An estimate of the commerce of this island about the year 1830 divides the total imports and exports which, in that year, amounted to $5,620,786 among the following nations: Per cent. Per cent. West Indian Islands imports 53-12 Exports 26 United States imports 27-14 " 49 Spanish imports 12-18 " 7 English imports 2-34 " 6-12 French imports 2-58 " 6-58 Other nations' imports 1-34 " 8-34 The American trade at that time formed nearly one-third of the whole of the value of the imports and nearly half of all the exports. An American consul resided at the capital and all the principal ports had deputy consuls. The articles of importation from the United States were principally timber, staves for sugar-casks, flour and other provisions, and furniture.[75] * * * * * The financial history of Puerto Rico commences about the middle of the eighteenth century. In 1758 the revenues amounted to 6,858 pesos. In 1765, to 10,814, and in 1778 to 47,500. Their increase up to 1,605,523 in 1864 was due to the natural development of the island's resources, which accompanied the increase of population; yet financial distress was chronic all the time, and not a year passed without the application of the supposed panacea of royal decrees and ordinances, without the expected improvement.