To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 21 October 1807
21 Oct. 1807
Dear Sir
I return the financial paragraph & conclusion of the message. The blanks I will supply on Monday morning; but as it will be only an approximation, the paragraph should state; that all the accounts not being yet received, a correct statemt. will be transmitted by the Treasury; but that in the mean while it is ascertained that the receipts have exceeded millions, which &c. have enabled us to pay about millions of the principal, omitting altogether mention of interest, unless by introducing after current demands the words “including the annual interest on the debt.—8th line, I do not remember whether in previous messages—funded debt has been the expression. There also after debt, should be introduced nearly or more than according to the result wh. I will furnish.
The remainder of the message is in my opinion unexceptionable: indeed, it is precisely in that spirit which I have taken the liberty to advise.
Respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
Albert Gallatin
DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.