To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 5 May 1808
5 May 1808
N. Orleans
As several similar applications may be made during the absence of the President some general rule should be adopted.
I would submit that in cases which may be recommended by the collectors, particularly regular packets or traders, the permission to sail should be given provided that provisions & lumber make no part of the cargo; reserving the permissions for flour for the application recommended by the Governor of N. Orleans.
A. G.
The return cargoes in cotton must be permitted: otherwise the price of all the Western Cotton will fall lower, for want of capital in Orleans to purchase & hold.
DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.