Timeline
1777
The Culper Spy Network is formed by George Washington, William Duer and Nathaniel Sackett.
1782
The chief clerk at the War Office certifies that William Rickard, an Ensign in the Massachusetts Line in 1779, was promoted to and commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1782.
June 25, 1783 – Philadelphia
John Barclay to GW:
“The letter which we have the honor of forwarding your Excellency. We lately received: from the Baron de Capellan accompanied with six Kegs of herrings, sent as a present from the Patriotic Society of the City of Venhuizen. We have delivered them to Major Hodgdon who has promised to forward them. We shall always rejoice in having it in our power to render your Excellency any Service. We have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Humble Servants.“
1784 – Salisbury NC
Andrew Jackson moves to Salisbury to attend law school.
1785 – Randolph NC
James Minyard signs a petition addressed to the NC assembly.
1788 – Nashville TN
Licensed an attorney in 1787, Andrew Jackson accepted the invitation to serve as public prosecutor in North Carolina’s Western District across the Appalachian Mountains. He arrived at the settlement of Nashville in late 1788.
March 11, 1790 – New York
Knox informs William Rickard that he is unable to secure employment for him.
December 16, 1790 – Augusta GA
Isaac Briggs to Benjamin Hawkins with an allegory, discusses Creek Indian affairs and confirms Georgia’s commitment but says its politics corrupt.
1791
Aaron Burr wins a seat in the United States Senate.
1791 – Western Pennsylvania
The whiskey rebellion begins.
1791 – Montgomery NC
James Minyard signs a petition addressed to the NC assembly.
Feb. 27, 1791 – Massachusetts
Henry Jackson to Henry Knox:
Informs Knox that [Samuel] Ogden is very disappointed that he has not been able to purchase the western Lands due to the breakdown in negotiations with the Gentlemen who were supposed to make that happen. Says he is confident that Ogden will ultimately succeed by calling on his powerful friends in the legislature.
March 26, 1791 – Senate
GW promotes Rickard to Lieutenant.
April 25, 1791 – Wilmington, NC
GW to William Cooke:
In consequence of the fair representation which has been made to me of your character, I do hereby appoint you to the command of the Cutter, directed by an act of Congress, to be stationed for the protection of the revenue of the United States on the coast of the State of North Carolina.
On application to the Secretary of the Treasury, which you will make immediately, you will be furnished with particular instructions and your commission. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant.
May 30, 1791
GW visits Salisbury, NC
June 2, 1791 – New Brunswick in the State of New Jersey
Knox-Duer Purchase. Also, Ogden and Col. Henry Jackson.
June 8, 1791 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Knox to Duer:
Written by Secretary of War Knox to Duer. Marked “Secret.” After receiving William Constable’s answer, says that Samuel Ogden will write to the commissioners of Massachusetts “relinquishing any claim on the eastern lands.” Knox says he told Ogden “If he relinquished and we purchased that he should have a handsome quantity without any advance.” Says the eastern lands are exempt from taxes by law for 10 years. 20 families are to be settled on each township in 5 years. Says Henry Jackson will arrive tomorrow evening at the latest. Asks him to send the declaration that Duer, Constable, and Platt signed.
June 14, 1791 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Knox to Duer:
“Mr. Samuel Ogden transmitted by the post yesterday to the Massachusetts [committee] a full [renumeration] of my claim on the eastern lands…” says this will make things easier for Henry Jackson. Discusses the details of two drafts for $5,000. Has given them to Captain Randall and hopes Duer will accept them. Tells Duer that his son William has been injured in a fall.
Sep 5, 1791
Henry Knox to William Duer:
Says he wrote to Duer earlier about the provisional articles for the French colony on the land they have purchased in Maine. Believes that Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche were supposed to have seen the property yesterday, but believes they were kept by the recent bad weather. Had written to Henry Jackson earlier and asked him to assist them in any way. Says if they are expecting to establish their colony this winter they need to move without delay. Asked Jackson to procure another million acres, even if it costs 15 cents per acre. Does not think any time should be wasted getting the land. Asks Duer what he thinks. Notes Judge Tudor offered 12 cents per acre for another half million acres. Believes the offer is made for William Constable. Does not think the committee will sell it to him though. Mentions he has been sick lately, which is why he has not copied the agreement of transfer. Will be done in a day or two.
November 8, 1791 – Washington, Beaufort County, North Carolina
Rickard writes George Washington, petitioning for the Cutter position (enforcement of maritime laws) to prevent smuggling along NC coastline.
