Orleans. Washington knows that no one else was as trusted and respected by the Spanish authorities. Some may believe that he may have been the first to arouse interest in the purchase. He had suggested a military coup earlier to Claiborne and Wilkinson, but the conservative Claiborne had vetoed it. Clark is convinced that he should have been named the governor of Louisiana. As early as August 7, 1803 Benjamin Morgan, a friend, says that Clark has an eye on being a member of Congress. Although rich and powerful with the ear of both Spanish and American government officials Clark is not popular, or an individual who people vested a lot of trust. Most of New Orleans owed him a private debt for their prosperity He keeps his business close to his vest. It is this secrecy, not a blatant dishonesty, that makes many wary of him. Morgan remarks that the only Americans that had any use for Clark were those that were dependent on him.
1803	Clark's interest in mercantile affairs decline with American possession in late 1803. From the mid 1790s through the secret 1800 transfer to France he has become more interested in politics. His knowledge of who to pay and other tricks with the Dons will no longer work. He must now use his wealth and knowledge to fit into the American concept of commerce. At this time Daniel Coxe owes over a quarter of a million dollars, but Clark's depression is due to a number of factors.
1804 January 24	A letter from Clark to James Madison (Note 89, Proofs) talks of Prefect Laussat and commissioner Claiborne. Laussat had claimed (before the purchase was known) the mountains east of the Mississippi River as the border of Louisiana and planned, when war resumed with Britain, to take Canada. Laussat is disrespectful of the U. S. Also, Clark mentions duties placed on exports from New Orleans to U. S. ports as if Louisiana was a foreign country.
1804 January 24	While still in New Orleans Laussat notes (Note E, postscript, Proofs) that Governor Claiborne, a man of very little means and less character and Wilkinson who passes three quarters of his time in wine and generally known to have been subsidized by Baron Carondelet, were the Commissioners of the transfer because they were conveniently close. He further notes a public ball that ended in a fist fight between Creoles and Americans over what dance to play - English or French Violins were broken, ladies fled, and America seamen led by the Captain of the Port (Samuel Davis) a fire brand (fier bras) who had served the French at St. Domingo assaulted the young men, but the young Frenchmen held their own. He reports that the French and Creoles in Louisiana still hold up hope that once France has defeated England and a peace prevails, that the French flag will again fly over New Orleans and on the Mississippi River. The Americans are of the character of the Chinese.
1804 January 24	The Brig Express, full of convalescents is kept at the Balize. They have been evacuated from a military hospital at Cape St. Nicolas Mole (St. Domingue). Laussat laments the loss of New France which he says could flourish with a sugar crop all the way to the Rio Grande.
1804 February 10	A letter from Secretary of State Madison to Clark referring to a letter from Mrs. Clark (Daniel's mother?) Madison thanks Clark for his active and useful services in gaining Louisiana, states that a bill to govern the acquisition has not yet passed through Congress due to the novelty of the circumstances and lengthy discussions. He asks what he should do with the papers from Washington Morton.(Note 90 Proofs)
1804 March	While acting as one of the commissioners of the transfer General Wilkinson consults with John McDonough about shipping sugar or cotton to the east coast. McDonough suggests sugar as the most lucrative. Wilkinson purchases with $9000 to $10,000 in cash through Messrs. Dusan and Dubourg.(Note 24, Proofs sworn 4 September, 1807) Wilkinson purchases sugar in the amount of $9640, Mexican dollars, paid in bags that are brought from Vera Cruz. This makes even Claiborne suspicious. He is paid through Marquis de Casa Calvo who still resides in New Orleans and is an intimate of Wilkinson. No commercial account covers this transaction. Wilkinson leaves the City shortly before Clark returns from a trip of 2-3 months. a former mayor tells him that Wilkinson has received a sum of $10,000 from the Spanish governor while acting as one of the commissioners. Clark was asked to look into it, but he would do it only if he was permitted to communicate the suspicions to the General if they could not be verified.
1804 March 10	A letter from Claiborne to Madison says Clark intends to stop collection funds for seaman at the marine hospital. H. B. Trist arrives to become Collector of the port and takes over the duties. (Rooney) Louisiana is divided into two territories and the Territory of Orleans is divided into twelve counties.
