First Clashes witli tlie United States 2 49 about the sale of Louisiana, and stated in a message to Congress that the transfer of the province to the United States was "an event as unexpected as disagreeable to Spain." 55 But Spain, realizing her weak- ness, and out of regard for the good will of the United States, soon withdrew her protest, resigned herself to the inevitable and turned her attention to the prevention of the encroachments which she so greatly feared would immediately follow along the Texas frontier. 56 In spite of the known protest of Spain, Jefferson appointed General James A. Wilkinson and William C. C. Claiborne commissioners to receive Louisiana from Laussat. Claiborne was, furthermore, appointed governor of the new territory. Because of possible opposition to the transfer by Spain, orders were issued for the mobilization of the militia of Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, which was to hold itself in readiness. The garrison stationed at Fort Adams on the Ohio, accompanied by five hundred Tennessee militia, was ordered to march to Natchez; and a company of volunteer cavalry from the Territory of Mississippi was to accompany Governor Claiborne. Both Wilkinson and Claiborne arrived in the vicinity of New Orleans on December 17, and encamped with their troops outside the city. Word was sent to Laussat, the French commissioner, who had officially received the province from the Spaniards on November 30. 57 After the exchange of the usual courtesies. it was agreed that the formal transfer would take place on December 20. On the appointed day the American commissioners and their military retinue entered the city and were welcomed by Laussat, who delivered to them the keys of New Orleans. In the presence of a solemn but not overjoyous crowd. the French colors were lowered and received by a guard of honor made up of old French settlers and officers. The Stars and Stripes were then raised and a second salute was fired by the artillery. A few cheers greeted the new flag. A heavy air of apprehension and expectancy sub- dued the volatile spirit of the settlers of Louisiana. 58 Tlie transfer of Louisiana to the United States. SSMessage of the President, December 6, 1805. State Papers and Publick Docu- ments, II, 4-6. S6 Fillsola, Vicente, Memorias para la historia de la guerra de Tejas, I, 42-43; Message of the President, November 8, 1804. State Papers and Public/: Documents, II, 228-235. S7For description of the ceremony see p. 23 I. 58 Fortler, HistorJ of Louisiana, II, 276-277; Geer, Lrtuisiana Purclrase, 220-221.
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