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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

MADISON TO GALLATIN. - 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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MADISON TO GALLATIN.

Montpelier, September 12, 1810.

Dear Sir,—

I have received your favor of the 5th, enclosing one from Mr. Astor. Whatever personal confidence may be due to him, or public advantage promised by his projected arrangement with the Russian Fur Company, there is an obvious difficulty in furnishing the official patronage which he wishes, whether the arrangement be regarded as of a public or of a private character. In the former, it would require the solemnities of a treaty; in the latter, it would be a perplexing precedent, and incur the charge of partiality; and in either, is forbidden by the proposed article depriving others, under the description of transient traders, of the common rights of American citizens. Although the Russian government or the Fur Company may make such a distinction of themselves, it would be wrong for this government to be a party to it: first, because it would favor a monopoly, contrary to constitutional principles; next, because in a general and political view such distinctions from foreign sources are justly regarded as an evil in themselves. The most that seems admissible would be an instruction to Mr. Adams to promote the opening of the Russian market generally to the articles which are now excluded, and which may be exported from the United States. To such an instruction no objection occurs; and, if it be thought advantageous, may be given. In the mean time I shall not send Mr. Astor’s letter to the Department of State, nor take any step till I hear again from you. Mrs. M. sends her best regards to Mrs. Gallatin. Accept my best wishes.

The sooner you send to Mr. J. the Batture paper, the better, as the use of it by his counsel is expedient; and I am not sure that the session of the court may not be near. I shall be at Monticello in a day or two, and will explain the delay as you desire.