Primitive State of the Country — Expedition of De Soto in 1539 — His Death — Discovery of the Mississippi in 1673, by Father Marquette and Joliet — They are followed in 1682 by La Salle and the Chevalier de Tonti — Assassination of La Salle

Arrival of Iberville and Bienville — Settlement of a French Colony in Louisiana — Sauvolle, first Governor — Events and Characters in Louisiana, or connected with that Colony, from La Salle's Death, in 1687, to 1701

Situation of the Colony from 1701 to 1712 — The Petticoat Insurrection — History and Death of Iberville — Bienville, the second Governor of Louisiana — History of Anthony Crozat, the great Banker — Concession of Louisiana to him

Lamothe Cadillac, Governor of Louisiana — Situation of the Colony in 1713 — Feud between Cadillac and Bienville — Character of Richebourg — First Expedition against the Natchez — De l'Epinay succeeds Cadillac — The Curate de la Vente — Expedition of St. Denis to Mexico — His Adventures — Jallot, the Surgeon — In 1717 Crozat gives up his Charter — His Death

Creation of a Royal Bank and of the Mississippi Company — Effects produced in France by those Institutions — Wild Hopes entertained from the Colonization of Louisiana — Its twofold and opposite Description — History of Law from his Birth to his Death

Bienville appointed Governor of Louisiana for the second time, in the place of L'Epinay — Foundation of New Orleans — Expedition of St. Denis, Beaulieu, and others to Mexico — Adventures of St. Denis — Land Concessions — Slave-trade — Taking of Pensacola by the French — The Spaniards retake it, and besiege Dauphine Island — Pensacola again taken by the French — Situation of the Country as described by Bienville — The Chevalier des Grieux and Manon Lescaut — Changes in the Organization of the Judiciary — Edict in Relation to Commerce — Adventures of the Princess Charlotte of Brunswick, of Belleisle, and others — Seat of Government transferred to New Orleans — Other Facts and Events from 1718 to 1722

Origin, Customs, Manners, Traditions, and Laws of the Natchez — Decline of that Tribe — Number and Power of the Choctaws and Chickasaws

Transfer of the Seat of Government to New Orleans — Its Population and Appearance in 1724 — Boisbriant, Governor ad interim — Black Code — Expulsion of the Jews — Catholic Religion to be the sole Religion of the Land — Périer appointed Governor — League of all the Officers of Government against De la Chaise, the King's Commissary — He triumphs over them all — Republicanism of the Colonies — The Ursuline Nuns and the Jesuits — Public Improvements made or contemplated by Governor Périer — Census in 1727 — Expenses of the Colonial Administration — Edict of Henry the Second against Unmarried Women — Other Facts and Events from 1723 to 1727 — Traditions on the Music heard at the mouth of Pascagoula River, and on the Date-tree at the corner of Dauphine and Orleans Streets

Arrival of the Casket Girls — Royal Ordinance relative to the Concessions of Lands — Manner of settling the Succession of Frenchmen married to Indian Women — French Husbands — Indian Wives — History of Madame Dubois, an Indian Squaw — Conspiracy of the Natchez against the French — Massacre of the French at Natchez in 1729 — Attack of the Natchez against the French Settlement in 1730 — Attack of the Natchez against the French Settlement at Natchitoches — They are beaten by St. Denis — The French and Choctaws attack the Natchez — Daring and Death of Navarre and of some of his Companions — Siege of the Natchez Forts — Flight of the Natchez — Cruel Treatment of Natchez Prisoners by Governor Périer — Desperation of the Natchez — The Chickasaws grant an Asylum to the Natchez — Conspiracy of the Banbara Negroes — List of the Principal Officers in the Colony in 1730

Expedition of Périer against the Natchez — He goes up Red River and Black River in pursuit of them — Siege of their Fort — Most of them are taken Prisoners and sold as Slaves — Continuation of the Natchez War — The India Company surrenders its Charter — Ordinances on the Currency of the Country — Bienville reappointed Governor — Situation of the Colony at that time — The Natchez take Refuge among the Chickasaws — Great Rise of the Mississippi and General Inundation — Extraordinary Number of Mad Dogs — Expedition of Bienville against the Chickasaws — He attacks their Villages — Battle of Ackia — Daring Exploit of the Black Man, Simon — Bienville is beaten and forced to retreat — Expedition of D'Artaguette against the Chickasaws — His Defeat and Death — History of John Philip Grondel — Other Events and Facts from 1729 to 1736

