This is an object to which our government alone is
adequate, in the gross; but I have ventured to pursue it here, so far as
the consumption of our productions by this country extends. Thus, in
our arrangements relative to tobacco, none can be received here, but
in French or American bottoms. This is employment for near two thousand
seamen, and puts nearly that number of British out of employ. By the
_Arret_ of December, 1787, it was provided, that our whale-oils should
not be received here, but in French or American bottoms; and by later
regulations, all oils, but those of France and America, are excluded.
This will put one hundred English whale vessels immediately out of
employ, and one hundred and fifty ere long; and call so many of French
and American into service. We have had six thousand seamen formerly
in this business, the whole of whom we have been likely to lose.
The consumption of rice is growing fast in this country, and that of
Carolina gaining ground on every other kind. I am of opinion, the whole
of the Carolina rice can be consumed here. Its transportation employs
two thousand five hundred sailors, almost all of them English at
present; the rice being deposited at Cowes, and brought from thence
here.
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