From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, [post–17 August 1816]
To Alexander J. Dallas
[post–17 August 1816]
If Mr. Dallas, taking into view with this the other circumstances of the case known to him, thinks relief ought to be granted, he will send the papers to the Dept of State with an intimation that a pardon be forwarded for my signature.1
J.M.
RC (DNA: RG 59, Petitions for Pardon and Related Briefs). Undated; conjectured date assigned based on a 17 Aug. 1816 note to James Monroe written by Dallas on the verso, stating that the conviction in this case did not lie “within the provisions of the Act authorising the Secretary of the Treasury to discharge, from execution, debtors of the United States. The case being a case of wilful violation of the law, was not within the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Treasury, under the Act authorising him to remit penalties [illegible] for forfeitures. It is deemed, however, a proper case for the exercize of the Presidents power of pardoning; and the Secretary of State is respectfully requested to transmit an instrument of pardon for the President’s signature.”
1. JM may have referred to the case of John Gregory of the ship Hope, who was arrested in Charleston, South Carolina, on 6 Aug. 1816 for smuggling rum and wine in his cabin. Gregory was imprisoned and fined $530, which he was unable to pay. He petitioned Dallas for release on 21 Aug. 1816 (DNA: RG 59, Petitions for Pardon and Related Briefs).