State of Agriculture in 1736 — Exemption from Duties on certain Articles of Importation and Exportation — War between the Choctaws and Chickasaws — Singular Judicial Proceeding in 1738 — Bienville's Dispatch on the Sand-bars at the Mouth of the Mississippi — De Noailles is sent to Louisiana to command an Expedition against the Chickasaws — Bienville's Jealousy — Intrigues of the Indians, Red Shoe — General Rendezvous of the French at the Mouth of River Margot — Failure of that Expedition — Its probable Causes — Bienville's Apology — Effects of a Hurricane — Situation of the Colony in 1741 — Heroism of a French Girl in a Battle against the Indians — Bienville incurs the Displeasure of his Government — He demands the Establishment of a College — That Demand is refused — Bienville is recalled to France — He departs never to return — He is succeeded by the Marquis of Vaudreuil — Other Events and Facts from 1729 to 1736

The Black Code of Louisiana (1724)

Anecdotes of De Vaudreuil — The Chickasaws sue for peace — Effects of Paper Currency in the Colony — Trading Monopoly granted to Déruisseau — Lead Mines discovered in Illinois — Indian Difficulties — Proposed Expedition against the Chickasaws — Census of Louisiana in 1745 — Dispute between Lenormant and Vaudreuil — Obstructions at the mouth of the Mississippi — Proposed Fortifications on the Mississippi — Means of Defence of the Colony — Terrible Hurricane in Louisiana — Lenormant's Remarks on Paper Money — Extent of the New Orleans District — Civil War among the Choctaws — Outrages committed by the Choctaws — Red Shoe killed — Renewal of Hostilities — Tixerant discomfited by Choctaw Hunters — The Indians attack the German Coast Planters — Baby, the Dancing Master, repulses the Indians — Death of Baby — Close of the year 1748 — Views of the Government on Commerce — Ascendency of the French — Tranquillity re‑established — Paper Money — Increase of the Military Forces — p8Paper Money counterfeited — Pierre Boucher — Lettres de Cachet — Distribution of the Troops — Complaints against Vaudreuil — Complaints against Rouvillière — Condition of the Colony — Introduction of the Sugar-Cane — Expedition against the Chickasaws — State of Agriculture — The Marquis of Vaudreuil

Kerlerec's Opinion of the Indians — Kerlerec's Endeavors to Conciliate the Indians — Changes among the Officers — State of the Colony — Character of the Troops — Tribute to the Indians — Tragic Occurrence — Fears of Invasion — Gain of the Mississippi on the Gulf — Fears of British Invasion — Religious Warfare — Intrigues of the English — Discontent of the Indians — Attack on Fort Duquesne — Rochemore — Introduction of the Sugar Cane — Recall of Rochemore — Help solicited from Spain — Departure of Rochemore — Cession of Louisiana to Spain — Treaty of Peace signed at Paris — Indignation of the Indians — Dissensions in the Colony — Description of Louisiana, by Redon de Rassac — Disputes between the French and English — Opposition of the Indians to the English — Expulsion of the Jesuits from Louisiana — Complaints against the English — Major Loftus ascends the Mississippi — Loftus attacked by the Indians — Loftus returns to New Orleans — Condition of Louisiana — Memorial of Kerlerec — Anxiety of the French Government — Letters of Louis XV to D'Abbadie — Reflections on the Fate of Louisiana

Arrival of the Acadians — Expulsion of the Acadians — Fate of the Acadians — Dispersion of the Acadians — Hatred of the Acadians to the English — Settlement of Acadians in Louisiana — The Mississippi a common thoroughfare — English Fortifications — Description of Baton Rouge — Protest against the Cession — Presentation of the Petition — Result of the Mission — Ulloa appointed Governor of Louisiana — Arrival of Ulloa — Treatment of the Superior Council — Character of Charles III — Military Career of Charles III — Administration of Charles III — His Death — Career of Antonio de Ulloa — Early Career of Antonio de Ulloa — Character of Antonio de Ulloa — Don Estevan Gayarre — Don Martin Navarro

Ulloa's Instructions — Excitement Concerning the Paper Currency — Difficulty with the French Troops — Wretched Condition of Louisiana — Hostility of the Inhabitants to Ulloa — Character of the Inhabitants — Embarrassment of the Government — Commercial Decree — Anecdote — Commercial Regulations — Remonstrances of the Merchants — Doubts as to the Act of Cession — Seclusion of Ulloa — Proposition of Ulloa — Sojourn of Ulloa at the Balize — Marriage of Ulloa — Letter of the Marquis of Grimaldi — Return of Jean Milhet — Ulloa's Tastes, Habits, and Disposition — Unpopularity of his Wife — Conversational Powers of Ulloa — Letter of Aubry — Conspiracy against the Spaniards — General Insurrection — Petition for the Expulsion of Ulloa — Proceedings before the Council — Decree of the Council — Opinion of Foucault — Protest of Aubry — Reflections on Lafrénière's Address — Quotations from Lafrénière's Address — Character of Ulloa as Governor

Delegates appointed by the Insurgents — Embarkation of Ulloa — Manifesto of the Colonists — Appointment of a Committee of Inquiry — Depositions of the Witnesses — The Council's Letter to the Duke of Praslin — Representations to the King — Foucault's Letter to the Duke of Praslin — Aubry's Letter to the Duke of Praslin — Position of the Revolutionists — Letters of Ulloa on the Revolution — Petition of the Colonists — Foucault's Despatches — Aubrey's Despatches — Council of Ministers in Spain — Grimaldi's Letter to Fuentes — Symptoms of Reaction

