Poughkeepsie, July 22, 1788.
Sir:
Your brother delivered me your favor, which I received with pleasure,
as the basis of a correspondence that may be productive of public
good. The accession of Vermont to the Confederacy is, doubtless, an
object of great importance to the whole; and it appears to me that this
is the favorable moment for effecting it upon the best terms for all
concerned. Besides more general reasons, there are circumstances of
the moment which will forward a proper arrangement. One of the first
subjects of deliberation with the new Congress will be the independence
of Kentucky, for which the Southern States will be anxious. The
Northern will be glad to send a counterpoise in Vermont. These mutual
interests and inclinations will facilitate a proper result.
I see nothing that can stand in your way but the interfering claims
under the grants of New-York. As to taxation, the natural operation of
the new system will place you exactly where you might wish to be. The
public debt, as far as it can prudently be provided for, will be by the
Western lands and the appropriation of some general fund. _There will
be no distribution of it to particular parts of the community._ The
fund will be sought for in indirect taxation; as for a number of years,
and except in time of war, direct taxes would be an impolitic measure.
Hence, as you can have no objection to your proportion of contribution
as consumers, you can fear nothing from the article of taxation.
I readily conceive that it will hardly be practicable to you to come
into the Union unless you are secured from claims under New-York
grants. Upon the whole, therefore, I think it will be expedient for
you, as early as possible, to ratify the Constitution, “upon condition
that Congress shall provide for the extinguishment of all existing
claims to land under grants of the State of New-York, which may
interfere with claims under the grants of the State of Vermont.” You
will do well to conform your boundary to that heretofore marked out by
Congress, otherwise insuperable difficulties would be likely to arise
with this State.
I should think it altogether unadvisable to annex any other conditions
to your ratification; for there is scarcely any of the amendments
proposed that will not have a party opposed to it, and there are
several that will meet with a very strong opposition; and it would,
therefore, be highly inexpedient for you to embarrass your main object
by any collateral difficulties.
As I write in Convention, I have it not in my power to enlarge. You
will perceive my general ideas on the subject. I will only add, that it
will be wise to lay as little impediment as possible in the way of your
reception into the Union.
A. Hamilton.