Cabildo Digest

City Archives
New Orleans Public Library

Digest of the Acts and Deliberations of the Cabildo
Commerce

Introduction to the Digest

Subject Book Volume Page Date Description

Commerce 1
31 6/30/1770 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Attorney General presents a memorandum to the Cabildo. This memorandum (page 32) recommends that they petition the King to permit the export of tobacco free of duty, to the Cape of France. The Commissioners approved, and the petition was drafted for presentation to the King (Pages 34 and 35.)

Commerce 1
70 8/16/1771 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Cabildo was informed of the great devastation to the Colony due to lack of commerce; and it was agreed to request a special audience with the Governor and President of the Cabildo, that he might act in the matter.

Commerce 1
71 8/23/1771 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Attorney General asked that the deplorable conditions of the Province be put in writing and conveyed to the King. The Commissioners agreed that they should inform His Majesty, and resolved to make due representation.

Commerce 1
74 10/4/1771 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the resolution of August 23rd (above) relative to representation to be made to the King, was examined, and noted to be still pending. The Commissioners agreed that the difficulty experienced in mastering the Spanish language had delayed the two Commissioners in drafting the petition. It was therefore resolved that they use the French language in making the representation - asking the King to accept it in a foreign language, assuring him that they are Spaniards at heart. (At a meeting on November 22nd, 1771, this petition was approved by the Commissioners and ordered forwarded to His Majesty, page 79.)

Commerce 2
60 6/15/1781 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Minister of the Indies, Joseph de Galvez, is authorized by the King to notify the Governor of the Province to offer protection to the inhabitants due to the hurricane of August 14th, and requests the Governor to give all assistance possible. Having read these instructions at a meeting of the principal land owners (page 63) to discuss the most appropriate means to comply with the King's instructions, they presented their needs in a document written in French, to be copied after its translation. The Commissioners approved this petition, and added some suggestions of their own in regard to free commerce. (This letter suggestion by the Commissioners was severely criticized by Galvez who stated that he had himself solicited the benefit of Commerce from the King, and they should have awaited results. Page 82.)

Commerce 2
68 8/17/1781 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Attorney General calls attention to the urgent need of food and clothing for the Colony, and recommends that the French vessels, having permission to navigate the river for the exportation of lumber, should bring to this nation food and other necessary merchandise. (On page 91 is a letter from Galvez regarding the admission of French vessels to the port.)

Commerce 2
106 4/8/1782 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - Acting Governor Miro sends a letter to the Cabildo requesting that the “Te Deum” be sung and a Mass of Thanksgiving offered, as decreed by the King. At this same meeting a letter is received from Galvez (page 107) in which he states that the King has acceded to his request, and calls attention to the Royal Order (page 110) in which the King grants free trade on many articles of commerce, including the admission of ships from French ports to the provinces of Louisiana, Mobile and Pensacola).

Commerce 2
109 4/12/1782 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Commissioners resolved that on Sunday next, the 14th inst., public demonstrations of joy would be announced to the people by an artillery salute by this Plaza. Miro invited all the owners of ships in the harbor to dress their ships and give the salutes which must be repeated three times. A mass to be sung with a “Te Deum” and every house in the city illuminated. Also, that copies of the Royal Edict be made in French and distributed

Commerce 3 I 182 8/31/1787 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. At this time the Attorney General presented a petition relative to seizures made against several individuals and traders for the importation of flour seemingly from the United States of America. The Commissioners resolved, due to the scarcity of flour, to submit to His Majesty the pardon of the individuals mentioned, and to ask His Majesty’s permission to import flour, when scarce, from the nearest and most convenient places. (Petition shown on pages 183 to 186.)

Commerce 3 II 148 7/15/1791 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Governor and President presented a Royal Decree in which His Majesty grants a general pardon to all prisoners accused of the crime of smuggling.

Commerce 3 II 152 9/17/1791 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the President informed the Cabildo that notwithstanding the fact that the Royal Edict of Commerce granted in 1782 is about to expire, same is to be considered as extended.

Commerce 3 III 86 9/16/1793 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign; Almonaster - At this time the Governor presented a copy of the Royal Order of June 9th, in which His Majesty extends the commercial rights granted to this Province. The Commissioners extended thanks but asked the Governor to request that three points be altered concerning the route of ships, duties involved, etc. (On page 102 the Attorney General presents some recommendations to present to the King in regard to the above Royal Order of June the 9th.)

Commerce 3 III 148 8/8/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the Secretary read an official letter from the Governor enclosing a decision rendered by His Majesty concerning the above representations regarding alteration of the Royal Edict on Commerce.