Letter of Aubry — Aubry and the Council — New Delegates sent to France — Foucault's Treachery — Departure of the Frigate — Increase of the Reaction — Scheme of a Republic — Anxieties of the Public Mind — Reaction in Favor of the Spanish Officers — Arrival of O'Reilly — Message from O'Reilly to Aubry — Aubry's Speech to the People — Deputation from the City — Address of Lafrénière — O'Reilly's Reply — Close of the Interview — Landing of the Spaniards — Landing of the Troops — Reception of O'Reilly — The Closing Ceremonies — Aubry's Despatches — Letter from O'Reilly to Aubry — Aubry's Answer — Arrest of the Insurgent Leaders — Death of Villeré — O'Reilly's Proclamation — Arrest of Foucault — Ceremony of Swearing Allegiance — Proceedings with respect to Foucault — Letter from Aubry — Foucault sent to France — Release of Braud

A State Trial — Presentment of the Attorney-General — Remarks on the Plea of the Accused — Quotation from Vattel — The Judgment — Appeals to O'Reilly — His Inflexibility — The Negro Jeannot — Execution of the Prisoners — Death of Aubry — Comments on the Execution — Despatch of O'Reilly to Grimaldi — Feelings and Ideas of the Time — Charge of Duplicity against O'Reilly — Anecdote of Cardinal Richelieu — Maisons d'Acadiens — Polished Manners of the Colonists — Census of the Inhabitants — Concluding Remarks

A: Livaudais on the Silting of the Mississippi (October 1750)
B: Vaudreuil's Police Regulations (February 1751)
C: Decree of the Superior Council (October 1768)

O'Reilly's Administration — Organization of the Government — Oath of Office — O'Reilly's Proclamation — Duties and Jurisdiction of Public Officers — O'Reilly's Legislation — Its Effects on the Laws previously Existing — O'Reilly's Instructions to Commandants — O'Reilly's Enlightened Views on the Commercial Wants of the Colony — O'Reilly's Liberal Policy — Raising of the Louisiana Regiment — Inauguration of the Cabildo — Concessions of Vacant Lands — Regulations for Grants of Land — New Orleans — Its Annual Revenue — Commercial Regulations — The Capuchins and the Nuns — The French Black Code re-enacted — O'Reilly's Administration approved by the King — O'Reilly's Character

Unzaga's Administration — Commerce of the Colony — Disastrous Hurricane — Religious Quarrels — Father Dagobert — Character of Father Dagobert — Character of Father Génoveaux — Arrival of Spanish Capuchins — Father Cirilo's Despatches on the Clergy and Inhabitants of Louisiana — The Clergy of Louisiana in 1772 — The Clergy of Louisiana in 1773 — Unzaga's Despatch on the Quarrels of the Clergy — The Colony reconciled to the New Government — Its Interference between Debtors and Creditors — Power of granting Lands where Vested — Defensive Resources of the Colony — Unzaga desires his Recall — Unzaga recommends a Better Organization — End of Unzaga's Administration

Galvez' Administration — Encouragement to Commerce and Agriculture — Joint Despatch of Villars and D'Aunoy — George Morgan's Letter to Galvez — Galvez provides for the Defence of the Colony — Views of Spain as to the American War in 1777 — Galvez gives Assistance to the Americans — Captain Willing's Expedition — New Facilities granted to Commerce in 1778 — Spanish Colonists from the Canary Islands — The English Trade excluded from the Colony — The Confiscation of Noyan's Estate — Other Colonists from the Canary Islands — Ravages of the Small-Pox and of Hurricanes — Spain declares War against England — Galvez' Military Preparations — Galvez' Address to the Louisianians — Galvez ready to attack the English — Departure of the Expedition — Fort Manchac carried by Storm — Siege of Baton Rouge — Baton Rouge and Natchez taken — Naval Exploit of Vincent Rieux — Good Behavior of the Militia — Good Behavior of the Blacks and Indians — Rewards granted by the Spanish Court — An Epic Poem by Julien Poydras — Galvez attacks Mobile — Surrender of Mobile — Galvez prepares to attack Pensacola — Sounding of the Pensacola Channel — The Spanish Admiral refuses to enter it — Galvez causes the Channel to be sounded — Heroism of Galvez — Siege of Pensacola — Blowing-up of a Redoubt — Capitulation of Pensacola — Insurrection and retaking of Fort Panmure — Retreat of the Insurgents from Natchez — Distress of the Insurgents — Martin Navarro's Circular — Answer of the Colonists– Privileges granted to the Colony — Father Cirilo made a Bishop — Treaty between Spain and other Powers — M'Gillivray the Half-Breed Indian — His Propositions and Disclosures to Spain — A Congress of the Indian Nations — Treaty of Spain with the Indians — Regulations for the Indian Trade — Extraordinary Severity of the Winter of 1784 — Galvez Viceroy of Mexico — The Character of Galvez — Death of Galvez

