Indeed I should consider such a vote as a charge, in the face of the nation, calling for a serious and public defence of myself. I send you a copy, that you may retain it, and make such use of it among our friends as your prudence and friendship will deem best. I salute you with great affection and respect. TO MR. GALLATIN. February 28, 1808. There is no source from whence our fair commerce derives so much vexation, or our country so much danger of war, as from forged papers and fraudulent voyages. Nothing should, in my opinion, be spared, either of trouble or expense on our part, to aid all nations in detecting and punishing them. I would therefore certainly direct Mr. Gelston to furnish Heinecher with every proof in his power, and to assure him that it shall be done on all occasions. Would it not be well to give this assurance to all the foreign consuls? It would at least show the world that this government does not countenance those frauds; and should not instructions be given to all the collectors to furnish all proofs in their power on demand? The three Englishmen will, I presume, be punished by the laws of Holland, either as spies, or prisoners of war. If their laws will not take hold of our scoundrel, Gardner, of the Jane, perhaps that government would put him on board a vessel, under the order of our consul, to be brought and punished here for the forgery of papers. Would it not be well to put a summary statement of this case, and of our orders on the occasion, into Smith's paper? Would it be amiss even to send it to Congress by message, with a recommendation to provide punishments against this practice? Affectionate salutations. TO MR. GALLATIN. March 2, 1808.