Commerce 3 III 160 10/10/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the Attorney General calls attention to the loss, by confiscation, of silver on board the ship “Arca de Noe” on its way to Philadelphia; stating that this silver belonged to families who were endeavoring to obtain necessities to clothe and feed themselves, and if deprived of this silver they would be left penniless. He asked the Commissioners to petition the King for clemency in this case and to permit trade with the United States due to difficulty in securing necessities from Europe. (On May 5th, 1802 the King pardoned and released from loss by confiscating those involved when the brigantine “Arca de Noe” was captured; also freed them from the bond they furnished. See Cabildo Book 4, Volume IV, page 218).

Commerce 4 I 200 3/17/1797 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Attorney General calls the attention of the Cabildo to the great privations suffered by the Colony due to hurricanes, fires, etc., and recommends that they petition the King for a reduction of duties on imported merchandise, and on money exported; also permission to purchase food from the Americans. The Commissioners agreed.

Commerce 4 III 77 9/27/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time a Royal Order is read through which His Majesty “has been pleased to derogate entirely that disposition of November 18th, 1797, through which he permitted all vessels to freely trade in all his Dominions, with unrestricted goods, on board of national or foreign ships, from the ports of friendly nations or from Spain.” The Commissioners resolved to ask the Attorney General to render an opinion, and to request the Civil Governor to use his good influence with the Military Governor and the Intendant that the ships in the river may load and unload as formerly, as they would stand an irreparable loss should the Royal Order be enforced. - (At the nest meeting (page 87) the Attorney General presented his opinion, and as several of the Commissioners were absent, it was agreed to call an extraordinary session to hear the opinion.)

Commerce 4 III 88 10/6/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - The above mentioned opinion (pages 89 to 96) was read to the Commissioners in extraordinary session, and it was agreed to record same at the foot of this act and forward a certified copy to His Majesty asking that this Royal Order not apply to this Province.

Commerce 4 III 101 10/25/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - The Governor and President informs the Cabildo that he has suspended the execution of the Royal Order concerning trade with neutral nations, while His Majesty does not decide to the contrary.

Commerce 5
47 2/1/1803 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde -The Commissioners were called into extraordinary session to discuss the scarcity of flour. They asked the Governor to take such steps as will permit the Intendant to admit the flour and other necessary provisions from the territories of the United States of America.

