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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, 5th August, 1808.

Dear Sir,—

I forgot to enclose in my last the letters from Barnstable and Boston respecting the violations of the embargo; they are now enclosed. I have not heard whether the Navy Department had, after receiving General Dearborn’s and my letter, made any arrangements to send cruising vessels and gunboats to the northward.

The enclosed letter from Mr. Woolsey gives a better account of the violations along our northern line than we had yet received; and it is important in other respects, particularly as relates to the force at Montreal and vicinity.

Colonel Wynne complains, in his enclosed letter, of what is in fact the result of Collector Tredwell’s strictness in complying with instructions. I have always feared that North Carolina would be shaken by the embargo; and the nature of their cargoes, all suspicious articles (provisions, naval stores, and lumber), renders the general measures adopted to prevent frauds more oppressive than elsewhere. Yet how to discriminate I do not know.

I have complied with your directions respecting the Chinese, and he has engaged Astor’s vessel, to whom we had on general grounds refused permission. Had I had any discretion as to the application itself, I would have hesitated; for I apprehend that there is some speculation at bottom, and every deviation from the general rules is considered as favoritism and excites dissatisfaction.

On the Spanish business it may be premature to form conjectures in its relations with ourselves and with its probable effect on the conduct of the belligerent powers. I think, however, that we may take it for granted that the colonies will, under any possible result in Spain, be in alliance with England and at war with France during the remainder of the maritime war. Judging of the feelings of our nation by our own, we may also safely infer that the cause of a nation trying to assert its independence will be popular in the United States, and that France will in proportion become still more unpopular. There is one point to which perhaps immediate attention should be paid. It is possible that in the course of events it may very soon become indispensable, to prevent a greater evil, that we should occupy at least that part of Florida which we had claimed, viz., Baton Rouge and Mobile; and we ought, I think, to be ready on the spot for such a contingency, which, if it takes place, will probably leave no room for delay.1

With respectful attachment, your obedient servant.

[1 ]See Jefferson’s Works, v. 336.