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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.

Treasury Department, 2d March, 1808.

Dear Sir,—

I think that Congress might now decide whether they will give to the corporation the right of the United States, 1st, to the Batture; 2d, to the fortifications and ground contained between them and the houses; 3d, to the levy and ground contained between it and the houses. If they give the Batture, it may be done without any restrictions; but if they give either of the other portions of ground, which are extremely valuable, it must be under conditions, 1st, that the custom-house lot shall be reserved for the United States; 2d, that no other buildings shall be erected in front of the city; 3d, perhaps that the President should reserve what may be necessary for public use. Congress may also authorize the President to sell such lots, not disputed, as he may think proper. But would it not be best to confine ourselves for the present to the Batture, and to wait for the report of the commissioners? I have received a duplicate of all the papers which you sent this morning, the petition respecting the marine hospital excepted.

If you do not choose to send a special message, I may send the papers (excepting the petitions to yourself) to the land committee, of which Boyle is chairman; and they may act as they think proper.

I do not like much the idea of creating a special court for deciding the question of the Batture. If we give our right to the corporation, they may afterwards fight it with the courts as they please.

Respectfully, your obedient servant.