Jan. 24 1792 – Cincinnati
James Wilkinson writes Henry Knox regarding a disagreement between Major Hodgson and Major Zeigler.
March, 1792 – NY
William Duer is sent to debtor’s prison because of his business dealings which caused the financial panic of 1792.
May 3, 1792 – Philadelphia
GW assigns Rickard to Lieutenant of Infantry, NC. Thomas E. Sumner was declined.
June 12, 1792 – New York
Joseph Howell to Matthew McConnell:
The Commissioner of Army Accounts complies with Major Matthew McConnell’s request for the two certificates of John Barclay and Andrew Johnston; mentions the Society of Cincinnati in Pennsylvania.
August 2, 1792
Henry Knox to Henry Jackson:
Discusses a problem with William Duer about Duer’s inability to comply with his contract.
November 1792
Henry Knox writes William Blount to inform him that the federal government is sending a company of recruits from Salisbury, NC to NC’s Washington district. Captain Joseph Kerr was the commander.
November 5, 1792
William Blount to unknown:
Mentions John Barclay.
December 1, 1792 – War Dept.
John Stagg to Henny Knox:
Conveys concerns and problems with Samuel Hodgdon.
February 2, 1793 – Knoxville
Rickard runs newspaper ad in Lexington, KY for deserter William James.
May 17, 1793 – Philadelphia
Henry Knox writes James Wilkinson:
Thanks General Wilkinson for his letters and states that he is “persuaded that your good sense as well as inclination will lead you to unite cordially with general Wayne, and to promote a spirit of harmony throughout the several corps,” hinting at some conflict between members of different groups within the army.
May 30, 1793 – Knoxville
Rickard writes Hillsborough, NC prison guard Henry Thompson regarding James Green. Rickard tells Thompson that Green deserted.
July 4, 1793 – Knoxville
Rickard and his troops hold a 4th of July celebration. Toasts Spanish ministers who have “opened the navigation of the Mississippi River”.
November 12, 1793
Captain Joseph Kerr resigns as commander of the third sub legion.
January 16, 1794 – Knoxville – Knoxville Gazette
Robert Leonard of Rickard’s company is shot and wounded by Indians.
Feb 1794
John Nicholson, Robert Morris and James Greenleaf begin a gigantic four-month land-buying spree, all under 50 cents an acre on easy terms: 195,570 acres in western Virginia; 73,026 acres in Kentucky; 79,015 acres in western Pennsylvania; 1,265,933 acres in Georgia.
April 4, 1794 – Knoxville
Report of 25 Indians attacking Block House at mouth of Town Creek.
May 5, 1794 – Knoxville
Rickard writes David Henley asking for assistance on how to file muster rolls.
May 9, 1794 – Senate
GW promotes Rickard to Captain.
June 5, 1794 – Knoxville
Rickard to Henley:
Supplies yet to arrive, lists required items, and action taken to acquire goods.
July 20, 1794
Rickard discusses with David Henley the possibility of a revolution (Whiskey Rebellion).
July 30, 1794 – Congress
Congress makes plans to raise more militia in NC.
October, 1794 – Western PA
The whiskey Rebellion ends.
November 29, 1794 – Knoxville
Rickard to William Winchester:
“Enclosed is Captain Shannon’s return with my report on it.”
1795
GW appoints William Simmons accountant of the War Dept.
1795 – Tarboro, NC
While recruiting in NC, Rickard enlists Lemuel Sessums’ son to enlist while the latter was intoxicated. Rickard told Sessums he is gathering troops to go to westward to guard against the attacks of the Indians or Spaniards.
Feb 20, 1795 – Pennsylvania
Robert Morris, John Nicholson and James Greenleaf organize the North
American Land Company with $3 million in capital, to which they transfer
6 million acres scattered throughout Pennsylvania, North Carolina,
Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia in a last scheme to raise
funds; title to the land is vested in Thomas Willing of the Bank of the
United States, John Nixon of the Bank of North America and John Barclay
of the Bank of Pennsylvania as trustees; Morris, Nicholson and Greenleaf
each deposit 3,000 shares with the trustees to secure dividends; they value
land they have bought for 33 cents an acre at 50 cents, and claim that the
company can sell at $2 an acre to settlers, but they are each obliged to
maintain a 10% interest in the company and may not sell their shares at less
than $100; despite a frantic effort to sell the shares in Europe, most of the
shares end up in the hands of their creditors in lieu of cash; in effect, the
shares take the place of the partners’ IOUs, which are heavily discounted;
Willing, Nixon and Barclay refuse to serve for fear they may become liable
for the company’s debts and are replaced by Jared Ingersoll, Frederick A. C.
