Albany, Oct. 5, 1782.
Sir:
In my last I informed you, that the committee, appointed by the
Legislature on the subject of taxation, were together. In spite of my
efforts, they have parted without doing any thing decisive. They have,
indeed, agreed upon several matters, and those of importance; but they
have not reduced them to the form of a report; which, in fact, leaves
every thing afloat, to be governed by the impressions of the moment,
when the Legislature meets.
The points agreed upon, are these: That there shall be an actual
valuation of land, and a tax of so much in the pound.
The great diversity in the qualities of land would not suffer them
to listen to an estimated valuation, or to a tax by the quantity,
agreeably to the idea in your late report to Congress. That there shall
be also a tariff of all personal property, to be also taxed at so much
in the pound; that there shall be a specific tax on carriages, clocks,
watches, and other similar articles of luxury; that money, at usury,
shall be taxed at a fixed rate in the pound, excluding that which is
loaned to the public; that houses, in all towns, shall be taxed at a
certain proportion of the annual rent; that there shall be a poll tax
on all single men from fifteen upwards; and that the collection of the
taxes should be advertised to the lowest bidder, at a fixed rate per
cent., bearing all subordinate expenses.
Among other things which were rejected, I pressed hard for an excise on
distilled liquors; but all that could be carried on this article was a
license on taverns.
The committee were pretty generally of opinion, that the system of
funding for payment of old debts, and for procuring further credit, was
wise and indispensable; but a majority thought it would be unwise in
one State to contribute in this way alone.
Nothing was decided on the quantum of taxes which the State was able to
pay: those who went furthest, did not exceed seventy thousand pounds,
of which fifty for the use of the United States.
I send you my cash account, which is for what has been received in this
county. We have not heard from the others.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
To the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq.