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Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO JOSEPH H. NICHOLSON. - 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 JOSEPH H. NICHOLSON.

Washington, 29th December, 1808.

Dear Sir,—

* * * * * * *

William Nicholson is well, and very obedient, both to Mrs. G. and myself. But the poor little fellow is very backward. I will do with him as well as I can. At present, however, I cannot attend to any personal concerns: never was I so overwhelmed with public business. That would be nothing if we went right. But a great confusion and perplexity reigns in Congress. Mr. Madison is, as I always knew him, slow in taking his ground, but firm when the storm arises. What I had foreseen has taken place. A majority will not adhere to the embargo much longer; and if war be not speedily determined on, submission will soon ensue. This entirely between us. When will you be here? We expect you, and the sooner the better. Exclusively of the pleasure we always have in seeing you, rely upon it that your presence will at this crisis be useful. I actually want time to give you more details, but I will only state that it is intended by the Essex junto to prevail on the Massachusetts Legislature, who meet in two or three weeks, to call a convention of the five New England States, to which they will try to add New York; and that something must be done to anticipate and defeat that nefarious plan.

Yours sincerely.

GALLATIN TO JEFFERSON.

Department Treasury, January 10, 1809.

Dear Sir,—

It is necessary to prepare instructions in conformity with the 10th Section of the new Embargo Act. I presume that, the bond being now increased to six times the amount of vessel and cargo, the general instructions must only relate to unusual shipments, either in quantity or kind; that is to say, that the collectors ought not to permit the lading or transportation of any articles which it has been unusual to ship to the ostensible port of destination, nor in larger quantities than has been usual.

But it may be proper to be more particular in some respects. The most suspicious articles are, 1, cotton; 2, lumber and naval stores; 3, provisions, especially flour. Will any more strict instructions be requisite in relation to those?

I think that we might forbid the reshipment of either cotton or lumber; that is to say, that we would let cotton go from Savannah to New York, but never from New York to any other port.

And the same regulation might do for provisions, with few exceptions, such as from one part of the State to another, within the same bay, river, or sound, &c.

The next point which will require instructions is what relates to calling military force or militia, under the 11th Section.

I perceive no other mode than that you should authorize each collector, in the cases stated in the section, to call either on military force of United States, if any within his district, or on such part of the militia as he may himself select. Some general caution may be added.

But it is necessary to know whether, at any time, militia has been called without first applying to the governor; and how far it may be eligible, if it has never been done, to do it in this instance. What was the mode pursued under the Act of 1794, vol. 3, pages 91, 92?

No instructions went from the Treasury in relation to calling militia. I presume that they were sent by the War Department. Those points require immediate and deliberate consideration, as we may expect some actual resistance in ports (in Massachusetts) distant from the governor’s residence, and where there should be no delay in repelling such forcible opposition. If it be concluded to make the governor the medium, he must be requested to give orders in each collection district to the militia to act on receiving notification from the collectors.

Respectfully, your obedient servant.