To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 12 September 1782
From Robert Morris1
Office of Finance [Philadelphia] 12. Septem. 1782
Sir,
Enclosed you will find Copies of my Letters of the twenty-ninth and thirtieth of July to Congress.2 I know not what Determinations they may come to on these Subjects but I transmit the Letters that you may be possessed of the Matter, fully obviate Misrepresentations, and inculcate at proper Opportunities those Principles of national Integrity which are essential to our Safety.
I am Sir with Esteem your most obedient Servt.
RM
P.S. You will also find enclosed Acts of Congress of the fourth and tenth Instant.3
LC, Robert Morris Papers, Library of Congress.
1. This was sent as a circular letter to the receivers of continental taxes in the various states.
2. On July 29, 1782, Morris submitted to the President of Congress a report on the public credit in which he recommended measures for funding the debt and stressed the necessity of adequate, permanent funds for the United States. The letter is printed in , XXII, 429–46.
On July 30, 1782, Morris again wrote to Congress enclosing the “Estimates for the Service of the Year 1783” (Robert Morris Papers, Library of Congress).
3. On September 4, 1782, several laws dealing with finance were passed by Congress. It was resolved that the states be requisitioned for $1,200,000; recommended that the several states impose a land tax, a poll tax, and a tax on spirituous liquors for the payment of the debts of the United States; and recommended that the states comply with the congressional request for authority to impose a duty of five percent on imports. On September 10, the quota of $1,200,000 imposed on September 4 was apportioned among the several states (, XXIII, 545–47, 564–71).