A late law has been passed by the legislature of the state of New Jersey, for the express purpose of taxing the Assistant and Deputy Quarter Masters General, which I am afraid will be productive of the most disagreeable consequences—1 This law appears so arbitrary and unprecedented upon any free principles of taxation, that I am surprized it ever had the sanction of a deliberative body—

Such a resolution might have been justified in a Committee, appointed from necessity, with powers to act at discression; who conceived themselves bound, neither by the constitution of the State, or by antient customs or usages, but by no other body of men, and who were at liberty to take their measures from conveniency, and not from a principle of equal Justice— This Law seems to be leveled at the staffdepartments, and appears to be such a stretch of power, under the sanction of law, as neither the constitution, good policy or common Justice can warrant. Should it be submitted to, it will establish a precedent, dangerous to the people, as well as the privilege of your Officers— Had it been confined to the officers of that State, its absurdity might have been less obvious, yet both dangerous and unjust. From persons discribed by the law, it appears to be designed to tax continental officers, who as such, have no more connection with that state, than any other; and may with equal justice be taxed by every other, as by that— Colonel John Cox and Mr. Charles Pettit seem to have been in contemplation in framing the law, as assistants Quarter Masters General.2 These Gentlemen cannot be described in that state in a taxable light, from their official Characters, altho’ they may reside there as common Citizens.— This being the case, who will serve in the department subject to the tax of every State, not from any equal principles with other citizens, but wholly under the influence of popular prejudice on private views—

Are staff officers necessary to the operations of the Army? If they are, why are these embarrasments thrown in their way? If they are not why is the public burthened with an unnecessary expense? If the conditions upon which they are employed are exceptionable, let there be a change, but let not those employed in the staff be subject to arbitrary impositions which cannot fail to drive every man out of the department that is worthy of trust; or capable of conducting the business.

Mr. Furman D.Q.M.Genl. for the State of New Jersey, has already resigned his Commission,3 and Colonel Cox and Mr. Pettit only wait to know the issue of a memorial presented to Congress;4 if this mode of taxation takes place in the other States, it is not difficult to foresee the dreadful convulsion that resignations in the staff department will produce— Let them be answerable for the consequences who cause the necessity— The business of my department is attended with so many obstructions, that it is with the utmost difficulty I can keep the wheels in motion, owing to the great scarcity of supplies, and the present depreciated state of the money. However strong the prejudices of the people may operate, with respect to the emolument of staff officers, I am persuaded you can make few alterations wherein the public interest will be benefited.

Should Mr. Pettit and Colonel Cox resign, I cannot be answerable for the consequences at this critical Juncture and in the present embarrassed state that things are in— I shall continue to do my utmost to execute the duties of the department, but will not be held responsible for debts contracted or monies disbursed, as I am confident it will throw every thing into confusion and to free myself from this incumbrance, I will take no fee or reward for any services I render in the department after their resignation. I have the honor to be Sir, your very huml Servant