What is a Juez de Residencia? — Census of 1785 — Arrival of Acadian Families — Respite granted to Debtors — Commerce of the Colony — Mirò's View on the same Subject — Navarro's Recommendations on the Subject — Royal Order as to the Natchez District in 1786 — Mirò's Bando de Buen Gobierno — Arrival of Irish Priests — Navarro's Fears of the Americans — Defenceless State of the Colony — Navarro's Advice to his Government — Navarro's Fears of American Ambition — Epidemics in the Colony — Mirò conciliates the Indians — Cost of Indian Friendship — Schemes to dismember the United States — Plans of Mirò and Gardoqui — Wilkinson's Visit to New Orleans — Wilkinson's Memorial — George Morgan, Leader of Emigrants — Mirò and Wower D'Argès — Mirò's Views on American Emigration — Mirò advocates Commercial Franchises — Mirò's Instructions to Grandpré — Oath imposed on Emigrants — Great Fire in New Orleans — Public Education in 1788 — Spanish Intrigues with Wilkinson — Wilkinson's Letter to Mirò — Major Isaac Dun — Alexander Leatt Bullit and Harry Innis — Daniel Clark, Wilkinson's Agent — Wilkinson's Flatboats — Spanish Loan to Wilkinson — M'Gillivray's Letter to Mirò — Intrigues in Cumberland District — Census of Louisiana in 1788 — Navarro's Memorial — Spanish Intrigues in the West — Colonel Morgan's Memorial — Gardoqui's Letter to Major Dunn — Oliver Pollock and James Brown — Inundations in Louisiana — Wilkinson's Intrigues — Col. Marshall and Col. Muter — Caleb Wallace and Benjamin Sebastian — Intrigues in the Kentucky Convention — Action of Wilkinson in that Body — Wilkinson communicates his Views to Spain — Wilkinson's Advice to Spain — Wilkinson's Apprehensions of Detection — English Intrigues in the West — Wilkinson dupes Colonel Connelly — Wilkinson denounces the French — Wilkinson's Devotion to Spain — Gen. St. Clair's Letter to Major Dunn — Wilkinson and James Brown — Gardoqui and Major Dunn — Wilkinson denounces Colonel Morgan — Peter Paulus, Dorsey and Paulin — Wilkinson's Letter to Gardoqui — Mirò's Dealings with Peter Paulus — Mirò's Despatch to his Government — Mirò's Instructions to Wilkinson — He recommends to reward Wilkinson

Governor Sevier's Letter to Gardoqui — Dr. James White's Letter to Mirò — Mirò's Answer — Districts of Mirò and Frankland — Mirò and General Daniel Smith — Mirò and Gardoqui at Variance — Mirò rebukes Colonel Morgan — Colonel Morgan's Apology — Surveyor-General Thos. Hutchins — Pierre Foucher and New Madrid — The Holy Inquisition — Father Antonio de Sedella — The Cathedral in New Orleans — The South Carolina Company — Moultrie, Huger, Snipes, Washington — Wilkinson's Advice to the S. C. Company — Sebastian begging Remuneration — Continuation of Wilkinson's Intrigues — G. Nicholas, S. M'Dowell and Payton Short — Continual of Wilkinson's Intrigues — Wilkinson's Wish to become a Spaniard — Moultrie's Letter to Wilkinson — Mirò's Letter to Wilkinson — Mirò's Contemptuous Language — A Lesson to Traitors — Mirò's Distrust of Wilkinson — Sebastian, a Spy on Wilkinson — Mirò praising Wilkinson — James O'Fallon's Letter to Mirò — Plan of the South Carolina Company — O'Fallon's Credentials — Scheme to set up an Independent Government — Wilkinson's Opinion of O'Fallon — Mirò's Cautious Reserve — Mirò and the South Carolina Company — Mirò's Suggestions — Spain and the Half-Breed M'Gillivray — The Cabildo's Memorial to the King — Apprehensions of an English War — Negotiations between Spain and the United States — Failure of Mirò's Schemes — Revenue of Louisiana in 1790 — Mirò's Departure — Spanish Domination growing popular

