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ARTES
1837
VERITAS
LIBRARY
SCIENTIA
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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PLURIBUS UNUSE
TUEBOR
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105
3602

ECONOMICA:
A STATISTICAL MANUAL
FOR THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Budget, Saman,
$

The legislature ought to make the people happy.
Aristotle on government.
"Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas.”
CITY OF WASHINGTON:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR.
1806.
.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, to wit:
SEAL.
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this twenty-seventli
day of November, in the year of our Lord eighteen hun-
dred and six, Samuel Blodget, junior, of the said district,
hath deposited in this office, the title of a book the right
whereof he claims as author, but for the benefit in trust
for the free education fund of the university founded by GEORGE
WASHINGTON, in his last will; the title of which book is in the follow-
ing words, to wit: "ECONOMICA, a Statistical Manual for the
United States of America," in conformity to an act of the Congress of
the United States, entitled "an act for the encouragement of learning
by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and
proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned."
G. DENEALE, CLERK
of the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
.
NOTE TO SUBSCRIBERS.
BEING in the habit, for many years, of giving away
my annual statistical tables for the United States, I am
not, by a change of pecuniary circumstances, reconciled
to profit from the result of such interesting inquiries ;
for, however successful, they have in the pursuit afforded
much consolation: hence, without consulting you, gen-
tlemen, I have presumed to give a part of your money
to the free education fund of WASHINGTONIA. I have
also, for this sublime object, secured the profit, if any
there may be, on any future edition of this work.
SAMUEL BLODGET, JUNIOR.
The blanks opposite the feet of each column of the
general statistical tables, are left to be filled with a pen,
with the result of future years:
314758
ERRATA,
Page 6, line 34, for addition, read edition.
24, line 3, for L'Infant, read L'Enfant.
30, line 6, for Montgomery, read Morgan.
33, 4th line from the bottom, for Constitution, read Constellation
34, line 22, after the word not, read to.
58, sixth column of the table, year 1804, for "810,500," read
310,500.
68, for public lands, see page 201, corrected.
70, last column of the table, 2d line, for " 500,000,000," read
5,000,000.
78, third column of the table, for Congress, read Census.
tr
128, line 8, for " 85,000,000," read 87,000,000.
147, line 10, for their facile money, read the circulations of Britain.
INDEX.
page
page
ADAMS, JOHN, his speech
Adams, John, vice president,
active in obtaining the
western lands & fisheries
Adams, John, president U.S.
34
31
Britain, statistic account of
Britain, income of
11
176
Bridges, toll
62
90
33
Cultivated lands, price of
Canal navigation
60
99
America, statistic account of
11
Aristotle's opinion of money 144
purchase therein by
government, recommend-
America, discovery and
chronology of .
ed
. . 101
25, 36
Africans, slaves, opinions of
China, statistic account of
Census of 1753
11
•
73,90
1, 80, 89
of 1800
71, 72
Increase and de-
Colleges, U. S.
60
crease of population
79
Chronology, American 25 to 35
Anderson, Mr. quoted
82
Codfishery, noted
8
Agriculture
83 to 98
Constitution U. S.
40
Anonymous letter to the
army
190
Constitutions of the states
Common sense, quoted
56
•
168
Austria, statistic account of
Asia, statistic account of
11
Custom-house balances 125, 127
11
128
Africa, statistic account of
11
Connecticut, constitution of
56
Academies, U. S.
60
Carolina state constitution.
56
Bakewell, Mr. a rural eco-
nomist
Civil list expenses
66
1
Banks, list of U. S. (see note
S. T.)
159, 160
Denmark, population of, &c. 11
Derne captured by general
Eaton, &c.
36
Bank of England capital 161
of Amsterdam
notes
Blackstone, Sir William, on
public debt
Births and deaths
Buffon, Count de, quoted 76
Burke, Edmund, his descrip-
Decatur, lieutenant
36
. 161
Dwelling houses U. S.
58
66
Deaths, annual U. S. .
58
Delaware state constitution
56
•
169
75, 85
Debt, public, of Britain 171, 173
American. 66, 185, 187
Europe, population of
1 I
England, money in
•
146
tion of American seamen
Batavia, statistic account of
3
Exports, American.
108 to 127
11
Eaton,
Eaton, general
36
vi
INDEX.
page
page
Expenditures, U. S.
Expenditure, how different.
from circulations
66 Jefferson, Mr. explains the
53
constitution
appointed vice
19
Free persons U. S.
5.8
president of the
Foreign migrations to the U.
U. States, 1797
33
States
58
for a check on de-
Franklin, Dr. his statistical
preciation
19
views in 1755
73
an active friend to
France, money in
146
the fisheries U. S..
90
receipts and expen-
ses of
180
•
Jurisprudence U. S..
Insurance companies.
37
64
statistic account of
11
ported
D
•
lands
194
public wealth.
200
168
ed by
30
146
175
Foreign merchandise ex-
Gallatin, Mr. his correct opi-
nion of the public
of the increase of
Gardner, Dr. his views of a
national debt
Gardens, &c. U. S.
Gee, Mr. alarms the British 125
Green, general, victory gain-
•
Holland, money in
Horses, number of
Hume recommends a sponge
for British debt.
Hamilton, Alexander, re-
signs from the treasury
Helvetia, statistic account of
Imports, merchandise.
army
Letter to a member of con-
gress
Lots in Washington, great
sacrifice of, in 1802
60 Louisiana purchased
product of
Maryland, constitution of
Kentucky, constitution of
Kaims, lord, his prophetic
•
56
64
opinion of America
9
his opinion of mem-
bers of parliament
16
Lands, public, observations
on
sales of
Legislation, spirit of.
Letter, anonymous, to the
3888888
68
68
60
. 190
9
10
35
•
97
Labour, price of
64
Montesquieu quoted.
37
33
56
•
11
Meadow land U. S.
60
62
Militia, accounts of
•
62, 105
Jay, John, active in preserv-
ing the fisheries
states
and obtaining the
Migrations to and from
Mortality bills
78
76, 77
western lands.
90
negociates a peace
Marriages more early in
America than in Europe
74
with Britain
foretold
Internal revenue
Independence, American,
Impost, U. S. .
Income of Great Britain
33 Massachusetts, constitution
Money meters
56
186, 197
64, 131
176
•
Improved lands, total U. S.
Increase and decrease of
60
•
slaves
Jefferson, Mr. president U. S. 34
Morgan, general, defeats su-
perior forces at Cowpens.
Montgomery, general, killed
Madison, James, first pro-
moted the order for the
present constitution
Merchandise imported
exported
9
30
64
79
31
62
•
64
INDEX.
vii
page
page
Merchants, character of 102, 103
Money, U. S.
66
ons supported in part by
Dr. Smith, opposed
177
N. see note, exports
New Hampshire, state con-
Russia, statistic account of
Roads, turnpike
11
stitution of
56
Rebellion in Massachusetts
13
North Carolina,
do.
56
New Jersey,
do.
56
New York,
do.
56
Rhode Island, constitution of 56
Regular army during the
war for independence
129
Nicholson's journal quoted
Naval architects, American
Naval officers, American
147
104
Return orparliamentary me-
morandum
14
. 104
Revenue
134, 64
Navy U. S.
62, 106
Roman road 4,080 miles
100
•
Obituary U. S.
58,76
statistic account
11
Ohio state, constitution of
56
Receipts, total U. S.
64.
Old constitution U. S. de-
Smith, Dr. Adam
7
scribed
193
Stocks, public
•
198, 199
Order of the treasury U.S.
138
Statistical table, American
57
Office, post, revenue
62
to.
68
P. note
European, &c.
11
Price, Dr. quoted
•
199
Pinto, Mr. de, on circulation 146
Prussia, statistic account of
Pennsylvania, constitution of
Philosophic society, Ameri-
Sea, product of.
Slaves.
111, 119, 120
58, 79, 80, 81
11
56
176
137
60
76
Spain, statistic account of
Stocks, American (see statis-
1 1
57
168
•
198, 199
Sheep, price of
147
Spain, money in
146
Sweden, statistic account of
11
184, 185, 187
Seamen, U. S.
63
.
funding
189, 193
95
Plato, a merchant
. 102
33
146
Potomack
Product of agriculture U. S.
Pinckney, Mr. minister to
France
Portugal, money in
character of
Table, general statistical
Truxton, commodore
Treasury U. S. cash in
Treasury, order of the U.S.
Tennessee, constitution of .
Tournay, circulation at
18 Turkey, statistic account of
statistic account of 11
Panza, Sancho, opposed to
direct taxation
Quesnai, Mr. du, his opini-
146
57
33
Total population U. S.
58, 196
increase
58, 196
68
138
56
can, founded 1769 .
Pitt, Mr. statement of Bri-
tish income
Price of lands
Petty, Sir William, quoted
Paine, Thomas, on a public
debt
Public debt, Sir Wm. Black-
stone on . . 169
American,state-
ment of 66, 70
•
tical table
statements
Sinking fund,observations on 188.
Simpson's science revived,
quoted
Specie, universal table of . 146
its depreciation 147, 142
Payments under the govern-
ment requisitions.
. 101
Vill
INDEX.
Tons, shipping U. S..
Valuation, U. S. total
Variation of money
page
62, 107
62, 107 Washington, founded nation-
Virgil quoted
Voltaire's opinion of circu-
lation and debt
•
•
168
page
34
34
35
22, 103
Washington city
Washington, G. Custis, his
68
al university
64, 142
dies!
•
16
War with Tripoli
168
letter (see appendix.).
56
Wayne, general,
56
89
34
Views of a national debt
Vermont, constitution of
Virginia, constitution of
Valuation, personal
University, national, found-
ed by Washington
Vessels of war U. S. . 62, 106
Washington, George, when
born
defeats the Indi-
ans, 1794
Wheat, price of
Xenophon complains of the
inattention of senators
Y, note, to sinking fund .
26 York, New, constitution of
Z, note, to public lands and
lots
his letter on a-
griculture &c. 94
33
33
64
. 16
. 201
56
. 201
LIST OF TABLES, viz.
page
page
Statistic of Europe
11
Duties, revenue, &c.
110
Representatives in congress
49
Constitutions, state and U. S.
56
General statistic
56
Comparative statistic
70
Summary exports for 1805
Classic summary of exports 119
Do.comparative 1790 to 1804 122
Do. of all the troops employ-
111
Census 1790, 1800,
71, 72
Ditto 1753,
73
Males and females U. S.
75
•
Births and deaths U. S.
75
Ditto and Europe
76, 77
State population & migration
Persons to a mile in each state
78
78
131
ed in the revolutionary war 129
Do. of the internal revenue
Particulars of receipts and
expenses
133
Of requisitions by congress 137
Of prices current U. S. 142, 147
Of gold and silver universal 146
Miles to each state
78
Of banks U. S.
159, 160
Increase in 10 years
78
Of British debts
171, 172
Progress and acme of popul.
88
Do. income
176
Valuation of persons
89
Total consumption U. S.
90
ses of.
Product of agriculture U. S.
97
American debt
For canals (blank)
99
France, revenue and expen-
Different views of the debt
. 180
185, 187
Militia returns
105
of the U. S.
187
Navy
106
Total valuation U. S.
196
•
Tons and impost U. S.
107
The effects of men & money 197
Annual consumption of for-
Stockholders in the U. States 198
eign articles
109
Funds, banks, &c. .
198, 199
L
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
IT is the duty of every STATIST, to take cognisance
of every thing that can in the least affect the physical or moral cha-
racter of individuals as well as of the nation.
"If the people of United America, desire either a dis-
tinguished rank among the nations of the earth, and to ornament the
page of universal history, for the benefit of posterity, or domestic tran-
quility and happiness, they must deserve, and thus they will acquire a
national character.”
THERE are interesting points in the character of all animals,
possessed by nature with nervous inclinations and energetic actions,
differing from the rest of their kind; and these dispositions and ac-
tions can be reproduced by attentive selections. It is therefore the
duty of a good shepherd, or the manager of every flock, to improve
from the first hints the race committed to his charge. Hence, by
careful attention, are the frequent reproductions to perpetuate the
race horse, the swift grey hound, the heroic game cock, and that
invaluable animal that yields the principal staple of British commerce.
Hence the honors due to Bakewill, a name illustrious in the annals
of British husbandry, for having opened a new path to the perfection
of rural economy:
Mr. Jefferson, in his philosophic inquiry, has proved, that there
are distinguishing points to be found in the African, that differ so
widely from other traits in our aboriginal American, that no one can
be long at a loss to define them, or to decide in favor of the latter as
a more sublimely interesting creature; though with less gaiety of
heart, he may be the less amiable of the two at the first interview.
The American people, though chiefly of British descent, are the
offspring of a bold, adventurous race from every part of Europe.
The enterprizing commercial spirit they inherit from their parents,
exhibits itself in every shape, in every action. As it is always a
mark of a vigorous mind, wherever we may meet a native willing-
ness to encounter the perils of the ocean, and in far distant lands to
seek the meed of fortune or of fame, it is therefore by no means
extraordinary, that we are a nation of choice spirits, except alas! in
the alloy of our African slaves. It would be marvellous, indeed, if
we were not, what we are, proud enough of our country and of our-
selves. Our citizens are in general too much disposed to be of all
trades, therefore they seldom excel in any art or science that may
require intense study or long and close application. Hence we have
yet no original book on political economy. We are indebted to the
A
2
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
character of our fathers for our enterprizing vivacity, and more, per-
haps, to the natural result of a perfect freedom, and the widely ex-
tended field or range that our happy country affords, and that we
delight to enjoy.*
*
We may refer to the actions of our forefathers with the original
Americans, for a test of our martial character; or to the actions in
our revolutionary war, at Lexington, at Trenton, at Benington, at
Kings mountain, &c. for the conduct of our militia. The modes of fight-
ing at the two last places, are new, and the last, (see Gordon's histo-
ry) WILL ALWAYS SUCCEED AGAINST SUPERIOR NUMBERS of the
BEST TROOPS THAT EUROPE CAN BOAST, until our active young men
forget, that they can advance and retire at pleasure, with more rapi-
dity in our rough country, than any regular troops, and that they are
THE FIRST MARKS-MEN IN THE WORLD. This may happen in a
few years, if we neglect to import more, on our original plan, of
choice spirits from Europe, to keep up the tone of nerve in posterity;
for which, it is believed we are remarkable, and from which we are
falling off by an increase in the mixture with the very dregs of the
slavery of Africa, which we so imprudently continue to import.
As it is not generally known, it cannot be too often mentioned, to
the honor of our marine, that our merchants and captains have long
pursued a kind of mamaluke system, of selecting fine young lads from
every part of the world, to add to our marine. Hence, chiefly by the
enticing efforts of our commercial and naval gentlemen, the marine
product by migration, is more than six per centum per annum, on the
entire number of our seamen, over and above their own offspring at
home. In this view our seamen are of inestimable benefit to their
country; but as the character of our Americans will come with a
better grace from a respectable foreigner, we quote the following
portrait of American enterprise on the ocean, drawn by Edmund
Burke, in a speech delivered in the house of commons two and thirty
* A New England farmer having finished his attention to autumnal duties, thought
of going to Europe to dispose of the timber cut from his last new field, as captain and
orner of his sloop His eldest sons received the following orders, to be observed dur-
ing his absence: "John you may work in the smith's shop till you have iron shod the
plow, and the cart wheels you have made, after which you may either build a saw
or grist mill for yourself, on your own place. If I should not return in three months,
you may repair and adjust the old quadrant, and take charge of the old sloop, after
you have new decked her. Joseph will help you spin the new rigging the sloop will
want, after he has finished the lcom for your mother to weave a top-sail; on
which, after turning the rounds for the spinning-wheel, he may plow the old field, and
then go on a voyage to Labradore for cod, or a whaling to Falklands Island, just as
he likes. You must take command of the sloop yourself, load her for the West Indies,
u: less you find that governor Phillips's last prices will do for young stock, and pro-
visions, if so go to New Holland, and I shall be home, God willing, to welcome your
return. My son Joseph it is time to leave off making wooden clocks and fiddles;
tan the hides and make shoes for the family." This is not beyond the character of
the people, however it may agree in the minutiae with any known incidents.
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
3
!
years since. This is a people who our unthinking farmers would
persuade to abandon the ocean, who while (as the author says) in the
gristle exhibited such wonderful enterprise for the general weal.
"As to the wealth which the colonies have drawn from the sea by
their fisheries, you had all that matter fully opened at your bar. You
surely thought these acquisitions of value, for they seemed even to
excite your envy; and yet the spirit by which that enterprising em-
ployment has been exercised, ought rather, in my opinion, to have
raised your esteem and admiration. And pray, sir, what in the world
is equal to it? Pass by the other parts, and look at the manner in
which the New England people have of late carried on, the whale
fishery. Whilst we follow them among the tumbling mountains of
ice, and behold them penetrating into the deepest frozen recesses of
Hudson's bay, and Davis's streights; whilst we are looking for them
beneath the arctick circle, we hear that they have pierced into the op-
posite region of polar cold; that they are at the Antipodes, and en-
gaged under the frozen serpent of the south. Falkland's island, which
seemed too remote and romantic an object for the grasp of national
ambition, is but a stage and resting place to their victorious indus-
try. Nor is the equinoctial heat more discouraging to them, than
the accumulated winter of both poles. We know that while some of
them draw the line and strike the harpoon on the coast of Africa,
others run the longitude, and pursue their gigantic game along the
coast of Brazil. No sea but what is vexed with their fisheries. No
climate that is not witness to their toils. Neither the perseverance
of Holland, nor the activity of France, nor the dexterous and firm
sagacity of English enterprize, ever carried their most perilous mode
of hardy industry to the extent to which it has been pursued by this
recent people; a people who are still in the gristle, and not yet har-
dened into manhood."
The character of a country or a nation is rarely drawn with an im-
partial hand. Who would wish to be the cold hearted animal, with
no partial feeling; no bias for his COUNTRY, or his COUNTRYMEN?
Perhaps it is better for those who may have formed a mean opinion
of the United States, to read the philanthropic delineations of Dr.
Morse, Dr. Ramsay, of a Cooper, a Marshall, or of the amiable and
accomplished Mrs. Warren. But for our own improvement, and to
correct excessive self love, our youth may find an alloy in the misan-
thropic caricatures by Abbe Mably, by Weld, Parkinson, Vilney!
et tu Brute" Anacreon Moore!!! for there are shades of truth in
some parts of these pictures, which, like Dr. Swift's Yaho, may place
our real faults in a light so disgusting as to provoke the efforts for
amendment. Our faults arise chiefly from the ease with which we
gain a subsistence. Our excitements to labour are so few, that this
melancholy truth is often highly injurious both to our mental and
bodily health, particularly in the interior of our country, or wherever
our idle youth can too easily call on a slave to change their apparel,
from mere indolence. It is said, but we hope from very limited au
4
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
thority, that there are parents in the United States, who give a young
slave to each of their children at an early age, long before their är-
rival to years of discretion: over this slave the infants are permitted,
and sometimes encouraged, to exercise an unpardonable tyranny.
And even where the caprice common to spoiled children is less wan-
ton and cruel in its effects, the whites, by never doing any thing
for themselves, while they have a slave always within call, are some-
times reared without hands, or rather with two useless left hands;
and hence the love for idleness incident to neglected nature, pervades
through life. In consequence of this improvident mode of rearing
mere helpless animals, instead of MEN and WOMEN, narcotics and
stimulating drams in the morning, are said to be taken even by
children! and young persons in the prime of life, who are often not
ashamed to be seen reclining on a matrass at mid day, without having
made a single useful exertion in the morning!! It is also reported,
(indeed we wish these stories may have come from the moon only,
along with the flaming lava recently found to puzzle our philoso-
phers, and that they may have no nearer foundation; we, however,
give the tales as they exist ;) it is said that there are fine young men,
fully grown, who have never done any thing to deserve a good name;
who though born to affluence, and one day to the controuì of valuable
estates, have yet to learn how every part of their business is to be
effected, or to trust to an idle, worthless overseer, as the negro driver
is called, who has the meanness of spirit to prefer this situation to the
care of his own farm! while there are prime lands to sell at 2 dollars
the acre, in a better climate than the one in which he is content to
fillage his idle employer, and to incur the eternal hatred of the sable
gang subject to his tyranny. Is it to be wondered, that with such
management, the Abbe Mably should suppose, that in time, the lands
of the south, deprived of their nutritive particles, and never replenish-
ed, should finally become a floating desert, like the sands of Arabia,
or those now in the vicinity of long lost Carthage! Balbec! and
Palmyra! Theseare indeed shocking reports, and possibly, no fur-
ther true than those which state, that the young men of this descrip-
tion, spend much of their time in gambling, cock fighting, in horse
racing, &c. and that the young ladies of the same country, are al-
most as idle and as helpless as the gentlemen. A traveller has told
us, that he knew where there were families, in which the young ladies
danced every evening, till the approach of the morning; and hence,.
after a late breakfast, they were often seen reclining on a sopha, or a
bed, with palid cheeks and swollen eyes, amused by a worthless novel,
written by some abandoned catch-penny wretch, with the intent to ex-
cite in indolence, a bent to immorality; by which the brains of these
unhappy young ladies have sometimes been so bewildered, as to mis-
take a mere coxcomb (as idle, and O tempora! as worthless as them-
selves) for an accomplished gentleman! and for a fit husband ! ! !
Gracious powers! can this be true? We appeal to common sense
to assist us to refute such abominable, such infamous libels, against
חי
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
er
5
the fair fame of our charming country women. How, in the name of
wonder, can these things happen, when our country abounds with the
best moral and highly entertaining writings of the age, to inform and
correct the mind? And do not all our amiable, discreet, and virtuous
mothers, know what books are proper for their lovely offspring?
And have we not our full share of the most exemplary clergymen,
whose moral sermons are replete with such classic purity, that geni-
us and science may doat forever on their hallowed lips? Are not the
social virtues their continual theme, and enforced by that enthusiastic
power that is alone the life and soul of eloquence? If these were not
continually pouring forth in exalted strains, their inspired sentiments
and refined wisdom, in favour of that true morality, that is alone the
attendant of celestial and terrestrial happiness, we might be led to
suppose it were possible for a few young married men to be disgust-
ed with home, from sore disappointment at having wedded an help-
less, idle doll, for an helpmate, who in truth knew nothing of good
housewifery. But who ever hears of such things, now a days? or of
real gentlemen, who in their sober senses would marry such trumpe-
ry,
if it were to be found? Or what father would ever give his consent
to match an amiable, an industrious, and truly accomplished daugh-
ter, with the stalking effigies only of the divine image, and scarce a
single manly qualification?
These things are so much opposed to the dictates of common sense,
we are determined to be cautious how we admit such horrible tales to
disgrace our manual; for even if such a pair as we, heaven forgive
us! have attempted to describe, should ever be found, they surely
would not be permitted to remain in our highly improving country.
Already we can boast of our polished DIAMONDS in a WEST, a Co-
PELEY, a TRUMBULL, a STUART, who in lustre have rivaled the first
artists in Europe. A list of the names of those who have ornamented
the age with their literary and universally scientific talents, would
not be doing justice, unless we were able to delineate their respective
virtues: many of these have the more praise for being bred and self
taught, in our yet unsettled countries,
"Where many a gem of purest ray serene,
Dark groves conceal and rugged mountains bear ;
And many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air."
The evils that were the result of slavery are daily lessening;
nor are those that arise from a defect in education so dangerous as
they were, except in some few instances in our legislative bodies,
where, indeed, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Reader, if you are a traveller, you may possibly have heard of a
legislative body, sometimes convened near Lancaster, in Pennsylva-
nia, that with an overflowing treasury, have yet done comparatively
nothing for PUBLIC SCHOOLS, lest their offspring should presume to
6
.
PREFATORY ADDRESSDDRESS.
rival their sapient fathers. If you should hear this, I pray you, if
possible, not to give ear to such a scandalous tale, but rather record
in your journal the noble example of Connecticut, where the most
ample provision is made for the rising generation. As learning,
since the days of Jack Cade, has become of such importance, that even
the profligate and disorganizing Godwin could write in its favour, no
doubt a few years will greatly extend the principles in our new coun-
tries; for on these must finally depend the moral fitness, and the
purity and correctness of the Amor patria we hope to inculcate, with
the love of posthumous and virtuous fame, a contempt for idleness
and for mean, personal and sensual gratifications; and for riches, ex-
cept those wherewith to do good; and with these, a Spaṛtan con-
tempt of danger and of death....such as we saw exhibited in our glo-
rious contest for freedom; and such as our gallant countrymen have
recently evinced in passing the Lybian desert, and before the walls of
Tripoli and of Derne. With such eons! it is easy to increase the
number of our fair CORNELIAS, who whenever called to exhibit their
most precious jewels, will parade a smiling flock of cherubs; such
as now form the celestial choir in paradise. Who can speak the
joys of the father of such children, educated by such a wife, who
lives and moves but for her beloved charge? The too happy husband
and father of such a family, enjoys a supreme felicity that bids defi-
ance to all the powers of language.
A republic or commonwealth, formed chiefly of such citizens, may
soon become invulnerable from abroad, while at home they realize
in peace their blissful millennium.
And why may not our posterity enjoy this state of happiness, if
we continue firm to our constitution, and go on to increase in all the
peaceful arts, and to extend our minor schools; and to complete in
due time the great combining fabric, founded by Washington, in his
last will? This, his noble university, is now doubly secured, both
by the compound interest of his own donation, and by the sums daily
increasing from the hands of all his voluntary friends. The names of
all these will be added to the next addition of this work, which will
be published for the sole benefit of the free education fund to the uni-
versity of Washington.
We cannot yet boast of the progress of improved agriculture, or
neat husbandry, much beyond the verge of our commercial cities and
towns, or beyond the common walk of the busy animating train, to
whom the world are solely indebted for its existence. See Anderson,
on national industry, and every enlightened statist, on these subjects.
The happy effect of commerce to originate and improve agricul- .
ture and horticulture, where mere planting, on a confined scale, was
only known, is a secret of modern date, or known to a few only, till
within 30 years; before which time, as Dr. Adam Smith tells us,
there were two classes of economists, distinguished by their tenets.
The creed of one sect was called the commercial system; and that
of the other, the agricultural system. They only served to puzzle
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
7
each other. For example, the one made the labourer in the earth
the only PRODUCTIVE biped. Dr. Adam Smith, taking for his mode
the great common place book of Montesquieu, drew together a mass
of excellent materials, in a smaller compass than had ever been done,
except by the editors of an Encyclopedia. On the mass of information
the economist may generally rely, wherever he only borrows; but
if ever Dr. Smith offers to give advice, he does it too much at ran-
dom. For example, what could be more dangerous, than for a bank
to issue five times the amount of its capital, in paper? A run would
ruin nine banks in ten, proceeding to such a dangerous speculative
length. It is equally dangerous to take his opinion at either end of
his work, on the subject of the variation of money; for he differs from
himself in this, as in many other parts of his work, on other import-
ant subjects. The mind of an able statist should resemble the probos-
cis of a noble elephant; it should be feelingly alive to every thing, and
yet all powerful; it should perceive the smallest defect in the parts,
while it fully combines the whole of the most extensive plan, or the
most sublimely comprehensive machine. In short, it is said, “it
should be able either to pick up pins, or to tear up a forest by the roots.”
Dr. Smith could pick up pins, but when he attempted more, he some-
times left confusion worse confounded. He charges the great Colbert
with being at the head of a commercial plan, opposed to the interest
of agriculture, on the nonsensical evidence of a set of theoretic re-
cluse, who wanted to make the world believe that there was an agri-
cultural interest opposed to the commercial interest of a country.
These theorists asserted, that the labourer, or the stimulated agent,
only was entitled to the honorable name of the PRODUCTIVE CLASS;
that all other men, except the land holders! were mere drones in the
hive, and in fact useless, for their reasoning leads at last to this. How
a land holder could be included in such a scheme, or in such a list of
agents for subsistence only, and fishermen left out, it is difficult to
imagine; but consistency is out of the view of such theorists, nor is
it possible for us to find an apology for their nonsense. The entire
agency for the PRODUCTIONS for animal food, involves all these ele-
ments, viz. air, heat, and moisture, in contact with an heterogeneous
mould, for the base of the tree or plant to be produced. But labour
is not always necessary to the production of food for our subsistence;
wild fruit and roots, as well as fish and game, may often support sa-
vages; and if ever labour is frequently employed, it is no where vo-
To admit that
luntary. See page 50, for the exciting causes, &c.
labour only is to be honored, it should be proved that it required no im-
petus, no main spring. The plough should go without the driver ;
and the labourer should have no stimulating object in view. He
should work of himself, for the love of industry alone. But we have
found that in the present state of things, money, commerce and the
arts, are the principal stimuli to a healthy and happy portion of agri-
cultural labour. There is often a little planting done by the female
savages only, where commerce has never been; but it never was
8
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
known to deserve the name of agriculture, till the commercial busy
train had a footing on the spot. Hence there are districts in our
country, where, as none but pedlars in trade have yet been, there
is yet no high cultivation. A state must be generally commercial,
before the labour of one fourth of the inhabitants will procure food for
the whole, with the same ease and with more health and happiness
than where four fifths of the inhabitants, with no other employment
than planting, have but little food to spare, and are daily ruining the
soil by slovenly inattention to almost every point of correct agricul-
ture. Although it is yet to be determined how many families may
be maintained by the agricultural labour of one, it is nevertheless
certain, that where one family produces enough, on an average, for
three families, there is more wealth, health, and harmony, than where
less is done. Our cod fishermen usually take subsistence enough for
10 to 20 persons, annually. In the herring fishery there is much
more done; but the season for this productive branch is of short
duration.
In our next book, we will endeavor to shew the portion of agricul-
turalists, and of the commercial stimulating train, that are best suited
together for the interest and happiness of the whole of any common-
wealth. To do this, without a detail of the necessary facts, will do
nothing to convince the mind of any who may want faith in a novel
attempt, which we presume, is of the first importance to any student
of UNIVERSAL ECONOMY.
We have endeavored, in our little book, to embrace every statisti-
cal point yet in our power, and regret that the novelty of the ground
has taken up more of our time than we expected. As pioneers
in a good cause, we shall rejoice if we make the path easier to our
followers, who will be careful to avoid the difficulties to which they
may observe we were unavoidably subjected. If health should per-
mit, our next attempt shall widen and make smoother the path we
have chosen, for the benefit of all future travellers.
With an unconquerable prejudice for every thing AMERICAN, we shall not shine
in our assumed office as CENSORS; but as we have yet no constitutional officers of this
description, who will fill this blank? Many members of congress dare not do it:
hence their circular letters are often filled with the most absurd flattery. We own
we have sought for faults, and if we have found any, they are only such as may be
casily amended.
"Satius est supervacua discere quam nihil."
CICERO.
"Parum mihi placent ex litereæ quæ ad virtutem doctoribus nihil profuerunt.”
SALLUST.
2
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
To ************
RESPECTED FRIEND,
esquire, a young member of congress.
IN obedience to your request, we have endeavoured to add our
mite to the small stock of your selected information, from the mate-
rials we have collected for a larger work, embracing the economy of
the civilized world, as far as 20 years attention to the subject may
have enabled us to extend our too limited powers for inquiry. To
answer your first question we do not go as usual to Greek or Roman
authority, lord KAIMES has given the essence of both, in telling us that
"PATRIOTISM IS THE CORNER STONE OF CIVIL SOCIETY;" that no
nation ever became great without it; and when it is extinguished, the
most powerful nation is on the high road to dissolution. The same
learned gentleman was one of the first who published the following
sentiment :
"The North American colonies are in a prosperous condition, in-
creasing rapidly in population and in opulence; the colonists have
THE SPIRIT OF A FREE PEOPLE, their population will exceed that of
Britain and Ireland in less than a century. If they then chuse to be
independent, every advantage will be on their side, as the attack
must be by sea and from a great distance; thus delivered from foreign
yoke, it is not difficult to see what kind of government they will chuse.
A people animated by the blessings of liberty, will not incline to
royalty." Kaimes's sketches, 1769.
It will be found highly gratifying, if you take up a mercators
chart of North America, and see how admirably the present and
permanent seat for the general government is adapted for the general
convenience, as the HEART or common center of the union, when-
ever the whole of North America may unite, as they will do, by pur-
chase or otherwise, in due time; for we find by the present tem-
per of the Louisianians, and of all the emigrants who have visited us
since our independence, that the natural affection of all rational men
for the best social system that ever was formed, increases daily. Hence
whenever an inflated partizan wishes to inflict the deepest wound on
the feelings of his political opponent, he tells him, "you will endanger
the union!" well knowing that this is a more dreadful prophecy, or
imprecation, than any other in the American vocabulary, but of no
more meaning than the coquetry of a love sick girl, who may tell the
swain she doats on, we must part forever! There is not a man in
America, of sound mind, who does not think with our Washington.
See his inestimable valedictory on this subject. It is very true that
this belief is opposed by many writers in the old world, but by only
those who had an interest in the assertion. The commercial and
combining principles that daily gain ground in our country, teach us
how to estimate the value of our union by infallible rules. By these
we know, that if our congress had done their duty during the last
14 years, we should have been nearly twice as rich in the total
B
10
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
•
valuation of all our property, (see page 198) and of course, strong
enough to have made all the European nations, at least, civil to us;
for in reality, it is not their interest to disturb us. The more capital
we obtain on loan, to a certain extent, from Europe, the more indus-
trious and the more pacific are our inclinations. If, perchance, we
had obtained too much, it could do no more harm, than when there
is a little more oil applied to a creaking wheel than was wanted....
No loss would have attended the circumstance, for it would have
raised the price of our lands, pledged for the redemption of all loans,
in a compound ratio of increase for any attainable sum. Therefore,
it will be astonishing to posterity, that our political fathers should
not have inquired into the state of the body politic, committed to their
charge. If the vital fluid, (money,) was too languid in circulation,
they ought to have prescribed a remedy.
If the innumerable wheels in the complicated machinery of com-
merce, complain or stop, for want of the essential oil of all industry,
they should provide more in due season.
There was but one opinion on these subjects during our war for
independence; nor till the unfortunate disagreement on the mode of
funding the war debt, and on the best site for the federal city, did
any member of congress oppose the true interest of his country, from
mere party spleen. The effects of this party spleen has been, to cost
the country an immense sum in the private sacrifices of bankrupt
enterprize, as well as in the difference of price for public property,
bo h in the western territory, and in the unseasonably forced sales of
public lots in the city of Washington, in the summer of
Before this, the city lots were esteemed worth 200 to 800 each, and
actually sold at auction for those prices; but by that improvident
sale, above a million was lost to the public and to the most active
friends to their country, who believed with Washington, that the
union was not secure till our country had a heart, as well as a head
and arteries also, in roads and canals, of easy communication, for
the health of the body politic, which without these must be a monstrous
lusus natura. Hence all those friends who acted in this belief, and who
with patriotic confidence embarked their all in the plan, are now
either tottering, or they have fallen a sacrifice to the most impolitic
measure of our government. It is usual for our printers to lay all
such blame to the executive. This is obviously incorrect; for when
Mr. Jefferson proposed to bring the water of the Potomac, for a few
miles, to the navy yard, it was opposed even by members who well
knew that the effect on the public property alone, would make it an
economical plan; especially, if by coursing these pure waters along
the high grounds of Georgetown and the city, the inhabitants were
hereafter supplied therefrom. In a few years the plan would have
been as highly productive of pecuniary profit to the government, as
of health to the inhabitants. Of this, every member of congress of
any character for prudence and forethought, was fully convinced ;
but alas! the bane of all republics, the spirit of party, was not thus
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
11
!
to be diluted by this wholesome canal,* or indeed by any other plan
for the GENERAL GOOD.
The fables of the members and the belly, of the father his sons and
bundle of sticks, and of the dog in the manger, should be read by all who
are over burthened by local or party prejudice; and those who are
only frightened by the unusual sound of millions! for defence, should
accustom themselves to look at statistical tables, like the following,
for the principal countries of the universe.

