Albany, September 7, 1782.
Sir:
The fifteenth of this month is the period fixed for the payment of
the tax imposed at the last meeting of the Legislature for the use of
the United States. The public exigencies, and the reputation of the
State, require that every exertion should be made to collect this tax
with punctuality and dispatch; and it is, therefore, my duty to urge
you, that you employ the powers vested in you, and all your personal
influence, to induce the collectors to expedite the collection with all
the zeal and vigor in their power. While the other States are all doing
something, as a citizen of this, I shall feel a sensible mortification
in being obliged to continue publishing to the others, that this
State pays nothing in support of the war, as I have been under the
necessity of doing the last two months. Besides this, and other still
more weighty considerations, a regard to the subjects of the State
itself demands every exertion in our power. They have parted with their
property on the public faith, and it is impossible for the public to
fulfil its engagements to individuals, unless it is enabled to do it by
the equal and just contributions of the community at large.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.