2312. DUTIES, Retaliatory.—
Massachusetts
has passed an act, the first object of
which seemed to be, to retaliate on the British
commercial measures, but in the close of it,
they impose double duties on all goods imported
in bottoms not wholly owned by citizens
of our States. New Hampshire has followed
the example. This is much complained
of here [France], and will probably draw retaliating
measures from the States of Europe,
if generally adopted in America, or not corrected
by the States which have adopted it.
It must be our endeavor to keep them quiet
on this side the water, under the hope that our
countrymen will correct this step; as I trust
they will do. It is no ways akin to their general
system.—
To William Carmichael. Washington ed. i, 475.
(P.
1785)
See Tariff.