STATES,
and
their possessions
in 1805.
Inhabitants.
Milli-
Square miles ter-
restrial.
Persons to a mile.
State tax per head.
Whole military,
latent & active.
State revenue in
dollars U. S.
Milli-
Miles. Men dolls
Militia.
ons.
ons.
Russian intire,
36
3,600,000 10 1
3,600,000
36
French do.
37
250,000 150 4
3,700,000
148
Austrian do.
20
200,000 100
2
2,900,000
58
Turkish do.
24
970,000 25
2
2,400,000 48
British 3 kingd.
15
100,000 150 10
Spanish,
11
150,000 75
3
1,500,000 150
1,100,000
33
Prussian,
Swedish,
Danish,
Batavian,
Roman papal,
Helvetian,
Portuguese,
∞ ∞ ∞ ~ Q & Q
8
80,000 100
2
3
209,000 15 1층
​121/2
800,000
300,000
2
160,000 13
3
10,000 300
37
250,000
300,000
2
13,000 140
11
200,000
2
15,000 150
200,000
2
27,000 68
7
200,000
CEN 01 00 01 H
v
22
4.
22
3
2
14
China,
333
1,000,000 333 1
33,300,000
333
U. States N. A.
6
2,000,000 3 13
1,000,000
11
Asia and isles,
560
11,000,000 51 1
58,000,000
560
Africa
do.
40
10,000,000 42
4,500,000
40
Europe do.
160
2,600,000 53 3
16,000,000
480
America do.
20
(16,000,000l
2,000,000
20
* Mr. De Lome must have been inspired, when he foretold that in such a gov-
ernment, restraints would be more frequently necessary upon the power of the le-
gislature, than upon the executive.
Our executive have hitherto been mild, and temperate, but our house of represen-
tatives, in more than one instance, have approached to turbulence The known effica-
cy of cool water to allay heat, has led us to propose a patent reservoir for the dome
of every debating assembly, from which, the moderator or speaker by touching a
spring, may command a shower to restore order or perhaps to save the nation, in an
instant.
12
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
It is not pretended that we are as near in our statements in the
preceding table, as we hope we are, in those for our own country; but
the mere habit of contemplating subjects of magnitude, will help to
cure local prejudices.
Of all the countries in the old world, the Chinese is perhaps the most
striking, for the difference between their policy and our own, as well
as for their immense population; but sir George Stanton's travels
evince, that we should gain little by any change that would bring us
nearer to the apathy of that government in our own domestic practice.
As you know the science of government to be of primary importance
to every politician, we have only to remind you, to turn often to the
few books in the congressional library, &c. in order to fortify the
love for your own government, whenever you may be too much dis-
appointed in the turn of a vote in either house. In addition to the
views in your books, on the science of government, &c. please to run
your eye over the following, which you will find to accord with a let-
ter, page 175.
Although mankind are gregarious, they are by nature restless;
and if assembled in large tribes, hordes, or congregations, they are
often quarrelsome: hence the necessity of social ties, to preserve
order, amity, and peace. These ties are first, those of blood or kin-
dred, which for the sake of distinction, may be called silken ties; the
next are those of the laws, to which they may be bound by force, or
bind themselves to submit; these we call iron bands: the third are
those of associations for the extension of the arts and sciences; these
may be stiled flowery bands: the fourth, and perhaps the most to be
depended on of all, are those of incorporated monied commonwealth
associations, they are therefore stiled golden chains. In England
these chains are most numerous; they are there distinguished by
the names of funded debt, national and state banks, insurance com-
panies, canal and turnpike; and toll bridge and mining, and commer-
cial and tontines, and orphan and widows funds, which, with the In-
dia and other mercantile companies, by innumerabie divisions of the
whole into small shares, the people of all classes and descriptions,
the rich and poor, are so linked and rivited together, by their inter-
est, in these constitutions, that they are by many conceived to be
the strongest tie against a revolution that the British government
possess. If this be true, it is a strong argument in favour of their
extention here, to which we have been, and still hope, to be continually
instrumental. In order to carry these minor republics more into our
interior country, it is useful sometimes to unite a bank and an insur-
ance company together, till the town becomes sufficient to have
both these in separate operation. The general, as well as the state
governments, should subscribe at least to one, in each large town,
for many truly republican and political reasons, as well as for the
aid of the revenue on all occasions; but the government should have
no more to do with the direction than to inquire into the present state
of their specie, &c. in order to know, in part, from the whole of these
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
13
data, how the whole country is supplied. The error of some writers
on the subject of this knowledge of the state of the specie in a coun-
try, and against the necessity of any governmental inquiry on this
head, is a wanton trifling with common sense, and so far opposed to
innumerable facts in history, some of which Mr. Chalmers has re-
corded, that we are astonished at Dr. A. Smith, for giving in to this
mere caprice of the moment.
The rebellion of Shays, arose from the inattention of the rulers of
the state of Massachusetts, to the money in circulation.
"The peo-
ple, (who as Harrington tells us) often feel when they do not sec," found
it impossible to pay the disproportioned tax of the legislature of that
day, and therefore resisted. Nor was the objection and formidable
opposition to the excise law of the United States, by our citizens in
the interior of Pennsylvania, so much owing to their aversion to taxes,
as to the necessary inability of a people who went to the woods with
money barely sufficient to pay for their farms. As any depleting sys-
tem reaching the interior, reduces the price of lands, the policy of
any excise or direct tax, for the back country, will always be question-
able, till the public lands are sold, and paid for. We know that the
British government have been anxious to reconcile the people to the
opinion of Dr. Smith, while they were shipping specie for foreign sub-
sidies; but an independent writer should have been above committing
an error of such ruinous magnitude.
As at all events there ought to be no doubt on this all important ques-
tion, we hope it may be duly considered by every political economist.
The state of the vital fluid of a body politic, may be attained with
all the delicacy observed for a lady, where a discreet, confidential
physician is consulted, and secrecy is desired. There are many such
state secrets that are perfectly proper to be observed, by a special
committee only, who may report generally thereon. Further to enforce
opinion on the preceding point, a reference is requested to pages
155 and 156, where we trust enough is said in favour of this all impor-
tant truth.
We have taken the liberty to add to this manual, a kind of classic le-
gislative tablet, or memorandum. 'It will at least serve for frivate use,
by methodising the most interesting points of the legislature. You
may help your memory and do good, if you can thereby shew the
necessity of filling the blanks in the assembly with a due portion of
the classic information and assistance requisite for the business of
the day sometimes you will find you have too few commercial men,
or too few agriculturalists, and often too few LIBERAL AMERICANS,
who may embrace correct views for the interest of the whole of the
union; such alas ! is the lot of humanity, that few indeed can “ love
their neighbour as themselves.” But when we have finished our national
university, our young men will there learn, what can never be taught
to the same advantage elsewhere, to" expand their minds för univer-
sal good;” at least as far as their own happiness is connected with
the general welfare of their country.
14
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
LEGISLATIVE RETURNS,


Sessions of the
legislature.
of
When convened.
Number of members.
Able civilians.
Practical agriculturalists.
Practical merchants.
Liberally inclined.
Locally inclined.
The blanks in these columns are left vacant for the private use of
the members in both houses of the legislature; by the ability with
which they may be filled the members may evince their pretensions
to a re-election.
L
Finance.
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
OR MEMORANDUMS.
Able financiers.
Depleting laws.
Replenishing laws.
Federal laws enacted.
Local laws enacted.
Laws repealed.
Total existing laws.
Remarks, with the date of
adjournment.
と
​15
1
}

