Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow W. H. CRAWFORD TO GALLATIN. - The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 1

Return to Title Page for The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 1

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Economics
Subject Area: Political Theory

W. H. CRAWFORD 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.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


W. H. CRAWFORD TO GALLATIN.

Paris, September 22, 1813.

Dear Sir,—

Within a few days past I have received a letter from General La Fayette, addressed to you respecting his lands in Louisiana. Mr. Parish has informed him that the patents have been sent out by the Neptune. He states that he received his information from the President. The general is particularly anxious to get the patents for two thousand acres in the neighborhood of New Orleans. I understand he has made a very advantageous sale of this land, and that unless he procures the patents by the end of the year the contract will become void. He has applied to me to certify that the patents have issued, under an expectation that such a certificate would be satisfactory to the purchaser. My knowledge of the fact is too vague to admit of my giving such a certificate. If you have the patents in your possession, they may be sent with perfect safety from Copenhagen.

If they have been issued but not sent, I will thank you to state that fact, and particularly everything which relates to the two thousand acres upon the island of Orleans, as I am solicitous to render him service in this matter.

My situation here has undergone no change since the date of my letter to Mr. Adams, which I presume he communicated to you. I have received no answer to the communications referred to in that letter. The operations of the war will, no doubt, postpone my public reception until the winter. Before that time I cannot expect to make any considerable progress in the discussion of the claim for indemnity, if indeed I ever do. I presume you have received as late information from the United States as I have. Our frigate on the lake was ready for service on the 20th of July. Theirs had been upon the lake at least six weeks before, and had put an entire stop to our military operations. Indeed, there seems to be so little talent for command in our armies, that it requires no insurmountable obstacle to stop their advances. It is astonishing that they should suffer themselves to be surprised by an enemy who is flying before them. The capture of Chandler and Winder, on the 6th of June, is an astonishing event. Within twelve miles of the enemy’s camp they are surprised in the night and taken prisoners, although the enemy is repulsed. Since that event they have remained in and about Fort George, acting on the defensive. The last news from the Western country states that the British and Indians have again besieged Fort Meigs in the absence of Harrison. This man’s talents must have been greatly overrated. He flatters the Kentuckians, and they tell the government he ought to be made a major-general, and he is made one. His official communications, stating the operations of the siege of Fort Meigs during the first days of May, are the most vague and puerile productions which I have ever seen. Nothing was done during that siege which merited approbation, and yet he praises every man and everything that was done. If Leonidas could rise from the dead and bestow the just meed of praise upon his immortal band of heroes, it would not exceed that which Harrison has bestowed upon his officers and men in his orders of the day and in his official reports to the War Department. There is, moreover, a total want of perspicuity in all these reports. His great desire to release the Kentucky prisoners, amounting to more than five hundred, induced him to consent to a general exchange of prisoners, although the number in his possession exceeded that of the Americans in the hands of the enemy. From an examination of his daily reports of the siege, it does not appear that he had made one hundred prisoners. How, then, could he have more prisoners than the enemy?

We shall never be successful while our troops are commanded by such men. For God’s sake, when you return, endeavor to rid the army of old women and blockheads, at least on the general staff.

If I knew you had the means of deciphering a letter written in cipher, I would present you with a full view of the prospect there is of bringing the negotiation with this government to a conclusion; but, as I am ignorant of this fact, I shall conclude this letter by wishing you and your colleagues a successful issue to your ministerial labors, and a safe and speedy return to your country and friends. With sentiments of the highest regard, I am, sir, yours, &c.