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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.

New York, 26th August, 1807.

Dear Sir,—

You have, I presume, heard of the death of the commissioner of loans of Connecticut. I have not received any applications on the subject, but doubtless you have; and I will only observe that it is an office which must be filled immediately, as, no deputy being allowed, everything is at a stand-still until a successor be appointed. If you have obtained sufficient information, it would be eligible that you should direct the Department of State to issue the commission on receipt of your letter, and to give it to my principal clerk, Ed. Jones, who will transmit it.

I have had nothing heretofore to communicate. The banks have been sounded on the subject of loans, and have generally answered favorably. Information has been collected and the opinion of the presidents of insurance companies confidentially taken respecting our trade beyond the Cape of Good Hope. The amount now out in that quarter is estimated at 15 or 20 millions, of which at least three-fifths are not expected till March next. It is agreed that no information can be given to the Calcutta vessels without creating an alarm which would increase the danger; and that the proper place to meet the Batavia and Canton vessels is Anger Point, in the Straits of Sunda, as there is not time to go to Canton. I have transmitted the whole to Mr. Smith, in order that he may give the proper instructions to the public vessel to be despatched. There is such variety of opinions here on the subject of fortifications, and those so much influenced by Federalism and local politics, that it is difficult to unite even our friends in favor of one rational plan. I think, however, that I have succeeded in defeating the extravagant and inefficient plan of defending the Narrows which the corporation (this year Federal) intended to promote, either on their own bottom or probably in order to raise a clamor against government. Colonel Williams was unfortunately drawn in to favor the plan, for which engineers, fond of displaying their talents, have some predilections. I will also, I hope, be able to collect such correct information respecting the channels and soundings as may enable us to judge whether anything rational is practicable, and I doubt not the ultimate concurrence of all our friends here in what you may, in case of an additional appropriation, decide upon, [the banks?] agreeing to lend the money, if wanted, so [as not] to interfere with our general arrangements.

Should any information reach you tending to alter or confirm our opinions of the result of our demands for reparation, I will thank you to communicate it early, as it may affect the Treasury operations, particularly in relation to the purchases of public debt.

Respectfully, and with sincere attachment, your obedient servant.