16
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
Lest some of our readers. may. think, we presume too much on a
supposed deficiency in your acquirements, we must attribute the
whole of this, our presumption, to your modest account of your own
deficiencies. Premising, however, that diffidence now-a-days is alto-
gether unparliamentary ; and why not? Does not Xenophon, in his life
of Socrates, tell us, "tis strange that those who desire to play upon
the harp, or on the flute, or to ride the managed horse, should not
think themselves worth notice, without having practised under the
best masters; while there are some who aspire to the government of
a state, and who can think themselves completely qualified, though it
be without preparation or labour ! ! !”
The learned and philosophical lord Kaimes, tells us, that " of all
the sciences, politics is the most intricate, and in its progress to ma-
turity proportionately slow ;" and pleasantly enough, that "it is his
sole ambition to rival those pains-taking authors, who teach novices
in the mode of question and answer." Among novices, says he, "it
would be unpardonable to rank such of my fellow citizens, who are
ambitious of a seat in parliament, many of whom sacrifice the inhe-
ritance of their ancestors, for an opportunity to exert their patriotism
in that august assembly." Can such a sacrifice, he asks, “permit me
to doubt of their being adepts in the mysteries of government, and of
finance in particular?" Risum teneatis amici.
But this would be an improper time for such pleasantry, if it were
not that our subject is generally too dull to command the attention
of the young, the gay, and thoughtless, and therefore we wish by
some excentric means to arrest their attention! and to intreat that
some of them be more careful to "trim the midnight lamp," till they
may be better qualified for the high and all important duties of legis-
lation for our world of republics, united in one great commonwealth.
If they do not do this, we shall have more of the effervescence of
the spirit of a free people to quell. There will be always a Shays, a
Bradford, or a Fries, for every provoked occasion, to pour their hosts.
in hostile array from the mountains.
"As when by age, or rains, or tempest torn,
A rock from some high precipice is borne;
Trees, herds and swains, involving in the sweep,
The mass flic furious from the aerial steep;
Leaps down the mountain side with many a bound,
In fiery whirls, and smokes along the ground."
Pitt's Virgil.
The origin of all government is patriarchal: hence the semblance
of its defined duties under every rational modification.
The grand disideratum in all legislation is, to provide for the exi-
gencies of the great family, and to excite it by the most rational sti-
muli, directing the excitability to all useful exertion and employ-
ment for the public weal, and for individual and universal peace and
happiness. The golden age has arrived, wherever all this may be
walized.
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
17
"The most admired of the institutions of the pious Numa, was
his division of the several trades into companies, thereby obliging
those who, when alone, were hostile to each other, to associate in these
minor republics on terms of equality. This put an end to their quar-
rels, and restored peace to Rome; where, before these steps were
taken, the different classes were often marshalled against each other
and kept the city constantly embroiled." Dr. Priestly, therefore, is
not well supported in his statement, that commercial associations
were the invention of Letvis le Groce. (See lect. gen. policy, ch. 44.)
But the motive he assigns for their adoption, is equally important, viz.
This was done "to free the people from the slavery of their lords,
and to grant them a few privileges and protection." Now wherever
either the lords or the legislature presume to interfere with, or to
tax these minor republics, other than as share holders, they do not
answer the valuable purposes for which they are formed; nor ought
the government to grant to any of these a monopoly, either for them-
selves, or for any portion of the people who should be entitled to in-
crease them at pleasure, that they may be rivals for the general weal.
Thus, if two baking companies are thereby permitted, where there
was but one, bread may be cheaper in consequence; or if there are
two banks thus instituted, and neither of them taxed, more of the
people will be favoured by loans, than where there is but one bank;
and a further increase will reduce even the rate of interest.
Thus to favor any fair reduction of the price of bread, or of in-
terest, and all dispositions for diffusing voluntary loans among all
classes of the people, will ever be an important object in every cor-
rect republican government; nor can any republican form be other-
wise secured for any length of time, in any country.
It would be paying a poor compliment to your inquiry to repeat,
that the node of levying taxes, (as the ordinary means for increasing
the revenue is too indiscriminately termed) is, or ought to be a pri-
mary desideratum in political arithmetic; but poor indeed must the
government of a great nation be, that has no other resource for its
maintainance, but in direct depleting calls on the purses of the poorer
classes, as well as of the rich. The national centre or government of a
great nution, has always within itself a fountain of wealth, which an in-
dividual, or a family, or a small nation, can never enjoy: hence the
incalculable advantage of our union; for this advantage will increase
in a compound ratio on the further extension of the states, till all
North America, so admirably fitted for union, is happily combined.
The British mode of revenue is one of the best in Europe; having
previously established a universal public credit, instead of calling
money in the first instance from the people, they throw indubitable
bills into circulation for the full amount of the duties they intend to
levy thus, the army and navy supplies are obtained before the re-
turn of their circulating bills, or money, is called for; but the whole
comes round in time, to balance the account. It is the unequally
oppressing the poorer classes that ought to be complained of,
C
18
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
and not the general outline of their financial measures for the last
20 years: for, where the governmental distributions precede the du-
ties, there are in fact no taxes. The people merely render to Cæsar
the things that are Casar's; which was literally the case by the mode
Augustus Cæsar adopted for the improvement of Rome.
Our present, but more so our late mode, is said to be "contra bonus
mores," being a temptation to perjury; but if, as is the case in Chi-
na, a merchant's books could be received in lieu of an oath, the mode
would be less exceptionable. But as far as luxuries from abroad are
taxed, the mode we pursue is one of the least exceptionable; except
that particular articles are too heavily charged in the custom-house,
and thereby we have suffered from smuggling.
The injuries from indiscreet taxation are repeated often in our
book, because we believe our country to be yet on a wrong track; if
we are correct, truth will finally prevail. In our next book we shall
be more full on this delicate subject, in which some points are in-
volved that may require very lengthy illustrations from universal ex-
perience.
Nothing, in our opinion, can be more absurd than the preference
sometimes given to direct taxes, over indirect revenue, insensibly
drawn from luxuries only. All taxes being hated, as if obnoxious to
the people, except in times of imminent danger, or when some noble
monument, a charity, or university, or school, excites a noble emula-
tion, they should be kept out of sight and of feeling, if possible.
Insensible taxes, besides being often paid, in part, by visitors who
may partake of the luxuries of the country they are in, are the only
rational taxes, in every view of the subject, that has ever yet been
taken. All other taxes are received as severe punishments.
Sancho Panza ought to furnish a hint to theoretic politicians, who,
when taxed a thousand lashes to disenchant Dulcinea, as they were to
be layed on by himself, wisely concluded that they would be more
delectable through the bark of a cork tree, and thus he might enjoy
the benefit of the shade and punishment both together.
These feeling tax levyers remind us of a Roman emperor, who,
when he ordered an execution, would sometimes complain to the ex-
ecutioner, that the suffering wretch did not feel himself die. What
brine is to the fresh wound, direct taxes are to the feelings of 99
persons in 100, of everv community, except in times of war, &c.
But it is said, that if the people were made to fecl sensibly, every
shilling they pay will encourage them to complain, and may prevent
their being too willing to be taxed. All this is absurd nonsense in a
republic; for there never was any danger of a want either of com-
plaining or resistance, against the most insensible tax that ever was
laid; so that direct taxes are always totally unnecessary for our ge-
neral government. We do not mean to say more on this subject at
present, believing that we have more income from the present system
of revenue than we have occasion for, if a correct system of finance
was observed. We now take the liberty to tell you our opinion,
+
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
19
that congress ought to pay themselves something nearer to the va-
lue of the sum received when 6 dollars a day was first voted.
For the difference in the abilities of the people at the respective
times, see total valuation; and for depreciation, see the variation
table, page 142.
Mr. Jefferson once recommended to the legislature of Virginia, in
behalf of the injured officers, that a standard in grain should secure
them from the effect of depreciation; and if he was not himself an
officer at this time, he probably would state the difference above men-
tioned, and propose a relief from an injury that will increase daily,
at least as long as the European wars last, and the Spanish mines
continue to augment the specie circulation of the commercial world.
As we have several relative subjects to submit to your consideration,
we would offer you the opinions of every sensible and well informed
statesman, on the following all important subject: but as this would
be doubting either your judgment or your patriotic love for the gene-
ral welfare of your country, we hope you will excuse our having of-
fered these mature and correct opinions of Mr. Jefferson. They com-
bine enough to convince any one of the true line of duty for every
member of our national legislature, and are (party spirit aside) the
unanimous opinion of every rational American.
f
"A question has been made concerning the constitutional right of
the government of the United States, to apply this species of en-
couragement; (bounties to aid the fisheries) but there is certainly no
good foundation for such a question. The national legislature has
express authority to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and ex-
cises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general
welfare,' with no other qualifications than that all duties, imposts,
and excises, shall be uniform throughout the United States; that no
capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to
numbers, ascertained by a census or enumeration taken on the prin-
ciples prescribed in the constitution, and that no tax or duty shall be
laid on articles exported from any state.'
"These three qualifications excepted, the power to raise money is
plenary and indefinite; and the objects to which it may be appropri
ated, are no less comprehensive, than the payment of the public debts
and the providing for the common defence and general welfare. The
terms' general welfare,' were doubtless intended to signify more than
was expressed or imported in those which preceded; otherwise nu-
merous exigencies incident to the affairs of a nation, would have been
left without a provision. The phrase is as comprehensive as any
that could have been used; because it was not fit that the constitu-
tional authority of the union, to appropriate its revenues, should have
been restricted within narrower limits than the general welfare;'
and because this necessarily embraces a vast variety of particulars,
which are susceptible neither of specification nor of definition.”
6
20
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
"It is therefore of necessity left to the discretion of the national
legislature, to pronounce upon the objects which concern the gene-
ral welfare, and for which, under that description, an appropriation of
money is requisite and proper. And there seems to be no room for
a doubt that whatever concerns the general interests of LEARNING, of
AGRICULTURE, of MANUFACTURE, and of COMMERCE, are within
the space of the national councils, as far as regards an application of
money.":
We e are sensible of the difficulties that uneducated gentlemen may
sometimes have to encounter, before they can expand their own minds
sufficiently to embrace (for all the necessary objects) the most su-
blime and all important clause of the federal constitution, without
which our MAGNA CHARTA Would soon become as much an object
for disgust, as our first articles of confederation, or the miserable li-
mits of the amphictyonic council, or the areopagus of Greece. It
ought to be a maxim, at least in politics, that all inefficient or half-
way powers should be deemed an insult; for they rarely fail to widen
the breach, or provoke quarrels, instead of preventing or adjusting
the difficulties they may pretend to controul or to heal. In pages
50 and 51, we hope to explain our views of this subject. As the
point now before us is no contemptible party question, we entreat all
our young legislators to forget, at least for the time of their session,
a part of their extreme locality; and to fancy, if possible, the apron
string of COLUMBIA as natural a tie to their affections, as that of an
amiable mother, or a beloved wife, Then indeed will the golden
days of our country commence; we should then soon realize brisk
circulations for roads, canals, a university, a sufficient navy; premi-
ums for every useful art and science, harmony, life, vigour, and the
most rational joy: then indeed will the wilderness of our western
world bud, and blossom like the rose. But alas! what mean those
gloomy features and those growling accents, within the sacred walls
of the capitol of America? transforming the most sublime theatre of
the universe into a mere bear garden. In our vision, we behold dis-
trust and hatred, and malice, the dread offspring of all mean and nar-
row party views. May they not engender those fell ignated coals
where Ate, hot from her infernal cell shall light, and oft in furious
rage and frantic sport, shall hurl her flaming brands from pole to pole,
till chaos come again.
Such will be the visions that every anxious friend will have of the
baneful effects of excessive local ties and party spirit: till these are
suppressed by timely exertions, and banished from the hearts of our
political fathers, adieu to all our golden dreams of republican felicity.
But we do not, we will not yet despond. In addition to the laws to
be comprised in the report to congress, of the unfinished business,
we beg leave to suggest the following, viz.
1
A law revising the funding system, and adding thereto the liberty.
of reloaning, at a fair interest, the entire debts of the union, in order
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
21
that the whole may ultimately die their only natural death in the land
offices. See pages 193 and 194.
To commence the building, and grant a lodging in the grand hos-
pital of the federal city, for every remaining invalid who served faith-
fully for more than one year at any period of our revolutionary war;
and for such other military invalids as may be deemed proper sub-
jects for this national charity, the duty of every government.
To raise a sufficient number of artificers and engineers, to com-
plete the road already ordered to facilitate a communication for the
western country with the heart of the union; to direct that either the
loan therefor, or the bills given the troops in payment, shall be receiv-
ed in the land offices, that thus the road may ultimately cost less than
nothing.
To erect, or at least to point out the place for the statue of 1783,
and either to direct or permit the colleges of the university, founded
by Washington, to commence around this statue after the manner
of the Timoleonteon of Syracuse. Vide Plutarch's lives.
A law giving the necessary lots to the Washington academy; and
also an equivalent to its elder sisters, within the federal territory, the
Columbian academy, and the Washington academy of Alexandria.
To incorporate a company for bringing Mr. Jefferson's canal into
the city, stating the number of shares the public will take therein.
To take ****** shares in the Delaware and Chesapeake canal, and
in every canal essential to perfect, in the most direct line, an inland
navigation, co-extensive with the union; invaluable in time of war.
To inquire into the elegibility of a canal communication between
the eastern branch and the upper waters of the Chesapeake, to con-
tinue the Delaware and Chesapeake canal, to Washington.
To revise the laws respecting the sales of public lands, and to in-
quire into the best modes for raising the price, and for facilitating
the payment therefor in public certificates only.
A law to augment the national library, for the benefit of the legis
lature;
Directing an additional number of maps to be purchased for the
library;
To procure a terrestrial globe of as large a size as the most appro-
priate room in the capitol will admit ;
To procure the original paintings of the principal battles in the
revolutionary war, by colonel Trumbull;
To procure the copies from correct portraits, of Warren, Greene,
and the other principal revolutionary characters, now departed; and
also of the presidents, since the new government.
To secure more ground by exchange or purchase, for the navy yard
at Washington.
To commence six 74 gun ships.
To authorize a subscription of ****** to a principal bank in each
of the states.
}
22
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
To authorize subscriptions to every turnpike road, that may be
formed as radii from the center or heart of the union.
Although it cannot be expected that all these laws will be enacted
in one session, it may be well to have them always in view.
It would be easy greatly to swell this list, but we fear it is hardly
fair thus to anticipate all the good things we may expect from the
spontaneous effusions of your patriotism. We therefore conclude,
with a prayer only, that you will not forget to do enough of these to
increase the medium in circulation, till there may be no just com-
plaint against the government for personifying the character of Le
Sages, Dr. San Grado, by a strange perversion of duty, in depleting
instead of replenishing the veins of our infant commonwealth, at a
time when its immensely rapid growth made their attention to invi-
gorate their country, of primary importance: this is all we ask of
heaven and you; and if we have in the least assisted you in our book,
to find the rules by which you may be informed of your duty, in this
instance we trust, we have done enough. We shall now proceed to
tell you, that having taken infinite pains and trouble, from the year
1792 till 1796, in order to get the public lands raised to 2 dollars an
acre, by an act of congress, and to counteract every attempt to reduce
the price, or to divert the certificates of public debt from being re-
ceived in the land offices, in exchange for acres, for reasons fully
explained in this book, we have almost a quixotic attachment to
the well digested and incontrovertible measure, to which we shall ne-
ver cease to call your attention. As most of the members of congress
to whom we communicated our ideas, from time to time, are still
alive, we have no occasion to be more explicit, being only anxious to
protect the property of the commonwealth, and not to boast of mere-
ly doing what we conceive to be our duty therein. Will you can
you refuse to unite with us in such a cause? We hope, we believe
not.
We have now to commence on a sublime subject indeed! but yet
of such latent importance, we cannot hope to do it justice. Time will
unfold its beauties in all their splendor; while we can only speak of
the bud of this flower of the universe. As the most minute circum-
stances are sometimes interesting for their relation to great events,
we relate the first we ever heard of a national university: it was in
the camp at Cambridge, in October 1775, when major William
Blodget went to the quarters of general Washington, to complain of
the ruinous state of the colleges, from the conduct of the militia
quartered therein. The writer of this being in company with his
friend and relation, and hearing general Greene join in lamenting the
then ruinous state of the eldest seminary of Massachusetts, observed,
merely to console the company of friends, that to make amends for
these injuries, after our war, he hoped, we should erect a noble na-
tional university, at which the youth of all the world might be proud
to receive instruction. What was thus pleasantly said, Washington'
immediately replied to, with that inimitably expressive and truly in-
<
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
+
23
teresting look, for which he was sometimes so remarkable: "Young
man you are a prophet ! inspired to speak, what I feel confident will one
day be realized." He then detailed to the company his impressions,
that all North America would one day become united; he said, that a
colonel Byrd, of Virginia, he believed, was the first man who had
pointed out the best central seat, near to the present spot, or about
the falls of Potomack. General Washington further said, that a Mr.
Evans had expressed the same opinion, with many other gentlemen,
who from a cursory view of a chart of North America, received this
natural and truly correct impression. The look of general Washing
ton, the energy of his mind, his noble and irresistable eloquence, all
conspired, so far to impress the writer with these subjects, that if ever
he should unfortunately become insane, it will be from his anxiety for
the federal city and NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. From this time his
thoughts and dreams were frequently interrupted by the subjects,
and any chart of North America, was in luck, if it escaped the tracing,
by penciled lines, a great road from the Pacific to Labradore, by the
falls of Potomac; and also radii for the governmental main roads, from
the center to every part of the union. He also calculated the time
it would take on a good Roman turnpike road, for the members of the
congress to obey a summons from the President, on any emergency,
from either extreme of the union, and found it possible in 10, and pro-
bable in 14 days. This he conceived to be an important question, in
relation to the elegibility of a union to be extended so far beyond
any former republican system, except that of Rome.
•
From the time of the first mention of a federal city, and a nationał
university, till the present moment, every opportunity to expand the
mind of the writer, has been eagerly embraced, as we hope will be
shewn in due time. The opportunities for inquiry were but few;
when an impaired state of health, originating in the army by the se-
verity of the campaigns of 1775 to 1778, occasioned in 1784, a visit
to Europe, where no time was lost to search for such information as
was deemed worth transporting to America, particularly on the sub-
jects abridged in this book. After a second visit to Europe, the writer
returned in 1791, and informed President Washington of the plans.
he had attempted from the best points only of the ancient and modern
cities of the old world, and adapted to his views for a federal HEART,
or CAPITOL, for his country. But his views for the university were
what he most prized; designed in part at the Hague, and completed
at Oxford, where he had all the universities of ancient and modern
times to guide his pencil: from these he borrowed and rejected
agreeably to the opinions of the best informed friends he could meet,
in order that no childish bias for his own questionable taste might by
any means prevent the final success of the important object in view.
Previous to this interview with the president, that vigilant patriot
had made up his mind, on sending an ingenious and skilful officer of
the revolutionary war, to design a plan suited to the natural shapes
of the selected spot. The plans of the writer were of course useless
24
PREFATORY ADDRESS.
t
as far as they respected the plotting of the city; they being suited
to a plain only, and not so well calculated for the precsie spot, in his
own estimation, as the magnificent design of L'Infant, which, with a
few deviations are now carrying into effect. The writer needed not
the recommendation of his former commander, to persuade him to
purchase, as he did in 1791, property to the amount of above 100,000
dollars, in, and adjoining the city, one day to become the noblest of the
universe. Of the first purchase he made, he gave above 1,500 house
lots to the United States, or one half of his property in common with
the rest of the proprietors of the lands, on the site selected for the
permanent seat of government. On the strength of the opinion of
Washington, that the general government would see the true inter-
ests of the union in anticipating the ultimate value of the donation of
above 12,000 lots by loans, for which the certificates bearing interest
were to be received in the general lot office for the city, in exchange
for lots belonging to the public, at a limited price for the minimum,
above 500 lots were to be given away to the first improvers, and the
rest sold at discretion by the commissioners, advancing on the fixed
minimum pro rata with the growth of the city. But alas! who would
have thought, that with the errors of Greece before our eyes, we
should find an American congress unwilling to guarantee this im-
portant loan, to which the whole monied interest of Europe and Ame-
rica would willingly have subscribed, with such guarantee? But no
one could believe that government were in earnest, after their unwil-
lingness to do their duty in this instance was known. Then it was
every where said, congress may reconsider their resolution and go some-
where else.
The mischievous tendency of such shillishalli conduct on the part
of the national legislature! is now obvious to all; but it was most se-
verely felt by those principally concerned in the soil, one half of
which they had now given, or thrown away, in alternate lots, and
thus ruined their farms, if the city should never be built. In this
dog in the manger state, did government suffer their property (and
that of the unoffending proprietors to remain,) even after they had
sold a great number of lots at 2 to 500 dollars each, at auction.
It would be difficult indeed to describe the feelings of THE FATHER
OF HIS COUNTRY, at this critical juncture; although he foresaw that
nothing short of a timely union of sentiment, on the subject of a fe-
deral HEART for the body politic, could save the commonwealth, he
still expressed a belief that the same indulgent providence who had
so far presided over our destinies, would one day teach us to “frown
indignant upon the first dawnings of every attempt to alienate any
portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which
now link together the various parts." (Washington's valedictory.)
A continuation of these subjects are respectfully reserved for the
APPENDIX, at the close of this book.
25
A BRIEF
CHRONOLOGICAL DETAIL
Of interesting facts relative to the discovery and progress of the
American states.
་
THE invaluable acquisition of the compass, by permitting a
wider range to the enterprizing mariners of the fourteenth century,
soon led to the discovery of many signs of a western continent.
After many discouraging attempts to obtain assistance and pa-
tronage, COLUMBUS succeeded, under the patronage of ISABELLA,
queen of Spain, in the year one thousand four hundred and forty-
nine. As the principal objects of this work will not admit of a minute
detail, reference for particulars will of course be had to such histo-
rians as may be most eligible, or most agreeable to the readers.
Soon after the discovery of Columbus, South America was vi-
sited by Americus Vespusius, from whom the continent
unjustly took its name,
And North America was seen by Cabot in,
Florida was discovered in,
•
1497
$149.7
1512
Potatoes were first carried to Ireland from America in,
1565
Tobacco carried from Virginia to England, :
1583
Sir Walter Raleigh first obtained his patent for discoveries in
America,
1584
New England first visited by captain Gosnold,
Virginia and Newfoundland settled by the English in,
New York and New Jersey settled by the Dutch in,
New Holland discovered by the Dutch in,
Henry Hudson discovers the river in New York which bears
his name,
1602
1608
1610
1614
1618
The planters of Virginia receive, per invoice, a cargo of
ninety young girls for wives, and for each pay 15 lbs. of to-
bacco,
First importation of slaves to Virginia in a Dutch vessel,
The same year convicts were first exported to Virginia, and
sold as servants.
1619
1620
Nova Scotia first settled by the Scotch in,
1622
New Hampshire settled by an English colony,
The island of Barbadoes, the first English settlement in the
1623
West Indies, is planted in,
A colony of Swedes settled on Delaware river, Pennsylvania, in
Maryland settled by lord Baltimore, with a colony of Roman
Catholics, the charter being granted the year before,
Connecticut and Rhode Island settled in,
1625
1627
1633
1635
The first college established in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
D
1638
26
AMERICAN CHRONOLOGY.
The first printing-office established at Cambridge,
•
A union of the colonies of New England by compact, from
which Rhode Island was excluded at the request of Mas-
sachusetts,
A great Massacre by the Indians in Virginia in,
A serious dispute between Massachusetts and Connecticut,
Massachusetts refuses to join the united colonies in a war with
the Dutch,
1642
1643
1644
1646
1651
South Carolina planted by an English colony under governor
Gale, under a patent granted to lord Clarendon 1664,
The English Hudson Bay company incorporated in,
The province of Maine purchased for 12001. by Massachu-
1669
1670
setts,
1676
A serious rebellion in Virginia under Nathaniel Bacon,
New Hampshire, hitherto part of Massachusetts, erected into
1676
a separate government,
1679
►
William Penn receives a patent for Pennsylvania, March 4th.
and grants a charter to adventurers,
1680
1682
William Penn purchases from James duke of York, that part
of the New Netherlands now known by the name of the
state of Delaware. Philadelphia began to be built,
Massachusetts deposes governor Andros,
1683
1689
▼
War with France,
1692
The French invade Carolina, but are repulsed,
1700
Post-office first established in America by act of the British
government,
1710
Tuscarora Indians defeated after the massacre in North Ca-
rolina by the Indians,
1713
A bank established on erroneous principles in Carolina,
The Mississippi scheme at its height in France,
1714
1719
A memorable struggle in Massachusetts against the crown
authority,
1723
North Carolina settled about this time by the English,
George Washington, the father of his country, born Februa-
ry 22d, O. S.
1728
1732
Several public spirited gentlemen begin the settlement of
Georgia, the most southern of the U. S. of America,
A great depreciation of paper money of Massachusetts, .
Serious insurrection of slaves in South Carolina,
1732
·
1733
1737
A land security provincial bank in Massachusetts forcibly dis-
solved by act of parliament,
1739
This act tended greatly to sour the minds of the provincials
toward their parent country.
Louisburg taken from the French,
1745
Indigo discovered in South Carolina in,
1745
The interest of the British funds reduced to three per cent. 1749
The British parliament pass an act, grievous and insulting to
the Americans, prohibiting any slitting-mill or forge, or
any iron-works in America, June,
•
1750
.AMERICAN CHRONOLOGY.
27
A congress meet at Albany (New York) when Dr. Franklin
proposes a plan for the union of all the colonies,
The British Americans defeat the French at Lake George,
The British Americans suffer severely in the loss of Fort
William Henry, taken by the French,
1754
1755
1757
Fort Du Quesne (now Pittsburg) taken from the French by
general Forbes, February 28th,
1758
General Wolfe is killed in the battle of Quebec, which is
gained by the English, and general Montcalm is slain,
An extensive Indian War,
1759
1759
1760
1761
Montreal taken from the French,
•
Cherokee towns destroyed by colonel Grant,
The definitive treaty of peace between Great Britain, France,
Spain and Portugal concluded at Paris, February 10th,
which confirmed to Great Britain the extensive provinces
of Canada, East and West Florida, and part of Louisiana,
in North America,
1763
Sundry parliamentary attempts to abridge the commerce and
manufactures of the American colonists,
1764
Colonial stamp act passed in England, and violently opposed
in Massachusetts,
1765
Massacre at Boston, March 5th,
1770
Captain Phipps is sent to explore the north pole, but having
made eighty-one degrees, is in danger of being locked up
by the ice, returns,
1772
The British parliament having passed an act laying a duty of
three pence per pound upon all teas imported into America;
the colonies resolutely deny the right of the British par-
liament to tax them,
·
The Boston port bill passed March 25th,
1774
1774
Deputies from the several American colonies meet at Phila-
delphia in general congress, October 29th,
1774
First petition of congress to the king, November,
1774
•
April 19th, the first action between the British and the Ame-
ricans was at Lexington, the former were defeated,
Ticonderoga and Crown point taken by the Americans,
Articles of confederation and perpetual union agreed on by the
American colonies, May 20th,
1775
1775
Paper money emitted by congress to the amount of three
millions of dollars, and increased, at many different peri-
ods during the war, to the amount of two hundred mil-
lions,
This unfunded vague paper money supported its credit be-
yond expectation for about eighteen months, till it was
counterfeited by British adherents; it however fell to three
for one in 1777, and to near thirty in 1779, in the next
year it was sixty for one, and continued to depreciate till
in 1801 it was sold at three hundred for one, before it
ceased to circulate in 1802.
1775
1775
28
AMERICAN CHRONOLOGY.
General George Washington is by congress unanimously ap
pointed commander in chief of the American army, June
16th; on July 2d arrives at Cambridge, Massachusetts,
and takes upon him the command,
1775
Battle of Bunker's hill, June 17th. Charlestown burnt the
same day,
1775
Post-office established by congress, July 26th,
1775
Falmouth, in the district of Maine, destroyed by the British,
October 18th,
1775
General Montgomery takes Montreal, November 12th,
1775
Norfolk, in Virginia, burnt by order of lord Dunmore, Jan-
uary 1st,
An unsuccessful attempt on Quebec, when the gallant Mont-
gomery fell, December 31st,
1775
1776
Boston evacuated by the British, March 17th,
1776
Gallant repulse of commodore Parker at Charleston, South
Carolina, June, .
1776
•
Congress, in consequence of the repeated provocations which the
colonies had received from Britain, nobly declare themselves
free, sovereign and independent, under the name of the
United States of America, July 4th,
1776
In the severe battle of Flatbush, on Long Island, the Ameri-
cans are defeated, and New York is soon after taken by the
British, August 27th,
1776
Fort Washington, state of New York, taken by the British,
November 16th,
1776
Fort Lee in the same state, taken November 18th,
Rhode Island taken by the British, December 6th,
1776
1776
A division of Hessians taken by general Washington at Tren-
ton. December 26th,
1776
January 2d, general Washington defeats the British at Prince-
ton,
1777
Great devastations committed by the British under general
Tryon, in Connecticut. They are attacked by generals
Wooster and Sullivan and defeated, April 26th,
Ticonderoga evacuated by general St. Clair, July 6th,
The advance of Burgoyne's army, under general Frazer,
checked by colonels Warner and Francis at Huberton, July
1777
1777
7th,
1777
Marquis De la Fayette, appointed major general in the Ame-
rican army, July 31st,
1777
The battle of Brandywine, September 11th,
1777
A hard fought, drawn battle near Saratoga, September 19th,
1777
The British under general Howe at Philadelphia,
1777
The battle of Germantown, October 4th,
1777
The British are defeated with severe loss, October 7th,
1777
Esopus in New York destroyed by the British, October 15th,
General Burgoyne at Saratoga surrendered his reduced army
of 0,000 men to generals Gates and Lincoln, October 17th,
1777
1777
AMERICAN CHRONOLOGY.
29
General Washington in winter quarters at Cherry Valley,
where his army suffers severely from famine and want of
clothing, December,
A treaty of alliance concluded at Paris between France and
the United States, by which the independence of the U. S.
is acknowledged, February 6th,
Sir Henry Clinton supersedes sir William Howe, May 8th, at
Philadelphia,
The earl of Carlisle, William Eden and George Johnston ar-
rive at Philadelphia. as commissioners for restoring peace.
between Britain and America, but congress refuses to treat
with them unless the independence of America is acknow-
ledged, or the king's fleets and armies withdrawn,
War between France and Britain, June,
1777
1778
1778
}
;
1778
1778
Philadelphia evacuated by the British, June 18th,
The battle of Monmouth, June 28th,
1778
1778
Twelve ships of the line under count D'Estaing arrived in
the Delaware, July 9th,
1778
Sieur Gerard the first ambassador from France to the U. S..
Savannah in Georgia taken by the British,
1778
1779
General Ash surprized and defeated in Georgia by general
Provost,
1779
The Spaniards at war with Britain, June,
1779
Governor Tryon burned Fairfield and East Haven. Plundered
#
New Haven in July,
Σ
1779
Stony Point taken by the Americans under the command of
general Wayne,
1779
1779
Pensacola and West Florida surrender to Spain, May 9th,
Charleston, S. Carolina, surrendered to the British, May 21st,
The dreadful disorders in the American paper current money,
for want of a regular system of finance, increase and tend
much to demoralize both the people and legislatures of the se-
veral states, witness the unjust tender laws, &c.
1779
1779
Count Rochambeau arrived at Rhode Island with 6,000
French, July 10th,
1780
Cornwallis defeated Gates near Camden in South Carolina,
August 16th,
1780
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, first
instituted in Massachusetts,
1780
.
Henry Laurens, formerly president of congress, who had been
sent to negociate a treaty with Holland, is taken by the
Vestal frigate near Newfoundland, September 3d, and on
October 4th following is committed close prisoner to the
Tower of London,
1780
General Arnold attempted to deliver West Point to the Bri-
tish, and deserted to their service. September 26th,
Major Andre, adjutant-general to the British army, tried and
executed as a spy, October 22d,
1780
1780
The battle of Kings Mountain, South Carolina, October 7th, 1780
30
AMERICAN CHRONOLOGY.
1
1
1
The British government declares war against Holland, De-
cember 10th,
1780 and 1781, This winter is remarkable for its severity.
Dangerous mutiny in the army for the want of comfortable
supplies,
In the battle of Cowpens the Americans, under general Mont-
gomery, totally defeat the British, under Tarlton, January
17th,
A battle at Guilford court-house in N. Carolina, March 15th,
A battle at Camden between general Green and lord Rawdon,
April 25th,
Count de Grasse with 28 sail of the line arrived in the Ches-
apeak, and lands 3,200 forces, which join La Fayette's di-
vision, August 30th,
1780
1781
}
1782
1782
1782
1782
{
•
In the battle of Eutaw the British were defeated by general
Green, September 9th,
1782
New London burnt by the British under Arnold, September
13th,
1782
Treaty of amity and commerce between America and Hol-
land, October 8th,
1782
1782
Earl Cornwallis surrenders his army to general Washington
at Yorktown in Virginia, October 19th,
Henry Laurens released from the Tower of London, Dec.
The first regular financial measure in founding the bank of
North America on a plan by R. Morris, esq. who nobly in-
terfered with his extensive personal credit and fortune at
stake, till he greatly relieved the injured credit of the nation, 1782
The British house of commons address the king against the
further prosecution of offensive war with North America,
March 4th,
1782
Holland acknowledged the sovereignty of the United States,
April 19th,
1782
Sir Guy Carlton arrived at New York with powers to treat of
peace with the Americans, May 5th,
1782
The French take and destroy the forts and settlements on
Hudson's Bay, August 24th,
1782
Treaty concluded between the United States and the states
of Holland, October 8th,
1782-
Treaty of amity and commerce between the United States and
Sweden concluded April 1st, ratified by congress Septem-
ber 25th following,
1783
I
New York evacuated by the British troops, and general
Washington makes a public entry into that city, Novem-
ber 25th,
The people of New Haven generously invite the migrating dis-
tressed royalists to return and live in harmony and amity
with them; this noble example was soon followed by other
towns in the union.
1783
FEATURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
31
1
The definitive treaty of peace between the United States and
Britain ratified by congress, January 4th,
The principal powers of Europe enact laws injurious to the
commerce of America; this and a general want of capi-
tal, brings an almost universal distress, which from the
insufficiency of the existing powers of congress under the
simple recommendatory compact, then their only guide, they
are unable to check or to alleviate. In this trying state,
paper money with, tender laws, and other fraudulent
schemes, became the dernier resort, after non-importation
agreements and other plans had failed. State combated state,
by countervailing duties in an irritating and dangerous com-
mercial warfare, that would soon have ended in blood but
for the fortunate call of a convention in consequence of
these increasing evils,
Mr. James Madison, providentially at THIS EVENTFUL CRI-
sis, brings forward a motion in the house of delegates of
Virginia to appoint commissioners who, in concurrence
with others to be appointed by the different states, should
form a system of commercial regulations, to be recom-
mended to the different state legislatures,
1784
1785
1785
1785
1787
1788
An insurrection, naturally occasioned by a disproportion be-
tween the general ability from the low state of commerce, of
agriculture, the consequent scarcity of money, and the heavy
untimely taxes, levied to reduce the state debts, &c. in Mas-
sachusetts. This insurrection was, however, happily sup-
pressed with the loss of only a few lives in December,
The federal convention, providentially assembled at Phila-
delphia, reported the new constitution or present system
of federal government, September 17th,
George Washington was unanimously elected president of
the United States, and John Adams, vice-president,
Congress met at New York, for the first time, under the new
constitution, March 4th. These were days of universal joy! 1789
George Washington publicly invested with the office of pre-
sident of the United States of America, April 30th, and
soon after recommends a noble central university as a nursery
of all useful science and of federal republican principles, favor-
able to the preservation of a lasting union of the states, which
union he foresaw might expire if mere state, county or parish
politicians were often a majority in congress, after the charms
of novelty in our form of government are at an end,
This year the first census was taken,
General Harmer defeated by the Miami Indians,
Miami villages destroyed by the Americans.
The bank of the United States established on a plan by Alex-
ander Hamilton; in this the nation held one-fifth of a capi-
tal of ten millions of dollars, on which, by the extra divi-
1789
•
1790
1790
1
32
FEATURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
}
dends and by sales, near one million of clear profit was real-
ized to the treasury. This, with the additional active capi-
tal obtained by funding the war debt, produced those asto-
nishing changes, the effects of which are yet in operation;
by these our public and private credit was restored and in-
creased, agriculture, the arts and sciences were every where
encouraged; while commerce, universal industry and en-
terprize, raised, as if by magic, our public and private re-
sources, and our individual and national character, to its
present exalted and increasing state.
The site for a federal city was selected and formally located
on the river Potomac, at the head of its tide waters, in la-
titude 38° 53″ north, and long. 76 west from London, as
near the centre of North America as the view to a conve-
nient and necessary communication with the sea would per-
mit. This site combines more beautiful, salutary, political
and other rational points than that of any other capital city in
the known world,
The first regular insurance company established with a capi-
tal of 600 thousand dollars, at Philadelphia,
General St. Clair defeated by the Indians near the Miami vil-
lage, with the loss of 640 Americans, his whole baggage
and eight pieces of artillery, November 4th,
Citizen Genet arrived from France at Charleston, and com-
missions armed vessels to cruize against the British,
The serious disputes first occasioned by this conduct of
the French minister, terminate in spoliations on the Ame-
rican shipping by the British, greatly to the injury of a
mutually beneficial commerce between Britain and Ameri-
ća, for which both parties have been much blamed by their
respective partisans,
The king of Britain issues orders to commanders of ships of
war and privateers to bring in for legal adjudication all ves-
sels carrying any supplies to, or any produce from, any
French colony, in consequence of which order many Ame-
rican vessels are piratically captured, November 6th,
An act passed by congress for fitting out a naval armament
against the Algerines, to consist of four 44 gun frigates and
two of 36, March 10th,
A bill passed by congress laying an embargo for 30 days,
which is afterwards continued for 30 more, March 26th,
John Jay, chief justice of the United States, appointed envoy
extraordinary to Britain, April,
Discontents, (owing to a partial scarcity of money in the
frontier counties in Pennsylvania, and hostile to the excise
law,) in the beginning of 1794, break out into an open i
surrection in the month of August of this year, but by the
prudence of the president of the United States and the good
conduct of the militia, who at his call readily stept forth in
1791
1792
1792
1793
1793
1793
1794
.
1794
1794
FEATURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
33
support of the violated laws of their country, order is
happily restored without bloodshed,
General Wayne gains a complete victory over the savages and
Canadian militia, near the Rapids of the Miami of the lakes,
August 20th,
1794
1794
The treaty of amity and commerce between Great Britain
and the United States, signed at London 19th November,
ratified by the President of the United States, August 14th, 1795
The dissentions in congress on the subject of financial regula-
tions, and unreasonable jealousies of the influence of the se-
cretary of the treasury, occasion his resignation; an irre-
parable check to the progress of the United States to imme-
diate wealth, not merely from a change of men, but for the
change of those liberal financial measures, that it was the
duty of the general government to extend till their country
was in a complete state for defence, independent of all fur-
ther foreign aid,
The President assigns his constitutional reasons for a non-
compliance with a call of the house of representatives, for
the correspondence relative to the late treaty with Britain,
The supplies necessary to carry the British treaty into effect,
carried in congress after a long and very serious debate,
George Washington retires from office as president of the
United States, and presents his fellow citizens with an
affectionate and invaluable valedictory, containing the prin-
ciples essential to be observed for the preservation of their
political and social blessings, and for the permanent sta-
bility of the union, March 3d,
1795
1796
1796
1797
John Adams elected President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice
President, March 4th,
1797
This year the inestimable law for the sale of the PRIZE OF WAR
LANDS, for certificates of the war debt, at a minimum of 2
dollars, obtained in congress,
1797
Messrs. Pinckney, Marshall and Gerry, sail to France in July,
and return without effecting any accommodation of the
differences between France and the United States, in
The British and American governments begin to discover the
importance of their mutually interesting commerce,
The Insurgente, the first frigate ever captured by the Ameri-
can navy, taken from the French by capt. Thomas Trux-
ton,
George Washington appointed and accepted the commission
of commander in chief of the armies of the United States,
July,
Captain Truxton, who in the Constitution, took the French
frigate Insurgente, soon after receives a national medal for
gallantly defeating La Vengeance, a frigate of superior
force,
1798
1798
1798
1798
1799
E
34
FEATURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
พ
1
1
1799
Congress, by imprudently and peevishly limiting the sum to
be borrowed by the existing secretary of the treasury, force
him, during an alarming rupture with France, to give 8 per
cent. interest, for the necessary loans at that critical period, 1799
George Washington, first in war, first in peace, and first in
the hearts of his countrymen, dies! aged 67, December 14,
leaving in his will, stock equal to 25,000 dollars, for his fa-
vourite national university, and inviting subscribing follow-
ers, and directing the interest to be invested at compound
interest, till this fund, with such subscriptions as he invited
in his will, may be sufficient for the entire object.
Messrs. Murray, Ellsworth, and Davy, conclude a convention
with the French republic, September 3d, by the indepen-
dent direction of the President, and contrary to the opinion
of many of his confidential advisers,
This important era will be ever memorable for the removal of
the government of the United States, to their permanent scat,
John Adams, on this important occasion, thus addressed both
houses, in his first speech in the city of Washington, viz,
.66 I congratulate the people of the United States on the as-
sembling of congress at the permanent seat of government :
a residence not be changed. May this territory be the resi-
dence of virtue and happiness; in this city may that piety
and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy
and self government, which adorned the great character
whose name it bears, be forever held in veneration.
""
"You will consider this as the capitol of a great nation,
advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts, in commerce,
in wealth, in population; and possessing within itself those
energies and resources, which if not thrown away, or miser-
ably misdirected, will secure to it a long course of prosperity."
It is worthy of remark, that within two years after this excel-
lent caution, a bill passed in congress, directing a positive
sale, and of course an immense sacrifice, of above 1,200
eity lots, by auction; by which, in effect, above a million
of the public resources were thrown away, unless some un-
common circumstance should speedily intervene to restore
a confidence in the remaining city property.
The legislature of Massachusetts present a most affectionate
address to that venerable and thoroughly tried patriot, John
Adams, in consequence of the unaccountable dissentions
and difference of opinion respecting the true line of patriot-
ism at this eventful crisis,
Thomas Jefferson, late Vice President of the United States,
and president of the American philosophical society, and
Aaron Burr, both eminent for their talents and unremit-
ting attention to the interests of their country, on the most
trying occasions, elected President and Vice President of
the United States, March 4th,
4
1800
1801
1801
1801
FEATURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
35
We have at this period to note a remarkable error in the
financial affairs of the United States: Congress, without
the usual inquiry in all similar cases, of, 1st. How much
money have we in the treasury? 2d. How much do we re-
quire for domestic use? What is the averaged value or
profit on the use of money in the United States? pass a
law directing, hạp hazard, seven and a half millions to be
paid annually to the public creditors, till the entire debt of
the union is discharged; forgetting that by the law of
1797, which made debt receivable in the land offices, the
whole present and future debts of the union were amply pro-
vided for 50 years to come, unless they, by some such anti-
financial law, should make money so scarce as not to admit
the sales of their public lands, at any rate. The true value
of money was at this time more than 12 per cent. and the
average interest on their foreign loans not half the money:
hence it is obvious, that much injury must accrue from
sending money to Europe, to meet a debt that arrived in
every ship, to sink in the land offices, where it would have
died a natural death in 15 years. The mischievous effect
on the mercantile and agricultural interests, produced by
this law, are now most sensibly felt in the high rate for
specie and low rate of lands every where,
This year forms another epoch in the history of the United
States: by the faithful vigilance of Mr. Livingston, at the
court of France, a public overture was made for the pur-
chase of the entire country of Louisiana, which, though of
no value to France or Spain, was deemed of such import-
ance to the United States, that either this purchase or the
conquest thereof would have obtained it for the American
union, within a few years,
This year commenced throughout the union, the subscription
for a national monument and university, in one magnificent
and yet simply connected pile, on the plan of the Timoleon-
teon of Syracuse; for which the subscribing citizens of the
United States have limited themselves, men, women, and
children, (in conformity to an ancient custom of the original
Americans) to the price of one stone each. The pile to
commence at the discretion either of their trustees, or of
the congress of the United States, at their option, in respect-
ful conformity to the will of Washington,
Commodore Preble and the squadron under his command,
receive the thanks of their country by a vote of congress,
for their gallantry displayed in humbling our piratical foes
under the walls of their capitol, at Tripoli,
The public associations for banking and insurance, for canals
and turnpikes, by being greatly extended every where, and
combining the interests of the states and the people, tend very
1
*
1802
1803
1804
1804
A
36
FEATURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
2
much to soften party asperities. The states also, by their pur-
chase of stocks in the public debt of the United States, have
shewn less indifference for the union, than before these in-
teresting connections were so far extended,
Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, with 60 men only, boarded and
took a Tripolitan frigate of 44 guns, with 300 men on
board, under the walls of Tripoli,
An unparalleled instance of individual enterprize to reinstate
the rightful, but exiled sovereign of Tripoli, and thereby to
relieve above 400 American citizens from captivity, was
planned this year, and was undertaken by permission of the
executive of the United States, by William Eaton, esquire,
who, after seeking the bashaw in the interior of Egypt, ac-
cepted the command and appointment of the few forces
they could raise; with these, at every risk, they crossed
the Lybian desert, and gallantly assailed the walls of the
city of Derne, with the assistance of 2 or 3 small vessels
only. They succeeded nobly; but by some unaccountable
accident, general Eaton was prevented from perfecting his
entire plan, by a premature, and not an honorable peace,
concluded by a junior American consul, without consulting
the general, with whom it is thought, he was in honor and
in duty bound to confer. A noble reward, it is said, is in-
tended for the gallant general, and for his principal asso-
ciates,
The congress of the United States pass a law to prohibit the
further receipt of the certificates of the public debt, in ex-
change for the public lands, at any price!
1804
1803
1805
1806
We cannot too often repeat, at this time, that of all the acts of the
general government, none has excited more disgust than this. Af-
ter 10 years beneficial experience of the very judicious provision for
the entire war debt, the certificates of which were to die (like checks
in a bank) in the land offices; where ten times the amount would
have died in a few years, even if we had not Louisiana in addition to
this invaluable and only proper fund for the object.
It is worthy of remark, that the only ostensible reason assigned for
the changing the provision for sinking the war debt from lands to
ready money, and thus increasing the return of specie and bills of
exchange to Europe, was, that "a certain anonymous clerk, in a cer-
tain anonymous office, had made a perquisite by the accidental dif-
ference between money and the rate at which stocks were receivable."
But if this was the true reason, why were not the lands raised, or
the stocks lowered? the only natural remedies for the complaint.
As the great injury we have sustained by the repeal of the law of
1797, will soon shew itself, if future sales do not increase annually on
the last year, in the ratio of past experience, we only lament that se-
veral foreigners have been disgusted by the measure, and may now
prefer the money to lands for the debt we owe them. See page 201.
1
་
7
1
1
"
2
|
1
↓
JURISPRUDENCE.
37
Of the laws of the United States and administration of justice, we
have only to observe, that although to make our manual a complete
whole, we ought to speak of our jurisprudence, and of the particular
tendency of our penal and criminal codes, in comparison with those
of other countries and other times, we have neither the ability nor
the room requisite for subjects of such importance: our principal
forte, we presume, is finance; and either of these sciences would oc-
cupy the whole life of any individual, if sufficiently attended to. We
will, however, offer a few of our impressions on the topic: we be-
lieve, that for the construction and organization of our courts, we
have borrowed from the old world the best of their institutes, (and
that by occasional aid in reference to the common law of England,
if not too implicitly followed,) our own laws are sufficient to secure
to every one a better chance for justice than he could hope for in any
other country. We hope every man will endeavour to furnish him-
self with a Blackstone, and with the great common place book of
Montesquieu; for these, however imperfect, will assist him to see
the propriety of our own theory and practice throughout the union.
We might now go on with our subject till our manual involved all the
able illustrations that were ever reported in the English language;
but as they would never be read, we ask cui bono? We believe, how-
ever, we may venture to add our commendation of the ancient and
inestimable privilege, which Montesquieu tells us, the British bor-
rowed from their Saxon ancestors.
mans.
59
"The English borrowed their political government from the Ger
Their beautiful system was first invented in the woods.'
"Harrington, in his Oceana, has inquired into the highest point of
liberty, to which the constitution of a state may be carried; but ig-
norant of the nature of real liberty, he busied himself in the pursuit
of an imaginary phantom of the imagination. He built a Chalcedon,
while he had Byzantium before his eyes." Montesquieu.
As Dr. Adam Smith went beyond his depths, in his attempt to
amend the British system of jurisprudence, we shall take care, if pos-
sible, how we incur justly the ridicule four gentlemen of the bar. He,
Dr. Smith, tells us," Both the civil and military of the Greeks and
Romans, will be readily allowed to have been at least equal to those
of any modern nation."
Now this is perhaps as severe censure as ever was cast on the mo-
derns; for although for want of the same taste, and consequently the
same practice in statuary, we confess we have sunk in comparison
with the Greeks, yet we have no other excuse, if we are not better civi-
lians than they were, than our having degenerated from the primitive
nature of the divine image, man; but this we do not wish to be-
lieve, especially since there is nothing of sufficient weight to impress
so degrading, so discouraging a belief, but the whimsical notions of
a few theoretic recluse.
Dr. Smith is certainly mistaken in his idea, that the trials at Rome
were before but one or only a few judges. (See Wealth of Nations,
4
}
38
JURISPRUDENCE.
5th book.) We know the contrary as well as we know any thing of the
manners of that most interesting city. Cicero, it is asserted by some
of the classics, commonly spoke to a court of 50 judges.
It is however to be lamented, that as nations have advanced, the
expense attending all legal decisions have increased, and in some
instances appear to us to be enormous. Many have reason to com-
plain of the delay of our legal decisions; but these have often given
time for the parties to reflect and to settle themselves. As we think
we have been greatly injured, by what we know to have been a pre-
mature decision, in a case (see appendix) that.involved all our world-
ly goods, we are, perhaps, not so well prepared for this question as
some who have been less subjected to a bias of opinion.
On the whole, it is our opinion, that so far from having fallen off
from the perfection of ancient jurisprudence, we, the moderns, have
greatly improved, even of late years; and as our judges are complete-
ly independent, and in fact interested in relieving both themselves and
the people from all the unnecessary shackles of the present system,
they from their elevated seats having a fair view of all the subjects
in connection, can better point at the faults than any other descrip-
tion of gentlemen; not that we would wish to discourage others
from their own attempts for the same object, in a free country.
"The galled steed will ever wince" and thus we know that his har-
ness is not adjusted to his frame. Thus should the people make
known the injuries to which the best human systems have sometimes
partially contributed.
66
Legislation is the art of studying the genius and constitution of
the people, for making them give to necessary laws, an advantageous,
but mild obedience. It embraces the whole system of politics in a
state; to the end that all resources should tend to the profit and hap-
piness of individuals of every order; and that the talents of indivi-
duals should tend in their turn to the advantage, the power, and the
glory of the society. It is to reign in the hearts of men, and rather
than over men, by dint of exterior power."
"To point out the most simple ordinances which would include
all these various objects, and employ the best means for arriving at
that end, would be the most interesting problem in interior politics."
"All laws ought to vary with the country, and form in their as-
semblage a system adapted to the circumstances of the times, places,
and persons. It is the code of national rules, which ought to be
relative to the diversity of soil, climate, productions, character of the
inhabitants, nature of the government, to various relations of the state
with its neighbours, the extent of the territory, and more or less to
the facility of transportation, whether interior or exterior."
These sentiments are the spirit of a foreign work, entitled, the
Spirit of Legislation.
Į
--
1
CONSTITUTION U. S.
39
0
!
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
WE, the people of the United States, in order to form a more
perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide
for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure
the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and
establish this constitution for the United States of America.
ARTICLE I.
SECTION. I. ALL legislative powers herein granted, shall be vested
in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate
and House of Representatives.
SECT. II. The House of Representatives shall be composed of
members chosen every second year by the people of the several states,
and the electors in each state, shall have the qualifications requisite
for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature.
No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to
the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the
United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of
that state in which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the
several states which may be included within this union, according to
their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the
whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a
term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all
other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made, within three
years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States,
and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as
they shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall not
exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at
least one representative; and, until such enumeration shall be made,
the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Mas-
sachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence plantations one, Con-
necticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight,
Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, South Carolina five, and
Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the
executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill the
vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other
officers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment.
SECT. III. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of
two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for
six years; and each senator shall have one vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled, in consequence of the
first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three
classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated
གས
*
40
CONSTITUTION U. S.
at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the ex-
piration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of
the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every second year;
and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the re-
cess of the legislature of any state, the executive thereof may make
temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature,
which shall then fill such vacancies.
No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the
age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States,
and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for
which he shall be chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the
Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President
pro tempore in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall
exercise the office of President of the United States.
The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments....
When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation.
When the President of the United States is tried, the chief justice
shall preside; and no person shall be convicted without the concur-
rence of two-thirds of the members present.
Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office
of honour, trust or profit under the United States; but the party con-
victed shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial,
judgment and punishment, according to law.
SECT. IV. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for
senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the
legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law, make
or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year. and such
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall
by law appoint a different day.
SECT. V. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns
and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall
constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may ad-
journ from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attend-
ance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties
as each house may provide.
Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its
members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two
thirds, expel a member.
Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time
to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judg-
ment require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of
either house on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those
present, be entered on the journal.
CONSTITUTION U. S.
41
1
Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any
other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.
SECT. VI. The senators and representatives shall receive a com-
pensation for their services, to be paid out of the treasury of the U.
S. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the
peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the ses-
sion of their respective houses, and in going to and from the same;
and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be ques-
tioned in any other place.
No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he
was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the U. S. which
shall have been created, or the emoluments thereof increased during
such time; and no person holding any office under the U. S. shall be
a member of either house during his continuance in office.
SECT. VII. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the
house of representatives; but the senate may propose or concur
with amendments as on other bills.
Every bill passed by the house of representatives and the senate,
shall, before it become a law, be presented to the president of the
U. S. if he approve, he shall sign it; if not, he shall return it, with
his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, who
shall enter the objections on their journal, and proceed to re-con-
sider it. If, after such re-consideration, two-thirds of that house
shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to
the other house, by which it shall likewise be re-considered, and if
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall be a law. But in all
such cases, the votes of both houses shall be by yeas and nays, and
the names of the persons voting for and against the bill, shall be en-
tered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall
not be returned by the president within ten days (Sundays excepted)
after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in
like manner as if he had signed it, unless the congress, by their ad-
journment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law.
Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of the
senate and house of representatives may be necessary (except on a
question of adjournment) shall be presented to the president of the
U. S. and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him,
or being disapproved, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of the senate
and house of representatives, according to the rules prescribed in
the case of a bill.
SECT. VIII. The congress shall have power-
To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the
debts, AND PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENCE
AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THE UNITED STATES;
but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the
United States;
To borrow money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the seve-
ral states, and with the Indian tribes;
F
42
CONSTITUTION U. S.
To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws
on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the United States;
To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin,
and fix the standard of weights and measures;
To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities
and current coin of the United States;
To establish post-offices and post-roads ;
To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing,
for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to
their writings and discoveries;
To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court; to define
and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and
offences against the law of nations;
To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make
rules concerning captures on land or water;
To raise and support armies; but no appropriation of money to
that use, shall be for a longer term than two years;
To provide and maintain a navy;
To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and
naval forces;
To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the
union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia,
and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the ser-
vice of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the
appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia
according to the discipline prescribed by congress;
*
To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such
district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of par-
ticular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the seat of
the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority
over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the
state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines,
arsenals, dock-yards, and other needful buildings ;—and
To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by
this constitution in the government of the United States, or in any
department or officer thereof.
SECT. IX. The migration or importation of such person as any
of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be
prohibited by the congress prior to the year 1808, but a tax or duty
may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for
each person.
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended,
unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety shall
require it.
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.
No capitation, or other direct tax, shall be laid, unless in propor-
tion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state
CONSTITUTION U. S.
43
No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or re-
venue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall ves-
sels bound to or from one state, be obliged to enter, clear or pay
duties in another.
No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence
of appropriations made by law; and a regular statement and account
of the receipts and expenditures of all public money, shall be publish-
.ed from time to time.
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: And
no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall,
without the consent of congress, accept of any present, emolument,
office or title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince or fo-
reign state.
SECT. X. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confede-
ration; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit
bills of credit; make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in
payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or
law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of no-
bility.
No state shall, without the consent of the congress, lay any im-
posts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely
necessary for executing its inspection laws; and the net produce of
all duties and imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall
be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such
laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the congress. No
state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty of tonnage,
keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agree-
ment or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or en-
gage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger
as will not admit of delay.
ART. II. SECT. I. The executive power shall be vested in a pre-
sident of the United States of America. He shall hold his office
during the term of four years, and, together with the vice-president,
chosen for the same term, be elected as follows:
Each state shall appoint in such manner as the legislature thereof
may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of se-
nators and representatives to which the state may be entitled in the
congress: but no senator or representative, or person holding an
office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed
an elector.
The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by bal-
lot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant
of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of
all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each; which
list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the
government of the United States, directed to the president of the se-
nate. The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate
and house of representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes
shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of
votes shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the
44
CONSTITUTION U. S.
whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more than one
who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then
the house of representatives shall immediately choose, by ballot, one
of them for president; and if no person have a majority, then from
the five highest on the list, the said house shall, in like manner,
choose the president. But in choosing the president, the votes shall
be taken by states, the representation from each state having one
vote: a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or mem-
bers from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states
shall be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of
the president, the person having the greatest number of votes of the
electors shall be the vice-president. But if there should remain two
or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose from them, by
ballot, the vice-president.
The congress may determine the time of choosing the electors,
and the day on which they shall give their votes throughout the U.S.
No person, except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United
States at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall be eligi-
ble to the office of president; neither shall any person be eligible to
that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years,
and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.
In case of the removal of the president from office, of his death,
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the
said office, the same shall devolve on the vice-president, and the con-
gress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation
or inability, both of the president and vice-president, declaring what
officer shall then act as president, and such officer shall act accord-
ingly, until the disability be removed, or a president shall be elected.
The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a
compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during
the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not re-
ceive within that period any other emolument from the United States.
or any of them.
Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol-
lowing oath or affirmation:
"bdo solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the
office of president of the United States, and will, to the best of my
ability, preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United
States."
}
SECT. II. The president shall be commander in chief of the army
and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states,
when called into the actual service of the United States; he may re-
quire the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the ex-
ecutive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their
respective offices; and he shall have power to grant reprieves and
pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of im-
peachment.
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the
senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present
concur: and he shall nominate, and by the advice and consent of the
CONSTITUTION U. S.
45
senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls,
judges of the supreme court, and all other officers of the U. S. whose
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall
be established by law. But the congress may vest the appointment
of such inferior officers as they think proper, in the president alone,
in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.
The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may
happen during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions,
which shall expire at the end of their next session.
SECT. III. He shall, from time to time, give to the congress in-
formation of the state of the union, and recommend to their consi-
deration, such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ;
he may on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, or either
of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to
the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he
shall think proper; he shall receive ambassadors and other public mi-
nisters; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and
shall commission all the officers of the United States.
SECT. IV. The president, vice-president and all civil officers of
the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for,
and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misde-
meanors.
ART. III. SECT. I. The judicial power of the United States shall
be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the
congress may, from time to time, ordain and establish. The judges,
both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during
good behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services,
a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continu-
ance in office.
SECT. II. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and
equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States,
and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority;
to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and con-
suls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to con-
troversies to which the United States shall be a party; to contro-
versies between two or more states, between a state and citizens of
another state, between citizens of different states, between citizens
of the same state claiming lands under the grants of different states,
and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citi-
zens or subjects.
In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and con-
suls, and those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme court
shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before men-
tioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as
to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as
the congress shall make.
The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be
by jury; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said
crime shall have been committed; but when not committed within
46
CONSTITUTION U. S.
any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the congress
may by law have directed.
t
SECT. III. Treason against the United States shall consist only in
levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving
them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, un-
less on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on
confession in open court.
The congress shall have power to declare the punishment of trea-
son, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or
forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.
ART. IV. SECT. I. Full faith and credit shall be given in each
state to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of every
other state. And the congress may, by general laws, prescribe the
manner in which such acts, records and proceedings shall be proved,
and the effect. thereof.
+
SECT. II. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privi-
leges and immunities of citizens in the several states.
A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime,
who shall flee from justice, and be found in another state, shall, on
demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled,
be delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the
crime.
No person held to service or labour in one state, under the laws
thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or
regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labour, but
be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labour
may be due.
SECT. III. New states may be admitted by the congress into this
union; but no new state shall be formed or erected within the juris-
diction of any other state; nor any state be formed by the junction
of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of
the legislatures of the states concerned as well as of the congress.
The congress shall have power to dispose of, and make all needful
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property be-
longing to the United States; and nothing in this constitution shall
be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or
of any particular state.
SECT. IV. The United States shall guarantee. to every state in
this union, a republican form of government, and shall protect each
of them against invasion; and on application of the legislature, or of
the executive (when the legislature cannot be convened) against do-
mestic violence.
ART. V. The congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall
deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution,
or, on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several
states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in
either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this
constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the
several states, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one
or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the congress:
CONSTITUTION U. S.
47
Provided, that no amendment made prior to the year one thousand
eight hundred and eight, shall in any manner affect the first and
fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no
state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in
the senate.
ART. VI. All debts contracted and engagements entered into,
before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the
United States under this constitution, as under the confederation.
This constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall
be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall
be made under the authority of the United States, shall be the su-
preme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound
thereby; any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the con-
trary notwithstanding.
The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the mem-
bers of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial
officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be
bound by oath or affirmation to support this constitution; but no re-
ligious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or
public trust under the United States.
ART. VII. The ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall
be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the
states so ratifying the same.
AMENDMENTS.
ART. I. CONGRESS shall make no law respecting an esta-
blishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a
redress of grievances.
ART. II. A well regulated militia being necessary to the security
of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall
not be infringed.
ART. III. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any
house without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war, but in a
manner to be prescribed by law.
ART. IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons,
houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seiz-
ures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon pro-
bable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly de-
scribing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be
seized.
ART. V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or other-
wise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a
grand jury, except in cases arising in the land and naval forces, or
in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger;
nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put
48
CONSTITUTION U. S.
in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall he be compelled, in any crimi-
nal case, to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty,
or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property
be taken for public use without a just compensation.
ART. VI. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the
right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state
and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which dis-
trict shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be in-
formed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted
with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for ob-
taining witnesses in his favour, and to have the assistance of counsel
for his defence.
ART. VII. In suits at common law, where the value in contro-
versy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be
preserved, and no fact, tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-exa-
mined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules
of the common law.
ART. VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive
fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
ART. IX. The enumeration in the constitution of certain rights,
shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the
people.
ART. X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the
constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the
states respectively, or to the people.
ART. XI. The judicial power of the United States shall not be
construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or pro-
secuted against one of the United States by citizens of another state,
or by citizens or subjects of a foreign state.
(For an amendment to designate the persons voted for as president
and as vice-president of the United States, &c. see laws of congress.)
NOTE.
The descriptive title of this inestimable instrument, is, THE CONSTITUTION OF
THE UNITED STATES AND COMMONWEALTH OF NORTH AMERICA; for it must
be obvious that it is for a commonwealth, and that its tried merits will finally excite
the whole of this conveniently formed country to unite, either by purchase, (as in
the instance of Louisiana) or by amicable convention. That thus the sage and pro-
phetic wishes of all our principal patriots may be happily realized, in due time, is the
prayer of the author.
CONSTITUTION U. s. &c.
49
A perfect picture of the great distress of the times immediately
preceding the adoption of OUR PRESENT CONSTITUTION, would even
now, by some, be deemed a departure from veracity.
It would be equally difficult to do justice, by our limited powers
for description, to the universal agitations that prevailed, while this
invaluable boon was pending. But infinitely more arduous to deli-
neate the happy scenes that followed immediately: the congratula-
tions, splendid processions, songs of joy, and hymns to high heaven,
elevated the soul of every patriot to a pitch of enthusiasm not to be
conceived by any who were not alive in those happy days, that will
always afford to us the most pleasing subjects for future reflection,

