City of New Orleans Decr 20th 1805
Sir
- We have the satisfaction to announce to you
that the province of Louisiana was this day surrendered
to the United States by the commissioner of France;
and to add that the flag of our country was raised in this
city amidst the acclamations of the inhabitants.
- The enclosed is a copy of an instrument of
writing which was signed and exchanged by the com-
-missioners of the two governments and is designed as
a record of this interesting transaction.
Accept assurances of our respectful
- Consideration
- William C.C. Claiborne
The Honorable
James Madison
- Secretary of State
- City of Washington
