From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 September 1806

Dear Sir

Monticello. Sep. 2. 06.

Not having a copy of the laws of the last session here, I am obliged to ask information from yourself whether the opinion of your chief clerk, mentioned in Thos. Moore’s letter, be correct. it is certainly best not to draw the issuing of warrants out of their regular course, if the words of the law can possibly bear another construction. there is no case, but that of the contingent fund, where either reason, or the safety of the public interest, calls for any reference to the Executive for money warrants. my experience as to the fund for the public buildings has convinced me that both the public & the president are less secure in that mode: & even as to this last fund I should be glad to change the course if the words of the law will admit of it. Accept affectionate salutations.

Th: Jefferson

P.S. Be so good as to return the letter immediately that I may answer it.

NHi: Papers of Albert Gallatin.

This early access document derives from raw transcriptions, prior to editing and publication in Rotunda's American History Collection. If this document is cited in formal research, it should be noted that it is not a final version, and that the URL you used to access it is not permanent.
Please report any errors or problems you notice in documents.