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JEFFERSON, THOMAS

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JEFFERSON, THOMAS
(1743 - 1826) Third President of the United States, author and signer of the Declaration of Independence, ceased the importation of slaves to America. Important partly-printed L.S. "Th: Jefferson" as President, 1p. 4to., [n.p., n.d., ca. 1808] defending his imposition of the embargo which proved to be the ruin of numerous merchants. The letter is directed toward the citizens of Lewiston and reads in part: "...I have duly received the address of that portion of the citizens of Lewiston [probably in the present state of Maine] who have declared their approbation of the present suspension of our commerce, and their dissent from the representation of those of the same place who wished its removal. A division of sentiment was not unexpected. On no question can a perfect unanimity be hoped, or certainly it would have been on that between war and embargo, the only alternatives presented to our choice; for the general capture of our vessels would have been war on one side, which reason and interest would repel by war and reprisal on our part. Of the several interests composing those if the United States, that of manufactures would of course prefer to war, a state of non-intercourse, so favorable to their rapid growth and prosperity. Agriculture, although sensibly feeling the loss of market for its produce, would find many aggravations in a state of war...The Embargo, giving time to the belligerent powers to revise their unjust proceedings and to listen to the dictates of justice, of interest and reputation, which equally urge the correction of their wrongs, has availed our country of the only honorable expedient for avoiding war: and should a repeal of the Edicts supercede the cause for it, our commercial brethren will become sensible that it has consulted their interests, however against their own will. It will be unfortunate for their country if, in the mean time, these, their expressions of impatience, should have the effect of prolonging thievery sufferings which have produced them, by exciting a fallacious hope that we may, under any pressure, relinquish our equal right of navigating the ocean, go to such ports only as others may prescribe, and there pay the tributary exactions they may impose; an abandonment of national independence and of essential rights revolting to every manly sentiment: While these Edicts are in force, no American can ever consent to a return of peaceable intercourse with those who maintain them...". Jefferson's embargo proved to be a dismal failure, doing almost nothing to hurt the British or French economies but virtually destrouying America's shipping industry and ruining numerous merchants, especially in New England. A few tears along folds repaired on verso, light soiling, otherwise very good condition.