Muhlenberg and Matthew Clarkson.
May 28, 1795 – War Dept.
Simmons provides an estimate to Timothy Pickering of the monies due Lieutenant William Rickard and the Company under his command at Knoxville for their pay from April to June, inclusive, 1795.
May 29, 1795 – War Dept.
Pickering to Rickard:
Pay and clothing for Rickard’s company are on their way. Men whose term with the military ends and who do not renew their contract are to receive civilian clothing and some money. Pickering advises him to begin recruiting as soon as possible to replace those men whose term of enlistment will soon expire, and offers some advice.
Simmons to Pickering:
Simmons’ estimate of the cost of one year’s clothing of a non-commissioned officer Music or Private for one year, Captain William Rickard’s company.
May 31, 1795 – Knoxville
Rickard sends Pickering a Provision Return of the 12th Company of Infantry in the 3rd Sub-Legion of the United States for the month of May 1795.
June, 1795
Rickard sends abstract of payments from 1794 and 1795 to Timothy Pickering.
June 3, 1795 – Knoxville
Rickard sends Henley Accounts for various small price items purchased for the Choctaw Indians.
September 16, 1795 – Knoxville
Rickard acknowledges receipt of letter by Benjamin Herbert express. Acknowledges receipt of money for recruiting his company. Signs duplicate receipts to David Henley agent to War Department.
October 17, 1795 – Knoxville
Rickard meets with Natives.
November 2, 1795 – War Dept.
Simmons to Pickering:
Simmons certifies that Private John Glynn, in Captain William Rickard’s Company is due $16.00 pay while confined on suspicion of being a deserter, and for his passage to Charleston South Carolina.
June 1, 1796
Tennessee admitted to the Union.
June 18, 1796
CITATION only. Rickard to Hodgson
July 9, 1796 – Collector’s Office, Port Washington
The stores shipped by Hodgson to Captain Rickard have been received and forwarded to him with Reais paying the freight from Tarborough. He would prefer to receive orders from the Treasury Department before making changes in that sum for his next quarterly accounts.
July 23, 1796 – Tarboro
Rickard to Samuel Hodgson:
The clothing arrived safely except for a shortage of eleven pair of linen overalls and one sergeant’s shirt. The articles being packed in the middle of the hogshead probably accounts for the mistake. Rickard orders the following items: horsemen’s tents, a marques tent, a fife case and belt, and bell tents to shelter muskets in bad weather.
August 8, 1796 – War Dept.
Nathan Jones to Samuel Hodgson:
Jones quotes Captain Rickard: “that the clothing arrived in good order except the woolen overalls which fell short eleven pair in their number only eighty-four arrived and ninety-four mentioned in the invoice.” The Secretary of War wants to know how this mistake was made and directs Hodgdon to supply the articles that were omitted. Rickard has subsequently written that he has sixty men but his return only shows 27. Hodgson is asked to clarify the discrepancy.
August 26, 1796 – Baltimore MD
Joseph Miniere marries Jane Mathias at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Baltimore MD
October 2, 1796 – Tarboro, NC
Rickard runs newspaper ad in Fayetteville, NC for the capture of deserter Thomas Brown.
October 6, 1796 – Tarboro, NC
William Simmons notifies Rickard that Mr. Schenck will provide him with funds for the pay of his recruits.
Simmons certifies that $407.57 is due the recruits under the command of Captain William Rickard at Tarborough [Tarboro] North Carolina, being their pay through August 1796.
October 8, 1796 – War Dept.
Money sent to Schenck for the pay of Captain William Rickard and his recruits at Tarborough, North Carolina
November 11, 1796 – War Dept.
Money sent to Schenck for the pay of Captain William Rickard and his recruits at Tarborough, North Carolina (Simmons).
November 22, 1796 – War Dept.
Simmons to Henry. Simmons certifies that $171.80 is due the recruits under the command of Captain William Rickard at Tarborough [Tarboro] North Carolina, being their pay for October 1796.
November 23, 1796 – Knoxville
William Simmons notifies Henley that he will receive money from Captain John Wade that he is to pay to Captain William Rickard at Tarborough, North Carolina for the pay of Rickard’s recruits.
Simmons to John Wade: Directs Captain Wade to pay Ensign Larkin Dickenson and the recruits under the command of Captain Alexander Gibson at Staunton, Virginia and to deliver to David Henley at Knoxville the money for the pay of Captain William Rickard’s recruits at Tarborough, North Carolina.
