The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private

by Thomas Jefferson

TO MR. GALLATIN.

October 18, 1808.

I think that none of the circumstances, preceding the passage of the embargo law, stated by Mr. Lorent, make any part of his case. The misfortunes entering into the preceding history of that property, not flowing from any act of this government, authorizes no claims on it. The embargo law excepted from its own operation articles then laden on board a foreign ship, without distinguishing between articles of foreign or national property. It subjected to its operation all articles, whether foreign or national property, not then laden on board any foreign ship. Mr. Lorent's property was not then laden on board of any foreign ship, is therefore within the words of the law, and as certainly within its purview. It is not one of those cases which, though within the words of the law, were notoriously not within its intention, and are therefore relievable by an equitable exercise of discretionary power. Affectionate salutations.