Poughkeepsie, May 22, 1782.
Sir:
Agreeably to my letter to you from Albany, I came to this place, and
had an interview with a Committee of the Legislature, in which I
urged the several matters contained in your instructions. I strongly
represented the necessity of solid arrangements of finance; and, by
way of argument, pointed out all the defects of the present system. I
found every man convinced that something was wrong, but few that were
willing to recognize the mischief when defined, and consent to the
proper remedy. The quantum of taxes already imposed is so great as to
make it useless to impose any others to a considerable amount. A bill
has, however, passed both Houses, payable in specie, bank notes, or
your notes, for eighteen thousand pounds. It is at present appropriated
to your order; but I doubt whether some subsequent arrangement will not
take place for a different appropriation. The Commander-in-Chief has
applied for a quantity of forage, which the Legislature is devising
the means of furnishing; and I fear it will finish by diverting the
eighteen thousand pounds to that purpose. I have hitherto been able to
prevent this; but as it is of indispensable importance to me to leave
this place immediately, to prepare for my examination, for which I have
pledged myself the ensuing term, which is at hand, it is possible,
after I have left it, contrary ideas will prevail. Efforts have been
made to introduce a species of negotiable certificates, which I have
strenuously opposed. It has not yet taken place; but I am not clear how
the matter will terminate.
Should the bill for the eighteen thousand pounds go out in its present
form, I cannot hope that it will produce in the treasury above half the
sum; such are the vices of our present mode of collection.
A bill has also passed the Assembly for collecting arrearages of taxes,
payable in specie, bank notes, your notes; old Continental emissions
at one hundred and twenty-eight for one, and a species of certificates
issued by the State for the purchase of horses. This is now before the
Senate. The arrearages are very large.
Both Houses have unanimously passed a set of resolutions, to be
transmitted to Congress and the several States, proposing a Convention
of the States, to enlarge the powers of Congress and vest them with
funds. I think this a very eligible step, though I doubt of the
concurrence of the other States; but I am certain, without it, they
never will be brought to co-operate in any reasonable or effectual
plan. Urge reforms, or exertions, and the answer constantly is, What
avails it for one State to make them without the concert of the others?
It is in vain to expose the futility of this reasoning: it is founded
in all those passions which have the strongest influence on the human
mind.
The Legislature have also appointed, at my instance, a committee to
devise, in its recess, a more effectual system of taxation, and to
communicate with me on this subject. A good deal will depend on the
success of this attempt. Convinced of the absurdity of multiplying
taxes in the present mode, where, in effect, the payment is voluntary,
and the money received exhausted in the collection, I have labored
chiefly to instil the necessity of a change in the plan; and, though
not so rapidly as the exigency of public affairs requires, truth seems
to be making some progress.
There is no other appropriation to the use of Congress than of the
eighteen thousand pounds.
I shall, as soon as possible, give you a full and just view of the
situation and temper of this State. This cannot be till after my
intended examination: that over, I shall lay myself out in every way
that can promote your views and the public good.
I am informed you have an appointment to make of a Commissioner of
Accounts for this State. Permit me to suggest the expediency of
choosing a citizen of the State; a man who, to the qualifications
requisite for the execution of the office, adds an influence in its
affairs. I need not particularize the reasons of this suggestion. In my
next I will also take the liberty to mention some characters.
I omitted mentioning that the two Houses have also passed a bill,
authorizing Congress to adjust the quotas of the States on equitable
principles, agreeably to your recommendation.
I have the honor to be,
With sincere attachment and respect,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq.