Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 19 May 1806

Washington 19th May 1806

Dear Sir

I have been detained till this day by business, connected with the Acts of last session, which could not be delayed till after my return. This compels us to postpone our intended visit to Monticello, as I have hardly time, before the 13th June when I must necessarily be here, to go home and transact some indispensible business not having been there these three years. Mrs. Gallatin and myself equally regret the disappointment, and she requests to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Randolph.

Not a single occurrence has taken place, connected with the Treasury Department, which is worth communicating.

Supposing the purchase of Florida not to be attainable, could not our Ministers be provisionally instructed to agree to some kind of convention on the basis of statu quo without affecting the claims of the parties, of the reciprocal freedom of navigation of the Mobile & of the Mississippi to Baton rouge, and of a ratification of the convention?

With respectful attachment Your obedt. Servt.

Albert Gallatin

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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