Carondelet's Administration — Factions in the Colony — Capture of Wm. Augustus Bowles — Life of Wm. Augustus Bowles — M'Gillivray's Death — M'Gillivray's Character — Extension of Commercial Franchises — Jacobinism in Louisiana — Carondelet's Defensive Measures — Fortifications at New Orleans — Spanish Alliance with the Indians — Carondelet's Policy and Views — Interference between Debtors and Creditors — Carondelet favors the Natchez District — Emancipation of Indian Slaves — Great Conflagration of New Orleans — Address of French jacobins — Intrigues of Genet — Military Resources of the Colony — De la Chaise's Address — De la Chaise's Death — Renewal of Wilkinson's Schemes — Etienne de Boré, the First Sugar Planter — Carondelet's Proclamation — The Carondelet Canal — Encouragement to Emigrants — A Slave Conspiracy — The Madrid Treaty of 1795 — Spanish Intrigues in the West — Power, the Agent of Carondelet — Carondelet's Propositions — Carondelet's Appeal to Wilkinson — Failure of Carondelet's Schemes — War declared against England — Gayoso and Ellicott — Gayoso's Subterfuges — Excitement in the Natchez District — The Committee of Public Safety — Gayoso's Concessions — Intendant Rendon's Despatch — Taking of the Balize by the French — Improvements in New Orleans — First Appearance of Yellow Fever — Bishop Penalvert's Despatch — General Victor Collot — The New Orleans Fortifications — The Inhabitants of the Illinois District — General Collot's Arrest — The End of Carondelet's Administration

Gayoso's Administration — Gayoso's Bando de Buen Gobierno — Illustrious Strangers in 1798 — Duke of Orleans and his Brothers — Captain Guion at Natchez — Formation of the Mississippi Territory — Count Aranda's Prophecy — Reflections on General Wilkinson — Change in Gen. Wilkinson's Views — Daniel Clark appointed Consul — Intendant Morales and his Measures – Morales quarrels with Gayoso — Morales' Despatch — Morales' Complaints — Morales and Wilkinson — Fine imposed on Carondelet — Gayoso's Death — Census of Upper Louisiana — Casa Calvo appointed Governor — Bishop Penalvert's Comments — Designs of the Americans on Louisiana — Bonaparte and Louisiana — Pontalba's Memoir — Treaty of St. Ildephonso

Rufus King's Despatch — Mr. Madison to Mr. Pinckney — Treaty between Spain and France — Livingston's Despatch to Rufus King — Revolutionary Spirit in the Colony — Dread of the Americans — Morales' Proclamation in 1802 — Mr. King on the Cession of Louisiana — Livingston to Talleyrand — Livingston to Madison — Treaty of Amiens — Mr. Madison to Mr. Livingston — Mr. King and Lord Hawkesbury — Livingston's Exertions in France — His Views on the Cession of Louisiana — Mr Livingston's Negotiations — Livingston and Joseph Bonaparte — Daniel Clarke and General Victor — Talleyrand's Assurances — The Right of Deposit at New Orleans — Madison's Despatch on Colonial Officers — The President to Congress — The President to Monroe — Debates in Congress — Mr. Ross in the Senate — The House of Representatives to the Senate — Mr. Ross's Resolutions — Mr. White's Speech in the Senate — Mr. White in the Senate — Mr. Jackson in the Senate — Mr. Clinton in the Senate — Mr. Breckenridge's Resolutions in the Senate — Mr. Griswold's Resolutions in the House — Mr. Randolph's Motion in the House — Mr. Madison's Despatch to Livingston — Livingston's Propositions to Talleyrand — Credentials to Monroe and Livingston — Mr. Livingston's Energetic Address — Mr. King and Mr. Addington — Livingston's Dealings with Talleyrand — Talleyrand shrugs his Shoulders — Barbé Marbois's Walk in the Garden — The Struggle of the Diplomatists — What is Louisiana worth? — The Negotiation fairly opened — The Way to make a Bargain — Barbé Marbois' Diplomacy — Bonaparte and his Advisers — M. Marbois in Cabinet Council — Decrès in the Council — Bonaparte in the Council — Treaty of Cession to the United States — Diplomatic Hand-Sharking — Bonaparte's Prophecy

Importance of the Cession — Talleyrand's Way of Explaining — Was West Florida ceded? — French View of the Question — Spain's Protest — Mr. Madison on the Protest — Casa Irujo to Mr. Madison — Madison to Pinckney — The French Chargé on the Protest — The President's Message in 1803 — Debates in congress — Mr. White in the Senate — Mr. Pickering in the Senate — Mr. Tracy in the Senate — Mr. Breckenridge in the Senate — John Quincy Adams in the Senate — Mr. Griswold in the House — Arguments of his Opponents — Thomas Randolph in the House — Mr. Griswold in the House — Mr. Dana in the House — Mr. Thomas Randolph in Reply — Mr. John Randolph in the House — Resolutions adopted — What Bills finally adopted