STATES.
Ratification of the
constitution by the
states.
Representatives
under the consti-
tution.
Representatives
after the first
census.
Representatives
after the second
census.
Representatives
after the third
census.
Rhode Island,
N. Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Connecticut,
New York,
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
Virginia,
June,
1788,
3
4
5
February, 1788,
8
14
17
1790,
1
2
१
January,
1788,
5
7
7
July,
1788,
6
10
17
December, 1787,
4
5
6
1787,
8
13
18
1787,
1
1
1
April,
1788,
6
*8
9
•
June,
1788,
10
19
22
North Carolina,
November, 1789,
5
10
12
South Carolina, | May,
1788,
5
6
8
Georgia,
January,
1788,
3
2
4.
New states, viz.
Vermont,
2
6
Kentucky,
1
3
Tennessee,
1
Ohio,
1
65
106
142
As it is not within our view minutely to define the respective me-
rits and moral fitness of all the parts in union with the whole of our
invaluable constitution, we, therefore, refer to the works of John
Adams, late president of the United States; to the joint work of
Messrs. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, in the Federalist; to Mr. Lo-
G
+
50
CONSTITUTION U. s. &c.
ton Smith's ingenious comparative views of the constitutions of the
states, with that of the United States; to St. George Tucker's appen-
dix to his notes on Blackstone; and to the other critical views since
written.
We shall merely observe, that it seems to us, to be no fault of the
framers of the magna charta of American freedom and independence,
if the essence of every thing valuable of former days, be not therein
entailed on our posterity; and nothing but the ignorance or negli-
gence of our future legislatures to embrace the fair construction and
the meaning of, to provide for the common defence and general welfare,
can occasion our general government to hang like a millstone, on the
necks of the people, as did the old charter congress, when it was
once arrested for a supposed neglect of duty, by an ignorant, but suf-
fering mob, at Philadelphia.
"The duty of every government, or of the fathers of a free people, is
always provident." Such was the opinion of Aristotle, and of every
subsequent sage.
Whenever the healthy father of a great or a small family may con-
descend to draw all his support from his children, he risks a part of
that conditional affection, to which he can only be entitled when he does
his part to provide for the family entrusted to his care.
OUR GENERAL GOVERNMENT IS IN ITS NATURË HIGHLY PRO-
VISIONAL, and will, therefore, be respected no longer than while it
provides, at least, for every deficiency in the national stimulus, which
alone can support a desirable animation and happiness, by exciting
to all laudable and profitable industry for the general weal.
Life itself being a forced state, and animation and happiness only
to be found in proportion to the exciting and exhilirating. powers,
however organized or modified in action, the exciting power must
ever be in proportion to the animation desired. This is an universal
axiom in social economy, viz. Labour is a latent power, and never
found till it is either excited or impelled from its place of rest.
The EXCITING POWER, even for the most essential LABOUR, is a
detached principle from the PRODUCTIVE POWER.
MONEY, and the whole of the arts and sciences that follow in the
busy train of commerce, are the most congenial social STIMULI, and
the grand palladium for agricultural industry.
In every eligible and durable social compact, government has an
artificial exciting power, to counteract in the savage or natural ani-
mal, or to bend his unsocial, or merely sensual and selfish propen-
sities, that are often injurious to the social system.
In arbitrary governments, the impetus to action for state purposes
are compellant; in a republic they are commonly only excitant, or
inticent, and yet the latter, to its honor in comparison, are often to
more effect. Hence it may be obvious, that STIMULI, or the excit
ing power, may be either universal as the sun, or local as fire; gene-
ral as the government of the United States, or local as the govern-
ment of a single state.
CONSTITUTION U. s. &c..
51
As the benign warmth of the sun is sometimes imperceptible,
where a brisk flame is kindled for chemical or culinary purposes, or
for forcing vegetation, so the supreme powers of the union are
withheld or inert, where the objects reserved exclusively for state legis-
lation call for the attention of government. And as sickly, drooping
plants and trees, are sometimes removed from the partially forcing
heat of a green-house, to recover health by the genial rays of the
sun; so are appeals from the partial operations of state decisions, in
certain cases, essential to the honor, the well being, and tranquillity of
the states.
As the state powers of the STATES, were sufficiently coercive for a
republic, before the ratification of the MAGNA CHARTA, defining the
powers of the general government, the sole objects of the people
were to establish in congress, a supreme power to illumine, combine,
improve, invigorate, extend, and at all times TO DEFEND the whole.
The principal duties of congress, therefore, are happily to promote a
plenitude among the people, rather than for THE STATES. As the
amiable and respectable grand father leaves the coercive duties for
his offspring of the second degree, to the discretion of his first chil-
dren, and is himself content to stimulate by acts of kindness only,
and appropriate presents to his grateful grand children, so ought the
general government to understand the true line of their ordinary du-
ties.
Our excellent form of government will thus harmonize with the
most sublime positions in nature; and for this cause, it must be
owing to their idleness, or to a gross departure from nature, if our
rulers lose the proper respect we entertain for their authority.
As all nature sickens and complains when the genial stimulating and
exhilirating rays of the sun are obscured for an unusual time, or be-
yond the ordinary course of nature; so, whenever the constitutional
STIMULI of the general government are withheld, the whole union
must feel the loss.
The most common errors in statistics, are the confusion in the
use of the following appropriate terms, viz. TAXES, DUTIES, and
CONTRIBUTIONS, in relation to revenue or treasury income; and in
LOANS, DISTRIBUTIONS, and EXPENDITURES, in relation to the dis-
position of the essential oil and best stimulus for all industry, both
for defence and for the prosperity of every community.
Taxes and expenditures, terms appropriate to foreign expense,
often injurious, may weaken any country; but LOANS and DUTIES,
and DISTRIBUTIONS and CONTRIBUTIONS, are only wholesome cir-
culations for the general health of the body politic.
DR. PRIESTLY thought with every other statesman, that “it
would be well if GOVERNMENT was CONFINED TO THOSE THINGS IN
WHICH THE WHOLE SOCIETY ARE INTERESTED." "To make a peo-
ple happy at home and FORMIDABLE ABROAD, in erecting public
works and forming public institutions useful to the whole and to
posterity," is their entire duty. (See lectures on general policy.);
52
CONSTITUTION U. S. &c.
The finances and the defence of our country, combining the view to
its rapid increase by more MEN and more MONEY from the old
world, till our population might average 50 to a square mile, would
have been sound policy in the opinion of every American patriot
from the time of PENN to this day, if unfortunately the unequal ope-
ration of the too complex funding system, had not disturbed the sober
patriotism of our rulers of all parties; but as the thing is now past
redemption, we pray heaven our rulers may no longer continue too
obstinately blind for the future, merely because they were displeased
at past events. This would be childish indeed. The whole of the
war debt ought to have been funded at par, at not exceeding 5 per
cent. interest; for as untangible or irredeemable 5 per cents would
have brought above par at any time since the funding system, this
rate would have been enough. It is a curious fuct, that by obligating
ourselves to pay off the 4 per cent. loans, by short periodical instal-
ments, we lost 100 per cent. on the whole sum, within the first 12
years, besides the benefit of compound interest!!!
If, for example, the government had taken the money payable
without day, it would have gone of itself rapidly into the land offices,
bringing with it the lenders from Europe.
Our government, therefore, ought to have borrowed a sufficient sum
in 1790, to have taken half of the national bank, and on the present
plan of state subscriptions, to have contributed one fourth to the
stock of one or more banks for each state, suited to the population
and growing commerce of the respective districts in which they have
since been established, and are daily extending: these would have
given 8 to 10 per centum. This plan of the writer, communicated to
Mr. Hamilton, in 1791, would have required twelve millions in loans,
then easily attainable at 4 and 5 per cent. The certificates, therefore,
if made easy in the mode of transfer, like the loan office certificates of
the revolutionary war, or like bank post bills, (leaving those who
prefer the present embarrassing form to ware the facility of the one
proposed) these facile certificates would so far increase the circulat-
ing medium as to create an increased demand for the public lands,
at 3 to 8 dollars the acre, if they were raised to this price by law.
The whole of this loan for these purposes would have been ex-
changed for the public lands before the year 1803, leaving the United
States possessed of above twelve millions additional capital, in the
profits only of this stock, or twenty-five millions in the whole, by this
simple operation only. Of which profit, five millions might have
been invested in turnpike and canal shares, or those great arteries of
the union, leaving the by secting ramifications, or veins, for the body
politic to the states.
•
Abbe Raynal tells us, that the country is yet in a barbarous state,
where the general government does not take good care of the prin-
cipal roads, to mend and extend them wherever they may be useful.
These objects would have given more than was contemplated in
the original plan. The compound operation by reinvestment of the
CONSTITUTION U. s. &c.
53
whole profit, would have furnished in bank, canal, and road stock,
above sixty millions before the year 1810; and before the year 1835,
the whole expenses of the general government, with 30 sail of the
line and 60 frigates, could have been supported, without a single cent
from any other source.
We do not mean to say, that a simple skeleton of a revenue from
luxuries, as well as a certain number of regular troops, are not es-
sential to the well being of a state; for it has ever been found difficult
to form either an army or a plan for their support, in a short time.
The minds of a free people should be accustomed to enough of both,
to know their only use, their consistent eligibility, and the true extent
for either.
Many writers have been very full and diffuse on the important sub-
ject of national revenue; but they have very generally served to con-
fuse their own brains, in proportion to the extent of their essays, as
we hope to shew in our larger book. All we have to say in this place
is, that as it is the vice of monarchies only to be too expensive, and
of republics, without a single exception, to err on the contrary ex-
treme, we have only to advise that a happy medium may be ob-
served in our country, whenever our public lands may be exhausted,
which, with correct management, cannot happen for 50 years, even
with a continual war for the whole of the time. But there are, it is
to be feared, some inconsiderate persons, even in our legislature,
who do not calculate, and therefore suppose that all income into the
treasury involves taxation, and that all circulations involve expendi-
ture. But if the same attention to classic propriety were to be ob-
served in future in our treasury reports, as is now exhibited in the
stated reports, (see page 111,) a great deal of nonsense might in con-
sequence be expunged, both from legislative debate and from the
circular letters of many honest members to their constituents. There
certainly ought to be no deception in these; no trick, however intend-
ed, in any communications either to the legislature, or to the people.
We ought to leave these little arts to be exclusively used by the firi-
vileged order in monarchies, who may require such to maintain their
usurpations.
There has been also a common error in very general circulation,
of incalculable magnitude! It has been said that it would be good
policy to return our too scanty loans to Europe, before we proceed
to count on the value of our public lands. This absurdity we believe
to be without its parallel. The deceptive language of our public do-
cuments, in calling wholesome CIRCULATIONS within a common-
wealth, expenditure, are in part the origin of this ruinous error. We
refer our readers to pages 186 and 197, to prevent further repetitions;
and also to the comparative view of the duties of the legislature, page
188; and further, to our view of the present excess of exports, by
the annual drains by the premature return of our loans to Europe,
pages 198 and 128, will fully explain our meaning. And how came
these errors to arise? Where are the calculations on which they
54
CONSTITUTION U. s. &c.
were founded? Who are the authors of the error? It will discover
a noble mind in them to acknowledge any accident incident to our
infantine and singular experience in finance. To prove the error,
we have to shew that government under it, have already been obliged
to ask for a reduction from 2 dollars, to one and a quarter for lands,
that were brisk at the former price in 1800, till too much of the only
stimulus to agriculture and vital principle of commerce was returned
to Europe. What member of congress, in possession of an improv-
ing estate, bought at a low rate, and payable at his own discretion,
would have wantonly obligated himself to pay an annual sum, far be-
yond the net proceeds, if he found that by a little delay, the profits
being greater than the interest, he could pay the whole with more
ease and much more to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned?
What should we say of such a man, if he had done this with no pre-
vious calculation, or no view, no care for the consequences? Where
then is the estimate which led to a similar, but a much more danger-
ous error? For if it had not been for the new bank stock, accidentally
created by our merchants for remittances, in which the former four
per cents and five per cents are now in part invested by foreigners,
there would not have been market money sufficient for the cities only
at this time. How much less would the public lands or even those of
the middle country command, with but one dollar a head in circu-
lation? Will the lands sell at all; will they command any thing, if we
go on with no further loans to counter-check our foreign drains by
the excessive depleting acts of our political fathers? These are all
important questions at a time when usurious interest on good bills
are at 18 per cent. per annum, in our cities, and our banks reduced
to check their best friends in consequence. The untimely or prema-
ture drains, originally engrafted on our funding system, have already
cost our country a difference in the total valuation of all interior and
back country property, equal to more than 50 per cent. on above
2500 millions, (see page 196.) Mr. Hamilton saw this the year
before his death, but alleged that they were correct, for many rea-
sons, at their institution; because they increased the general circu-
lations; and even now, said he, if new loans for at least the amount,
were continually added, which he then believed would have been ef-
fected, all would have been right. As Mr. De Pinto's principles sup-
port him in this opinion, we will wave our objections; for they are
chiefly supported by our belief in the plan for making our national
lands a land bank, for the sole and final redemption of all our present
debts and future loans.
The acres that compose this land bank, would bring no more now
than they did in the days of Powhatan, if we had no more money in
circulation; double the specie circulations, and you will find an in-
credible increase realized in the subsequent sales of every thing now
under its ultimate value. Provisions might fall, and so would labour,
as the lands approach to something near their intrinsic value, while
all real estate would rise beyond the reach of allodial monopoly,
CONSTITUTION U. S. &c.
55
which has occasioned more misery and more revolutions, than any
other cause. In short, nothing can be so hostile to the rising interest
and liberties of the people, as being cheated out of their national do-
mains; therefore, we shall repeat on all occasions the facts that may
be necessary to place an important, but a much neglected truth, in
the clearest light in our power.
If government will only refrain, in future, from any further partial
donation by grants from the national domains, they will be found
amply sufficient of themselves; for the principal and interest of all
debts, in lieu of all our national taxes, for at least 50 years to come.
Then let the future donations of congress be in certificates only,
rather than in lands, and a three-fold benefit may be thereby realized.
1st. The optional position of the receiver will be particularly fa-
vorable.
2dly. These certificates may contribute to the circulating medium;
and
3dly. If they go to Europe in exchange for specie, they will sooner
or later bring the possessors (as many of our former loans, have
already done,) to purchase therewith a portion of the public lands, and
thus contribute to increase the value of all our real estate, while the
certificates die their natural death in the land offices.
The effect of an increase in our circulations by these means, is
further explained by reference to the common application of a bucket
of water to a dry pump, (see page 188,) where little or nothing could
be obtained without the auxiliary loan from a foreign fountain.
In addition to all the preceding notes on the most important subject
that ever came before a civilized nation, we state the following, viz.
There is but a limited sum to be loaned in any one year by the mo-
nied interest of all Europe. Hence, in times of peace, it is sometimes
difficult for a nation across the Atlantic, to rival the borrowing powers
of Europe; but in times of war, an infant nation at peace, with in-
creasing securities for the discharge of any debt they may be willing
to contract, will have an advantage, such as it is our known duty now
to embrace, to secure the friendship of the lenders, and to prevent
others from using the same money to molest their unoffending com-
mercial neighbors, merely for the pillage to be obtained by such out-
rage. This we have already experienced from both the British and
French; and whenever we have returned all we have borrowed from
Europe, our danger from these will be still the greater, for our being
so much weakened by the returns, and for having thereby no further
ties of friendship on the other side of the Atlantic. An expensive
war may probably soon deside our question of prudence.
Mr. William Loton Smith, has hit on a very interesting mode of
comparing our state constitutions with each other, and with that of the
United States. He complains, with too much reason, that these are
less read than those of antiquity. The following is an abridgment,
on a more confined scale, with the same views, but with less advantage
to the uninformed reader, for want of room in our manual.
56
CONSTITUTIONS.

