151From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 27 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 21st. came to hand yesterday. the matter of it shall be the subject of conversation when we meet at Washington; to which place I had intended to set out this day, so as to have arrived there on the last day of the month. but unexpected delays in getting my carriage ready will detain me here till the last day of the month, if not the 1st. of the ensuing. I shall be with you of a...
152From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Candidates for the office of Keeper of the Light house at Smith’s point William Mountague. owns the land adjacent, an Antirepublican therefore inadmissible. Lancelot L. Edwards. lives near Smith’s Point. recommendd by mr Taliaferro. is he republican? is he sober? and careful & stationary at his residence? Thomas Robinson. lives near the place. recommendd by mr Taliaferro & Genl. Mason. an old...
153From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Sprigg’s letter, & inclose a recommendation from Govr. Sullivan in favr of Waterhouse as successor to Jarvis. I think Waterhouse’s claim, in consideration of his services in Vaccination (for he is the father of it in this country) is so pre-eminent that, with the recommendations of Sullivan & Gerry, it must be stronger than that of any other can possibly be. if so, the sooner we...
154From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 27 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed petition from Deville was handed me by Genl. Turreau. I told him at once it was inadmissible, that days had been long ago announced after which no vessels would be permitted to depart; that in favor of emigrants we had continued indulgences till very lately; but that as there must be an end to it, that time had come and we had determined to give no more permissions. they had had a...
155From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 12th. since that I have recieved yours of the 9th. 18th. & two of the 23d. and one from mr Duval of the 26th. I had before the last dates recieved a letter from Peter Freneau informing me that mr Neufville the father was dangerously ill, and solliciting the succession to his office for Isaac Neufville his son, who has in fact long done all the business of the office....
156From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
We have recieved information that the emperor of Marocco having asked, & been refused, passports for two vessels loaded with wheat to go to Tripoli, while blockaded by us, has ordered away our Consul. this demand of his is so palpably against reason & the usage of nations, as to bespeak a settled design of war against us, or a general determination to make common cause with any of the Barbary...
157From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Gallatin, on his arrival at his office, to call & accompany him to the Secretary of State’s office, where a matter of moment & urgency is to be considered. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers); addressed: “Mr. Gallatin.” Not recorded in SJL . matter of moment & urgency : on this day the State Department learned that on 17 Aug. a Moroccan cruiser had captured the brig...
158From 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...
159From 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...
160From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The sale of Dufour’s land appears to have been regular. the purchase too by mr Mansfield is valid in law, and in the Equity of the courts. it is true Mansfield was an officer of the US. but his office was no ways connected with the sale of the lands. had Finlay purchased, it would have been different, because he would have been both seller & buyer: but Mansfield was as much a private citizen...
161From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The case of the Kentucky collection would be intolerable were we not bound to tolerate not only the law but the defects of the law, & the partialities of jurors in it’s execution. whether the law is defective will be seen on the appeal. what are the subtleties by which the lawyers contrive delays is not sufficiently stated to judge the judge ; but he is an honest man, and of reading &...
162From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In the case of the rescue of the Felicity by Capt Newcome of the revenue cutter he certainly could not act as a revenue officer. but taking for granted the fact that the Felicity was taken within our jurisdiction, it was the duty of any citizen who had the means of vindicating our jurisdiction to do so. Capt Newcome, with the arms of the US. in his hands, for whatever other purpose they might...
163From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the letters of Bishp. Madison recommending Samuel Travis as mate of a revenue cutter vice Parish resigned, and mr Nicholas’s in concurrence. the young man called on me, seems to be about 24. or 25. is personally unknown to me, but his family well known. his father was a man of property, near Williamsburg, long a representative in the legislature, and a super-zealous republican...
164From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have no information of the death of judge Bruin, altho I have letters & newspapers from Natchez to Mar. 24. in some of which it would certainly have been mentioned if true. I return you the instrument for Sacket harbour approved. with respect to Claiborne’s accounts I think his situation so totally different from that of all other governors as to justify peculiar indulgences. the office of...
165From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 19 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
With respect to the bank of Pensva, their difficulties proceed from excessive discounts. the 3,000,000 D. due to them comprehend doubtless all the desperate debts accumulated since their institution. their buildings should only be counted at the value of the naked ground belonging to them; because if brought to market they are worth to private bidders no more than their materials, which are...
166From 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...
167From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 31 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The rent we proposed for the Indiana lead mine was 2/10 of 3. years’ produce = 6/10 of 1. years produce for 5. years’ occupation: and 1/10 of 5. years produce = 5/10 of 1. year’s produce for 5. year’s occupation is the option you propose. there can be but one objection to it, that is, the effect which a rent of 1/10 annually might have in lowering the future rents permanently. from the...
168From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not see sufficient reasons for preserving a revenue cutter at Charleston on a larger scale than elsewhere. I see no reason to expect pirates from St. Domingo, no instance of it having yet occurred. if there be any such danger, it is not peculiar to S. Carolina, but threatens all the Southern states more or less according to their situation. if such danger should become imminent it will...
