51From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 5 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you 1. Dalton’s letter praying permission to send a vessel for property, on which you will be pleased to do for him what is done for others. 2. Trenchard’s from Passamaquoddy, & Williamson’s and Leonard’s from Barataria, merely for information of the state of things in those quarters. these letters belonging to the Navy department be so good as to return them to Mr. Smith direct. 3....
52From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter of information of what is passing on the Canada line. to prevent it is I suppose beyond our means; but we must try to harrass the unprincipled agents and punish as many as we can. I transmit also the petition of Tyson & James, millers of Baltimore for permission to send a load of flour to N. Orleans, to direct in it what is regular, for I do not see any circumstance in...
53From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 25 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the petition of Somes to do on it whatever is agreeable to general rule. Punqua Winchung, the Chinese mandarin, has I believe his headquarters at N. York, and therefore his case is probably known to you. he came to Washington just as I had left it, and therefore wrote to me praying permission to depart for his own country with his property in a vessel to be engaged by himself. I...
54From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 19 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from an applicant for the Reciever’s Office at Steubenville, who says that Biggs has resigned. this fact is not otherwise known to me. if true, who ought to be appointed, and may the appointment be deferred till we meet again. I send you also information of the habitual breaches of the embargo laws on the Canada line. an extract of my letter to Charles Pinckney is...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to read my letter to mr Smith, and then seal & send it with your own to the Post office? also to read the within rough draught to Genl. Sullivan & suggest any alterations you think proper. when mr Rodney’s opinion shall be printed I shall be glad a few copies, say half a dozen or a dozen. Affectionate salutations. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
56From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 12 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
1. Peyton Skipwith’s letter. I approve of the proposition to authorize the Collector of St. Mary’s or Savanna to permit vessels to bring to St. Mary’s such supplies as in his opinion are really wanted for the individuals applying, and where he has entire confidence no fraud will be committed. but the vessels should be reasonably proportioned to the cargo. should this be extended to...
57From 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...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In the case of the seamen left on Trinity isld. would it not be well to engage the identical seamen who left them? NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
59From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of a consultation with the Heads of Departments tomorrow at 11. Oclock, & that they will do him the favor to dine with him. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
60From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The circumstances in the cases of the Flensburg & Gregoire are so strong as to leave little doubt of fraud. it might be well to send copies of these letters to the French minister & Danish Consul. their respect for themselves will prevent further urgency NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
61From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 27 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your’s of the 23d. and now return you Woolsey’s & Astor’s letters. I send you one also which I have recieved from a mr Thorn on the evasions of the embargo on L. Champlain. the conduct of some of our officers there and of some excellent citizens has been very meritorious, and I will thank you to express any degree of approbation you think proper in my name for Capt. Mayo....
62From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Colo. Tatham recommending a Revd. mr Irving to be joined with himself in the survey of the coast, that you may avail yourself of any opportunity of enquiring into his fitness. can you give me any information as to the case of the Lowries stated in the within papers? I do not certainly see what they ask of me. if a pardon, and the case be proper for it, other...
63From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the papers of Fanning, Lesdernier & Sacket. with respect to Fanning’s case, the true key for the construction of every thing doubtful in a law, is the intention of the law-makers. this is most safely gathered from the words, but may be sought also in extraneous circumstances provided they do not contradict the express words of the law. we certainly know the legislature meant that...
64From 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...
65From 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...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed letter from a mr Wood of New York. I should suppose the fruits of Europe stood nearly on the ground of the Dry goods of Europe, not tempting evasion by exorbitant prices, nor defeating the object of the embargo in any important degree, even if a deviation should take place. I send it to yourself for decision and answer, in order that there may be an uniformity...
