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Jefferson, Thomas

"Public Papers"

We are assured, indeed, that the
quantities sent thither for re-exportation since the war, are
considerably diminished, yet less so than reason and national
interest would dictate. The whole of our grain is re-exported when
wheat is below fifty shillings the quarter, and other grains in
proportion.
The _United Netherlands_ prohibit our pickled beef and pork,
meals and bread of all sorts, and lay a prohibitory duty on spirits
distilled from grain.
All other of our productions are received on varied duties,
which may be reckoned, on a medium, at about three per cent.
They consume but a small proportion of what they receive. The
residue is partly forwarded for consumption in the inland parts of
Europe, and partly re-shipped to other maritime countries. On the
latter portion they intercept between us and the consumer, so much of
the value as is absorbed in the charges attending and intermediate
deposit.
Foreign goods, except some East India articles, are received in
vessels of any nation.
Our ships may be sold and neutralized there, with exceptions of
one or two privileges, which somewhat lessen their value.
_Denmark_ lays considerable duties on our tobacco and rice,
carried in their own vessels, and half as much more, if carried in
ours; but the exact amount of these duties is not perfectly known
here.


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