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1816, US Treasury Letter by Alexander J. Dallas

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Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War

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1816 US Treasury Letter Stating American Maritime Policy

July 3, 1816, Letter from Alexander J. Dallas Detailing Treasury Department Policy Regarding the War of Independence in Latin America, Original Manuscript Secretarial Copy, Choice Extremely Fine.
This is a handwritten letter by Alexander J. Dallas, being a secretarial copy of the original, one folded sheet, written on three sides, 10" x 16" (unfolded). Clearly written in brown ink on light pink paper and easy to read, this letter was apparently written to someone named W. Dallas. This letter states that vessels from Spanish American colonies engaged in an Independence War against Spain should not be denied entry and exit from United States ports and are covered under the treaties between Spain and the United States. Dallas also states that Latin American merchant vessels in revolt against Spain should not be considered pirate vessels, as piracy and revolt are two different activities. He also states that American goods may be sold or transported on these merchant vessels, but they should not be outfitted for war nor have their existing military strength enhanced while in an American port. This letter reads in part:

"Treasury Department - 3 July 1816 - Sir - Your letter of the 29th of May has been submitted to the consideration of the President .... There is no principle of the laws of nations, which requires us to exclude from our ports, the subjects of a foreign power in a state of insurrection against their own government .... Piracy is an offense against the law of nations .... but an act of revolt or rebellion against a sovereign, must not be confounded with an act of piracy .... no vessels must be fitted for war, the force of armed vessels must not be augmented, and military enterprises must not be set on foot within the territory or jurisdiction the United States ...."

Strangely, according to Dallas, the rebels in Latin America are covered by provisions of the Louisiana Purchase treaty. A valuable letter full of important content.



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