Administrative Problems of W. C. C. Claiborne, First Anglo-American Governor of Louisiana Page: 38
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-38-
faction prevailed, but the governor soon straightened this out
satisfactorily. A standard made of white silk, ornamented with
fifteen stripes of red and white as presented to the men.
Claiborne was well pleased with the advice given him, for he
wrote:
I was unwilling to take upon myself the responsibility
of reorganizaing this Battalion, and was therefore
relieved by the instructions which were given. The
policy however pursued, I do not believe to be the
most advisable: The Spaniards were the first to train
these free men of Colour, to the use of arms, and they
were often Called into service by the Spanish Governor;
Mr. Laussat recognized the corps, and they appeared on
parade the 20th of December & witnessed the surrender
of Louisiana to the United States. After being thus
noticed by the former Governments, had the corps been
discarded by the United States, I am persuaded serious
discontents would have risen and which 4ght have laid
the foundation of much future mischief.S
Claiborne also warned that there was considerable dislike
between the white natives of the land and these free negroes.
Because of this he advised that the future governor should be
warned carefully to keep watch of this battalion and handle it
with delicacy and caution.
Even early in his administration Claiborne showed a strong
regard and affection for the French of Louisiana, and this at-
titude he never did lose. He had only complimentary phrases
in his letters concerning these people. He assured Madison that
"the Louisianians are a zealous people and the Lively support
of Measures, nay their enthusiasm may easily be excited; but I
find that they readily listen to good advice and ere generally
Claiborne to Dearborn, June SS, 1804, Official Lettar
gg Vol. II, p. s218.
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Lowe, Ellene. Administrative Problems of W. C. C. Claiborne, First Anglo-American Governor of Louisiana, thesis, August 1937; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc29878/m1/42/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .