In 1806, Thomas Jefferson learned of a plot to seize the Louisiana Territory and establish and independent empire by Aaron Burr. Jefferson took this warning very seriously. Louisiana had only been recently purchased by the United States and there was great uncertainty about the loyalty of the territory's multi-ethnic inhabitants. Captain Thomas who had learned of Aaron Burr's plans for a western revolution eagerly reached out to the President, suggesting that a naval force should be stationed on the Mississippi River to keep the "eggs of insurrection" from hatching. The government needed to be ready for Burr, and the only way to do this was to control navigation on the Mississippi River and form a blockade to the City of New Orleans to prevent an foreign aid reaching Aaron Burr and his men. In a letter to William C. C. Claiborne the governor of the Louisiana territory, Thomas Jefferson laid out his plans to maintain a small military force at Terre au Boeuf to "guard against Insurrections on the part of that unfortunate Race of Men, in which we are likely to abound." Jefferson explained that the point of junction of Terre au Boeuf was only about 40 miles from the sea and could be traveled by vessels of 40 to 80 tons. On either side of the junction there was fertile land about 40 acres in depth, and there Jefferson wanted to establish his military force. In his letter to the governor, Jefferson explained that he wanted to establish a force of about 120 men from the region, but could not find "suitable characters" for captain and lieutenants. The man, Jefferson initially sent was rejected by the people and they resisted his authority.
Thus it was in 1806, that Jefferson would urge Congress to consider legislation to support the "encouragement of a strong settlement on the western side of the Mississippi, within reach of New Orleans". Now that the United States had possession of both banks of the Mississippi river it was necessary to reduce to a single point of defense of that river. A strong military force had to be established at the mouth of the Mississippi to prevent any armed vessels from approaching the city of New Orleans. And, if the support of the native peoples could not be obtained, than a new settlement of Americans to the area was necessary.
"The possession of both banks of the Mississippi reducing to a single point the defense of that river, its waters, and the country adjacent, it becomes highly necessary to provide for that point a more adequate security. Some position above its mouth, commanding the passage of the river, should be rendered sufficiently strong to cover the armed vessels which may be stationed there for defense, and in conjunction with them to present an insuperable obstacle to any force attempting to pass. The approaches to the city of New Orleans from the eastern quarter also will require to be examined and more effectually guarded. For the internal support of the country the encouragement of a strong settlement on the western side of the Mississippi, within reach of New Orleans, will be worthy the consideration of the Legislature."http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29448
http://www.cnrs-scrn.org/northern_mariner/vol18/tnm_18_3-4_79-91.pdf
http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-3959
https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:wd376446g
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