Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson Estimating Imports to the United States, April 22, 1786

One of three pages of a letter from Thomas Jefferson estimating imports into the United States. Among the “commodities” coming into the U.S. is slaves.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, Jefferson, Thomas, "Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, April 22, 1786, Oil Lamps; with Copy and Estimate of United States Imports," 22 April 1786.

Description

This is one of three pages of a letter sent from Thomas Jefferson which estimated the imports into the United States. Some of the commodities listed include sugar, molasses and salt. Also among the listed commodities from 1786 - "slaves."

Transcript of Letter from Thomas Jefferson with Estimates of U.S. Imports

Source-Dependent Questions

What are some common items listed that are expected to be imported into the United States? What are some items that are unfamiliar?
Why would the United States be interested in importing these things?
Compare this list to the English Map of Grenada, what might the United States import from Grenada Island based on Thomas Jefferson's letter?
Among the listed commodities coming into the United States are slaves. What does this tell you about how slaves were viewed and treated at this time?

Citation Information

Jefferson, Thomas, "Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, April 22, 1786, Oil Lamps; with Copy and Estimate of United States Imports," 22 April 1786. Courtesy of Library of Congress