Dallas, Alexander James (1759-1817) to Alexander James Dallas, Jr.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02505.14 Author/Creator: Dallas, Alexander James (1759-1817) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 October 1810 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; docket ; 24.8 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Dallas as U.S. District Attorney for eastern Pennsylvania to his 19-year-old son Alexander James Dallas, Jr. The father wanted his son to pass this letter along to the Port Collector. In reference to the slave trading ship "Eugenia." It appears the ship was captured for violating the 1808 law against the international slave trade. Dallas does not believe proceedings can be taken against Captain Calderon unless he is a citizen or resident of the United States. Dallas mentions that Mr. Newton, who appears to be Calderon's attorney, has filed suit and has gotten Calderon discharged without bail. Recommends backing off until more information and evidence can be collected from the Collector of Delaware or if documents from Mr. Newton can be obtained. The ship was probably in Philadelphia when this was written.
Dallas became Secretary of the Treasury in October 1814 and served until 1816. He reorganized the Treasury Department, lowered the federal debt, created a surplus, and moved the nation back to a specie payment system. He also championed legislation for the creation of the Second Bank of the United States and obtained the passage of a protective tariff. From March 1815 to December 1815 he served as acting Secretary of War and helped carry out James Monroe's plan for the creation of military outposts on the western frontier. In 1815 he also served briefly as the temporary Secretary of State. His son George Mifflin Dallas was the Vice President under James K. Polk.
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