To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 2 December 1803
From Albert Gallatin
[on or before 2 Dec. 1803]
Is it proper to permit this man to take a couple of guns on board?
Respectfully submitted
Albert Gallatin
RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 136:23474); undated, but see below; at foot of text: “The President of the United States.” Enclosure: Richard Howard to Caesar A. Rodney, New Castle, Delaware, on board the revenue cutter belonging to the district of Philadelphia, 31 Oct. 1803, requesting permission to arm the cutter with four three-pounders, four howitzers, and a musket and cutlass for each man on board, as there is great danger of “loosing My men by the British Cruisers”; arms would also compel “Ower Vessels” to respect the flag; Howard continues, “hoisting my Cullers, as the Law Directes is of No use, unless I had Sumthing to Compell them” (RC in same).
It is not clear when Rodney enclosed Howard’s 31 Oct. letter to the Treasury secretary. On 2 Dec., Gallatin responded: “Is not the object of Captn. Howard’s application, to fight foreign vessels or boats rather than to bring to our own? I have sent his letter to the President” (, 9:18).