STATES.
Date of form
of government.
CONSTITUTIONAL appointment and duration of state and United States authorities.
EXECUTIVE.
LEGISLATIVE.
JUDICIAL.
Election of chief
magistrate by
Years to
serve.
SENATORS.
REPRESENTATIVE.
Appoint-
For
For
Elected by
Elected by
ment of
judges by
In office.
years
years
N. Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
1792 cits. paying tax.
1 citizens,
citizens,
1
1780
cits. worth 601.
1 citizens,
Į citizens,
1
Rhode Island,
1663
citizens,
1
citizens,
Connecticut,
1662
cits. of 401. f.h.
do. freehold.
gov. & coun. good behav.
gov. & coun. do.
citizens,
& assis. 1 year.
do. freehold. 6 mo. legislature,
New York,
New Jersey,
1777 cits. of 1001 f.h.
1776 legislature,
3
do. freehold.
4
1
citizens of 501.
1
citizens, of 501. 1
gov.
do. freehold. 1 yr. coun. of ap.good behav.
7 years.
1 year.
legislature,
Pennsylvania,
•
1790 cits. paying tax.
3 citizens,
4 citizens,
1
governor,
good behav.
Delaware,
C
1776 cits. paying tax.
3. citizens,
3 citizens,
1
governor,
do.
Maryland,
1776 legislature,
1
citizens,
5 citizens,
1
gov. & coun.
do.
Virginia,
1776 legislature,
1
do. freehold.
4
do. freehold. 1
legislature,
do.
North Carolina,
1776 legislature,
1
do. 50 acres,
1
citizens,
1
legislature,
do.
South Carolina,
1790 legislature,
2
do. 50 acres,
4
cits. of 50 acres, 2
legislature,
3 years.
Georgia,
1789 legislature,
2 cits. paying tax.
1
citizens,
1
legislature, good behav.
Vermont,
1786
citizens,
1
none,
citizens,
I
legislature, do.
Tennessee,
1796 cits. paying tax.
2
citizens,
2
citizens,
12
legislature,
do.
Kentucky,
1799
free white males
4
free white males
4
free white males 1
legislature,
do.
Ohio,
1802
citizens,
2
citizens,
2
citizens,
2
legislature,
7 years,
United States,
1787
federal electors,
4. state legislature,
6
see state laws, 2
pres, & sen.good behav.
A STATISTICAL TABLE
OF THE
POPULATION AND GENERAL WEALTH
OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
J
These states, by running a straight line from the extreme south
western boundary on the Mississippi, to the north eastern or high-
est point of Maine, will measure 1,500 English miles in length,
and in breadth from Cape Hatteras to the center of the Lake of the
Woods 1,300; but if the extremes of latitude and longitude only
are taken, the longitudinal line will be found but 1,350 in length,
and the latitudinal breadth near 1,295 miles.* The irregular
lines forming the entire boundary embrace more than seven hun- .
dred millions of acres; from which deducting sixty millions for
the lakes and other extensive waters, there will remain one mil-
lion of square miles, or six hundred and forty millions of acres
of inhabitable territory, confirmed to the UNITED STATES by the
peace of 1783.
By the addition of Louisiana, of which the boundaries are in part
undefined, the combined territories of the commonwealth will ex-
ceed TWO MILLIONS OF SQUARE MILES. Of this more than one
half became national property, and by law of the United States,
pledged for the discharge of present and future nominal public
debts.t
"NOTES.
* The north western boundary on the Lake of the Woods is in latitude 49°
37" N and in longitud: 94° 31" west of Greenwich. The southern boundary com-
mencing at the 31st degree, gives a latitudinal difference of 18° 37 minutes at
69 miles to a degree.
The United States' debt is called nominal because it is virtually paid by
sundry laws of congress, particularly that of 1796; in which the whole of the
prize-of-war lands and other national domains were directed to be carefully
surveyed and sold at 2 to 8 dollars the acre, in exchange for the circulating
certificates of the funded debt. Hence, and by the great increase of popu-
lation, by the unexpected fall in the comparative value of all monies now in use,
both in Europe and America, and by the convenient shape and size of each regu-
lar survey of the lands, that often prove much better than any of those that
have been longer in cultivation; for these and other causes, it is now very gene-
rally believed that more than 12 times the amount of the circulating certificates
with interest thereon, might be redeemed by the proceeds of the national do-
mains alone, in less than 45 years. (See note to national domains.)
H
t
ì
1
58
A GENERAL STATISTICAL TABLE for the United States of America.
POPULATION U. S.
Dwelling houses,
inhabited.
1774
1,985,000
500,000
3,000
2,486,000
2
490,000
1784 2,650,000
600,000
5,000
3,250,000
3
650,000
1790 | 3,232,303
697,697 59,511
3,500
3,930,000
3
795,000
1792
1791 3,333,761
3,438,237
714,139
63,500
4,000
215,900 101,000
4,047,900
117,900
4
820.000
731,000
67,500
5,000 220,937
103,500
4,169,337
121,337
4
839,000
1793
3,446,417
1794
3,657,189
766,000
1795
1796
1797
3,771,946 784,000
3,890,124 802,500 84,900 4,500
4,012,902 820,500 89,900 3,500
748,000 71,600 3,600 227,680
75,700
235,382
3,500
79,800 3,900 242,197
107,100
4,294,417
125,180
4
868,000
110,200
4,423 249
128,632
A
900,000
113,400
4,555,946
132,697
930,000
249,117
117,000
4,692,624
136,678
960,000
157,516
120,300 4,833,402
140,776
985,000
1798
4,940,104 838,000 95,000 3,800
266,202
124,000
1,978,104
145,002
4
1,010,000
1799 4,273,756
1800 4,404,798
1804
1805
854,000 100,600 4,000 273,334
876,790 105,843 3,800
1801 4,544,300 898,300 110,800 4,000
1802 | 4,682,313
115,900
921,000
4,500
1803 4,727,412 944,000 121,900 3,900
5,000,100 999,900 126,000 9,500
5,156,000 1,024,900 131,000
128,000
5.127,756 149,352
282,132
132,100
5,281,588
153,823
290,712
299,113
140,400 5,603,313
308,749 144,550 5,771,412
810,500 149,000 6,000,000
321,000
136.200 5,440,100
158,512
5
163,213
168,099
5
228,583
153,000 6,180,000 180,000
3
10 10 10 10 10 0 0
5
1,040,000
5
1,075,000
3
1,100,000
5 1,125,000
1,150,000
1,190,000
1,225,900

