University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.[1]

Dear Sir,—The repeal of the impost act by Virginia
is still considered as covered with some degree
of mystery. Colonel Bland's representations do not
remove the veil. Indeed, he seems as much astonished
at it, and as unable to penetrate it, as any
of us. Many have surmised that the enmity of Doctor
Lee against Morris is at the bottom of it. But
had that been the case, it can scarcely be supposed
that the repeal would have passed so quietly. By
this time, I presume, you will be able to furnish me
with its true history, and I ask the favor of you to do
it. Virginia could never have cut off this source of
public relief at a more unlucky crisis than when she
is protesting her inability to comply with the continental
requisitions. She will, I hope, be yet made
sensible of the impropriety of the step she has taken,

and make amends by a more liberal grant. Congress
cannot abandon the plan as long as there is a spark
of hope. Nay, other plans on a like principle must
be added. Justice, gratitude, our reputation abroad,
and our tranquillity at home, require provisions for a
debt of not less than fifty millions of dollars, and I
pronounce that this provision will not be adequately
met by separate acts of the States. If there are
not revenue laws which operate at the same time
through all the States, and are exempt from the control
of each—the mutual jealousies which begin
already to appear among them will assuredly defraud
both our foreign and domestic creditors of their just
claims.

The deputies of the army are still here, urging the
objects of their mission. Congress are thoroughly
impressed with the justice of them, and are disposed
to do everything which depends on them. But what
can a Virginia Delegate say to them, whose constituents
declare that they are unable to make the necessary
contributions, and unwilling to establish funds
for obtaining them elsewhere? The valuation of
lands is still under consideration.