Morales and Casa Irujo in Conflict — Intended Reorganization of the Colony — The Colonial Prefect Laussat — Fears of the Colonists — The French coldly received — Laussat on the State of the Colony — Laussat on the Right of Deposit — Laussat's Proclamation — Address of the Planters — Address of the Inhabitants of New Orleans — Spanish Commissioners' Proclamation — Laussat's Despatch to his Government — Laussat's Discontent — Quarrels between Burthe and Laussat — News of the Cession to the United States — Possession given to the French — Laussat's Proclamation — New Organization of the Colony — Withdrawal of the Spanish Troops — Laussat's Version of what happened — The First Mayor of New Orleans — Laussat's Preparations — Laussat's Embarrassment — Laussat and the Disaffected Militia — Laussat's Distrust of the Spaniards — Laussat's Excitement — Review of Laussat's Course — Splendid Festivities — Claiborne and Wilkinson's Joint Commission — The Americans take Possession — Claiborne's Proclamation — Situation of the Colony in 1803 — Louisiana an Incumbrance to Spain — Concluding Remarks

A: Certificate of Governor Aubri (November 1769)
B: Unzaga's Proclamation (November 1770)
C: Regulations of Intendant Morales Regarding Grants of Land
D: Louisiana Purchase Treaty (April 1803)

Cession of Louisiana to the United States — 1803‑1804. Effects of the Cession — Feelings of the Inhabitants — Organization of the Territory — Powers of Governor Claiborne — Act of Congress about Slavery — Laussat's Dispatch — His Views and Predictions — Affrays and Tumults — Unpopularity of the Cession — Secession of the Western States — The Louisiana Bank — Condition of the Militia — Public Meetings — Insurrection above Manchac — Kemper and his Followers — Opposition to the Government — Judicial Organization — Adoption of Laws — Governor Claiborne Sworn into Office — Spanish Intrigues — A Political Pamphlet — Popular Excitement — Governor Claiborne's Vindication — Two Hundred Frenchmen Ordered Away — Garcia and Morgan — Arrest of Garcia – Casa Calvo's Complaints — Claiborne's Answers — Importation of Slaves — First Legislative Assembly — Belief in Re-cession — The Yellow Fever — Prevention of Yellow Fever — Debates in Congress — Reflections on the Debates

Governor Claiborne's Administration — 1805. Petition of the Louisianians — John Randolph's Report — Congressional Legislation — Claiborne to Madison — New Territorial Government — Grants of Land by Morales — Casa Calvo and his Body-Guard — Quarrels between Morales n Casa Calvo — Disciplined Departure of the Spaniards — Increase of Spanish Armaments — Apprehensions of Spanish Hostilities — Suspected Spanish Agents — Aaron Burr Arranges in New Orleans — Claiborne' Secret Correspondence — The Spaniards Unwilling to Depart — Claiborne's Remonstrances — Claiborne and Casa Calvo — Departure of Casa Calvo — Casa Calvo Goes to Texas — Claiborne Prepares for War — Suspicious Movements of Casa Calvo — Claiborne Asks for Reinforcements — Organization of the militia — Negotiations with Spain — Pinckney and Cevallos — Monroe Sent to Spain — France Unfavorable to the U. S. — Negotiations with Spain — Ultimatum of the United States — Negotiations with Spain at an end — Attacks Against Claiborne — Claiborne's Self-Vindication — Claiborne not on a Bed of Roses — New Orleans Incorporated — Religious Quarrels — Claiborne and his Enemies — Sauvé, Destréhan and Derbigny — Claiborne's Report to Madison — Important Manuscript Found — The Ursuline Nuns put on the Stage — Meeting of the Legislature — Claiborne's Message — Father Walsh and Father Antonio — A Schism Among the Catholics — The Fortifications of New Orleans — Claiborne and Land Titles — List of the Public Buildings — Conflict of Civil and Military Authority — Condition of the Judiciary

Governor Claiborne's Administration — 1806. Military Resources of the Territory — Secretary Graham to Madison — The Spaniards still Linger in Louisiana — Claiborne's Alarms — The Mulatto Corps — Claiborne to Casa Calvo — Battalion of Orleans Volunteers — Indifference to the Right of Suffrage — Expulsion of Morales — Expulsion of Casa Calvo — High Charges in Louisiana — Internal Improvements — Claiborne on Education — Increase of Troops Required — Hostile Act of the Spaniards — John Randolph and Claiborne — Regulations on Citizenship — Governor Claiborne's Veto — Claiborne's Opinion of the Natives — Another Veto by Claiborne — Claiborne and the French Consul — Election of D. Clarke to Congress — Emigration from Louisiana — Causes of Discontent — Claiborne and the Lady Abbess — Judicial Decision on Allegiance — Celebration of the Fourth of July — Claiborne and General Herrera — Claiborne's Military Measures — Arrival of Wilkinson — father Antoine Suspected — Father Antoine Swears Allegiance — Claiborne's Conflicting Opinions — Claiborne's Despondency — Wilkinson Denounces Burr — Daniel Clarke Suspected — Commotion in New Orleans — Claiborne and Martial Law — Wilkinson and Martial Law — Claiborne and the Embargo — Proposed Impressment of Sailors — Wilkinson and Aaron Burr — Claiborne and Wilkinson Disagree — Cowles Meade on Burr — Arrest of Citizens — Swartwout and Ogden — Claiborne and Judge Workman — The Embargo Repealed

