1791/06/23
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Autograph letter signed
Title: to David Humphreys re: trade, laws of European countries against US commerce
Extensive ink bleedthrough obscures Jefferson's writing. Written to America's secret agent in Lisbon concerning laws of France, Spain and England damaging American commerce. "Our best interest would be to employ our principal labours in agriculture.... Hanging prosperity on the fluctuating counsels and caprices of others renders it wise... to turn seriously to manufactures.... The Indians north of the Ohio have hitherto continued their little depredations, but we are in daily expectation of hearing of the success of a first excursion [i.e., Gen. Scott's expedition] to their towns...."…
GLC05967