Simmons to Rickard: Acknowledges receipt of muster and pay rolls. Money for the pay roll will be received from David Henley. (Tarboro)
Dec. 1796
John Barclay is discovered to have embezzled $150,000 from the Bank of Pennsylvania; Gov. Thomas Mifflin has taken $15,000
through the cashier, who is his son-in-law.
December 31, 1796 – Philadelphia
Rickard to Hodgdon: Rickard acknowledges receipt of the public clothing, arms & accoutrements, and camp equipage contained in the enclosed invoice. They came to hand in good order.
January 9, 1797 – Tarboro, NC
Rickard runs ad in Halifax for the capture of deserter Hardy Macon.
January 15, 1797 – Boston
Henry Knox to GW. Mentions the loss of two children and settling into his new home and the surrounding area. Also discusses Washington’s retirement and the threat of war with France, “there will be no danger of the French attempting an invasion of our country. If they should we must resist…” Regarding the slave revolt in Santo Domingo, he says: “The whites will either starve or be murdered by the blacks.” Noted as a draft in the docket. Knox’s retained draft.
February 9, 1797 – Philadelphia
John Schenck to Simmons:
Enclosed is Capt. William Rickard’s receipt for $407.57 being the money received from Simmons and paid to Rickard.
February 20, 1797 – Knoxville
Rickard runs newspaper ad in Halifax, NC for the capture of deserter Henry Edwards.
May 1, 1797 – Knoxville
Simmons advances Rickard funds for the pay of the militia of Washington, Hamilton, and Mero Districts for 1794 and twelve companies connected with Sevier’s Expedition of 1793.
May 22, 1797 – Knoxville
Rickard runs newspaper ad for the capture of Archibald McCollum, deserter.
June 16, 1797 – Knoxville
William Simmons acknowledges receipt of Rickard’s muster and pay rolls of recruiting accounts. Requests that Rickard settle his accounts with the agent of the War Department in Knoxville.
June 21, 1797 – Knoxville
Simmons informs Rickard that receipts are needed for bounty funds regarding Thomas Brown, Henry Edwards, Hardy Macon and James Minyard.
June 22, 1797 – Philadelphia
Stephen Hillis to Simmons:
Hillis intended to send along the accounts of W. Rickard via Lieut. Davidson, but urgent business has prevented it thus far. Intended to mail accounts by next post. Notes on the accounts and their regularity. The accounts will be sent via Col. Henley’s wagons.
November, 1797
Rickard and troops march towards Fort Massac.
Jan 2 1798 – Knoxville
William Blount to James Robertson:
…You mention Rickard’s Ingratitude to me – I can assure you I am not the only Person of this place to whom he has exercised Ingratitude Now his Departure from this place has not been regretted in the smallest degree by any person acquainted with him and I believe I may safely add by no person of any Description. His Ingratitude to me however is very unimportant…
Feb 1798 – Philadelphia
Samuel M. Fox replaces John Barclay as president of the Bank of PA.
February 27, 1798 – Knoxville
David Henley provides his observations on Captain William Rickard accounts as Deputy Paymaster, and found he is due a balance of $686.60.
September 13, 1798 – Franklin GA
James Minyard’s signature appears on petition to GA governor James Jackson.
October, 1798 – Fort Adams
One of Rickard’s privates threatens to kill him.
October, 1798 – Fort Adams
Rickard assigned court detail by Wilkinson.
October 19, 1798 – Loftus Heights
Rickard assigned court detail by Wilkinson
1799 – Charleston
Benjamin Boyd serves as a founding member of the Charleston Water Company.
1799 – Manhattan
Miniere and his partner Valtange appear on the Manhattan City Directory at 295 Greenwich
January 26, 1799 – Loftus Heights
Wilkinson reassigns John Dixon, fifer, from Wade’s company to Rickard’s.
March 1799 – Loftus Heights
Wilkinson transfers Timothy Seamale and William Jones from Shamberger’s company to Rickard’s.
March 7, 1799 – Loftus Heights
Rickard assigned court detail by Wilkinson
March 27, 1799 – Loftus Heights
Wilkinson transfers John Parent from Rickard’s company to Shamberger’s.
April, 1799
Wilkinson assigns Rickard to court detail.
April 10, 1799 – Loftus Heights
Ensign Glen is assigned to Rickard’s company by Wilkinson.
April 27, 1799 – Loftus Heights
Wilkinson assigns Lieutenant Steele to assume Rickard’s company.
