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Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 6
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To Mr. James Maury.
PARIS, November 13, 1787.
DEAR SIR,—I received your favor of October 25, the day before yesterday only. It would be needless for me, therefore, to add to what you already know on the subject of peace and war. The principal minister here is so intent on domestic improvements, and on peace, as necessary to give leisure for them, that it will not be his fault, if it be disturbed again. It will be equally unnecessary for me to give you a formal attestation of your being a citizen of the United States, Should any occasion for it arise hereafter, I shall be always ready to certify it. With respect to tobacco, the contract with Mr. Morris and the order of Berni cease with this year. I am obtaining an arrangement for the five years which yet remain of the present lease to the Farmers General, by which they will be obliged to take all the tobacco for which they shall have occasion from America, except about one-fifth northern, which they represent as necessary. They will be obliged to take only such as comes directly from America, without having touched at any European port in French or American bottoms, and to make the purchase in France. It will be particularly watched that they purchase not a single hogshead in England. By this I hope to have completely effected the diverting so much of the tobacco trade as amounts to their own consumption from England to France, I am glad to find, also, by your letter, that this operation will have the effect to raise the price of this commodity at the English market. 24,000 hogsheads of tobacco a year, less at that market than heretofore, must produce some change, and it could not be for the worse. The order to the farmers will name only 14,000 hogsheads a year, but it is certain they must extend it themselves nearly or quite to 24,000, as their consumption is near 30,000. I am endeavoring to bring hither also, directly, the rice of America, consumed in this country. At present they buy it from London. I am of opinion they could consume the whole of what is made in America, especially if the rice States will introduce the culture of the Piedmont and Egyptian rices also, both of which qualities are demanded here in concurrence with that of Carolina. I have procured for them the seed from Egypt and Piedmont. The indulgences given to American whale oil will ensure its coming here directly. In general, I am in hopes to ensure here the transportation of all our commodities which come to this country in American and French bottoms exclusively, which will countervail the effect of the British navigation act on our carrying business. The returns in French instead of English manufactures, will take place by degrees. Supposing that these details cannot but be agreeable to you as a merchant and as an American, I trouble you with them; being with much sincerity, and on all occasions, dear Sir, your friend and servant.
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Chicago: Thomas Jefferson, "To Mr. James Maury.," Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 6 in Thomas Jefferson, the Writings of Jefferson: Monticello Edition, Vol. 6 (Washington, D.C.: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904-1905), Pp.374-375 Original Sources, accessed October 13, 2024, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=KS521HVMN4WQHXS.
MLA: Jefferson, Thomas. "To Mr. James Maury." Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 6, in Thomas Jefferson, the Writings of Jefferson: Monticello Edition, Vol. 6 (Washington, D.C.: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904-1905), Pp.374-375, Original Sources. 13 Oct. 2024. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=KS521HVMN4WQHXS.
Harvard: Jefferson, T, 'To Mr. James Maury.' in Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 6. cited in , Thomas Jefferson, the Writings of Jefferson: Monticello Edition, Vol. 6 (Washington, D.C.: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904-1905), Pp.374-375. Original Sources, retrieved 13 October 2024, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=KS521HVMN4WQHXS.
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