TO MR. GALLATIN.
April 19, 1808.
We have concluded as follows:
1st. That a letter from your department to the collector on Lake Champlain, shall instruct him to equip and arm what vessels he can and may think necessary, and luggage as many persons on board them as may be necessary, and can be engaged voluntarily by force of arms, or otherwise, to enforce the law.
2d. The Secretary of State writes to the Marshall, if the opposition to the law is too powerful for the collector, to raise his posse, (which, as a peace officer, he is fully authorized to do on any forcible breach of the peace,) and to aid in suppressing the insurrection or combination.
3d. The Secretary at War desires the Governor, if the posse is inadequate, to publish a proclamation with which he is furnished, and to call on the militia. He is further, by a private letter, requested to repair to the place, and lend the aid of his counsel and authority according to exigencies.
We have further determined to build two gun-boats at Skanesborough. Affectionate salutations.
P. S. General Dearborne has Penniman's letter to copy for the Governor.