TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
Monticello, September 9, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Your two letters of the 2d instant were read yesterday afternoon, and I now return you Penniman's and Gray's papers, and the New Orleans petition. Penniman's conduct deserves marked approbation, and there should be no hesitation about the expenses reasonably incurred. If all these people are convicted, there will be too many to be punished with death. My hope is that they will send me full statements of every man's case, that the most guilty may be marked as examples, and the less so suffer long imprisonment under reprieves from time to time.
Packet between Vermont and Canada.
I do not think this is a time for opening new channels of intercourse with Canada, and multiplying the means of smuggling, and am therefore against this proposition.
Mr. Gray's case.
His late rational and patriotic conduct would merit any indulgence consistent with our duty; but the reason and the rule against permitting long voyages at present, are insurmountable obstacles. It is to be hoped some circuitous means of sending his proofs can be found. A vessel may go from England as well as from here.
New Orleans Petition.
You know I have been averse to letting Atlantic flour go to New Orleans merely that they may have the whitest bread possible. Without honoring the motives of the petition, it gives us the fact that there is western flour enough for the New Orleans market. I would therefore discourage Atlantic cargoes to that place.
I send you the petition of Thomas Beatty for Samuel Glen, of Londonderry, for permission to load a vessel for Ireland. Mr. Beatty met me in the road in one of my daily rides. I gave his paper a hasty perusal, and, asking time for consideration, I told him I would enclose it to you, who would give the answer. On a more deliberate reading of it, I see nothing to exempt it from the general rules, according to which you will be so good as to dispose of it.
The cases from Charleston require consideration, and our regular post gives me, in fact, but one forenoon to answer letters. I will forward them to Mr. Theus by our extra post of the 13th.
I salute you with friendship and respect.