the rule of action with the executive. If this opinion should not
be your own, I would wish it to be expressed merely as that of the
executive. If it is your own also, you would of course give to the
arguments such a developement, as a case, incidental only, might render
proper.

I salute you with friendship and respect.

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XLV.--TO ALBERT GALLATIN, June 3, 1807


THOMAS JEFFERSON TO ALBERT GALLATIN.

I gave you, some time ago, a project of a more equal tariff on wines,
than that which now exists. But in that I yielded considerably to the
faulty classification of them in our law. I have now formed one with
attention, and according to the best information I possess, classing
them more rigorously. I am persuaded, that were the duty on cheap wines
put on the same ratio with the dear, it would wonderfully enlarge
the field of those who use wine, to the expulsion of whiskey. The
introduction of a very cheap wine (St. George) into my neighborhood,
within two years past, has quadrupled in that time the number of those
who keep wine, and will ere long increase them tenfold. This would be a
great gain to the treasury, and to the sobriety of our country. I will
here add my tariff, wherein you will be able to choose any rate of duty