and Albert Gallatin articulated its inherent flaws best. “In every point of view, privations, sufferings, revenue, effect on the enemy, politics at home, etc., I prefer war to a permanent embargo,” Gallatin told Jefferson on Friday, December 18.32 Moreover, “Governmental prohibitions do always more mischief than had been calculated; and it is not without much hesitation that a statesman should hazard to regulate the concerns of individuals as if he could do it better than themselves.”
