Albany, June 17, 1782.
Sir:
The letter which you did me the honor to write me, of the fourth
instant, came to my hands too late to permit me to answer it by the
return of the same post. The explanation you give of your intention
in your late offer, makes it an object that will fully compensate for
the time it will deduct from my other occupations. In accepting it, I
have only one scruple, arising from a doubt whether the service I can
render, in the present state of things, will be an equivalent for the
compensation. The whole system (if it may be so called) of taxation
in this State is radically vicious, burthensome to the people, and
unproductive to Government. As the matter now stands, there seems to
be little for a Continental Receiver to do. The whole business appears
to be thrown into the hands of the County Treasurers; nor do I find
there is any appropriation made of any part of the taxes collected,
to Continental purposes, or any provision to authorize payment to the
officer you appoint: this, however, must be made. There is only one
way in which I can imagine a prospect of being materially useful;
that is, in seconding your applications to the State. In popular
assemblies much may sometimes be brought about by personal discussions,
by entering into details, and combating objections as they rise. If
it should, at any time, be thought advisable by you to empower me to
act in this capacity, I shall be happy to do every thing that depends
on me to effectuate your views. I flatter myself, to you, sir, I need
not profess that I suggest this, not from a desire to augment the
importance of office, but to advance the public interest.
It is of primary moment to me, as soon as possible to take my station
in the law; and on this consideration I am pressing to qualify myself
for admission the next term, which will be the latter end of July.
After this, if you think an interview with me necessary, I will
wait upon you in Philadelphia. In the mean time, I shall be happy
to receive your instructions, and shall direct my attention more
particularly to acquiring whatever information may be useful to my
future operations. I have read your publications at different times,
but as I have not the papers containing them in my possession, it
will be necessary that their contents should be comprised in your
instructions. A meeting of the Legislature is summoned early in the
next month, at which, if I previously receive your orders, it may be
possible to put matters in train.
I am truly indebted to you, sir, for the disposition you have
manifested upon this occasion; and I shall only add an assurance of my
endeavors to justify your confidence, and prove to you the sincerity of
that respectful attachment with which
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To Robert Morris, Esq.