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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO THOMAS RITCHIE. - 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 THOMAS RITCHIE.

New York, August 2, 1842.

Sir,—

In compliance with your request, I send you by mail a copy of the argument in support of the right of the United States to their North-Eastern boundary as heretofore claimed by them. I had been engaged in collecting the evidence and preparing the statements laid by the United States before the King of the Netherlands, and bestowed more time on that than I ever did on any other subject. I investigated it more thoroughly, I believe, than any other individual, and, I may be permitted to add, with a pure love of truth and justice and perfect impartiality. The result has been a thorough conviction that Great Britain had not even the shadow of a claim; and I think the equivalent offered to be inadequate. Yet, and though personally disappointed, I am clearly of opinion that the public interest requires that the treaty should be ratified.

England has been fifty years in possession of the inhabited part of the disputed territory, a circumstance which, connected with the award of the King of the Netherlands, renders it difficult for her government, even if so inclined, to do us justice, and would have its weight with any new arbiter that might be selected. The arrangement being founded on a supposed equivalent, the principal part of which is of an indefinite value, may be accepted without wounding the honor of the country. And since the acquiescence of Maine, the party most interested, removes the great obstacle to an accommodation, I would think it not only unwise in the present situation of the country, but quite unjustifiable, to run the risks incident to a failure of the pending negotiations.

It is unnecessary to dwell on the calamities and baneful effects of war, on its wickedness unless in defence of sacred rights; but the positive benefits arising from the confirmation of the arrangement deserve also consideration: 1. The settlement of this vexed question will have a tendency to create better feelings between two kindred but rival nations, and lead to a final adjustment of the other subjects of difference. 2. A period of peace is at this time of the highest importance to us, for the purpose of restoring not only the finances by equalizing the receipts and expenditures of the general government, but also the public credit—I should say the public faith—of the several States, as well as private credit and confidence, all which are prostrated to a degree which affects materially the national character.

I know the terms of the treaty only from the newspapers. A note in pencil on the map A, annexed to the pamphlet, will show how I understand them.

I have not received the Richmond Enquirer mentioned in your letter. Your determination not to be governed on this occasion by party feelings is highly commendable. The sacrifice, however, is not great. You may rely on the Whigs (so called) for destroying themselves without your aid. It is a second edition, not improved, of the conduct of the Federalists in 1798.

I have, &c.

Although I have nothing to conceal, at my advanced age (82) and with a weak health, I want quiet, and do not wish to be conspicuous in newspapers.