Years.
SEMINARIES
OF LEARNING.
U. S. STATISTICAL TABLE, CONTINUED.
IMPROVED LANDS.
LAN
AVERAGED PRICE OF LANDS,
LIVE STOCK.
1774
4,900,000 6,000,000 | 20,860,000 | $2 50
$0 35 $0 20
400,000
850,000
1784
5,500,000 7,200,000
1790
8,000,000
8,000,000
1791
15
20
8,201,000
8,300,000
1792
8,500,000
8,600,000
21,500,000
30,000,000 2 10
31,000,000 3 20
32,000,000 3 50
2 25
40
20
600,000
1,200,000
35
20
750,000
1,500,000
1793
8,700,000
8,800,000
1794
8,900,000
33,500,000
9,000,000 | 34,000,000
4
| | |
55
I
25
800,000 1,600,000
1,600,000 8
65
95
1
4 50
1 20
1
1795
9,100,000
9,100,000
34,500,000 4 60
1 25
1796
16
30
9,300,000
9,200,000
1797
9,600,000
9,500,000
1798
9,900,000
1799
10,100,000
1800
10,300,000
35,100,000
35,600,000 5
9,600,000 36,100,000 5 25
9,700,000 36,300,000 5 50
9,800,000 36,800,000 5 50
4 75
1 40
2
1 50
2
1 60
2
1 70
2
1 90
1801
10,500,000
1802
17
35
10,700,000
1803
11,000,000
1804
18
38
11,200,000
1805
9,900,000
10,000,000 38,000,000
10,100,000 38,500,000
10,200,000 38,950,000
11,400,000 10,350,000 39,400,000 | 6 25
37,400,000 5 60
5 70
2
5 85
6
Q Q Q
2
5
pl Q? Q? QY Q Q N N
990,000
850,000 1,690,000
900,000 1,800,000
920,000 1,900,000
940,000 2,000,000.
960,000 2,100,000
2,200,000
1,010,000
1,030,000 | 2,350,000
2,300,000
2
1,045,000 2,450,000
2
1,070,000
2,500,000
2
1,100,000
2,600,000
2 10
1 64
1,130,000
2,700,000
2 15
1 64
1,160,000 2,850,000
2 20
1 64
1,200,000 | 2,950,000


Years:
PROGRESSIVE STATE OF ROADS.
U. S. STATISTICAL TABLE, CONTINUED.
MILITARY FORCE.
IMPORTS.
Merchandise
including emi-
grant's stock,
furniture, &c.
No. Cap. Stock. | No. Stock, dols. Dollars.
1774
421,300
15,000
198,000
1784
541,666
18,000
250,000
Dollars.
7,000,000
11,000,000
}
1790
654,000
25,000
486,890
17,500,000
1791
8
900,000 71,295
677,650
28,000
51,2,698
19,0,0,000
1792
6 400,000
12 1,300,000
92,988
694,889
30,090
567,628
22,000,000
1793
8
1794
10
470,000
500,000 16
14
1,500,000
1,560,000
103,883
715,736
129,185
737,208
1795
12
650,000
19
1,800,000 163,794
759,324
Vesssls.
33,060
627,67.:
26,000,000
Guns.
39,900
628,617
34,000,000
45,000
747,964
48,000,000
1796
15
900,000
1797
16
1,100,000
1798
19
1,400,000
2 2 3
22
2,000,000
195,043
782,104
51,500
831,900 68,000,000
25
2,300,000
213,992
805,567
3
124
60,200
876,912 | 52,000,000
30
2,900,000
233,144
829,734 13 350
62,300
893,329
63,000,000
1799
1,570,000
22
30
2,900,000
264,850
854,626 42 950
63,500
920,000
79,500,000
1800
23
1801 25
1802 27
1,600,000 32
1,860,000 33 3,050,000
3,000,000
280,806
878,000
42
970
64,000
972,000
71,800,000
320 500
914,001 20
600
65,000
947,576
88,900,000
1804
1803 29
30
1,900,000 35
1,955,000 39
2,000,000 | 48
3,200,000
327,257
940,000
20
600
63,000
1,003,002
73,000,000
3,400,000
351,977
972,000
18
4,900,000
389,547 | 1,050,000
20
63,000
556
560 64,000
1,107,323 | 56,000,000
80,000,000
62

64

Years.
Foreign mer-
chandise ex-
ported.
Domestic
produce.
Total exports.
U. S. STATISTICAL TABLE, CONTINUED.
EXPORTS.
VARIATION
OF MONEY.
Insurance com-
fianies.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
No.
Capital.
Cents.
Cents.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
1774.
6,100,000
6,100,000
30
60
1784
1,150,000
9,000,000
10,150,000
50
65
1790
1,800,000
14,200,900 16,000,000
50
75
1791
3,799,202 14,600,000
18,399,202
60
75
4,771,200
1792
5,945,568
15,060,500
21,005,568
1793
10,591,788
15,420,000
26,011,783
1794
16,843,625
16,2 0,100
33,043,725
124
600,000
65
80
3,443,073
8,771,600
900,000 70
95
4,255,306
6,450,195
1,200,000 100
100
277,878
4,801,065
9,439,855
1795
29,791,506
18,064,050
7
1796
47,040,076
2 ),024,021
46,855,856
67,064,997 8 3,000,000 100
2,500,000 197
120
336,635
5,888,461 9,515,758
100
481,162
6,567,987 8,740,329
1797
27,042,039
24,052,671
51,294,710 9
3,300,000 90 150
577,796
7,549,649 8,758,780
1798
33,335,998
1799
27,991,413 61,327,411 9 3,000,000 85
45,123,335 33,142,187 78,665,522 12
190
651,351
7,106,061
8,179,170
4,000,000 100
200
787,306
6,610,449
12,549,381
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
39,120,877 31,840,903 70,971,78) 15
46,642,723 46,377,792 93,02),515 22
35,774,971 26,182,173 71,957,144 29
13,585,073 42,205,961 55,800,033 36
36,231,597 41,477,479 77,699,074 40
5,000,000
90
200
821,649 9,080,932
12,413,978
6,000,000
801
175
outstandg. 10,750,773
12,945,455
7,500, 00
75
130
924,600 12,438,235 14,995,793
9,000,000
75
125
10,479,417
11,064,097
10,000,000
75
155
Averaged la-
bour per day.
Averaged
wheat p. bush.
Internal re-
venue, laws
repealed in
1802.
Impost on
merchandise
and tonnage.
REVENUE.
Total annual
receipts.


Years.
Civil list and
contingencies.
and contin-
Army, navy
gent.
Total expen-
diture.
Metalic me-
dium.
U. S. STATISTICAL TABLE, CONTINUED.
EXPENDITURE.
MONEY.
STOCKS PASSING AS MONEY,
PART HELD IN EUROPE.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
1774
4,000,000
Tighest debt.
200,000,000
1784
10,000,000
2,000,000
3
2,150,000
Funded.
1790
946,841
9,000,000
2,500,000
4.
2,550,000
72,237,301
1791
808,617
3,797,436 16,000,000
9,000,000
6
12,950,000
76,781,953
1792
400,458
1,223,593
1793
436,853
1,237,618
1794
443,031
2,694,945
1795
417,362 2,67 1,4198
1796
507,228
2,831,174
8,367,776
8,962,920 18,000,000 11,500,000
6,479,977 20,000,000 11,000,000
9,041,593 21,500,000 11,600,000
10,151,240 19,000,000 11,000,000
16,500,000 10,500,000
16
17,150,000
77,124,300
17
18,000,000
78,402,946
17
18,000,000
79,424,668
23
19,000,000
84,980,433
1797
540,717
1,555,340
1798
664,408 1,452,114
8,625,877 16,000,000 10,000,000
8,583,618 14,000,000 9,000,000
1799
568,199 3,206,085 11,004,965
17,000,000
10,000,000
૭૭ ૭૭
24.
خير
19,200,000
83,404,139
25
19,200,000
81,324,139
25
19,200,000 81,244,139
26
21,200,000
88,456,038
1800
1801
805,051 5,154,122 11,952,534 17,500,000 10,500,000
692,821 5,993,625 12,273,376 17,000,000
28
21,350,000
89,443,437
11,000,000
31
22,400,000
88,745,704
1802
596,981 3,184,240
1803
1804
13,270,457 16,500,000
526,748 1,709,189 11,258,913
10,000,000
32
22,600,400 87,451,521
16,000,000 11,000,000
36
26,000,000
98,196,018
17,500,000 | 14,000,000
39
39,500,000
Bank notes in
circulation.
Number of
Banks.
Banking
Capital.
Nominal pub-
lic debt.
68
Years.
U. S. STATISTICAL TABLE, CONCLUDED.
DEDUCT FROM THE DEBT.
TOTAL.
LANDS SOLD TO DIS-
CHARGE U. S. DEBT.
NATIONAL FUNDS.
Appropriated by law to the dis-
charge of the present and fu-
ture public debt.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dollars.
Dols. estimate.
1774
600,000,000
1784
850,000,000
1790
1150,000,000
1791
973,905 2,137,789
1360,000,000
1792
1793
1794
2,019,184 753,661
2,265,022 1,151,925
783,444 3,332,886
5,250,151
1550,500,000
1750,000,000
6,922,631
1950,000,000
1795
1796
1797
1798
3,254,235 516,442
3,600,344 888,995
4,549,627 1,021,899
5,233,174 617,451
9,424,629 2060,000,000
The sales of Lake
Erie lands are not in
this statement.
10,405,091 | 2190,500,000
12,321,068 2230,000,000 A sale at
11,676,578
2300,000,000 | Pittsburg.
Stocks drawing interest purchased by
the commissioners of the sinking
funds, with specie by law of the U.
States of August 1790, with the
surplus duties by law of May 1792,
with proceeds of the public lands,
&c.
Dolls. 7,500,000
4,500 lots in the city of
Washington,
235 millions of acres of
land, limited by law at
not less than 2 dollars
per acre to net in time 470,000,000
1,500,000
1799
9,052,232 2,061,683
13,844,396
2350,500,000
130,000
Dollars.
Half of the U. S. Lou-
1800
9,274,607 2,623,311
17,778,042
2400,000,000
acres at
268,509
isiana lands at the same
1801 10,876,686 3,295,391 15,237,527
2430,500,000
398,640
1,203,509
1802
1803
1804
12,013,777 5,020,697 15,233,407 2450,000,000
14,413,000 4,824,821 12,317,449
738,666
1,883,509
limit may net to pos-
terity,
600,000,000

2470,500,000
919,727
2,248,509
2502,000,000
1,223,378
2,888,509

70
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
In addition to the explanatory notes, arranged in the order of the
preceding table, the following abridgement, by contrasting the re-
sults of 20 years, may serve to illustrate the views of the com-
filer, and induce others to form their own exhibits from present
and future facts-TO EXTEND STATISTICAL ENQUIRY.