169From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of yesterday I have prepared the draught of a circular to the Governors not before addressed, under which I mean to cover the printed copies of that of May 6. which I have requested you to send me. this draught I inclose for your perusal. I salute you affectionately. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin. The numerous & bold evasions of the several embargo laws threatened...
170From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17th. was recieved only yesterday. it ought to have come by the preceding post. I mention the delay of your letters, as you may perhaps know how it happens. Smissaert’s case. the exportation of these doits was refused before, & I see no reason for a change of opinion. they are understood to be private property. if they were public, we might on a principle of comity permit their...
171From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the case in the Liman sea, which escaped my recollection, it was indeed a very favorable one. I have adopted your other amendments, except as to the not building now ; my own opinion being very strongly against this for these reasons. 1. The 127. gunboats cannot not be built in 1. 2. or even 6. months. Com. Preble told me he could build those he undertook in two months. they...
172From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter to Thornton is civil both in matter & manner, and entirely proper. I dare say Irvine will do very well as Surveyor at Buffalo. he seems so far to have conducted himself well as Indian agent. I do not know Oliver Phelps’s particular character, except that he has all the sagacity of a Connecticut man, and is attached to the little band . but I do not see that his recommendation need...
173From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
A doubt is entertained whether the act of Congress respecting claims to lands in Orleans & Louisiana, & authorizing the Commrs. ‘to decide according to the laws & established usages & customs of the French & Spanish governments; upon all claims to lands within their respective districts’ Etc. meant to give that power as to all claims , or to restrict it to those claims only which had been...
174From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose for your information letters from General Dearborne, P. D. Sargeant & Elisha Tracy on the infractions of the embargo, and their ideas on the means of remedy. I pass them through the hands of the Secretary of the Navy with a request that he will in concert with you give all the aid for the enforcement of the law which his department can afford. I think the conduct of Jordan at...
175From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill supplementary to the several acts for laying an embargo on vessels Etc. for vessels coming down rivers Etc. Be it enacted Etc that it shall not be lawful for any vessel laden with provisions or lumber to pass by or depart from any port of entry of the US. without examination and a special license from the Collector of the customs of such port, nor shall any vessel be so laden on any...
176From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The inducement which you propose in order to engage Powell to bring up his accounts is approved.—so is also the idea of collecting men of talents about us, even in offices which do not need them. upon the principle of distribution also I doubt if the treasury should be given to Maryland . With respect to Doctr. Bache I must have conversation with you. as to the office of Post M. G. he might be...
177From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I think with you it is better to leave the leasing the salt-springs to Governor Harrison who will do it according to general rules: and I am averse to giving contracts of any kind to members of the legislature.—on the subject of Latimer’s letter, I gave him a general answer that all indulgence permitted by the spirit of the law would be used. I am unable to give any particular opinion, because...
178From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed petition & papers of the Widow Morin of St. Louis present the first case of that nature which has come to me, & certainly I can do nothing in the case. whether the sentence of the Commrs. can be revised when their proceedings are returned here will depend on arrangements still to be taken. in the mean time I think the papers should be filed in your office. the original concessions...
179From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 5 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In the case of the brig Hieram, I think with you that no permission can be given to renew the voyage. the party has not lost his voyage by any inevitable accident, but by the fraud of those he employed & over whose conduct it was his duty to watch, & has been his negligence not to have done so. if once we give up the responsibility of the employer for those he employs, the door to fraud can...
180From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
1. As to the 500. cavalry. if we have peace with Spain, we shall not want them; if War, all our plans must be new moulded: it is therefore only during the present unsettled state . this cannot exceed 6. month from Oct. 1. about which time they probably went into service. this will cost 100,000. D. the proposing to Congress to establish them during the present unsettled state of things, is...
181From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Eli Vickery lives at Norfolk. if the letter be addressed to the care of Colo Thos. Newton, it will be handed him. RC ( DNA : RG 26, MLR ); undated, but endorsed by a clerk as a letter of 14 Feb. from the president; addressed: “The Secretary of the Treasury.” Not recorded in SJL . This undated note is in response to Gallatin’s query at 11 Feb. (second letter). Gallatin forwarded TJ’s answer to...
182From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 16th. was recieved on the 21st. Dickerson’s delay of proceeding to N. Orleans will give us time. if Pinkney accepts the office of judge Robert Williams might be the Attorney; if Pinkney does not accept, or does not arrive in time (and a few days only must now decide the latter point) Williams must be the judge. Hall accepts as district judge. with respect to Neufville I am not...
183From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 6 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Previous information had led me to believe it necessary to remove Abbot also. the inclosed confirms it. whom can we substitute? [ Reply by Gallatin :] I do not know a single person in the territory who could be substituted. If both Abbot & Griswold are removed, considerable inconvenience will result in relation to the investigation of land claims which will probably be terminated in two or...
