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Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO MADISON. - 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 MADISON.

December 12, 1812.

Dear Sir,—

In support of the suggestions heretofore made against permitting General Armstrong to raise a volunteer force on different principles from those recognized by law and adopted elsewhere, I enclose three advertisements from the late New York papers.

Whilst such improper encouragement is given for a local force it will be impossible to recruit for the army or for general purposes; and the general object of providing an efficient offensive force will be sacrificed to a local object. This mode also destroys the general plan of a local force, which is founded on the practicability of raising men to be paid only when employed, or in proportion to their time of service. But here full pay, &c., are promised for local services not to exceed five or eight days in each month. This does indubitably secure, at an enormous expense, for General A. all the force he wishes; but every other consideration, of economy, uniformity, and even of the recruiting service, is sacrificed to that sole object.

Respectfully, your obedient servant.