67From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In the outset of the business of Detentions, I think it impossible to form precise rules. after a number of cases shall have arisen, they may probably be thrown into groupes & subjected to rules. the great leading object of the legislature was, and ours in execution of it ought to be, to give compleat effect to the embargo laws. they have bidden Agriculture, Commerce, Navigation to bow before...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
case of the Flensburg. Our laws permit a foreigner to hold any property in our country except lands. a foreigner may contract for a ship to be built for him, so that she will be his from the time of laying the keel, or he may contract so as that she shall be his only when launched, or when rigged Etc. the act of delivery to him or his agent fixes in that case the moment when she becomes his...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The leading object of the inclosed application from the owners of the Topaz, is to send witnesses & documents to save the property of the ship & cargo siesed. but as the Topaz would be insufficient to bring home the whole property, if cleared, the permission to send a vessel may be on the ordinary ground of bringing home the property. but do the restrictions of the embargo laws (for I have...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My ideas on the questions relative to the Active, letter of marque stated in your letter of yesterday, are as follows. 1. Letters of marque have been considered ever since the decisions of 1793. to be of a mixed character, but that the commercial character predominates; and as a commercial vessel of private property we have in some case, since the proclamation of July, considered them as not...
71From 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...
72From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am giving in my last nominations to the Senate. the place of Surveyor at Richmond having become vacant during their session must be filled during the same. two persons are proposed, William Wardlaw, & Ryland Randolph, both excellent men & republicans, well known to me personally: the former a Medical man, at his ease, the latter in want, of higher standing, and probably would be quite...
73From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 19 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Sincerely sympathising in your distress which much experience in the same school has taught me to estimate, I could not have been induced to intrude on it by any thing short of the urgency of the case stated by Penniman on L. Champlain. Messrs. Robinson & Witherall tell me the whole of the business will be over early in May when the fall of the water renders the rapids impassable for rafts....
74From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 19 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We have concluded as follows. 1. that a letter from your department to the Collector on L. Champlain shall instruct him to equip & arm what vessels he can & may think necessary, and engage as many persons on board them as may be necessary & can be engaged voluntarily by force of arms or otherwise to enforce the law. 2. the Secretary of states writes to the Marshal, if the opposition to the law...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I should think mr Woodside’s application to send provisions for the family of our Consul at Madeira, admissible on the same ground as that lately to Favre, were the necessity as evident. but I suppose it can hardly be doubted that England will procure provisions for that island, and there is danger of one precedent in our relaxations begetting another till we may get out of the limits of the...
76From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
After such an abuse of his trust by Biggs, and the concealment and other circumstance attending it, I think we cannot justify continuing him in office; I therefore request you to avail us of the presence of mr Tiffin & Morrow to get a recommendation of a proper character. would Worthington be a proper one & willing to accept it. Affectte. salutns. Is your embargo bill given in? NHi : Papers of...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose that Favre can carry his necessary provisions from N. Orleans across the lake in a periogue or some other vessel, which may come under the exception of ‘vessels under the immediate direction of the President’ and that being an agent of the US. for the transmission of public intelligence, such a license is perfectly legitimate. if this were a matter of doubt, it’s solution would be to...
78From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Price’s letter respecting Pilch’s case, which we must recollect should the judge recommend him for pardon. For a successor to Stanford would it not be better to write to judge Polke and Dr. Cropper who recommended Standford and can be relied on to recommend a republican. mr Goldsborough would probably recommend Smith, the Scotch tory candidate of the former occasion, or some other...
79From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On the amendments to the embargo law, I am perfectly satisfied with whatever you have concluded on after consideration of the subject. my view was only to suggest for your consideration having not at all made myself acquainted with the details of that law. I therefore return you your bill and wish it to be proposed. I will this day nominate Elmer. the delegates of N.C. expect daily to recieve...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 31 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose it will be proper to institute an enquiry against Briggs the reciever at Cincinti. on the within. where the information is reasonably respectable, and names of witnesses given, it seems to become a duty. Affectte. salutations. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
81From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 31 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If, on considering the doubts I shall suggest, you shall still think your draught of a supplementary embargo law sufficient, in it’s present form, I shall be satisfied it is so, for I have but one hour in the morning in which I am capable of thinking and that is too much crowded with business to give me time to think. 1. is not the 1st paragraph against the constitution which says no...
