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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, 27th July, 1808.

Dear Sir,—

Towards the end of the last session of Congress, and after your interview with Hoge on the subject of the Western road, I had suggested that from respect to the State of Pennsylvania, and considering the manner also in which the subject had been treated last winter in the Legislature of that State, it would be expedient to instruct the commissioners to survey and locate from Brownsville westwardly, both to Wheeling and through Washington to some other spot on the Ohio, reporting both surveys to you for your determination. It was my impression that you had acquiesced, and would instruct the commissioners to that effect. I find, however, that it has not been done, and I seriously fear the consequences at this time. Did I not believe the course which I have mentioned to be perfectly proper, I certainly would not recommend it merely on account of those consequences. Permit me, however, to state that the county of Washington, with which I am well acquainted, having represented it six years in Congress, gives a uniform majority of about 2000 votes in our favor, and that if this be thrown, by reason of this road, in a wrong scale, we will infallibly lose the State of Pennsylvania at the next election; for the imprudent steps taken there seem unavoidably to lead to three distinct electoral tickets. I have been reminded of this subject by the enclosed letter from an influential and steady Republican of that county. And as it respects the road itself, I will add, 1st, that a thorough examination seems due to the law of the State; 2d, that the difference in point of distance will be even less than stated in the enclosed letter, if the Ohio be struck at Short Creek instead of Wheeling,—say about ½ mile to any given point, westwardly, Cincinnati, or any other; 3d, that the important part of this Western road terminates at Brownsville, on the Monongahela, and that its continuation, which is sufficient to agitate all that country, will never require much expense, as it will be only a travelling and not a transportation road. Indeed, the question, as it relates to the public interest, is in every respect so extremely insignificant, that I am very desirous that it should not be permitted to do much positive evil.

Will you have the goodness to consider the subject? And if you approve, I can write to the commissioners to make the examination of both routes for your decision.1

With sincere respect and attachment, your obedient servant.

[1 ]See the reply to this letter in Jefferson’s Works, v. 333, dated 6th August, 1808.