1804 March 15	A letter from Clark at Bayou Sara, in response to Madison's letter of February 10. He thanks him for forwarding the letter from Mrs. Clark and says that he is glad to have helped the transfer of Louisiana, but mentions that the inhabitants may have become discontented. He apologizes for intruding on Madison with the packet of papers and asks that they be burned (probably because his up and down relationship with Wilkinson is up at this time) so that they will no longer be an inconvenience. Jefferson in a later address to congress mentions this fact as possible proof of Clark's involvement with the Burr Conspiracy. (Note 91, Proofs)
1804	Characterizations of New Orleans Residents - Evan Jones and Labigarre. Clark is listed as "one who pants for power and is mortified by disappointment" and has the capacity to do more good or harm than anyone else in the territory. "Mr. Clark is rather an Englishman at heart...unpopular and too assuming...might be unwise to countenance at present his cunning and overbearing pretension. Jefferson and others in Washington did not fully trust the wily Irishman. Clark had correctly predicted that the time of greatest danger of American interests would be after the transfer had occurred. (Talking to Trask?) Trouble first erupted at a public ball less than a month after the transfer when both French and American dances were called for at the same time. Clark took Claiborne's side against Laussat, but later begin to lean the other way. Claiborne raises the ire of the Ancient inhabitants, deprecating their ability to understand the American system of representative government. Although he once expressed the same ideas himself, Clark sees an opportunity to secure his place in local politics. He sides with the Creoles.
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).
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.
1804 June 9	A letter from Dunbar to Jefferson about the exploration of the Red River. (Page 15 Jefferson and Southwestern Exploration) Daniel Clark introduced William Dunbar to Jefferson. Dunbar had studied Mathematics and Astronomy at Glasgow and London and had became an American citizen in 1798 about the same time as Clark. "For Science and Probity and general information (Dunbar) is the first Character in this part of the world." {Dictionary of American Biography 5:507-508; Rowland, Dunbar Letters, Introduction to Jefferson
1804 June 17	A message from Casa Calvo to the Spanish governor of Texas, Don Juan Bautista Elguezabal warns of the intention of Jefferson to explore the Red River and other rivers west of the Sabine. (Page 29 of Jefferson and Southwestern Exploration notes that Daniel Clark was undoubtedly the source of this leak as an intermediary between Wilkinson and the Spanish Government and that he was a guiding light of the Mexican Association.
1804 June 30	Most likely the birth date of Daniel Clark's daughter Myra by Zulime.
1804 Summer	Opposition to governor Claiborne is led by Edward Livingston and Daniel Clark. Clark travels throughout the territory with a petition to secure signatures for a memorial to Congress. It is ready for public approval at the end of the summer of 1804.
1804 July	In July Aaron Burr, currently vice president of the U. S., mortally wounds Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey. Burr seeks refuge with Charles Biddle in Philadelphia. Soon he was meeting often and secretly with General James Wilkinson. They began drawing up plans. One of his contacts was Englishman Charles Williamson who reported to British Ambassador Anthony Merry. Burr sought British aid for the plot. Merry accepts Burr's proposal, Williamson leaves for London to encourage the British Government.
1804 November 5	Claiborne to Madison: Claiborne believes Clark is an enemy of the United States. In almost every letter to Madison during this period Claiborne relays his suspicions of Clark and sometimes Livingston. Clark interferes with the appointed council through intimidation. He is offered a seat but declines to accept, to illustrate his opposition to the governor. This is the most controversial period in Clark's life. The Burr Conspiracy will break open soon. It is a national scandal, and some see Clark as a central figure.
1804 December 3	Clark has become the spokesman for the "ancient inhabitants". By the end of the year "Louisiana Remonstrances", a memorial to Congress is ready for presentation. It asks for a curb on the governor's powers. Delegates to present the memorial are Peter Derbigny Pierre Sauve and Jean Noel Destrehan . Louisiana Remonstrances: 1. Citizens should be allowed to legislate for themselves, governor should not have so much power. 2. Lift ban on importation of slaves. 3. Louisiana should not be divided in two as being contemplated by the federal government.
1805	Move on to part two of Daniel Clark's life. Daniel Clark Page 2

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