July 24, 1799 – Knoxville
Henley to McHenry: Announces arrival of Captain Rickard with news from General Wilkinson, requesting cash for recruiting.
Sep. 6, 1799 – New York
James Wilkinson writes to Alexander Hamilton, recommending the closure of the Ohio forts.
October 10, 1799 – Lexington, Kentucky
Kentucky Gazette – An ad is run in the paper notifying the public of a list of letters that have not been delivered: “Captain William Richard”.
Oct 31, 1799 – War Dept.
General Wilkinson proposes Rickard be transferred from the third sub legion to the second.
November, 1799 – Mero District
Rickard is involved in a land dispute with the deceased Thomas Armstrong and his heir, Thomas Armstrong II.
November 17, 1799 – War Department
James McHenry writes Alexander Hamilton on Rickard’s behalf: Rickard’s transfer from the 3rd to the 2nd is disadvantageous to him; he is fifth in the third Regiment and by the change would be seventh in the second.
November 20, 1799 – Nashville
John A. Davidson writes Alexander Hamilton:
He is waiting for the Cumberland and Mississippi rivers to rise, and he is awaiting Rickard’s boats.
November 23, 1799
Alexander Hamilton prosecutes James Greenleaf’s wife, who owned the newspaper, Aurora. Hamilton was suspected of trying to buy out the newspaper and suppress their views, which differed from Hamilton’s.
November 30, 1799 – Nashville – From William Rickard to Alexander Hamilton
Sir
I have the honor to Report—In May last I left Loftus’s heights by leave of General Wilkinson to visit Knoxville in order to settle my public accounts with Colonel David Henley—as paymaster proem to the Militia, during Mr. Blount’s Government of the Territory South West of the Ohio—On my departure I received an order from the General to recruit if practicable, and to send the Recruits forward by Eights and Tens—as there are no boats descending the waters of this Country until this month or later for want of sufficient water—I could not comply with my orders—The rivers are now rising fast—and in a few days I shall embark my Recruits for the Army on the Mississippi—they amount to Sixteen in number—I have ordered Lieutenant John Alexander Davidson of the first Regiment—to take charge of them this Gentleman has been very long sick with the bilious fever—
I beg leave to remark—that I have written several letters to General Wilkinson conformable to his directions and received no answers—therefore I have thought proper to acquaint your ⟨Excellency⟩ I wish your leave to visit Philadelphia this winter in order to settle my accounts⟩ with the accountant of the department of war—and as I never received a furlough in twenty odd years’ service except a part of the time since I left the Mississippi—I hope you will indulge my last request—
I have the honor to be with great Esteem Sir Your Excellency’s Very Humble Servant
Wm. Rickard
Capt. 3rd Regt.
December 11, 1799 – Knoxville
Henley to McHenry: Represents case of officers over unhappy troops due to clothing. Requests clothing be sent to their relief. Captain Rickards’s recruits need clothing, and Captain Taylor complains of clothing for recruits in Kentucky.
December 18, 1799 – Mount Vernon
Rickard conducts military tribune at George Washington’s funeral.
1800 – Fort Adams
James Wallace of Rickard’s company is charged with desertion.
1800
Burr, Jefferson’s vice-presidential candidate, and Jefferson himself receive an equal number of electoral votes for president. Congress votes to make Jefferson president.
1800 – Manhattan
Miniere and Valtange appear on the Manhattan City Directory as hardware merchants on 295 Greenwich.
William Rickard, mariner, appears on the city directory at 14 Cherry, which is walking distance to Miniere’s shop.
Joseph Miniere appears on U.S. Census living next door to William Duer’s widow, Lady Catharine Alexander Duer, on Chambers Street.
Minière’s residence and shop are both within walking distance of Edward Livingston’s and Aaron Burr’s law offices.
March, 1800 – Loftus Heights
Wilkinson assigns to Rickard’s company from the late Gaines’ company:
Joseph Parsons
John Jones
Samuel Blews
William Crocker
Tunis Cole
George Carlon
Thomas Chappell
George Chalfont
Miles Couch
David Caulkings
Isaac Dunwick
March 24, 1800 – Fort Adams
James Wilkinson writes Alexander Hamilton:
Following Major Kersey’s death, Wilkinson proposes four garrisons to descend upon Fort Garrison: Wade’s, Gregg’s, Steele’s and Rickard’s.
April, 1800 – Fort Adams
Robert Fitzpatrick of Rickard’s company is charged with desertion.
April 11, 1800 – NY
Hamilton to Hodgdon:
A recruiting party was, some time since, established, at Salisbury in N Carolina under the direction of Captain Bird.
