TO MR. GALLATIN.
November 3, 1808.
A press of business here prevented my sooner taking up the three bundles of papers now returned; and even now I judge of them from the brief you have been so good as to make so fully. This is an immense relief to me.
The Warbash Saline.
I think the applications from Nashville, &c., for a share of the salt had better not be complied with. I suspect we did wrong in yielding a similar privilege to Kentucky. There would be no end to the details of the partitionary plan, and it will only shift the gains into other hands, adding the unavoidable inequalities of distribution. Better leave the distribution to its former and ordinary course, and the benefits will taper off from the centre till lost by distance.
Indiana Lead Mines.
I think it would be well to authorize Governor Harrison to lease them to the present applicants,—the former ones declining.
Intrusions on Public Lands.
I suspect you have partly forgotten what was agreed on the other day. 1. Notice was agreed to be given by a register to be appointed to all intruders on the Tennessee purchase, to disclaim or remove; and in the spring troops are to be sent to remove all non-compliers. Those on the Indian lands (except Double-heads) to be absolutely removed without the privilege of disclaimer. 2. As to the intruders on Red River, we agreed to leave them and get Congress to extend the land law to them.
I think it will be better you should write to Governor Williams about the appointment of officers. Things casually incidental to a main business belonging to another department, had better be made the subject of a single instruction. I am sure the Secretary of State will thank you to take the trouble. Affectionate salutations.