Clay, Henry (1777-1852) to Michel Chevalier
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06042.01 Author/Creator: Clay, Henry (1777-1852) Place Written: Ashland, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1841 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.2 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Chevalier for his "interesting work on the High ways of the U. States," which he presented to Clay. Compliments Chevalier and de Tocqueville for their descriptions of America's character. Claims that the press in France is mischaracterizing a recent act by Congress placing duties on some previously duty-free French products. Describes the motivation as purely fiscal, not retaliatory. Hopes for continued amity between the two nations and that "instead of wasting their energies, in useless contests, direct them to such noble works of Internal improvement as, in respect to he U. States, you have so well described."
Chevalier, a French political economist, was one of the leaders of the French Liberal School and an influential advisor to the French political establishment. In 1832, he was sent on a mission to the United States through his work for the Ministry of Public Works in Paris. A strong advocate for free trade, he nevertheless supported interventionist government policies to check the excesses of free enterprise.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.