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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO GARRETT DAVIS. - 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 GARRETT DAVIS.

New York, February 16, 1848.

Dear Sir,—

I felt highly gratified by the favorable opinion you expressed of my attempt to promote the restoration of peace with Mexico on principles consistent with justice. The war cannot last much longer; but, with regret, I am compelled to say that most of the friends of peace care not what the terms may be, and that many, even of those who think that the war is unjust and was provoked by the United States, are imbued with the notion that our victories and conquests give us a right to extort from Mexico a part of its territory. Even General Taylor, whose military talents I admire, and whose character I respect, expresses a similar opinion in his letter to General Gaines. Have we, then, they say, fought, conquered, covered ourselves with glory, and all that for nothing? Even so; if you will be just, you have won the glory and nothing else. Yet I do not despair; for I have faith in our institutions and in the ultimate prevalence of truth. Indeed, even my essay (seeds thrown to the wind, some of which may fructify) has had a far greater circulation and has met with greater approbation than I had expected; and no one has attempted a direct refutation.

The lessons of history may not altogether be lost. Great Britain came out triumphant at the end of her long war against France, or rather against the French revolution. She was covered with glory, added Malta, the Ionian Islands, as many Dutch and French colonies as she pleased, to her dominion, dictated the conditions of a peace with her victorious army within the walls of her enemy’s metropolis, and, for the sake of France, restored to her the legitimate dynasty. In the mean while she completed the subjugation of an empire,—of India. And what has she in reality gained? An addition of five hundred millions sterling to her former debts, which imposes an enormous weight of oppressive taxation on the people, and has already crippled her resources and her power. And the result of the apparent extension of her commercial monopoly has been to enrich the few, to impoverish the poor, and occasionally to throw one million of people out of employment.

What shall be said of the notion of an empire extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the North Pole to the Equator? Of the destiny of the Anglo-Saxon race, of its universal monarchy over the whole of North America? Now, I will ask, which is the portion of the globe that has attained the highest degree of civilization, and even of power,—Asia, with its vast empires of Turkey, India, and China, or Europe, divided into near twenty independent sovereignties? Other powerful causes have undoubtedly largely contributed to that result; but this, the great division into ten or twelve distinct languages, must not be neglected. But all these allegations of superiority of race and destiny neither require nor deserve any answer; they are but pretences under which to disguise ambition, cupidity, or silly vanity.

I would be much gratified by a personal acquaintance with one whose great merit is well known to me. As you express a hope to that effect, it must be by your visiting this city; for now, in my eighty-eighth year, I travel no more. I would feel most happy to see you here, but it must not be deferred. Please to accept the assurance of my most distinguished consideration and personal regard. Your obedient and faithful servant.