To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 27 December 1804 (Abstract)
§ From Albert Gallatin
27 December 1804, Treasury Department. “I have the honor to return Mr. Wynn’s letter.1 It seems to me that the act supplementary to the Consular act embraces all cases of Sales; unless the words ‘and her company discharged’ should be construed as forming an exception when a vessel is stranded; on the ground that, in that case, the crew cannot properly be said to be discharged.
“If it is not expected that the law will be amended, permit me to suggest the propriety of submitting the question to the Attorney General.”2
RC (DLC: Gallatin Papers). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Gallatin; docketed by Wagner, with his notation: “Whether three months wages are due to the Seamen of a stranded vessel?”
2. On 28 Dec. 1804 JM wrote to Levi Lincoln: “I request the favor of your opinion w[h]ether the act supplementary to the Consular act ought to be constructed to require the payment of three months extra wages of the crew of a vessel sold in consequence of her being stranded? The enclosed letters [not found] may throw some light upon the question” (1 p.; DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14).