181From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter merits serious attention. notwithstanding the favorable opinion I have hitherto entertained of Symonds. when facts are specified & the persons named who can prove them, I do not see that we can avoid instituting some enquiry. tho’ the writer keeps his own name back, it is impossible but that the letter would shew there who was the writer, and he might thus be obliged to...
182From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 21 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. has been duly recieved. with respect to the revenue cutters to be provided, I think we require two strong ones for Charleston & New Orleans. if I recollect rightly however that now at New Orleans is of pretty good force. if so, it might not be necessary to provide another. at Charleston I leave to yourself, as a better judge, to decide what size is best for the double...
183From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
You have probably learnt through other channels that our Commissioners to Spain have terminated their mission without success in a single point. I have desired mr Madison to send you the papers, and when you shall have perused them, I will ask a communication of your general view of what is expedient for us to do. I ask the same of the other gentlemen. when I shall have recieved them it will...
184From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two letters of July 30. did not come to my hands till yesterday. I have directed a commission for James Holmes as Collector of Sunbury v. Foster; but knowing so little of him I think he should be made to consider the appointment only as pro tempore.—I return you the letters of Hall & Governor Claiborne on the subject of the court room. by this time Claiborne has recieved my request of a...
185From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 17th. and have this day directed a commission for Latta as Collector of Gennissee, & will have one issued to Kittridge for Gloucester as soon as the death of his predecessor is known. I send you the inclosed merely because it is well to understand all the little hostilities existing among principals & subordinates in the different offices. a successor to...
186From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Observing in the Salem Register recieved yesterday a mention of the death & burial of Gibaut, I have this day directed a commission for John Kitteredge according to the recommendations. Affectionate salutations NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
187From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 21st. & 23. were recieved yesterday. mine by the preceding post had informed you that on seeing an account of Gibaut’s death in the Salem paper I immediately ordered a commission for Kittridge. I gave notice of it to Crownenshield by the same post. I am glad it was done. for after a good candidate is known, delay only gives time to intrigue, to interest a greater number of...
188From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns to mr Gallatin Gurley’s letter: no further intelligence being now expected on the subject of our affairs with Spain and some measures growing out of them requiring the earliest consideration possible, he asks the favor of mr Gallatin to attend if possible a cabinet meeting at Washington on the 4th. of October at 12. oclock. he presents him affectionate salutations. NHi :...
189From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 11 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The reasons of the bank against importing coin seem good under their views of the subject, which perhaps are not broad enough. I think Congress should renew the tender of foreign coins. but whether any alteration in the comparative value of Spanish gold should be made admits of question. I imagine Colo. Hamilton had assays made wherein he founded his rates of foreign coins. indeed I think I...
190From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had detained the letter of mr Merry on Foster’s claim of freedom from importing duties in expectation that mr Madison’s return would enable him, you, & myself to confer on it. if the case presses I will express my opinion on it. every person, diplomatic in his own right , is entitled to the privileges of the law of nations, in his own right. among these is the reciept of all packages,...
191From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I send for your perusal another letter of mr Madison which I will ask the favor of you to return immediately with the one sent on Saturday & on which it is necessary to act. the war on the continent of Europe appears now so certain, and that peace is at least one year off, that we are now placed at our ease in point of time. we may make another effort for a peaceable accomodation with Spain...
192From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish for an à peu prés of the number of seamen we call ours. I suppose the best way of estimating will be by our tonnage, including coasters, bay & river craft, & every thing employed on the tide waters. can you assist me with the materials for such an estimate? it is of some importance for my bill for a Naval militia, that, & the one for the land militia I will send you for consideration as...
193From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 6 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In the case of L. H. Guerlain of New Orleans, it is undeniable that a fraud on the revenue was meditated. yet under all the circumstances of the case I am of opinion he will be sufficiently punished by forfieting the difference between his invoice & the appraisement stated to be 7548.45 D by the paiment of duties 9,500. D. and by the loss by the proceeds of sales. the chief motive which in...
194From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Jersey law puts the lands on Sandy hook compleatly in our power; and having paid the money, the feesimple is fixed in the US. unconditionally for ever; nor would it be in the power of the Jersey legislature to alter it were they disposed. mr Hartshorne’s conduct has been so sordid as to prove that nothing restrains him from any robbery private or public but the power of the law. he is...
195From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Can you be so good as to let me have the financial paragraph this morning as there is not more than time enough to submit the message successively to the different gentlemen for correction & then to have copies. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
196From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is mr Thomas Walker Maury who is come on to recieve the appointment of Reciever of public monies at Fort St. Stephens. supposing it would be agreeable to you to obtain some personal knolege of a person who is to act under you, I have recommended to him to wait on you to ask any information or instructions you may be pleased to give him. altho’ he seems to have made up his...
