To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 3 February 1807
From Albert Gallatin
Treasury Department Feby 3d. 1807.
Sir,
The ship Brutus of New York, respecting which Genl. Turreau made a representation, has cleared out for Gonaive, an island in the vicinity of San Domingo, but not embraced by the Act prohibiting the intercourse with certain ports therein.1 This being a case not foreseen by the law, I have written a letter to the Chairman of the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, pointing out the several ways in which the Act has been or may be evaded, and for which it appeared practicable to apply a legislative remedy. A copy of the letter is enclosed for your information.2 I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, Sir, Your obedt. Servt
Albert Gallatin
RC and enclosure (DLC: Gallatin Papers). In a clerk’s hand, signed by Gallatin. RC and enclosure docketed by Wagner. For enclosure, see n. 2.
1. For the law suspending “commercial intercourse between the United States, and certain parts of the island of St. Domingo,” see U.S. Statutes at Large, 2:351–52.
2. The enclosure is a copy of Gallatin to Peter Early, 3 Feb. 1807 (2 pp.). Gallatin expressed his concerns that U.S. vessels sailed to Île de la Gonâve and Tortuga to trade with prohibited ports in Haiti. He inquired whether “foreigners coming into the U. States and purchasing vessels therein” should pay a bond to ensure that they would not trade with prohibited ports. Finally, he noted that vessels declaring U.S. destinations sailed illegally to prohibited ports. He recommended changes to the law to resolve such loopholes.