Governor Claiborne's Administration — 1807‑1808. Arrest of Workman and Kerr — Suspicious Movements of Folch — Claiborne to Cowles Meade — The Legislature and Wilkinson — Arrest of Aaron Burr — Claiborne on the Plans of Burr — Claiborne and the Habeas Corpus — Military Interference with Slavery — Claiborne and the Batture — Edward Livingston and the Batture — Riots about the Batture Claim — Claiborne and the Rioters — Proceedings of the Rioters — Governor Claiborne on the Judiciary — The President and the Batture — Claiborne's Instructions to a Judge — Demolition of Fort St. Louis — Digest of Civil Law — Circular to Militia Officers — Riots and Disturbances — Claiborne on the Civil Law — Reflections on the Civil Law — Proceedings in Courts — Aversion to Militia Duty — Negroes Running Away to Texas

Claiborne's Administration — 1809‑1810. Claiborne on Public Schools — Criminal Jurisprudence and Punishments — Claiborne on Foreign Relations — Surrender of Runaway Negroes — Arrival of United States Troops — Violent Feuds in Pointe Coupée — Admission into the Union Demanded — Census of Inhabitants — Opposition to State Government — French Emigration from Cuba — Claiborne and the French Emigrants — Claiborne Checking Immigration — Arrival of too Many Strangers — Sickness Among the U. S. Troops — Mortality Among the U. S. Troops — Encouragement to Domestic Industry — The Yellow Fever and Health Laws — Necessity of Public Education — Claiborne on Public Appointments — Hostility of Claiborne Increasing — Claiborne's Noble Letter — Smuggling of Slaves and Merchandise — Heroism of Louis Grandpré — A Declaration of Independence — Convention of West Florida — West Florida Annexed — The President's Proclamation — Instructions to Claiborne — Address to the Floridians — Great Britain's Protest — New Parishes Formed

Claiborne's Administration — 1811‑1812. Debates in Congress — Mr. Miller's Speech — Mr. Rhea's Speech — Josiah Quincy's Speech — Poindexter's Speech — Mr. Gold's Speech — A Convention Called — Conditions of Admission as a State — Insurrection of Negroes — The Negroes Defeated — Livingston and Fulton — Meeting of the State Convention — Speech of Poydras — Proceedings of the Convention — The Constitution of Louisiana

Administration of Governor Claiborne — 1812‑1813. Debates in Congress — Enlargement of the State — State Government Organized — War with Great Britain — Aversion for Public Life — A Want of Men for Offices — A number of Resignations — Madison's Inaugural Address — The Smugglers of Barataria — Danger of Indian Hostilities — Conflagrations and Overflows — F. X. Martin on the Constitution — Credit of U. S. Impaired — Inadequate Protection from the U. S. — The Militia to be called out — Judicial Decision on the Batture — Massacres by the Indians — Claiborne's Indian Talk — Proclamation Against Smugglers — John and Pierre Lafitte — Deeds of the Buccaneers — The Baratarians — Anxieties of the Public Mind

Claiborne's Administration — 1814. Effects of War — Suggested Ameliorations — Too Much Legislation — The Baratarians — F. X. Martin on the Constitution — Projected Invasion of Texas — Requisition on the Militia — Insubordination of the Militia — Danger of a Civil War — Claiborne and the Militia — Unpopularity of Militia Duty — The Militia Refractory — Federal Requisition Rejected — Claiborne on the Press — Claiborne's Appeal — Danger of Invasion Increasing — Claiborne to be impeached — Peace with the Creeks — Louisiana's Destiny — The Free Men of Color — Claiborne's Military Orders — English Proclamation — British Colonel Nicholls — Colonel Nicholls to his Troops — Claiborne's Apprehensions — Claiborne to General Jackson — Claiborne to the Louisianians — Public Meeting — Patriotic Resolutions — Committee's Address to Louisianians — Claiborne to Major Girod — Attack on Fort Bowyer — The British Repulsed — General Jackson's Proclamation — Jackson to the Colored Men — Colonel Nicholls to John Lafitte — Sir W. H. Percy to John Lafitte — John Lafitte to Claiborne — Pierre Lafitte to Blanque — Expeditions against the Baratarians — Claiborne on the Colored Men — Claiborne trusts the Louisianians — Claiborne on Smuggling — Smuggling no Crime — Sympathy for Smugglers — Jackson and the Spaniards — Pensacola Taken — The French Consul Insulted — Extra Session of the Legislature — Claiborne to the Legislature — Call for the Whole Militia — Claiborne on the Legislature

