From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 23 April 1794
To Jeremiah Olney
Treasury Department April 23rd. 1794
Sir
I have before me your letter of the 3rd inst stating instances in which the law relatively to an Embargo1 has been transgressed.
It is true that no specific penalty is imposed in this particular case but the question is, whether the parties are not indictable generally, for violating a legal prohibition, in the District court. You will please to refer the case to the Attorney of the District for his opinion.2
Should similar escapes be attempted, the Governor of the State will upon application cooperate with the militia to prevent it.
I am Sir with great consideration Your obedient Servant
Alexander Hamilton
Jere Olney Esquire
Collector Providence
LS, Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.
1. See H to George Washington, March 8, 1794; “Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Best Mode of Executing the Embargo,” March 26, 1794; “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” March 26, 1794.
2. Ray Greene.