To James Madison from Joseph Browne, 17 February 1807
From Joseph Browne
St. Louis Febry. 17th. 1807
Sir
The excitement which appears to have created so much interest in the United States and particularly in the western Country, has not been wanting in influence in this Territory. Alarms are generally increased in proportion to the distance from correct information, our last advices from the Seat of Government are at least six Weeks old, and those from New Orleans more than two months; situated as this Territory therefore is, it may well be imagined that surmises which are only whispered as probable at first soon become propagated, as fear or hope may affect the narrator, into undoubted facts, and the public mind is kept in a continual state of agitation. I have taken much pains to repress those false reports, which I hope have had some influence in tranquilising it.
I have the Honor to inclose you a copy of an address which has been presented to me, and the answer returned to it,1 as elucidative of public opinion, & the State of the Territory—and beg leave to assure you of my attachment to the Goverment of the United States, my devotedness to the Executive of it, and of the great respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be your most humble Servant
Joseph Browne
RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, TP, Louisiana, vol. 1). For enclosures, see n. 1.
1. Browne enclosed a resolution drafted at a St. Louis town meeting on 13 February 1807 in response to rumored conspiracies of disunion (printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Louisiana-Missouri, 14:98–101). Signed by twenty-two citizens, the petition called on Browne to enact measures “to enable the Militia to operate with efficacy,” assuring him that the citizens stood “ready at a moments warning to cooperate with you in any measures which you may adopt for the security of the Union and the protection and safety of the lives liberty and property of our fellow Citizens.” Browne also enclosed his 15 February reply to the document, which assured the petitioners that “not a particle of Intelligence of any kind has been communicated to me officially either from the Government of the United States, or from the Executives of the Neighbouring States or Territories, which indicates a Disposition to conspiracy or Treason, in any part of the United States or the Territories thereunto belonging.” He also apprised them of precautions already taken to prepare the militia.