197From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the message to ask a scrupulous revisal, and as early an one as you can, because there does not remain more than time enough to submit it successively to the other gentlemen for their corrections, to make copies &c. on reviewing what had been prepared as to Gr. Britain & Spain, I found it too soft towards the former, compared with the latter, & that so temporate a notice of the...
198From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
1. the Concessions to Renault. as to those in the territory of Indiana, that country having been claimed by England at all times, conquered in the war of 1755. & confirmed to her in 1763. conquered by the US. & confirmed to them in 1783. and all antient titles there settled & done with by authority of the US. these claims of Renault are certainly at an end. 2. As to those in Louisiana I...
199From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
inclosed for consideration & amendment NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
200From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 4 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is a revised edition of the Spanish resolutions, in which you will find most of your ideas conformed to. That respecting money is omitted; that it may be provided in the way you suggest. in the Message also I have adopted all your amendments, except the last which respected merely the arrangement of the phrases, & could not be satisfactorily altered. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin....
201From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 4 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
1. Resolved that no armed men, not being citizens of the US. ought to be permitted to enter or remain, nor any authority to be exercised, but under the laws of the US. within the ‘former colony or province of Louisiana, in the extent in which it was in the hands of Spain’ 2. Resolved that as to the residue of the sd ‘former colony or province of Louisiana, in the extent it had when France...
202From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
J. Randolph has just called to ask a conversation with me, for which purpose he will be with me tomorrow morning, every thing therefore had better be suspended till that is over. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
203From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I see nothing to alter in the inclosed except two or three verbal changes of the indefinable ‘shall’ for ‘will’. Dec. 8. 05. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
204From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 11 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th:J. with his salutations to mr Gallatin informs him that the act for the Navy appropriation was brought to him last night, is signed & deposited in the office of state. Dec. 11. 05. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
205From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the papers respecting the Sandy hook business which I am content should be closed on the terms already proposed by you. it is well that a government should feel no temper towards a rascally individual, or the present case would justify a high degree of indignation against mr Hartshorne. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
206From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
You wrote to me Aug. 25. 04. inclosing the papers respecting the Eugenia which you had recieved from Gelston. my letter of Sep. 1. answered the case and returned the papers. on the 4th. of Sep. you inclosed supplementary papers recieved from N. London. I recieved them Sep. 11. and as I had answered on that subject & these papers did not alter my view of the case, I wrote no new letter; but...
207From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I believe the fact is that no measures have been taken by the states indebted to the US. to discharge the balances due under the act of June 23. 1797. or, at any rate, that we have no notice of any such measures. will you be so good as to state this or any other fact on the subject in a form to be communicated to the H. of R. in compliance with their resoln of yesterday. Dec. 24. 05. NHi :...
208From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed bond is signed by mr Maury the father, who I have no doubt is worth the 10,000 D. therein named. he owns a valuable tra[ct of] land on which he lives, well improved as a farm, & a considerable number of negroes: and I question if he owes 10. Dollars in the world, having always been one of the most prudent & cautious men. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
209From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been too long in answering several matters recieved from you: but I have not had an earlier moment in which it could be done. The appointment of a Surveyor General of Louisiana by the Governor can have no effect respecting the public lands. it is possible that the former laws, still subsisting, may have authorized the appointment of such an officer by the Governor, to execute surveys by...
210From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
for exploring the waters of the country ceded by the Convention with France of Apr. 30. 1803, & establishing commerce with the Indian nations inhabiting the same 5000. D. Th: J. proposes to mr Gallatin to insert into his Approprn law the above article, which will enable us to undertake the next season either the Arkansa or upper part of the Misipi: and that there should be annually a like...
211From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
What would you think of raising a force for the defence of New Orleans in this manner? give a bounty of 50 acres of land, to be delivered immediately, to every able bodied man who will immediately settle on it, & hold himself in readiness to perform 2. years military service (on the usual pay) if called on within the first seven years of his residence. the lands to be chosen by himself of any...
212From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
What would you think of raising a force for the defence of New Orleans by offering a bounty of 50. acres of land to be delivered immediately to every able-bodied man, on condition of settlement & holding himself in readiness to perform 2. years military service if called on within the seven first years of residence. the lands to be chosen by himself of any of those in the Orleans territory...
213From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
By virtue of the act, entitled, “an act making Provision for defraying any extraordinary expences attending between the U States and foreign nations,” passed on the 13th. February 1806., and of which the annexed is an official exemplification, I Thomas Jefferson, President of the U States of America, Do hereby authorize and empower Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury of the U States, to...
214From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose there can be no difficulty in prolonging the time for filing claims in the Western district of Orleans, as proposed in your letter of yesterday. I should think it much more reasonable & practicable to move the Commrs. to the distant settlements than to force the poor inhabitants to come to them. we shall by that means also be able to get through the Commrs. better information as to...
