To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph H. Nicholson, 19 November 1804
From Joseph H. Nicholson
Novr. 19. 1804
Sir
I have this morning laid before the Committee a short Sketch of the several Provisions contained in the Bill which you sent me. These are fully approved of, but as the Business of the Gun Boats is likewise committed to us, I think it would be better to engraft the whole in the same Bill, in order that one View of the subject may be presented. May I therefore beg the Favor of you to state to me the Number of Boats wanted, the manner in which they are to be disposed of, how to be officered, mann’d and equipt; in fine such Information as will enable me to meet your Wishes—
I have the Honor to be most respectfully Yr. Ob. Servt.
Joseph H. Nicholson
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Nov. and so recorded in SJL.
Bill which you sent me: Bill for Preservation of Peace in Harbors and Waters of the United States, at 22 Oct.
Business of the Gun Boats: Nicholson chaired a select committee tasked with such part of TJ’s annual message “as relates to the defence and security of our ports and harbors, and supporting within our waters the authority of our laws” (, 5:11).