Jefferson, Thomas:

REPORT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE, ON THE 16TH DECEM. 1793, RELATIVE TO THE PRIVILEGES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES. PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, JANUARY 26TH, 1803.

[Washington: 1803]. 24pp. Disbound, else Very Good.

The first American reprint of Jefferson's rare 1793 Report, explaining trading relationships with "the countries with which the United States have their chief commercial intercourse."
With respect to each such country, Jefferson sets forth tariff and import policies. He is an eloquent voice for free trade. "Instead of embarrassing commerce under piles of regulating laws, duties and prohibitions, could it be relieved from all shackles in all parts of the world, could every country be employed in producing that which nature has best fitted it to produce, and each be free to exchange with others mutual surplusses for mutual wants, the greatest mass possible would then be produced of those things which contribute to human life and human happiness; the numbers of mankind would be increased, and their condition bettered."
But as a practical man, he recommends that the United States enact "counter prohibitions, duties and regulations" on countries refusing to trade freely.
AI 5476 [2]. Not in Rink, Eberstadt, Decker, Kress. Item #38536

Price: $500.00