University of Virginia Library

2785. EXCISE LAW, Odious.—

The accumulation
of debt * * * [created by
the Assumption] has obliged [us] * * * to resort to an excise law, of odious character
with the people, partial in its operation, unproductive
unless enforced by arbitrary and vexatious
means, and committing the authority


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of the government in parts where resistance
is most probable, and coercion least practicable.—
To President Washington. Washington ed. iii, 361. Ford ed., vi, 2.
(Pa., May. 1702)