Governor Claiborne's Administration — 1814. The Banks Suspend Payment — Arrival of General Jackson — General Jackson's Character — Defenceless Condition of the State — Jackson's Preparations — Importance of Louisiana — General Jackson's Oath — Claiborne's Military Claims — Claiborne to the Senate — Literature in Louisiana — Approach of the British — Debates in the Legislature — Louaillier's Report — Action of the Legislature — Effects of Jackson's Presence — Battle on Lake Borgne — Federal Neglect of Louisiana — Claiborne's Pithy Message — Martial Law Proclaimed — Jackson's Address to the Citizens — Jackson's Military Measures — Savary, the Colored Man — Jackson's Address to the Militia — Jackson's Military Orders — Services of Lafitte Accepted — A Stay Law Enacted — Arrival of Tennesseeans — Feelings in New Orleans — Forces of the Invaders — Bayou Bienvenu — The Fishermen's Village — Treachery of Fishermen — Landing of the British — Jackson Marching — Skirmishes with the Enemy — Attack by the Carolina — Attack by General Jackson — Battle of the 23d of December — Jackson's Report — General D. Morgan's Corps — Excitement in New Orleans — Reflections — United as One Man

Governor Claiborne's Administration — 1814‑1815. Preparations of the British — Cutting of the Levee — The Carolina Blown up — Attack of the 28th of December — Death of Colonel Henderson — The Congreve Rockets — Artillery Duel — Effective Firing from the Louisiana — Americans Strengthening their Lines — British Black Troops — The Rifle and the Dirty Shirts — Our Mode of Warfare — Cannonade on the 31st of December — Battle of the 1st of January — British Redoubts — Movements of the Enemy — Arrival of the Kentuckians — The Women of Louisiana — Arrival of British Reinforcements — Description of our Lines — Admirable Behaviour of Our Troops — Full Preparations on Both Sides — Battle of the 8th of January — Comments on the Battle — Marshal Soult's Opinion — Military Commentaries — Tribute to Our Troops — Sympathy for the Wounded — Colored Nurses of New Orleans — Incapacity of General D. Morgan — Condition of Morgan's Troops — The Kentuckians Demoralized — Mayor Arnaud's Command — Defeat of General Morgan — Kentuckians Justifying Themselves — Colonel Thornton's Expedition — Thornton Not Arriving in Time — Jackson to Morgan's Defeated Troops — General Humbert — Condition of Morgan's Troops — Suspension of Hostilities — Attack on Fort St. Philip — Evacuation of the British Army — Retreat of the British — Jackson visits the British Camp — Jackson Orders a Thanksgiving — Jackson to his Army — The Results Obtained — Compliments to the Baratarians — General Jackson' Report — Report of a Court-Martial — Reception of Jackson in New Orleans — Address of Abbé Dubourg — Jackson's Answer to Dubourg

Governor Claiborne's Administration — 1815. Jackson Displeased with Claiborne — Surrender of Fort Bowyer — Admiral Cochrane's Complaint — General Keane's Sword — Abducted Negroes Claimed — British Infatuation — Abducted Slaves Claimed — Arbitration of Russia — Historic Contrast — Major Lacoste and his Slaves — British Love of Plunder — Booty and Beauty — Jackson and the Legislature — Jackson's Answer to the Legislature — Claiborne's Answer to the Legislature — Colonel Fortier's Testimony — Abner Duncan's Testimony — Major Davezac's Testimony — Colonel Déclouet's Testimony — Character of Déclouet — Guichard's Testimony — The Committee of Investigation — No Thanks Voted to Jackson — General Coffee to the Legislature — Jackson to the Mayor of New Orleans — Reflections — Skipwith to Jackson — Thibodaux to Skipwith — Blanque's Letter to the Citizens — Reflections

Claiborne's Administration — 1815. Jackson's Quarrel with the French in New Orleans — Jackson's Address to the Militia — General Jackson and the French — Louaillier's Publication — Arrest of Louaillier — Arrest of Judge Hall — Firmness of Duplessis — Arrest of Dick and Hollander — The Militia Disbanded — Jackson on Popularity — Claiborne and Jackson on Bad Terms — Claiborne to Moreau — Claiborne to Jackson — Large Meetings of Citizens — Livingston's Inconsistencies — Trial of Louaillier — Jackson on Martial Law — Martial Law Revoked — Jackson's Farewell Address — The Uniform Companies to Jackson — Jackson to the Uniform Companies — Trial of General Jackson — Jackson's Noble Speech — Jackson's Violent Temper — Federal Compliments to Louisiana — The President's Pardon Proclamation — Claiborne Vindicating Himself — Washington's Advice

Supplemental Chapter — 1816‑1861. Death of Governor Claiborne — Governor James Villeré — Governor T. Bolling Robertson — Governor Henry Johnson — Governor Peter Derbigny — Governor A. B. Roman — Governor E. D. White — Governor A. B. Roman — Governor Alexander Mouton — Governor Isaac Johnson — Governor Joseph Walker — Governor P. O. Hebert — Governor Robert C. Wickliffe — Governor T. O. Moore — The Doom of Louisiana