To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 26 December 1801
From Albert Gallatin
Decer. 26th 1801
Dear Sir
No letter directed to me is opened by the Clerks, unless they are endorsed with the words “Custom house,” which designates the species of letters called public, meaning thereby the weekly or monthly returns—
All the persons nominated as inspectors are, Thomas Worthington excepted, officers of the external revenues appointed in relation to certificates for spirits, teas & wines. His nomination should be suspended.
I enclose another letter from Mr Gerry. His brother’s case is so strong & so public, that I do not know how a removal can be avoided. We cannot remove any man for delinquency if we pass over this one. But, if you please, we may converse with Mr Lincoln & perhaps Dr. Eustis before you decide. With sincere respect
Your obedt Servt
Albert Gallatin
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Treasury Department on 26 Dec. and “Inspectors Gerry’s case” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found.
Opened by the Clerks: for Gallatin’s contention that the information in the letter to William Heth published in the Washington Federalist did not come from the Treasury Department, see Gallatin to TJ, 24 Dec. Persons Nominated as Inspectors: see the preceding document.