184From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The case of the schooner Concord, sold by J. Bell of Petersburg, to M. W. Hancock of Richmond. I think it may be concluded from the letters of Hancock & of the Collector, that the purchase of the schooner has been a bona fide one; but it is not even alledged that he has purchased the cargo, but it appears on the contrary that Bell has the same concern in that as before. as, where a person has...
185From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 21st. came to hand on the 25th. I now return the letters of Thornton & Muhlenberg with entire approbation of your answers. I am in all cases for liberal conduct towards other nations, believing that the practice of the same friendly feelings & generous dispositions which attach individuals in private life will attach societies on the large scale, which are composed of individuals....
186From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 12 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings of the Commissioners of Washington with Maryland seem not to be accurately understood. Maryland lent them 250,000 D. of stock at par, on which they lost 15. percent. they proposed therefore that Maryland should leave Congress free to repay in stock. they did not propose, nor ever thought of, shortening the terms of paiment. Maryland agrees to recieve stock on condition it is...
187From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If we can do any thing ourselves in the case of the from the Missisipi, let us do it. but if any thing has to be done by Congress I think the merchants had better be left to get it brought forward in their own way, and leave us free to modify. it is a question of some nicety whether in the seasons when exportations are strong, we might moor a in the river opposite or near N. Orleans, and keep...
188From 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...
189From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Commissions to be made out Christopher Ellery of Rh odei sland to be Commissioner of loans for the state of Rhodeisland. Augustus Sacket of New York, to be Collector & Inspector of revenue for the port of Sacket harbour. Gideon D. Cobbs of Indiana to be Collector at Massac. Benjamin Sebastan of Kentucky } Comrs. for land titles in the Eastern district of Orleans John Coburn of Kentucky
190From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Did I lend you the Pensylvania act permitting our Western road to cross through that state? if I did, or if you have a copy of it I shall be very glad to see it. mr Hoge gave me notice yesterday that there would be legal opposition to that road’s passing in any other direction than through Washington, their construction being that if in fact a good road can be got by Washington the law obliges...
191From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
E. Randolph has offered to mr Short to give him personal security, such as he will be satisfied with, for the whole sum & interest due to mr Short. mr Short will not accept it, viewing the public as his debtor, but is willing to endeavor to obtain the security, on condition it shall not prejudice his right against the public, considering it as so much saved to the public which may otherwise be...
192From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, Henry Dearborn, and Robert Smith, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of the Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary at War & Secretary of the Navy to carry into execution the inclosed resolution of the H. of representatives of May 3. 1802. desiring a statement of expenditures from Jan. 1. 1797. by the Quarter Master Genl. the Navy agents, for the Contingencies of the Naval & Military establishments and the Navy contracts for timber &...
193From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 4 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved from mr Nicholas a letter in which is the following passage . ‘if mr Gallatin will write to mr Davis that he may resign, & send his letter, with a commission for me, under cover to my brother, I will be in Richmond on Friday or Saturday in the next week (the 11th. or 12th. inst.) and will go on from thence immediately for Norfolk. in a day or two my determination will be made....
194From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to adopt either the former or latter proposition at the Salines, as you shall think best? if you think them equally good, perhaps it will be as well to leave to Govr. Harrison the choice , as it might increase his activity and responsibility to execute his own plan. I am quite ignorant of the situation of such a claim as that of Abernethie’s inclosed. will you be kind...
195From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 21 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the form in which I would wish to place the Financial paragraph, with blanks which I must ask you to fill up; also the sequel which is to conclude the message, for your correction. and I must ask the return of the former part as it is still to be communicated to mr Rodney for his observations, and then will be to be modified and 4. copies made according to the several...
196From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 4 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Turreau’s application for two vessels to carry French subjects to France must, I think, be granted, because under present circumstances we ought not on slight grounds to dissatisfy either belligerent. the vessels may be back before winter, and their only danger will be of stoppage by the English, who however have no right but to take out the French subjects. At the same time, I think it...
197From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of 26. March is recieved and I learn with real concern the danger that a temporary loan may be necessary, because we know how it will be perverted to throw dust in the eyes of the people. however if no other expedient can be used we must meet it—I have no expectation that Monroe will be able to get any acknolegement of boundary which we can admit. the next best measure will be to...
198From 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...
199From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 16th. came to hand last night. as the lead mines do not press in point of time, I would rather they should be the subject of a conversation on my return. it is not merely a question about the terms we have to consider, but the expediency of working them. as to the Savanna revenue cutter I approve of the proposition in your letter or whatever else you may think best to be done. the...
200From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
1. Can we do better as to Nantucket than to send Coffin’s letter to Govr. Lincoln? he is better qualified than we are to judge of their wants & their real views. their proposition to give a carte blanche to all their coasters, besides being suspicious, might be an invidious distinction to which I do not know whether their general character entitles them. if you can suggest any thing better I...