To James Madison from Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., 18 January 1812 (Abstract)
§ From Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr.
18 January 1812, Zanesville. Transmits a copy of a resolution of the Ohio state legislature “on the Subject of the Contemplated Canal between the river Hudson and the great Lakes.”1
RC, two copies, and enclosure (DLC). RC 1 p. Second RC addressed to “The Hon: The President of the Senate of the United States” and docketed by JM. Printed enclosure 1 p. RC and enclosure printed in , Miscellaneous, 2:178.
1. Meigs enclosed a three-part resolution approved by the Ohio General Assembly on 17 Jan. 1812. First, the assembly endorsed the New York canal proposal as “a project of national concern,” resolving “that the accomplishment of such a project … would have the most extensive and beneficial effects, by facilitating the intercourse between remote parts of the United States; diminishing the expence of transportation, thereby rendering the produce of our country more valuable, the price of foreign commodities cheaper, and that its tendency would be to encourage agriculture, manufactures, internal commerce, and to strengthen the bond of union between the states.” Second, the assembly resolved “that it would be expedient for the expence of said canal to be provided for by the United States, in such manner as they shall think proper, and that the same be free from toll or transit duty.” Third, the assembly instructed the governor to transmit copies of the foregoing to the president of the United States, the president of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the governor of New York, and the Ohio congressional delegation.