Thomas Jefferson on Population

Abstract

Thomas Jeffersons views on population immigration and Malthus were taken from his Notes on the State of Virginia and a letter to a French economist. In the excerpt from his Notes on Virginia there are population figures from 1607 for 100 settlers to 1782 and 567614 inhabitants. Separate figures are given for free slaves. From 1781 figures projected a population of 4.5 million by 1862 based on the present stock and a duplication once very 26.25 years. 4.5 million would be reached in 1835 with a doubling of actual stock by foreigners. The question is raised as to the merits of immigration and population growths impact on arable land and the ability of the country to clothe and feed its population without a change in the quality of the diet. Concern is raised that foreigners bring with them their former governments principles and bring to this government based on the freest principles of the English constitution a "heterogeneous incoherent distracted mass." Policy should not encourage immigration but accept those that do come. Land is abundant here and unlike Europe we must make the most of labor. Data were based on incomplete census returns which were missing data from 8 countries. Adjustments are made to account for free males under 21 years and all females and slaves both within and without the 8 countries; justification is provided. It appeared that the slave population was rapidly increasing; a law was passed to prohibit the importation of slaves and to eventually lead to the "complete emancipation of human nature." In his letter to Jean Baptist in 1804 Jefferson acknowledges receipt of books by Malthus and Baptist which agree with Malthusian propositions. Jefferson comments that the availability of land in America permits any size family when accompanied by hard work. Food production can increase geometrically with population. He noted the possibilities of balancing industrial labor and agricultural labor within the country or balancing industrial labor from Europe with increased agricultural labor in the US. The laws of nature determine mans duties and interests and when there are differences or conflicts reasoning should be questioned. Time permitted him to ask questions only as they are pertinent to America.