91From 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...
92From 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...
93From 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...
94From 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...
95From 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...
96From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to request that you cause an advance to be made to John Martin Baker of one thousand dollars, to be paid out of the fund appropriated for the Intercourse of the United States with Foreign Nations. The said Baker to be charged accordingly & held accountable. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
97From 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...
98From 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...
99From 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...
100From 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...