Jefferson, Thomas

One page (9 7/8 x 8 1/8 in.; 266 x 206 mm), [Washington D.C., autumn of 1808], to the citizens of Lewiston, Massachusetts (now Maine), one word ("Lewiston") accomplished in Jefferson's hand; separations and repairs at folds, costing a few letters; some light stains.

President Jefferson defends the Embargo Act of 1807 to the citizens of Lewiston, Massachusetts.

A uncommon circular letter from President Jefferson acknowledging receipt of a petition from the citizens of Lewiston and defending his controversial policy, the Embargo Act of 1807: "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. … [M]anufactures 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 the war: and should a repeal of these 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 … exciting a fallacious hope that we may, under pressure, relinquish our equal right of navigating the ocean, go to such ports only as others prescribe, and there pay the tributary exactions they may impose. … While these Edicts are in force, no American can ever consent to a return of peaceable intercourse with those who maintain them."

The Embargo Act prohibited American vessels from landing in any foreign port or any foreign vessel to sail to American ports. With this policy, Jefferson hoped to establish the principal of neutrality categorically ignored by both Great Britain and France. But, the Embargo Act devastated all shipping-related industries, greatly damaged existing markets and caused an increase in opposition to the Democratic-Republican Party.

Jefferson received petitions of protests from town meetings throughout New England; Dumas Malone records that "The tide of paper rose rapidly in September, reaching its crest on October 3, when he received 50 protests and 11 counter addresses" (Jefferson the President: Second Term, p. 609). In despair of answering all of the petitions by hand, Jefferson had 150 copies of the present response printed. In the final months of his presidency, Jefferson partially lifted the Embargo with the Non-Intercourse Act, which prohibited with England only.