61To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Cleveland being at the mouth of Cayuga, the Huron river at the mouth of which the Ohio militia have been landed, is certainly that which empties into Lake Erie between the rivers Cayuga & Sandusky. The letter being dated 27th instt., Huntingdon cannot be expected within less than a week. In the mean while I am most decidedly of opinion that no information he may bring, can or ought to alter...
62To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 11 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
The exchange of places which you suggested would, in my opinion, have a most salutary effect on the conduct of the war: but, on mature reflection, I apprehend that it would not satisfy public opinion and would be more liable to criticism than almost any other course that could be adopted. Respectfully Your’s RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. The details of this proposed change have not been found,...
63To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 1 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
I send the two paragraphs. I believe the whole to be sufficiently distinct, with the exception perhaps of the last sentence of the first paragraph. If the forfeitures are not remitted at all, there will be considerable injustice, great discontent, & 8 to 10 millions of dollars put in the pocket of the collectors. If they are altogether remitted, the importers will make unreasonable profits, &...
64To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 19 November] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Memoranda Mr Armstrong’s letter 1. Preference to be given to contracts for supplying the army with provisions. This is so indubitable that how any hesitation on the subject could take place is not easily understood. That branch of military expenditure is the only one (pay excepted) which is well administered & under a good accountability. If it was practicable to extend the same system (of...
65To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 19 November] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Is it proper to enlist volunteers, under the existing act, for local & special services? Is not this a distinct organisation such as was contemplated when thinking of a local force? And would it not be better to have a general law for that object, reserving the volunteers for more active service? If Gen. A. is not controlled, he will draw for the defence of New York a much larger permanent...
66To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter asserts positively that Hutchinson is warmly attached to the present administration. That from his connections & residence at Lisbon, he will be the most respectable & best appointment, I really believe. On those grounds, permit me once more to renew my application in his behalf. Cathcart is already placed, & will certainly give much less satisfaction to the commercial part...
67To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 12 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
In support of the suggestions heretofore made against permitting Gen. Armstrong to raise a volunteer force on different principles from those recognized by law and adopted elsewhere, I enclose 3 advertisements from the late New York papers. Whilst such improper encouragement is given for a local force, it will be impossible to recruit for the army or for general purposes; and the general...
68To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [4 January] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I do not believe that the appointmt. of Govr. Tompkins would be either eligible or calculated to inspire confidence. No person thinks him equal to the place at such time as this. The office requires first abilities & frightens those who know best its difficulties. Dearborn & Mr Monroe have shrunk from it, & so will, I suspect, Crawford. Respectfy. Yours RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison...
69To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 7 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Since, from this morning’s conversation, it appears that the choice of a Secy. of War must fall on Govr. Tompkins or on Gen. Armstrong, permit me to state the reasons which, after fixing my thoughts on those two gentlemen alone, incline me in favour of the last. Personally acquaintted with both, I feel no hesitation in saying that as respects talents & military knowledge, Gen. Armstrong is...
70To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 7 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1813. “I enclose the usual account of the contingent expences of Govt.—which is sent by yourself to each house of Congress. The triplicate remains with you.” RC and enclosure ( DLC ); enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). RC 1 p.; docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1. JM transmitted the message in a letter...