It appears from representations that have been made to me that this party is too destitute, the service has not proceeded from the want of Clothing. You will therefore have a sufficient quantity forwarded for a complete company—This is to be in addition to the Clothing for four companies sent to Captain Brock—
May 21, 1800 – Nashville
Newspaper ad: There is a printed notice declaring that General Winchester delivered to Rickard a pocketbook proven to be the property of William Shelly, a sergeant of the 3rd Regiment, who is believed to have been murdered by Joseph Hargrove and William Johnson while travelling from Knoxville to Nashville. If these two deserters are found, they should be apprehended and delivered to the headquarters of the 4th Regiment at Louisville.
June 5, 1800 – Charleston SC
At a St. Cecelia Society concert, Miniere appears with Hewitt and Saino for a violin trio.
June 23, 1800 – Averysborough, North Carolina
James Wilson pays John McLeod $532.50 in Averysborough NC.
July 14, 1800
Alexander Hamilton corresponds with Thomas Ellison.
September 11, 1800 – War Dept.
Simmons to Samuel Dexter: Certification of payment; $808.64 to Captain William Rickard, 3rd Regiment of Infantry for recruiting and payments to his men and for his pay and subsistence.
Certification of payment; $97.04 to Captain William Rickard, compensation as paymaster, and to the militia, in territory southwest of the Ohio, ordered into service for the protection of the frontier.
October, 1800 – Washington City (MS)
Wilkinson assigns Rickard to court detail.
October 3, 1800 – Washington City (MS)
Wilkinson assigns Rickard to court detail.
October 5, 1800 – Copiah County, MS (Georgetown)
Wilkinson assigns Rickard to court detail.
November 15, 1800 – Washington City (MS)
Rickard resigns.
December 29, 1800
Correspondence between William Simmons and Samuel Dexter provides answer to note regarding Captain William Rickard’s petition, referred by Nathaniel Macon. Rickard was dissatisfied with Simmons’ rejection of charges.
December 30, 1800 – War Dept.
Samuel Dexter to Nathanial Macon: Dexter discusses the status of Captain Rickard’s petition with Nathaniel Macon.
Feb 2, 1801 – Niagara Falls
Theodosia Burr marries Joseph Alston. Theodosia accompanies Alston to Charleston.
June 29, 1802 – Franklin GA
A petition is sent to GA governor Josiah Tattnall. “James Mainyard” appears on the petition with an apparent forged signature.
June 16, 1803 – Charleston SC
Miniere places an ad in the newspaper, stating: “Just arrived with his family”, advertising to teach singing, piano and harp.
1804
Burr loses a race for the governorship of New York. Angry over remarks made by Hamilton during the campaign, Burr challenges Hamilton to a duel.
1804 – Franklin GA
James Minyard appears on a list of settlers on Indian lands.
Jan. 28, 1804 – Chapel Hill
Lemuel Sessums writes Thomas Jefferson on behalf of his son who was recruited by Rickard in 1795.
April 21, 1804 – Charleston SC
Joseph Miniere appears in the deceased William McCleod’s ledger book, owing him $210.50.
Among the names in McLeod’s account book:
Wade Hampton
Joseph Alston
Thomas Spalding
James Reynolds
William Rutledge
John Rutledge
John Barclay
C.C. Pinckney
July 11, 1804 – NJ
Burr shoots Alexander Hamilton in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. Burr is not injured. Hamilton dies the next day.
July 15, 1804 – Philadelphia
John Barclay to James Hamilton/John Barclay to John Parker:
Correspondence regarding a tract of land involved in the settlement of an estate; discusses the Hamilton-Burr duel.
March 2, 1805
Burr resigns the Senate after giving a sensation-causing speech. He is penniless and politically powerless.
March 18, 1805 – Charleston SC
Jean Jacques Joseph Miniere sells a slave to Louis Canuet.
April 30, 1805 – Pittsburgh
Burr and a companion, acting as his secretary, set off down the Ohio River on a 60-foot houseboat.
May 5, 1805 – Marietta OH
Burr arrives in Marietta, Ohio. Fourteen miles south of Marietta, Burr lands on Blennerhassett Island. He dines and stays with the Blennerhassetts until 11 o’clock, then continues on his voyage.
May 30, 1805 – Nashville
Burr arrives in Nashville, where he is greeted with public balls and dinners. He stays four days as the guest of General Andrew Jackson.
June 1805
Burr meets with General Wilkinson, the new Governor of the Louisiana Territory, at Fort Massac. Wilkinson outfits Burr with “an elegant barge” and gives him letters of introduction to Wilkinson’s friends in New Orleans.
