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 22, 1808.

The answer to the petition of Percival and others, praying that they may be permitted to send a vessel or vessels to take up their men from the desolate islands of the Indian Ocean, and thence to proceed on a trading voyage to Canton, &c., cannot but be a thing of course, that days having been publicly announced after which no permissions to send vessels to bring home property would be granted, which days are past long since, and the rule rigorously adhered to, it cannot now be broken through. If Congress continue the power, it will show that they mean it shall be exercised, and we may then consider on what new grounds permissions may be granted. Affectionate salutations.