In 1784.
In 1804.
Births,
Territories of the United States'
Free persons, (See note)
Slaves,
Freed persons of colour,
Deaths,
Total population,
•
Total increase, yearly,
Persons to each mile,
Dwelling-houses,
Colleges,
Academies, .
Improved lands,
Averaged price, cultivated,
Do. in their natural state,
Horses,
•
Horn cattle,
Increase toll bridges,
Turnpikes and canals,
•
Militia,
Navy, U. S.
Seamen,.
Acres.
640,000,000
1,280,000,000
A
·
Persons.
2,650,000
500,000,000
Do.
•
600,000
992,900
Do.
56,000
126,000
Do.
0
158,000
310,500
Do.
76,000
149,000
Do.
3,250,000
6,000,000
Do.
a
96,000
180,000
MUA
B
Do.
3
6
C
Houses.
650,000
1,190,000
D
Number.
Do.
} 36
56
E
Acres.
21,500,000
38,950,000
Dollars.
*
2
6
Cents.
35
215
F
Horses.
600,000
1,160,000
Cattle.
1,200,000
2,850,000
G
Bridges.
6
Number.
8
•
H
Men.
541,666
I
Vessele.
Nonc.
30
48
2,050,000
20
K
Seamen.
18,000
64,000
;
Tons shipping,
L
,
Shipping.
250,000
I,107,323
Imports,
Exports,
N
Insurance companies,
•
Averaged labour per day,
Do. wheat per bushel,
Revenue,
Expenditure,
Metalic medium,
Banks,
•
Bank capital,
•
Bank notes circulating,
Nominal public debt,
Sinking fund,
•
Cash in the treasury,
P
T
MZOR.DASH
Dollars.
11,000,000
80,000,000
Do.
2,000,000
77,699,000
Capital.
None.
10,000,000
Cents.
50
75
Do.
Dollars.
65
155
10,064,097
Do.
11,258,913
Do.
Number.
10,000,000
17,500,000
3
39
•
Dollars.
2,250,000
39,500,000
Do.
2,000,000
14,000,000
U
Do.
200,000,000
98,196,018
Do.
None.
14,413,000
•
Do.
None.
4,824,121
Custom-house bonds,
Do.
None.
J2,317,449
Total valuation U. States,
W
Do.
850,000,000
2,502,000,000
Public lands sold,
X
Acres.
PNN
•
Proceeds public lands,
NATIONAL FUNDS, viz.
Active sinking fund,
4500 lots in Washington city,
Western public lands,
Louisiana lands,
400,000,000
*Note; The addition for Louisiana in 1804 are from a vague estimate, the
bounds being yet undefined.
Dollars.
1,223,378
2,888,509
Dollars.
None.
7,024,450
Do.
None.
1,500,000
Acres.
Uncertain.
250,000,000
Do.
None.
NOTE A.
71
POPULATION, U. S.
DISTRICTS.
UNITED STATES' CENSUS FOR 1790.
Free white
males
of 16 years and
upwards, in-
cluding heads
of families.
Free white males
under 16 years.
Free white fee
males, including
heads of families.
Vermont,
22,335
22,328
40,505
2.25
16
New Hampshire,
36,086
34,851
70,160
630
158
Maine,
24,384
24,748
46,870
538
Massachusetts,.
95,453
87,289
190,582
5,463
Rhode Island,
16,019
15,799
32,653.
3,407
948
Connecticut,
60,593
54,403
117,448
2,808
2,764
85,539
141 885
96,540
378,787 S
68,825
237,946 ·
New York,
84,700
78,122
152,320
4,654
21,324
340,120
New Jersey,
45,251
41,416
13,287
2,762
11,423
184,139
Pennsylvania,
110,788
106,948
206,363
6,537
3,737
434,373
Delaware,
11,783
12,143
22,384
3,899
8,887
59,094
Maryland,
S Virginia,
Kentucky,
55,916
51,339
101,395
8,043
103,036
319,728
110,936
116,135
215,056
12,866
292,627
15,154
17,057
28,922
114
12,430
747,6102
73,677)
North Carolina,
69,988
77,506
140,710
4,975
100,572
393,751
South Carolina,
35,576
37,722
56,880
1,801
107,094
240,073
Georgia,
13,103
14,044
25,739
398
29,264
82,548
Western territories,
6,271
10,227
15,365
361
3,417
35,691
Total, 3,929,326
All other free
persons.
Slaves.
Total.
about 23 years, will be found nearer the true rate of increase.
per cent. to the total of the last year, giving a duplication in
posed to double in 20 years, since which an annual addition of 3
Before the census of 1790 and of 1800, the population was sup-

72
POPULATION, U. 17
S.

Names of
States.
Under 10
years of
age.
and under
Of 10
16.
FREE WHITE MALES.
and under
Of 26and
under 45.
A CENSUS OF INHABITANTS IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE YEAR 1800.
Of 45 and
upwards.
years of
Under 10
age.
Of 10 and
under 16.
FREE WHITE FEMALES.
Of 16 and
under 26.
Vermont,
29,420 12,046
13,242
16,544
8,076
28,272
11,366
12,606
15,287
7,049
557
154,465
N. Hampshire, 30,694
14,881
16,379 17,589
11,715
29,871
14,193 17,153 18,381
12,142
855
8
183,858
Massachusetts,
63,646
32,507 37,905
39,729 31,348 60,920
Maine,
27,970
12.305
12,900 15,318 8,339
26,899
30,674
I1,338
40,491
43,833
35,340
6,552
422,845
13,295
14,496
8,041
818
151,719
Rhode Island,
9,945
5,352
5,889 5,785 4,887 9,524 5,026
6,463
6,939
5,648 3,304
380
69,122
Connecticut,
37,946
19,408
21,683 23,180
18,976 35,736
18,218
23,561
25,186
20,827
5,300
1951
25,002
New York,
50,097
44,273 49,275 61,594
31,855
95,473 39,47I
48,116
56,411
28,651
10,374
20,613
586,050
New Jersey,
33,900
Pennsylvania, 103,226
Delaware, .
8,250
4,437
15,859 16,301 19,956 12,629
46,061 54,262
5,121
32,622
14,827
17,018
19,534
1 1,600
4,402
12,422
211,142
59,333
38,585
99,624
43,789
53,947 53,846
33,395
14,564
1,706
602,545
5,012
2,213
7,628
4,277
5,543
4,981
2,390
8,268
6,153
64,273
Maryland,.
36,751
17,743 21,929
23,553
13,712
84,703
16,787
22,915 21,725
12,180
19,987 107,707
349,692
Virginia,
Kentucky,
N. Carolina,
63,118 27,073
93,327 40,820 49,191 50,819
37,274 14,045 15,705 17,699
31,560 31,209
30,442
S. Carolina,
Georgia,
Tennessee,
N. W. Territ.
37,4II 16,156 17,761
19,344
19,841 8,469 9,787
10,914
25,874 32,989
10,244 34,664 15,857 18,145
4,957 18,407
87.993
39,148 51,209 41,746
9,238 34,949 13,433 15,524 14,934
18,688 59,074
34,179
20,507 346,968
886,149
7,075
741 40,343
220,959
30,665
17,514
7,043 133,196
478,105
17,236
9,437
3,185 146,151
345,591
7,914 9,243
8,835
3,894
1,919
59,699
162,686
19,227
7,194
8,282
8,352
4,125
18,450
7,042
8,554
6,992
3,491
300 13,584
105,602
9,362
3,637
4.636
4,833
1,955
8,644
3,353
3,861
3,342
1,395
337
45,365
Indiana Terr.
854
347
466
645
262
791
280
424
393
115
163
135
5,641
Mississ. Ter.
999
356
482
780
290
933
376
352
426
165
182 3,489
8,850
D. Columbia,
Total, 713,258 342,979 392,756
1,788
|
477,188
262,536
323
725,197323,243 402,426
405,179 254,528 109,289 893,605 | 5,289,573
671 1,178
1,332
539
1,577
663
1,027
1,028
463
783
3,244
14,093
Of 26 and
under 45.
Of 45 and
upwards.
All other free
persons except
In's. not taxed.
Slaves.
Total.
NOTE A. POPULATION.
73
For the following estimate of provincial population in 1753, (see Mar-
shall's Life of Washington,) given as an authentic account from mi-
litia-rolls, poll-taxes, bills of mortality, returns from Governors and
other authorities of the time.
Colonies.
Nova Scotia,
New Hampshire,
Massachusetts Bay,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
Inhabitants.
5,000
30,000
220,000
35,000
100,000
New York,
100,000
The Jerseys,.
60,000
Pennsylvania and
250,000
Delaware,
Maryland,
85,000
Virginia,
85,000
North Carolina,
45,000
South Carolina,
30,000
·
Georgia,
6,000
Total, 1,051,000
Louisiana, French colony,
7,000
Cinada,
do.
45,000
52,000
The foregoing estimate was originally formed by the venerable Dr.
Franklin, whose attention to STATISTICAL INQUIRY was unequal-
led in his time'; and as the two census since obtained, and here in-
serted, have sufficiently confirmed the truth of his estimates, they
will be recognized with pleasure by every American, so will the
following apposite reflections on population, &c. from a letter
written by the doctor in 1755.
“Tables of the proportion of marriages to births, of deaths to
births, of marriages to the number of inhabitants, &c. formed on ob-
servations made on bills of mortality, christenings, &c. of populous
cities, will not suit countries; nor will tables formed on observations
made on full settled old countries, as Europe, suit new countries, as
America.
"For people increase in proportion to the number of marriages,
and that is greater in proportion to the ease and convenience of sup-
porting a family. When families can be easily supported, more per-
sons marry, and earlier in life.
K
74
NOTE A. POPULATION.
"In cities, where all trades, occupations and offices are full, many
delay until they can see how to bear the charges of a family; which
charges are greater in cities, as luxury is more common; many live
single during life, and continue servants to families, journey-men to
trades, &c. hence cities do not by natural generation supply them-
selves with inhabitants; the deaths are more than the births.
"In countries full settled, the case must be nearly the same; all
lands being occupied and improved to the height, those who cannot
get land must labour for those who have it; when labourers are plenty
their wages will be low; by low wages a family is supported with dif-
ficulty; this difficulty deters many from marriage, who, therefore,
long continue servants and single. Only as cities take supplies of
people from the country, and thereby make a little more room in the
country, marriage is a little more encouraged there, and the births
exceed the deaths.
"Great part of Europe is fully settled with husbandmen, manufac-
turers, &c. and therefore cannot now increase in people. Land being
plenty in America, and so cheap as that a labouring man, who under-
stands husbandry, can in a short time save money enough to pur-
chase a piece of new land sufficient for a plantation, whereon he may
subsist a family; such are not afraid to marry, for even if they look
far enough forward to consider how their children, when grown, are
to be provided for, they see that more land is to be had at rates
equally easy, all circumstances considered.
"Hence marriages in America are more general, and more gene-
rally early than in Europe. And if it is reckoned there, that there
is but one marriage per annum among one hundred persons, perhaps
we may here reckon two; and if in Europe they have but four births
to a marriage (many of their marriages being late) we may here
reckon eight; of which, if one half grow up, and our marriages are
made, reckoning one with another, at twenty years of age, our people
must double at least every twenty years.
"But notwithstanding this increase, so VAST IS THE TERRITORY
OF NORTH AMERICA, that it will require many ages to settle it fully;
and, until it is fully settled, labour will never be cheap here, where
no man continues long a labourer for others, but gets a plantation of
his own; no man continues long a journey-man to a trade, but goes
among those new settlers, and sets up for himself, &c. Hence la-
bour is no cheaper now (1755) in Pennsylvania than it was thirty
years ago, though so many thousand labouring people have been im-
ported from Germany and Ireland.
* " In proportion to the increase of the colonies, a vast demand is
growing for British manufactures, a glorious market wholly in the
power of Britain, in which foreigners cannot interfere, which will in-
crease in a short time even beyond her power of supplying, though her
whole trade should be to her colonies."
* The narrow policy of the lord Sheffields, of Britain, will probably soon ch
this once flattering prospect for the British nation.
change.
NOTE A.
POPULATION.
57
The following table formed from the first census, will show the propor-
tion which the sexes bear to each other in each of the United States.

Males. Females.
Excess.
*Massachusetts,
*Connecticut,
Vermont,
New Hampshire,
*Rhode Island,
New York,.
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
44,763 40,505
4,258
Males.
70,937 70,160
777
Ditto.
182,742 190,582
7,840
Females.
•
31,818
32,652
834
Ditto.
114,926
117,448
2,522
Ditto.
161,822
152,820
9,502 Males.
86,667
83,287
3,380 Ditto.
217,736
206,363
11,373
Ditto.
23,926
22,384
1,540 Ditto.
107,254 101,395
5,859
Ditto.
Virginia,
227,071
215,046
12,025 Ditto.
Kentucky,
32,211
28,922
3,289
Ditto.
North Carolina,
147,494
140,7 10
6,784
Ditto.
South Carolina,
73,298
66,880
6,418
Ditto.
Georgia,
27,147
25,739
1,408 Ditto.
Territory S. W. Ohio,
16,548
15,365 1,183 Ditto.
* Migrations to other states and seamen occasion the disproportion of males
in these states.
For the present rapid increase of population the United States
are less indebted to foreign emigration than was formerly believed,
if reliance may be placed on the best records and estimates at pre-
sent attainable; by these they have not averaged more than 4,000
for the last ten years, while it is known that above half that num-
ber have migrated from the United States, a part to Upper Cana-
da, and more as seafaring adventurers, to every part of the globe.
Further to illustrate these subjects, the averaged births and deaths
are thus stated from the best present sources, viz.
In Portsmouth, N. Hampshire, there are 100 births to 50 deaths,
In Salem, Massachusetts,
to 49 and 51
100
In Boston,
do.
100
to 49 and 52
•
In Hartford, Connecticut,
In New York, N. York,
100
to 48 and 49
100
to 51 and 53
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
100
to 51 and 53
•
In Baltimore, Maryland,
100
to 51 and 54
In the City of Washington,
100
to 50 and 51
In Norfolk, Virginia,
In Charleston, S. Carolina,
rolina and Georgia,
100
to 52 and 54
100
to 55 and 60
But in the healthiest parts even of Ca-
-}
100
to 45 and 49.
And for the United States, averaged,
100
to 49 and 51
1
76
NOTE A. POPULATION.
The annual deaths vary according to the size of the cities as well as for
the difference of their climates, seasons, &c.
In Portsmouth they are rated at,
In Salem,
In Boston,
In Hartford,
In Rhode Island,
In New York,
In Philadelphia,
In Baltimore,
In the City of Washington,
In Norfolk,
In Charleston,
1 in 48 to 49 persons,
1 in 48 to 49
do.
1 in 47 to 49
do.
1 in 50 to 55
do.
1 in 50 to 56
do.
I in 44 to 50
do.
1 in 44 to 50
do.
>
1 in 43 to 49
do.
1 in 48 to 50
do.
1 in 40 to 47
do.
1 in 35 to 40
do.
1 in 34 to 39
do.
}
1 in 45 to 50
do.
1 in 39 to 41
do.
In all the low grounds south of 38 N. lat.
But in the high and healthiest parts even
of Georgia,
For the average of the United States,
Further to illustrate these subjects, it may be proper to refer to
some of the most esteemed European statements; Dr. Price thought
that the annual London deaths were one in 21 of its inhabitants, and
sir William Petty that one in 32 only died in each year throughout
all England. There are many more favourable statements by per-
sons of less celebrity for their attention to accuracy. But the fol-
lowing will be found near the present prevalent belief, with the best
informed Europeans, viz.
There die annually in all Europe,
In great cities. In moderate towns. In the country.
1 to 23
1 to 28
1 to 35
In the most
healthy parts.
1 to 55
The count de Buffon supposed the yearly deaths in all France to
average one in 32, and M. de Condorcet with other respectable
writers, have given an easy rule by which to ascertain the popula-
tion, by the bills of mortality; thus, multiply the births by 25, and
they will give the number of the inhabitants of Paris: by this mode,
to multiply the births of these states by 19, or the deaths by 41, the
whole number of the inhabitants might be very nearly obtained, at
least this is as near as the most careful attention of the author has
yet been able to arrive at the fact in question.
We ought not to omit in this note, the belief of many observing
persons, that the timidity of the uninformed part of several cities and
other com.rnities, occasioned a concealment of a portion of their
numbers, when the last census was taken, lest it might become the
basis for a capitation tax. This opinion has been further confirmed
by the known fact, that for the whole length of the states, in the
most salubrious parts, (between the latitudes 37 and 46 north) a natu-
ral in、rease and duplication has been often realized in 16 to 18 years;
but as many of the low, flat and moist grounds of the south, and all
NOTE A. POPULATION.
77
the cities, are found to be less favourable to the general increase, the
census cannot be much under-rated, even if a few of the careful re-
turning officers were thus partially disappointed. Another interesting
fact has been less generally noted, namely, that people in the United
States commonly live to a greater age than in Europe, on an ave-
rage of ages throughout both countries. It is ascertained that about
1 in 8 live to the age of seventy in Connecticut, and for the whole
extent of the healthiest parts of the country there is but little va-
riation from this position. These and other causes connected will
probably continue a rapid rate of increase for a century, or until
there may be at least 90 persons for each square mile, beyond which
number no addition for the further welfare or happiness of the people
could be rationally desired in any country or commonwealth of the vast
extent of these United States.-Witness the miseries of Asia, where
the sword is often welcome! being preferred to pestilence and famine,
the periodical and sometimes inevitable visitants of all countries bur-
thened by excessive population.
TABLE of the Probabilities of Life for Europe and for a medium
of the United States.

GENERAL TABLE FROM NEW YORK AND PHILA-
COUNT DE BUFFON. DELPHIA FOR 12 YEARS.
Periods of Persons
life.
living.
Decrease
of life.
Periods of
life.
Persons Decrease
living.
of life.
Between
of 1,000
Between
of 1,000
birth and
birth and
3 years,
591
409
3 years,
612
388
1
3 and 5
540
51
3 and 5
555
57
5 and 10
490
50
5 and 10
511
44
10 and 20
450
40
10 and 20
465
4.6
20 and 30
392
58
20 and 30
398
67
30 and 40
323
69
30 and 40
320
78
40 and 50
252
71
40 and 50
228
92
50 and 60
180
72
50 and 60
164
>
64
60 and 70
101
79
60 and 70
102
62
70 and 80
27
75
70 and 80
30
72
80 and 90
3
24
80 and 90
5
24
Too much attention cannot be paid to the probabilities of life in
forming tables for extensive insurance companies, where errors may
prove ruinous. Dr. Price saved several London companies from such
errors by revising their inaccurate tables, and by throwing all the frac-
tions in their favour.
STATE POPULATION, INCREASE AND MIGRATION.
1
78
NOTE A.
POPULATION.
NUMBER OF INHABITANTS.
Square
Increase in
STATES.
miles.
Congress
Census
Census
10 years.
of 1754.
1790.
1800.
from 1790.
Doubling
in years
MIGRA. IN 10 YEARS.
From eld-
To new
er states.
states.
Persons to
each mile
in 1805.
Terr. Columbia,
100
6,000
14,093
8,093
8
6,000
15
Vermont,
10,000
None.
85,539
154,465
68,926 13
34,000
18
N. Hampshire,
9,000
30,000
141,885
183,835
Massachusetts,
7,000
220,000
378,787
422,845
41,950 migrat. 13,000
44,058 do. 86,000
22
68
Maine,
25,000
96,540
151,719
55,179
19
24,000
7
Rhode Island,
2,000
35,000
68,825
69,122
294 migrat.
26,000
36
Connecticut,
5,006
100,000
237,946
251,902
14,056 do.
68,000
53
N. York,
49,000
100,000
340,120
504,105
163,920 20
50,000
14
N. Jersey,
8,000
60,000
184,139
211,149
27,010 migrat.
30,000
27
Pennsylvania,
46,000
250,000
434,373
602,305
167,982
20
29,000
14
Delaware,
•
2,000
59,094
64,273
5,177 migrat. 15,000
33
Maryland,
14,000 85,000
319,723
349,692
29,031 do.
70,000
25
Virginia,
$75,000
85,000
747,610
886,959
141,340 do.
90,000
13
Kentucky, .
45,000
73,677
220,955
147,278
5
129,000
6
N. Carolina,
44,000
45,000
393,751
478,103
84,352 migrat.
45,000
15
S. Carolina,
32,000
30,000
249,073
345,591
96,518 20
14,000
17
Georgia, .
55,000
6,000
82,548
162,686
80,138 10
27,000
4
Tennessee,
50,000
9,000 109,960
100,960
1
97,000
3
Residue U. S.
Uncertain.
26,000 60,000
34,000 8
26,000
Total, U. S.
Louisiana, say,
1,000,000 | 1,051,000
900,000
3,929,328 5,280,588 | 1,351,260
23
443,000
6
7,000
39,000 65,000 25,000
13
16,000
NOTE A. POPULATION.
79
For the preceding table a position has been assumed, on which
the inquirist will exercise his own judgment. The average of the
states have increased in a ratio doubling in 23 years, but as some of
the most healthy and most prolific were proved by the census to have
retained much less than their quota of this increase, it was obvious
that the new states had been gainers by migration, nearly to the
amount of all the difference in these views of the question; for on try-
ing the position, with a slight variation only, by throwing the foreign
emigrants into the scale, we find a natural balance of the statistical
account in question.
么
​The following table will shew how many of the states have succeeded in
freeing themselves from the burthen and reproach for boasting of their
attachment to freedom, while they still hold their fellow mortals in the
most servile bondage.
INCREASE AND DECREASE OF SLAVES FROM 1790
TO 1800.