June 25, 1805
Burr lands in New Orleans. He meets with wealthy merchant (and friend of Wilkinson), Daniel Clark. He is feasted with banquets and balls. Burr stays three weeks.
July-Sept., 1805
Burr travels in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri, where he speaks contemptuously of the federal government.
Oct-Dec. 1805
Burr returns East. He dines in Washington with President Jefferson. Then Burr returns to Philadelphia, where he spends the winter of 1804-05. In December, Burr writes his first letter to Harman Blennerhassett.
Early 1806
Burr contacts prominent people, soliciting their financial support for an expedition to the western states.
1806 – Santo Domingo
Jean Joseph Miniere appears on the Santo Domingo index.
March 15, 1806 – Charleston SC
Joseph Miniere buys a slave from Marc Domec.
July 29, 1806
Burr sends a letter in cipher to General Wilkinson in New Orleans announcing he had “commenced the enterprise” and that “detachments from different points and under different pretenses will rendezvous on the Ohio” River on November 1. Burr writes that the troops will be at Natchez in early December to meet Wilkinson. “The gods invite to glory and fortune,” Burr says.
August 1806
Burr, his daughter Theodosia, Theodosia’s child, and Colonel Dupiester reach Pittsburgh, and began a trip down the Ohio River. Burr and Dupiester occasionally leave the boat to gauge sentiment for their enterprise in the surrounding countryside. On one of these visits, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Burr discloses plans that shock the patriotism of his host, Colonel Morgan. Morgan communicates his concerns to President Jefferson.
September 1806
On Blennerhassett Island, Burr makes plans for a large-scale expedition. He contracts for fifteen boats, capable of carrying 500 men, as well as for provisions. He continues his travels through Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In Nashville, he contracts for the building of six boats, and deposits money with Andrew Jackson to pay for them. He also purchases 400,000 acres of land on the Washita River. Blennerhassett writes letters suggesting the Western states would be better off without the Atlantic states.
October 1806
Wilkinson receives Burr’s ciphered July letter, as well as one from Senator Jonathan Dayton asking, “Are your numerous associates ready?” Burr’s messenger, Samuel Swartwout, tells Wilkinson that Burr will lead 7,000 armed men on an attack against the Mexican provinces. Wilkinson decides to actively oppose Burr’s plans. He prepares New Orleans for a possible attack and sends a messenger to inform the President of Burr’s plans. He says Burr’s troops will sail from New Orleans on February 1 and land in Vera Cruz, to begin a march to Mexico City. Meanwhile, Burr, Alston, and Blennerhassett meet in Lexington, Kentucky. Newspapers in the West begin discussing Burr’s schemes. Some denounce him as a traitor, and accuse him of plotting the breakup of the Union.
October 4, 1806 – Jefferson, TN
Rickard cedes 640 acres of land to Patrick Campbell to satisfy a judgement in Campbell’s favor.
Oct. 27, 1806 – Nashville
Prominent Nashville citizens host a dinner at Talbot’s hotel for former VP Aaron Burr.
November 1806 – Kentucky
Joe Daviess, a Federalist district attorney in Kentucky, asks for a court order to compel Burr to answer questions before a grand jury about his activities. The motion is denied, but to the surprise of Daviess, Burr voluntarily shows up in court and agrees to answer questions.
November 1806
A confidential agent sent by President Jefferson to investigate plots in the western states meets with Blennerhassett. Believing him to be a confederate, Blennerhassett reveals plans.
November 25, 1806
The messenger sent from New Orleans by General Wilkinson on November 12 meets with President Jefferson.
November 27, 1806
Jefferson publicly announces that an illegal military operation, involving a planned attack on the dominions of Spain, is afoot in the western states. He asks that participants in the scheme be apprehended and brought to justice. Burr’s name is not mentioned in the proclamation.
December 5, 1806
A Kentucky grand jury signs a written declaration exonerating Burr of any activities inimical to the peace of the country. Burr leaves for Nashville.
December 7, 1806
Four boats and about 30 men from Pennsylvania arrive at Blennerhassett Island.
December 9, 1806
Eleven boats commissioned by Burr are seized by the Ohio militia. Many recruits who had previously agreed to join the expedition back out. Informed of a militia about to descend on Blennerhasset Island, conspirators hastily depart around midnight in their four boats.
