44 CAPTAIN ZACHARY G. LAMSON 



the governors of the importing states, call- 

 ing attention to the law, and asking them 

 to give certificates in favor of any merchant 

 in whom they had confidence, whenever 

 they needed flour or provisions. 



It is necessary, writes Jefferson to Gal- 

 latin, "to consider every vessel as suspi- 

 cious which has on board any article of 

 domestic produce in demand at foreign 

 markets, especially provisions." 



The power granted by this act was used 

 by the President with unsparing severity. 

 Governors of states were informed by the 

 President that they were too liberal in their 

 permits, cities were told that their supply 

 of flour was sufficient, and if they wanted 

 more it must be for improper purposes, 

 and individuals were refused permits be- 

 cause they were not in sympathy with the 

 embargo. It is not probable that any state 



you deem it necessary that your present stock of flour be 

 enlarged, to take the trouble to give your certificate in 

 favor of any merchant in whom you have confidence, for 

 any amount you may deem necessary for consumption." 