215From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the papers which inform us of the construction of the law respecting land claims by the Commissioners of Louisiana, with the Attorney General’s opinion on that construction. this opinion is approved by every member of the administration, as it is by myself. satisfied that no improper motive has produced this mistake of the object of the law in the minds of the Commissioners, I...
216From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
It would be satisfactory if mr Newton would state something more than the names of his candidates, such as their residence, character, politics, standing in society, and if he would say which if any is preferable to mr Calvert. can you have an opportunity of consulting him. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
217From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 27th. of April I wrote to Govr. Claiborne in these words. ‘Congress has permitted lots to be taken for M. de la Fayette as low as 500. as. this secures to us the parcel on the canal of Carondelet: but at the same time cuts off those smaller locations proposed by mr Duplantier. indeed it would not be for the interest of the General to let his claim get into collision with any public...
218From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 19 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a consultation with mr Madison on the application of the British vessel of war for stores we are both of opinion that if by this term be meant sea-stores only, or even munitions be bouche or provisions generally, there can be no objection to their taking them, or indeed any thing except contraband of war . but what should be deemed contraband of war in this case we are not agreed....
219From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 21 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Judging by Price’s survey of Ocracock, the only position for the custom house which seems to come into competition with the point B recommended by mr Taylor, is that part of Beacon island opposite to the point marked a . but perhaps Wallace’s channel may be the most used. the form you propose No. 1. would include Beacon’s island, and on that account would be preferable, as it would give us...
220From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 25 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress adopting a court, adopts all it’s officers. The Sheriff consequently is the competent officer. but as to the Attorney, we can surely employ one in each particular case, until we be authorised to do better. With respect to the revenue cutter at Norfolk, the general idea I had was that having concluded to employ smaller vessels in that service, all the large ones were to be...
221From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Attorney Genl. being absent, we must decide for ourselves the question raised by Colo. Newton’s letter Whether mr Cooper can own a registered vessel? or in other words whether he is a citizen of the US? I hold the right of expatriation to be inherent in every man by the laws of nature, & incapable of being rightfully taken from him even by the united will of every other person in the...
222From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn from an eye-witness that Govr. Page, since his retirement is not only in poverty but real want, & would accept of any thing. the loan office at Richmond will be inevitably vacant in a very short time by the death of the present incumbent, & it is the only place in that state which could be offered mr Page. will you be so good as to inform me of it’s worth in salary & emolument say...
223From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Norborne Nicholas, mr Smith junr. & mr R. Smith dine with me to-day, en petite comité. will you do us the favor to be of the party? dinner is to be a little earlier than usual that they may pursue their journey. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
224From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 12 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have kept the papers on the subject of raising the salaries of certain light-house keepers longer than usual, because I know that the systematic pressure on every government for augmenting salaries requires serious consideration. however if the salaries at present are not properly proportioned among themselves, I think it will be just and expedient to make them so, once for all, & hereafter...
225From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A law of the last session provided for making a road from Nashville to Natchez, & another from Cincinnati, by Vincennes to St. Louis. not having a copy of the laws yet, I do not know whether it is necessary for me to take any steps on this subject at present, or what it waits for. can you inform me? The road from Cumberland to Ohio will be an important link in the line to St. Louis. there will...
226From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the petitions of the inhabitants of Sag-harbor and of the Keeper of the Light house there. the claims of the parties depend on the Indian right of soil, on the legal effect of the Indian conveyances & contracts, & the degree of patronage or guardianship exercised over them by the government of N. York. the rule of decision being the lex loci, the science & authority of the State...
227From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Gallatin to attend a consultation at 1. o’clock tomorrow and to do him the favor to dine with him. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
228From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 7th. was recieved yesterday; and I have this day inclosed mr Sandford’s letter to mr Madison for perusal and to be forwarded by him to you. the skill & spirit with which mr Sandford and mr Edwards conducted the prosecution gives perfect satisfaction. nor am I dissatisfied with the result; I had no wish to see Smith imprisoned: he has been a man of integrity & honor, led astray by...
229From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made it a rule to grant no pardon in any criminal case but on the recommendation of the judges who sat on the trial, & the district Attorney, or two of them. I believe it a sound rule, & not to be departed from but in extraordinary cases. this occasions me to trouble you with the inclosed petition. it is probable the party petitioning, or his friends, on being informed of the rule, will...
230From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I returned hither the day before yesterday & found your two letters of the 15th. I am much pleased with the expectation of mr Thompson’s continuance in office in the Orleans land office. the appointment of Robert Sargent as 2d. mate to the revenue cutter of Delaware is approved. on the subject of the negociation for the Floridas not one word further than is known to you has been recieved. you...