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Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 to David Humphreys re: trade, laws of European countries against US commerce

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05967 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1791/06/23 Pagination: 2 p. + addr 23.2 x 19.1 cm Order a Copy

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...." Also mentions Washington returning from his southern tour.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

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