As he states one of the advantages of letters of marque to be "a greater chance of unity at home," this measure he probably preferred.
The Senate had already, on January 4, passed a bill ordering out the entire naval force of the country, and on the 10th the House adopted the same bill by a vote of 64 to 59.

Mr.Gallatin opposed this action strenuously.

On February 2 the House voted by a large majority to remove the embargo on March 4.

Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France and trade everywhere else were now the conditions.

This significant expression of the feeling of Congress no doubt determined Mr.Gallatin to suggest letters of marque.