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.

December 20, 1808.

The case of the schooner Concord, sold by J. Bell of Petersburg, to M. W. Hancock of Richmond.

I think it may be concluded from the letters of Hancock and the collector, that the purchase of the schooner has been a bonâ fide one; but it is not even alleged that he has purchased the cargo, but it appears on the contrary that Bell has the same concern in that as before. As, where a person has once evaded the embargo laws, we consider all subsequent shipments and proposed voyages by him to be with the fraudulent intention; the present shipment of the cargo of tobacco, before refused, being still the concern of Bell, must of course be still suspicious, and refused a permit. But the request of the purchaser of the schooner, that, after taking out the cargo, he may have a clearance for her to go in ballast to the district of Richmond, may be granted.