John Adams to Stephen Higginson, July 14, 1789

New York July 14, 1789

Sir

I received your favor of the 4 th of
this month, but not till the impost bill was enacted and published. In the progress of
that law, through the several branches of the legislature, the arguments in favor of a
drawback on rum were insisted on by several members of each house. But I think it was
not shewn with sufficient evidence, nor explained with so much precision as I expected,
how it would affect the exportation of that article, to Africa, the baltick, and east
Indies. This is an affair of calculation; if the price without a drawback, is so high,
that a freight cannot be made and a reasonable profit, and still leave the adventurer at
liberty to produce it at market at a price that will bear the competition with gin,
Brandy, and West India rum, the exportation will be lessened, if not annihilated. This
however was not shown and proved; if it can be proved, the merchants and Manufacturers
interested in the business should address a petition to the President, Senate and House
of Representatives stating the fact, and praying a redress. The contest about molasses
was very sharp and long continued, and the Senate on some questions pretty equally
divided. I took as much pains, as I thought was justifiable and more than I expected
would have been excused; but no more could be done than you see.

Give me leave to congratulate you on you marriage, and present my
compliments to your lady. 1

In great haste I am & &

John Adams