George Washington Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Custis, John Parke" AND Recipient="Washington, George" AND Period="Revolutionary War" AND Date="1779-01-09"
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-18-02-0668

To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 9 January 1779

From John Parke Custis

Mount Vernon, January 9th 1779.

Hond Sir:

In my last, dated at Williamsburg, I promised to send you a copy of the act for recruiting the Army,1 but am disappointed by the tardiness of our printer; who had not printed the acts, that were ordered for the press immediately, when I left Town.

Col. Mason promised to bring the several express, but, according to his usual custom he has not yet arrived at Gunston; altho’ the assembly broke up the 20th Ultimo. The Assembly have exploded the Draft, and have increased the bounty in money to four hundred dollars, during the war, and three hundred for three years. The bounty in land remains as it was. This bounty is extended to those in camp who will reenlist; and, to those who have enlisted for the war, their bounty will be made up to four hundred dollars. If this exorbitant bounty answers the desrd purpose, I shall not think it misapplied: but, I do assure you, I <have> but little hopes that men can be purchased; even at so high a price.2

Our money is so depreciated, and the mind<s> of the people are so depraved, by gaming and every other species of vice, that virtue seems to have taken his departure from Virginia, in general; and, it is with much real Concern and shame that I confess there are but very few of my Countrymen who deserve the glorious appellation of virtuous.

The Assembly have laid an assessment at one per cent, upon all property, which is to be valued as it will sell. Thus, we shall pay sev<en> or eight pounds for every negro that is likely, as they now sell for as many hundreds. Land, and every taxable article, in proportion. This assessment, it is supposed, will bring into the treasury two millions.3 I hope this sum, being taken out of circulation, will stamp a value on what remains. The expenses of Government amount to eight hundred thousand pounds per annum. An act was also passed which will aid the former in restoring the value of our money, and will be fatal to many of the Counterfeiters.4 Sixteen of that fraternity had been Committed to the public jail, since the passing of the act, and before I left Williamsburg; and I do not doubt that the number is increased. Most, if not all, will suffer death: as the act constitutes counterfeiting the State or Continental Currency, or passing the same, Knowing it to be had, death; without benefit of Clergy.

I have now mentioned the principal acts passed, that are not altogether local, in hopes the information may be agreeable to you.5

With love to my mother, if with you, I remain, honored Sir, Your most affectionate

John Parke Custis

Copy, LU.

1Custis apparently is referring to a letter of 12 Dec. 1778 that has not been found; see “An act for speedily recruiting the Virginia regiments on continental establishment” (Va. Statutes [Hening] description begins William Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969. description ends , 9:588–92).

2These bounty provisions were contained in the act referred to in note 1.

3See “An act to amend an act intituled An act for raising a supply of money for public exigencies” (Va. Statutes [Hening] description begins William Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969. description ends , 9:547–52).

4See “An act for more effectually guarding against counterfeiting of the bills of credit, treasury notes, and loan office certificates” (Va. Statutes [Hening] description begins William Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969. description ends , 9:541–45).

5A portion of the letter may have been omitted here by the copyist.

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