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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO JEFFERSON. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 1 [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 JEFFERSON.

Washington, 13th April, 1807.

Dear Sir,—

I hope this will find you safely arrived at Monticello, and that this short relaxation from public cares will completely re-establish your health. I give this day to Mr. Madison the result of my inquiries respecting the whole number of our seamen and the proportion of British subjects amongst them. You will find this last to be larger than we had estimated, and, though conjectural, rests, however, on the only data we now possess. My conclusion is that a provision similar to that suggested, viz., an engagement on our part to employ no British sailors, would materially injure our navigation, much more indeed than any restrictions which, supposing no treaty to take place, they could lay upon our commerce. Nor will it be worth while to purchase at that price any of the suggested improvements in the commercial part of the treaty, because the curtailing of our navigation by that measure would effectually prevent our enjoying the advantages which might otherwise result from such modifications. The question, it seems to me, will be merely whether we will make that sacrifice in order to obtain an abandonment of the practice of impressing hereafter. And upon a reconsideration of the subject, the fact as to numbers and consequences being very different from what we had apprehended, I think the sacrifice too great for the object. Unless, therefore, it be believed that a failure in the treaty will lead to hostilities, or to a state of things equivalent thereto, it appears to me improper to offer the proposed arrangement. I am strengthened in the opinion by the views of the commercial articles which have been lately presented by General Smith, Captain Jones, &c. For, as the modifications to be attempted were not to be considered as ultimate, we may, from past experience, infer that they will not be obtained, and we shall then have made a very great sacrifice in order to preserve a very bad treaty. Should you, however, upon a view of the whole ground, be of opinion that it is better to abandon the British sailors than to run the risk of the consequences which may follow a rejection of the treaty, I would suggest the propriety of making not only that provision as ultimatum, but to add to it at least the expunging of the East India article and such modification or explanation of the fifth and of the colonial article as will free them from ambiguity, confining expressly the reciprocity of freedom of commerce and equalization of duties to articles the produce of British dominion in Europe imported into the United States from Europe in British vessels, and so explaining the colonial article that it may not be susceptible of any construction which would deprive us of any of the branches of trade (such as carrying nankeens and other China articles to the West Indies, &c.) which we have heretofore enjoyed without molestation.

If, on the other hand, the British government will evince its disposition to be on good terms with us by agreeing to the arrangement respecting seamen on the principles which have heretofore been proposed to them, I would think that provision so desirable that, after every attempt to modify the most exceptionable parts of the treaty had failed, I would swallow it for the sake of that article.

The collector of Savannah, whom Milledge had given to us, has paid nothing for some time, and I am informed by the branch bank that he had lodged there but an inconsiderable part of the revenue bonds. This renders it necessary that an investigation of his accounts, bonds on hand, and moneys received should take place immediately, and I will authorize Alger, the commissioner of loans, and perhaps the district attorney, to do it.

If they discover a defalcation, it will be necessary to take the collection from him immediately, as it amounts to about six thousand dollars a week. But as we have no successor ready, I would in that case propose that he should be notified that he is removed, which, until a successor is appointed, would place the collection in the hands of the naval officer or surveyor. If you approve the plan, be pleased to state it, as it is in your name that I must notify him that he is removed. Mr. Alger, the commissioner of loans, whom I mean to employ in the inquiry, has behaved very well as a public officer, but I know nothing of the district attorney, whose name is Bulloch. If you recollect anything of him which may show whether he may be joined in the investigation, I would thank you to communicate.

Answers have been received from Bishop Madison, and from Messrs. Patterson, Garnett, and Hassler, respecting the surveying of the coast. I expect daily to hear from Ellicott and Briggs, and will not transmit the letters till all have been received. They will require examination, as there seem to be some points on which they differ.

I enclose a letter from a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, enclosing a rough copy of the Act for the Cumberland road. Although the words “if such an alteration can, in the opinion of the President, be made consistently with the Act of Congress,” are neither very intelligible nor very proper, yet, as in the conflict of local interests and the silent but steady opposition of Philadelphia, this was the best that could be obtained, and the Act explicitly authorizes the President to lay the road over any ground in the State which he may deem most advantageous, I think the Act should be accepted. The two last sections are only intended to prevent owners of land asking exorbitant prices for timber, stones, gravel, &c., wanted for the road. The immense importance of that road, as part of a great Western travelling road, and principally as the main communication for the transportation of all the foreign or Atlantic articles which the Western States consume, and even for the carriage of Western flour and produce to the Potomack, induce me strongly to wish that that part particularly which lies between the Potomack and the Monongahela may be completed in the most substantial manner. And for that purpose I think that the best application of the money already appropriated will be, commencing at Cumberland, to make in the most complete manner just so many miles as the money will pay for. I do not suppose that will effect more than five or six miles; but I have no doubt of Congress appropriating then enough to finish it; and as a national object it is of primary importance. Ten thousand tons will be carried westwardly annually, and perhaps one hundred thousand barrels of flour brought back. I think the annual saving in expenses of transportation will exceed two hundred thousand dollars. Two letters respecting the robbery of public moneys at Cincinnati are enclosed.

With sincere attachment and great respect, your obedient servant.