December 17, 1806 – Charleston SC
J. Miniere places an ad in the newspaper for a runaway slave.
December 20, 1806
The Secretary of the Navy sends a letter ordering Navy officials in New Orleans to “intercept and if necessary, destroy” boats under the command of Burr.
December 22, 1806
Burr leaves Nashville, heading down the Cumberland River.
Jan 5 1807
Wilkinson learns that Burr may have several thousand men in Natchez. Martial law is proclaimed in New Orleans.
Jan 14, 1807
Word of Burr’s arrival at Bayou Pierre reaches Natchez. A force of 275 men is dispatched to capture Burr and his recruits.
Late Jan 1807
Burr surrenders. However, a grand jury impaneled in the Mississippi Territory refuses to indict Burr for “any crime or misdemeanor against the United States.”
Feb 19, 1807
Burr is arrested by Major Perkins near the Tombigbee River in Alabama. He is taken to Fort Stoddart, where he is imprisoned for two weeks.
March 1807
Burr, under a guard of nine men, is taken to Richmond by horseback. He arrives on the 26th.
March 3, 1807 – Wilmington, NC – Wilmington Gazette
Rickard and other Veteran Revolutionary War officers publicly support Andrew Jackson amid implications that Jackson was involved in the Burr conspiracy.
May 27, 1807 – Charleston SC – Federal Courthouse
John James Joseph Miniere petitions for U.S. citizenship.
March 30, 1807
Burr appears before Chief Justice John Marshall.
April 1, 1807
Marshall finds probable cause to try Burr on charges of conspiring to invade a nation at peace with the United States. Marshall, however, does not find probable cause, based on the evidence submitted, to try Burr for treason against the United States.
May 22, 1807
Grand jury proceedings related to the Burr matter open in Richmond, Virginia.
June 12, 1807
President Jefferson responds to the request that he submit letters that might aid in Burr’s defense.
June 13, 1807
John Marshall issues his opinion concerning the defense motion for a subpoena directed to President Jefferson.
June 26, 1807 – Charleston SC
J.J.J. Miniere buys a slave from Arceneaux Champy.
June 30, 1807 – Alexandria, VA
Rickard runs newspaper ad:
“Pennsylvania oats and corn – About 1000 bushels of each for sale on board the Sloop Eliza, Captain Rickard, at Ramsey’s Wharf. – Joseph Mandeville
August 3, 1807
The trial of Aaron Burr opens in Richmond, Virginia.
Sep 1, 1807
The jury finds Burr “not proved to be guilty under this indictment by any evidence submitted to us.”
1808 – New Orleans
Jacques Miniere has notarized transaction with Marie Thérèse Fournier.
July 8, 1808 – New Orleans
Jean Miniere buys a slave from Charles St. Medard.
Feb 1809 – War Dept.
Wade Hampton is appointed as the top military officer in the Territory of Orleans.
April 20, 1809 – New Orleans
Jean Joseph Miniere sells a slave to Adelaide Gabriel.
November 24, 1809 – New Orleans
Correspondence occurs between Salcedo, Onis, and Virrey concerning conspiracy in New Orleans against government of New Spain.
1810
Joseph Miniere appears on U.S. Census in New Orleans.
February, 1810
Rickard family leaves Knoxville.
1811 – New Orleans
Miniere appears on the city directory as a music teacher, living close to Fort St. Charles. His location is walking distance from Chew and Relf’s office and also Edward Livingston, who moved to New Orleans around 1800.
October 4, 1812 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Daily Courier
Rickard and others publicly support James Mork.
December 17, 1812 – Unknown
Rickard dies.
1813 – Lawrence MS
James Minyard first appears on the Lawrence County tax roll.
January 1, 1814
Theodosia Burr disappears at sea.
Jan. 6, 1815
Beverly Chew writes to brother John Chew in Charleston about the pending battle with the British:
“The enemy are fortifying themselves about six miles below our city”
Jan. 6, 1815
Captain William Smith’s regiment musters in at the courthouse in Monticello, MS.
May 2, 1815 – New Orleans
Jean Jacques Joseph Miniere sells a slave to Jacques Villere. John Lynd was the notary and George Pollock was the witness.
November 27, 1815 – New Orleans
Miniere has a business transaction with Beverly Chew (John Lynd, notary).
May 6, 1816 – New Orleans
Miniere, with slave Louisa, is depositioned by mayor Augustine de MaCarty before leaving for Martinique.
June 25, 1817 – Sep. 24, 1817 – Jamaica
Jane Mathias returns slave Sally.
June 28, 1817 – Sep. 6, 1817 – Kingston, Jamaica
Miniere returns slave Louisa