82From 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...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Can mr Gallatin enable Th:J. yet to give to the Senate the information they asked respecting the paiment of the Detroit militia in Detroit bills? NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
84From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Would it not be better to direct the application to be made to the present judge, in order to have the practice in Maryland brought to an uniformity with that of the other states. probably if the present judge were informed what has been the opinion and practice of every other district judge in the Union except his predecessor, he would be disposed to respect more the former than the latter...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to furnish me with the documents or information for the Senate desired in the enclosed resolution NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
86From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Madison happening to call on me just now, I consulted him on the subject of Hoffman’s letter. we both think it would be neither just nor expedient that supplies necessary to the existence of the Indians should be cut off from them; and that if no construction of the embargo law will permit the passage of their commerce, and if that law could, & did intend to controul the treaty (the last...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a maxim of our municipal law and I believe of universal law that he who permits the end , permits of course the means without which the end cannot be effected. the law permitting rum, molasses & sugar to be imported from countries which have not packages for them, would be construed in the most rigorous courts to permit them to be carried. they would consider the restriction to ballast &...
88From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it will be impossible to form general rules for carrying into execution the 7th. section of the law of Mar. 12. without a fuller view of the number and nature of the cases which are to come under it. I have waited in expectation the applications would multiply so as to give one a general view, but have recieved but about half a dozen. but indeed nothing short of a knolege of all the...
89From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There have been several appmts of Marshal to N.C. all of whom have refused to accept. West has acted till lately, merely to give us time to procure one, & he has recommended a man about whom mr Macon & Turner have written & will get an answer in a fortnight. the meantime and addition of 400. D. to their emoluments may induce acceptance.—Peppin’s application appears unauthorised, but may he not...
90From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The act concerning revenue bonds was presented to me the night before last, signed yesterday, & will be deposited today. after an act is passed the clerk enrolls & the committee examine & report it at their leisure. they then keep them till they have others, so as to make one job only of the presenting them to me. those delays occasion often a considerable interval between the passage of a law...
91From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment recieved the embargo law, but I do not sign it till I have returned it to the Commee to correct 3 errors of enrollment one of which is material. this I can put off to tomorrow morning. in the mean time you can have it copied as if signed & dated tomow Mar. 12. only be so good as to let me have it again this evening or tomorrow morning NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
92From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment of Joseph Farrow as Keeper of the Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras is approved. DNA : RG 26—Light House Service.
93From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On considering the papers which James Brown sent us, containing a statement of the parcels of property in & adjacent to New Orleans to which the US. had claims, we thought it safest to await the report of the Commissioners, with their list of the property. the papers recieved yesterday by express from N.O. & now inclosed to you, give us a list of the property & the grounds of claim from the...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There is no source from whence our fair commerce derives so much vexation, or our country so much danger of war, as from forged papers & fraudulent voyages. nothing should, in my opinion, be spared either of trouble or expence on our part, to aid all nations in detecting and punishing them. I would therefore certainly direct mr Gelston to furnish Heinecker with every proof in his power, & to...
95From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed from the Secy. of the Navy are sent for your perusal that you may know the orders given, & instruct the Collectors accordingly. as soon as read be so good as to return them to me, that they may be sent back to the office to be forwarded. you know the difficulty & necessity of humoring the pride of military officers: the Collectors should be instructed to be delicate in this point...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written to mr Smith proposing to order a couple of gunboats from New York into the Delaware, and 2. from Norfolk to the head of the bay. I hope the passage of naval stores into Canada will be prevented. I inclose for your information the account of a silver mine to fill your treasury. Affectte. salutns. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
97From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you mr Brown’s papers respecting the public property in N. Orleans. I see nothing in them which is proper to lay before Congress until the Commrs. shall have decided in whom the property is. when we shall have a list of what is really ours Congress may be applied to to say what shall be done with it. after giving to the city what may be proper, and appropriating to their proper uses the...
98From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to propose any corrections to the within which you may think it needs? I think in your note of yesterday you must have meant Cahokia, which is nearly opposite St. Louis, instead of Kaskaskias. is the fact I state true, that the road proposed is conformable to the wishes and interests of the best settled parts of the state of Ohio? NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin.
99From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It would certainly be very desirable that our citizens should be able to draw home their property from beyond sea, and it is possible that mr Parish’s proposition might be instrumental to that. but it would be too bold an extension of the views of the legislature in the portion of discretion they have given us. they could not mean to give us so extensive a power of dispensation as would result...
100From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In questions like the present, important neither in principle nor amount, I think the Collectors should decide for themselves, and especially as they, and they only, are the legally competent judges: for I believe the law makes them the judges of the security. if the indulgence proposed be within the intentions of the law, they can grant it: if it be not, we cannot. but it is the practice in...