Subject	Book	Volume	Page	Date	Description
Commerce	1		31	6/30/1770	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Attorney General presents a memorandum to the Cabildo. This memorandum (page 32) recommends that they petition the King to permit the export of tobacco free of duty, to the Cape of France. The Commissioners approved, and the petition was drafted for presentation to the King (Pages 34 and 35.)
Commerce	1		70	8/16/1771	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Cabildo was informed of the great devastation to the Colony due to lack of commerce; and it was agreed to request a special audience with the Governor and President of the Cabildo, that he might act in the matter.
Commerce	1		71	8/23/1771	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Attorney General asked that the deplorable conditions of the Province be put in writing and conveyed to the King. The Commissioners agreed that they should inform His Majesty, and resolved to make due representation.
Commerce	1		74	10/4/1771	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the resolution of August 23rd (above) relative to representation to be made to the King, was examined, and noted to be still pending. The Commissioners agreed that the difficulty experienced in mastering the Spanish language had delayed the two Commissioners in drafting the petition. It was therefore resolved that they use the French language in making the representation - asking the King to accept it in a foreign language, assuring him that they are Spaniards at heart. (At a meeting on November 22nd, 1771, this petition was approved by the Commissioners and ordered forwarded to His Majesty, page 79.)
Commerce	2		60	6/15/1781	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Minister of the Indies, Joseph de Galvez, is authorized by the King to notify the Governor of the Province to offer protection to the inhabitants due to the hurricane of August 14th, and requests the Governor to give all assistance possible. Having read these instructions at a meeting of the principal land owners (page 63) to discuss the most appropriate means to comply with the King's instructions, they presented their needs in a document written in French, to be copied after its translation. The Commissioners approved this petition, and added some suggestions of their own in regard to free commerce. (This letter suggestion by the Commissioners was severely criticized by Galvez who stated that he had himself solicited the benefit of Commerce from the King, and they should have awaited results. Page 82.)
Commerce	2		68	8/17/1781	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Attorney General calls attention to the urgent need of food and clothing for the Colony, and recommends that the French vessels, having permission to navigate the river for the exportation of lumber, should bring to this nation food and other necessary merchandise. (On page 91 is a letter from Galvez regarding the admission of French vessels to the port.)
Commerce	2		106	4/8/1782	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - Acting Governor Miro sends a letter to the Cabildo requesting that the “Te Deum” be sung and a Mass of Thanksgiving offered, as decreed by the King. At this same meeting a letter is received from Galvez (page 107) in which he states that the King has acceded to his request, and calls attention to the Royal Order (page 110) in which the King grants free trade on many articles of commerce, including the admission of ships from French ports to the provinces of Louisiana, Mobile and Pensacola).
Commerce	2		109	4/12/1782	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting the Commissioners resolved that on Sunday next, the 14th inst., public demonstrations of joy would be announced to the people by an artillery salute by this Plaza. Miro invited all the owners of ships in the harbor to dress their ships and give the salutes which must be repeated three times. A mass to be sung with a “Te Deum” and every house in the city illuminated. Also, that copies of the Royal Edict be made in French and distributed
Commerce	3	I	182	8/31/1787	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. At this time the Attorney General presented a petition relative to seizures made against several individuals and traders for the importation of flour seemingly from the United States of America. The Commissioners resolved, due to the scarcity of flour, to submit to His Majesty the pardon of the individuals mentioned, and to ask His Majesty’s permission to import flour, when scarce, from the nearest and most convenient places. (Petition shown on pages 183 to 186.)
Commerce	3	II	148	7/15/1791	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Governor and President presented a Royal Decree in which His Majesty grants a general pardon to all prisoners accused of the crime of smuggling.
Commerce	3	II	152	9/17/1791	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the President informed the Cabildo that notwithstanding the fact that the Royal Edict of Commerce granted in 1782 is about to expire, same is to be considered as extended.
Commerce	3	III	86	9/16/1793	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign; Almonaster - At this time the Governor presented a copy of the Royal Order of June 9th, in which His Majesty extends the commercial rights granted to this Province. The Commissioners extended thanks but asked the Governor to request that three points be altered concerning the route of ships, duties involved, etc. (On page 102 the Attorney General presents some recommendations to present to the King in regard to the above Royal Order of June the 9th.)
Commerce	3	III	148	8/8/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the Secretary read an official letter from the Governor enclosing a decision rendered by His Majesty concerning the above representations regarding alteration of the Royal Edict on Commerce.
Commerce	3	III	160	10/10/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time the Attorney General calls attention to the loss, by confiscation, of silver on board the ship “Arca de Noe” on its way to Philadelphia; stating that this silver belonged to families who were endeavoring to obtain necessities to clothe and feed themselves, and if deprived of this silver they would be left penniless. He asked the Commissioners to petition the King for clemency in this case and to permit trade with the United States due to difficulty in securing necessities from Europe. (On May 5th, 1802 the King pardoned and released from loss by confiscating those involved when the brigantine “Arca de Noe” was captured; also freed them from the bond they furnished. See Cabildo Book 4, Volume IV, page 218).
Commerce	4	I	200	3/17/1797	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Attorney General calls the attention of the Cabildo to the great privations suffered by the Colony due to hurricanes, fires, etc., and recommends that they petition the King for a reduction of duties on imported merchandise, and on money exported; also permission to purchase food from the Americans. The Commissioners agreed.
Commerce	4	III	77	9/27/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time a Royal Order is read through which His Majesty “has been pleased to derogate entirely that disposition of November 18th, 1797, through which he permitted all vessels to freely trade in all his Dominions, with unrestricted goods, on board of national or foreign ships, from the ports of friendly nations or from Spain.” The Commissioners resolved to ask the Attorney General to render an opinion, and to request the Civil Governor to use his good influence with the Military Governor and the Intendant that the ships in the river may load and unload as formerly, as they would stand an irreparable loss should the Royal Order be enforced. - (At the nest meeting (page 87) the Attorney General presented his opinion, and as several of the Commissioners were absent, it was agreed to call an extraordinary session to hear the opinion.)
Commerce	4	III	88	10/6/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - The above mentioned opinion (pages 89 to 96) was read to the Commissioners in extraordinary session, and it was agreed to record same at the foot of this act and forward a certified copy to His Majesty asking that this Royal Order not apply to this Province.
Commerce	4	III	101	10/25/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - The Governor and President informs the Cabildo that he has suspended the execution of the Royal Order concerning trade with neutral nations, while His Majesty does not decide to the contrary.
Commerce	5		47	2/1/1803	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde -The Commissioners were called into extraordinary session to discuss the scarcity of flour. They asked the Governor to take such steps as will permit the Intendant to admit the flour and other necessary provisions from the territories of the United States of America.

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