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Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO J. Q. ADAMS. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 2 [1879]

Edition used:

The Writings of Albert Gallatin, ed. Henry Adams (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1879). 3 vols.

Part of: The Writings of Albert Gallatin, 3 vols.

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GALLATIN TO J. Q. ADAMS.

No. 140.

Sir,

I had on the 9th of June, 1818, addressed a letter to the Duke de Richelieu in relation to the American vessels Dolly and Telegraph, burnt at sea by two French frigates in the latter end of the year 1811. Mr. Lagrange, the lawyer of the owners, communicated to me a short time ago the decision of the council of state in that case, copy of which, as well as of my letter to the Duke of Richelieu, is herewith enclosed. You will thereby perceive that the application for indemnity has been rejected, principally on the ground that the French captains must have been ignorant of the revocation of the Berlin and Milan decrees, since the decree of the 18th April, 1811, was not published till the 8th of May, 1812.

It appeared to me essential not only to remonstrate against this flagrant injustice, but also to refute at large the doctrine thus attempted to be established in violation of the solemn engagements of the French government. The effect the decision might have on our claims in general, and the ground which had been uniformly assumed by the government of the United States in its discussions with that of Great Britain, and in all the public reports made on that subject, are considerations too obvious to require any comment on my part. I have the honor to enclose a copy of the letter1 which I have addressed to Mr. Pasquier on the occasion, and am, with great respect, &c.

[1 ]This letter will be found in American State Papers, vol. v. (Foreign Relations) pp. 294-298.