SLAVES.
Freed
STATES.
Increase Decre.
persons
In 1790. In 1800.
in 1800.
in states. in stat.
N. Hampshire,
Vermont,
Maine,
•
Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
N. York,
158
8
None.
150
855
16
•
None.
do.
16
557
None.
do.
do.
818
do.
do.
do.
6,552
•
948
383
do.
868
3,304
2,764
951
do.
1,813
5,300
21,324
15,602
do.
5,722
10,347
N. Jersey,
11,423
12,423
1,001
4,402
Pennsylvania,
3,737
1,736
None.
2,031
14,564
Delaware,
8,887
6,153 do.
2,734
8,268
Maryland,
103,036
100,393 do.
2,643
19,987
Virginia,
292,627 345,796 53,169
20,507
Kentucky,
12,430 40,843 28,412
741
N. Carolina,
100,572
133,296 32,724
7,043
S. Carolina,
107,094
146,151 39,057
3,185
Georgia,
29,264
59,699
30,435
1,919
Residue U. S.
3,417
14,022
10,605
980
Total,
•
| 697,697 | 893,605
109,289
1
80
NOTE A. POPULATION.
Although it is to be lamented that the slaves do still increase, yet
this increase is considerably less than that of the coloured freeds
and whites, or than the total population, which doubles in about 23
years, but the slaves only in thirty, till the late importation by South
Carolina. Every friend to humanity and to the planter's truest inter-
ests must rejoice, that the day prohibiting this barbarous traffic in
-human flesh, is fast approaching. In two years it must end forever
by a law of the constitution. This law the eastern states have all an-
ticipated, as may be seen by the table. Virginia also has become
fully apprized of the evils which slavery have produced in that state:
hence many of its best patriots have declared that the progress of
their general weal has been as much retarded since the peace, as it
was weakened in the revolutionary war by slavery, and by the advan-
tages it gave to an enemy. As this subject is of primary importance
we have subjoined the opinion of a respectable traveller (Strickland)
for agricultural information, thus reported to the British board of
agriculture, 1798.
"The price of a slave is no test of his value as a labourer, but
the quantity of work and its goodness. Nothing can be more in-
ert than a slave; his unwilling labour is discovered in every step, he
never moves if he can avoid it; if the eyes of the overseer be off he
sleeps, and the ox and horse driven by a slave sleeps also; all is listless
inactivity, where each motion is compulsory. Each slave that I have
seen does not when at work perform half as much as a common labour-
er, nor does the business under which his master sits down contented
appear to be half what we in England require to be done in the same
time." He mentions also the wilful destruction and almost universal
disposition to pilfer, &c. making in his estimate slave-labour much
dearer than any other. This low estimate of the labour of slaves is
very general, and existed in the time of sir William Petty, who, in
endeavouring to estimate the productive and comparative value for
an average of the labour of all England, rated the whites each equal
to two good slaves in the colonies, which were then at 451. sterling
or 200 dollars, and of course the whites at 901. or 400 dollars; but
seamen and fishermen were by him in the same estimate rated at
double the average of the rest of the community, or at 800 dollars,
for which his interesting reasons should be examined.
This estimate, as far as it is opposed to slavery, corresponds with
that of every other rational calculating economist. But is this a sub-
ject for cold calculation? No, it is the cause of feeling! of humanity!
of virtue in which the honor of an American is most deeply impli-
cated, since it is well known that not a single state in the union can
ultimately, if ever, be benefitted in any view whatever, by the con-
tinuation of slavery, a crime that brings with it ruin to the soil by
slovenly cultivation, and idleness, with every species of vicious de-
bauchery, to all classes of the community cursed with the abomina-
ble incumberance.
NOTE B. POPULATION, AGRICULTURE, &c.
81
Before we entirely drop this disagreeable subject, we wish to re-
fer the reader to the modes for a gradual emancipation, proposed by
the following philanthropic gentlemen: Mr. Jefferson, St. George
Tucker, and Dr. William Thornton. There are many other plans
proposed, all which do honor to the humanity of the writers; but we
mention these southern gentlemen, because it would afford more sa-
tisfaction to find any work of reformation, begin at home. The plan
of any citizen of a state where there are no slaves, would be less
impressive on the minds of those who may be called to make an im-
portant effort; but where this is recommended by persons equally
interested, their good intentions are more likely to prevail. In order
however to assist to this, we wish to recommend a comparative view
of the progressive improvement of those states where slavery is abo-
lished. The total valuation for the state of Massachusetts, is said to
have quadrupled in six years; while that of Virginia, under other
equal advantages, has not doubled in the same period. A return of
the exports of each state, comparing 1791 with the last return in
1795, may illustrate a part of the view; but the monied companies,
or minor republics of the eastern states, are a more striking proof of
their comparative increase in more solid establishments both of riches
and of the republican equality ever attendant on facile wealth.
In all monarchical, and military or aristocratic forms of govern-
ment, the minor republican institutions, as well as those of other com-
mercial origin, were regarded with a jealous eye by mere military
robbers, who had a natural antipathy to fair commercial exchanges,
long before that which occasioned the wanton destruction of Carthage
by the Romans; but such views, we hope, are now obvious. Many
of the young gentlemen of the southern states are now bred to com-
merce, who if we had remained colonists, would have yet done noth-
ing. Some of the most active of our sea officers are from the south-
ern states: this is a glorious circumstance for the honor of our
country; for the original materials are every where the same, and
slavery only makes the difference; for which we are often too severe-
ly reviled by foreigners. A sudden and universal emancipation is
impossible; but perhaps a law passed to prevent more than a cer-
tain number of the infants born in any one family, in any one year,
from remaining slaves after 25 years of age, would be well received;
provided the blanks for the time, and for the number, was well adapt-
ed to the present circumstances of the day. Another law for each
and every state would have an excellent tendency to extend neat hus-
bandry, viz. After the year ****** no citizen or single freeholder
should hold more than ***** acres, in any one county or state. If it
be true, that all republics are finally ruined by the monopoly and
tyranny of their overgrown land lords, we cannot be too well guarded
against the danger in the older counties of the several states. All
this will occur in due time, or an agrarian must be the consequence,
as in times of antiquity, unless the minor republics, or monied asso-
L
82
NOTES B. C. D. HOUSES, COLLEGES, &c.
ciations, and generally commercial habits should secure and perpe-
tuate the glorious freedom of America.
We repeat, that our population increases at least 3 per cent. by an
annual compound, by which we double our population in about 23
years. We shall do this in less, if we become more commercial, and
encourage by all means, further useful emigration: this we ought to
do, to place our country immediately in a state invulnerable to foreign
invaders. The easiest means are first, an increase of foreign loans;
and the rest will then follow of course, as we trust we shall fully
evince in other parts of our book.*
"The real riches and strength of a nation, consists rather in the
quantum of the industry of its inhabitants, than either in their number,
or the quantity of lands they possess. If so, it ought to be the study
of those who wish to promote its internal felicity, to take every pos-
sible method for promoting the general industry of the people; and
this can only be effectually done by securing to every individual a
certainty of being able to benefit himself, in the first instance, by every
vigorous exertion he can make. No labour, carried on by slaves, can
ever be done at so little expense as by freemen. Nothing that is per-
formed by hirelings, can ever be performed so cheap as by men who arc
working for their own behoof."
"All essential labour must ever be carried on chiefly by the poorer
ranks of people; but a dependent mind will never attempt to make
any improvement, nor be brought to adopt one, however plainly it
may be pointed out. Let your attention, therefore, be turned chiefly
towards those in the poorer ranks in society; free them not only from
dependence on yourself, but protect them also from the rod of others.
Cherish them in thy bosom with lenient tenderness; they will soon
abundantly requite you for all your pains. Instead of that stupid tor-
por that now renders them insensible even to kindness; their minds
will be taught to glow with the warmest effusions of grateful esteem,
(for gratitude is only to be met with in cultivated minds). Instead of
that listless apathy, arising from a total suppression of hope and de-
sire, which makes them at present alike neglectful of good offices,
and regardless of the bad; their minds, enlivened by hope and tender
desires, will become feelingly alive and active, so as to be sensible of
those delicate stimuli that actuate the cultivated mind, and from the
influence of which alone proceed those glorious actions that so con-
spicuously elevate man above all the other creatures of God."
* Our view of houses is confined to pages 58 and 196, for want of more satisfac-
tory data, than the vague total valuations of the United States, for the direct tax,
and those of the statcs, which are commonly at less than one sixth of their value,
We have, therefore, deferred a minute valuation till a future occasion.
For colleges, &c. see national university....an institution founded by WASHINGTON,
in his last will, for which there are subscriptions now open throughout the United
States.
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
83
"If a general, without his army, may with any degree of justice
be called a shadow without a substance, with still greater propriety
may the labouring class of the people upon the estate of a gentleman
of landed property, be called his substance, sinews, arms, and strength;
for without these he becomes a mere ideal phantom; a name with-
out a substance. His large possessions, and high sounding titles,
would, in that case, only serve to hold him up a little above the
crowd, to make him a more conspicuous object of derision, and of
public scorn. Without money, without influence, he becomes the
abject tool of those who feed and clothe him and instead of defend-
ing the state by the vigour of his arm, or aiding it by the wisdom of
his counsels, he sucks out the blood of the industrious poor, and thus
drains his country of her vital energy and strength."
"We need not go to distant nations in search of an example of
these important truths; nor need we ascend to the fabulous era of
antiquity for facts to illustrate these assertions. Spain is at this mo-
ment little better than the ghost of a mighty empire, reduced to the
very borders of perdition; not by her riches, for they stimulate to
industry” in a republic; but owing to the viciating practice of enobling,
as it is called, when a man receives a pillory in a ribbon; or fetters
and stocks, or handcuffs, in a ring or a garter.
66
Spain is entirely covered by those leeches (a nobility and gentry
divested of landed revenue,) who have been suffered to seize upon her,
that there is no room left to administer a remedy for her. It is these
vermin alone that are alive and active, who greedily seize to them-
selves every drop of blood as it is slowly generated, so as effectually
to prevent it from contributing towards the increase of her real
strength and vigour."
“About two hundred years ago, Spain contained a numerous and
active peasantry, who, by their vigorous industry, lived happy in the
enjoyment of their own property; and being themselves in affluence,
supported by their labour, with becoming dignity, a reputable body
of independent nobility and gentry, whose many brilliant actions at
that time afford the most striking contrast to their present abasement.
But by a fortuitous concurrence of unlucky circumstances, the na-
tional industry received a check; which having been disregarded at
the time as insignificant, on account of the dazzling objects that then
attracted the attention of all ranks of persons in that country, the
labourers gradually became poor, and were not able to afford the
wonted returns to their superiors. The nobles and gentry became of
course more straitened in their circumstances than formerly, and by
consequence more avaricious. The poor, instead of being seasonably
relieved and supported, were more and more oppressed, till those
who had any remains of spirit, were forced to emigrate to other re-
gions; and the few that remained, sunk at last into their present
state of abject debility. The grandees thus finding it impossible to
draw a sufficient revenue from their estates, flocked to court, in hopes
of obtaining those posts, or pensions, or lucrative monopolies, which
84
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &C.
the misguided court (a court necessarily misguided by the counsel of
those who hoped to share in the spoils of their country) distributed
with the most destructive liberality."
"When Mr. Anderson treats of the principal modes in which
national industry may be exerted, viz. Agriculture, trade, and manu-
factures, he shews in what manner the prosperity of each naturally
depends upon the flourishing state of all; and that every attempt to
promote one of these arts, by depressing the others, must prove hurt-
ful to the community, and in the end, destructive to that very art it
was intended to serve. No state can be in its highest degree of pros-
perity, but where an happy alliance subsists between these three
great sources of employment and beneficial intercourse, as they then
mutually support and strengthen one another. He agrees, with most
political writers, in thinking that agriculture forms the surest basis
for the prosperity of any state, because the advantage derived from
thence is less liable to be affected by the accidents or vicissitudes of
the times, than any of the others. It also happens that every plan
which tends to promote the interests of agriculture, must, of neces-
sity, promote the general prosperity of the state."
"Sometimes men have been so short sighted as to think that agri-
culture might be promoted at the expense of the two sister arts; the
futility of which idea he thus exposes :
"There are some instances, he observes, of nations peculiarly si-
tuated, which have flourished by means of commerce without agri-
culture; there are also a very few examples of manufactures flourish-
ing among a people who could have little dependence on the produce
of the soil: but there is not among all the records of past ages, a
single proof of a people who have enjoyed, for any length of time, a
spirited agriculture, without the aid of commerce or manufactures,
or both."
"Nor is it possible that it should be otherwise. For without com-
merce or arts, what inducement has the farmer to cultivate the soil?
In this case, every man will only wish to rear as much as is sufficient
for his own sustenance, and no more; so that if the soil could afford
a hundred times the produce that is sufficient for them, it will be al-
lowed to remain an uncultivated waste. And if, in that country, any
man should be so foolish as to rear large crops, what would it benefit
him? Every man has enough for his own subsistence, so that he
wants none of that superfluous produce. It must, therefore, be suf-
fered to perish without being of any use at all to the owner."
"For this reason a nation peopled only by farmers, must be a re-
gion of indolence and misery. If the soil is naturally fertile, little
labour will procure abundance; but for want of exercise, even that
little labour will be burthensome, and often neglected; want will be
felt in the midst of abundance, and the human mind be abased nearly
to the same degree with the beasts that graze the field. If the region
is more barren, the inhabitants will be obliged to become somewhat
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
85
1
more industrious, and therefore more happy. But miserable at best
must be the happiness of such a people."
"Those, therefore, who wish to make agriculture flourish in any
country, can have no hope of succeeding in the attempt, but by bring-
ing commerce and manufactures to her aid; which, by taking from
the farmer his superfluous produce, gives spirit to his operations,
and life and activity to his mind."
"Without this stimulus to activity, in vain do we use arguments
to rouse the sluggish inhabitants, in vain do we discover that the
earth is capable of producing the most luxuriant harvests with little
labour: our own abundant crops are produced as undeniable proofs
of this in vain. But place a manufacturer in the neighborhood, who
will buy every little article that the farmer can bring to market, and
he will soon become industrious. The most barren fields will then
become covered with some useful produce. Instead of listless vaga-
bonds, unfit for any service, the country will abound with a hardy and
robust race of men, fit for every valuable purpose; and the voice of
festivity and joy be heard in every corner, instead of the groans and
misery, and the sighs of discontent."
"As a striking example of the justness of this reasoning, he gives
the following very curious account of the present state of the town of
Aberdeen; the authenticity of which cannot be disputed, as the author
lives in its neighborhood:
"The town of Aberdeen has made great advances in trade and
manufactures, within these thirty or forty years past. The number
of inhabitants has increased greatly within that period. Money has
become more plenty there than formerly. Their manner of living is
now more elegant and expensive; articles of luxury have encreased.
In consequence of good roads having become more common, horses
and wheel-carriages have also become extremely numerous. On all
which accounts, the demands for fresh vegetables has greatly in-
creased in that place, within the period above mentioned."
"But, on account of the particular situation of that town, it was a
matter of some difficulty to augment the produce of the fields in that
neighborhood, and supply the daily increasing demand for these.....
This city is placed in the midst of a country that is naturally the most
sterile that can possibly be imagined. For, unless it be a few hun-
dred acres of ground that lie between the mouths of the rivers Dee
and Don, close by the town, there was not an inch of ground for ma-
ny miles around it that could supply the inhabitants with any of the
necessaries of life. On the east is the German ocean; on the south
the Grampian mountains come close to the river, terminating in a
head-land on the south side of the harbour, called the Girdle Ness
and on the west and north, it is environed for many miles with an ex-
tended waste, the most dismal that can be conceived; in which nothing
can be discovered but large masses of stone heaped upon one another,
interspersed here and there with a few bushes of starved heath, or
!
1
86
NOTE E..AGRICULTURE, &c.
+
disjoined by uncomfortable bogs and spouting marshes, the most un-
promising to the views of the farmer, that can possibly be imagined."
"But what is it that human industry cannot perform? What un-
dertaking is too bold for man to attempt, when he has the prospect
of being repaid for his labour? Even these dismal wastes, it was
imagined, might be converted into corn-fields. The ground was
trenched; the stones are blasted by gun-powder, and removed at an
immense expense; manures were purchased: and thousands of acres
of this sort of ground are now waving with the most luxuriant har-
vests, and yield a rent from 51. to 81. sterling per acre.”
"In any other part of the world, it might be reckoned impossible
to convert such soils to any valuable use; and the most daring im-
prover any where else, would shrink back from attempting to culti-
vate a field which an Aberdeensman would consider as a trifling la-
bour. Long habit has familiarised them to such arduous undertak-
ings; undertakings, which could not be attempted any where else,
as, unless in such a particular situation as I have described, the im-
prover could never be repaid. For in what other country could a
man lay out 1001. sterling, or upwards, on an acre of ground, before
it could be put under crop, with any prospect of being repaid? Yet
this is no uncommon thing in that neighborhood."
"Nor is this all: For to such a height is the spirit for improve-
ment risen in that part of the world, that they are not only eager to
cultivate these barren fields, but even purchase these dreary wastes
at a vast expense for that purpose. The last spot of ground of this
sort that was to dispose of in that neighborhood, was feued off by the
town of Aberdeen, in the year 1773, for ever, at an annual quit-rent,
or feu-duty, of thirty-three or thirty-four shillings sterling per acre;
although it was not then, and never could have been worth six pence
per acre, if left in its native state; nor could be converted into corn
ground but at an expense nearly equal to that above mentioned.”
"It ought to be farther remarked, in favour of the Aberdeen im-
provers, that as they are at an unusual expense in first bringing their
grounds into culture; so they continue afterwards to cultivate them
with greater care and attention than is common perhaps in any part
of the island, so that they have more abundant returns, and can afford
to pay greater rents, than in any other part of Great Britain.”
"Could I produce a more satisfactory proof, that a good market
will always produce a spirited agriculture? or is it possible to bring
a more convincing argument in favour of the poor people in other
countries, who are accused by their proprietors of obstinacy, and other
bad qualities, because they do not improve their fields in the manner
the proprietors could wish; seeing many of those who carry on im-
provenients about Aberdeen, are people who have come from distant
parts of the country, where no sort of improvements were ever carri-
ed on; and have no other arguments made use of to them to do it,
but the only feeling one that ever can be made use of, their own in-
terest?” Anderson, and monthly reviewers.
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &C.
87
J.
Perhaps no desideratum in political economy is more an object for
philosophic research, than that for the best apportionment of the
trades, professions, and employments for populous cities. The
whimsical Mandeville, went so far as to assert, that private vices
were public benefits; for said he, the thief gives bread to the lock-
smith, &c. It is however certain, that the more the harmonizing em
ployments are varied, the greater the concord, the health and prospe-
rity of large cities: hence the ancient masons, who boasted of having
discovered the art of finding new arts, were esteemed for their lauda-
ble pretensions; which, if well founded, must make them invaluable
to large cities. On this subject we are at variance with the recluse
and idle of all ages: hence, Diogenes, for never changing his gar
ment, and living in a tub, was called a philosopher! How can the
same writers exalt both Solomon and Diogenes? The former was
full of the praises of industry, and forever witty against the sluggard;
and we think gave therein the most incontestable proof of his wisdom.
We, therefore, leave the praises of Diogenes to Alexander, and to all
philosophers of his school.
Mr. Jefferson, Dr. Morse, and others, have given very minute
descriptions in the lines of our natural history; in which the Ameri-
can elephant, or mamoth, is the most striking feature. Both our soil
and climates are infinitely varied, but generally highly favorable both
to agriculture and health.
The averaged population of the United States, was apparently re-
duced for each mile in 1803, by the purchase of the vast unsettled
territory of Louisiana; and although this purchase may be the means
of inticing further migrations from the old states, the annually in-
creasing surplus has become so great, this will not be felt; for the
whole of the increase will never migrate in any year, till the old states
may be overstocked. The whole of the increase for 1805, would, at
only 100 acres each, take up 18 millions of new lands in one year.
This shews the absurd fears for excessive migrations: they do not
yet exceed one fifth of the increase. An overstock for a country must
depend on the manners of its inhabitants. In savage life, one hunter
for every square mile, is deemed by those people, a full stock; when
there is more, they say, it is time for our young men to go to war, or
we shall starve. Hence, from this fear of starving, arises their mode
of fighting, and of extermination after conquest, common to savage
warfare. In the next, or shepherd state, an accession at the rate of
2 and 3 to a mile, has been common in Arabia, and in other parts of
Africa and Asia. About this time, traffic or barter, becomes common
in the progress of civilization, and soon after, planting by females ;
but in North America, the shepherd state was unknown, so that the
following table will exhibit a view, interpolated in its relation to our
country from the experience of the old world.
&
88
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
Progress and acme of population for each square mile, under varied
circumstances
compared.

Natural stages, or
graduations to
civilization, from
the savage state.
Clime intemperate and soil
ordinary.
A free people, with a tem-
perate clime and fertile soil.
Ditto, with one fourth
slaves.
Ditto, with one half
slaves.
Ditto, with three fourths
slaves.
Averaged hours of labour
per day.
1. The savage, or
hunting state,
1
12
1 /1/1
1
11
2. Pastoral or Ara-
bian state,
2
4
4
4
4
1
3. Pastoral and traf-
ficking state,
3
6
6
5플
​5
14
2
4. Pastoral, traffick,
and planting,
4
9
8
7
6
2
5. Planting, traffick,
and mechanic,
10
18
16
12
10
2
12
6. Commercial, agri-
cultural, and me-
chanical,
25
50
45
38
30
3
7. Commercial, hor-
ticultural, agricul-
tural, mechanical,
and scientific,
50
300
90
70
50
4
The above estimates are on a supposition that all the circumstances
not incident to the stated difference, and necessarily implied, are
alike; and that four hours a day is the highest average of the good
labour per day, for the whole of any community; but the difference
in the intrinsic worth of the labour should also be taken into view in
the table. A part of this difference in the quantity and value of the
labour, would arise from the monopoly to which the lands would be
subject by the lords, in proportion to the number of their slaves ; and
also to the slovenly cultivation incident to slavery, which reduces the
value of the soil, in process of time, to nothing, especially if it be a
light soil, like that originally round Palmira, and the other desolated
countries of Asia and Africa; by destructive culture, or mere plant-
ing, with no care to renovate or to replenish the indulgent earth.
1
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
89
A TABLE imfiroved on the plan of Sir William Petty, and other sta-
tistical writers, for a classing, and a valuation or tarif of exchange,
for the whole people of the United States, for 1805.

CLASSES.
Active per-
sons, male
and female. U. States.
Total
Persons
Esteemed
value of
each per- Total dollars.
son, in
dollars.
Slaves to planters,
300,000
800,000
200
160,000,000
Do. variously em-
ployed,
100,000
200,000
300
60,000,000
Free planters and
agriculturalists, 1,200,000 4,800,000
400 1,920,000,000
Mechanical arti-
sans,
100,000
500,000
500
250,000,000
Fishermen,
6,000
30,000 900
27,000,000
Seamen, &c.
110,000 400,000
700
280,000,000,
Professional and
all others not
enumerated,
•
50,000 250,000
500
125,000,000,
1,866,000 6,180,000
2,822,000,000
The fishermen are enhanced, because they are by far the most
productive, as well as the most prolific; and fishing being a natural
propensity in man, it requires less stimulating. All this makes fish-
ermen of primary importance. Add to this: our seamen entice and
bring annually 6 per cent. of their number from Europe, to en-
hance their inestimable value; and these two classes are among the
bravest and most hardy men of the universe.
The product of the sea, by the industry of the fishermen of the
United States, is almost incredible, in comparison with the product
of any other species of labour; for although the capital employed in
fishing is not more than that in farming, on a fair average for both
occupations, setting the farms per acre against the tons of shipping,
and admitting the implements and stock to balance each other; yet if
6,000 men draw at the rate of three millions for exportation, from the
M
!
I
90
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &C.
1
sea, then each man draws $500 annually. Compare this with the pro-
ceeds of agriculture, where those (who ought to be) employed, have
never yet furnished 25 dollars a head in any one year, for exportation;
although their own maintenance is equal to 10 cents per diem, or
364 dollars per annum, which for six millions of persons, would be
219,000,000 of American dollars. It is true that the fishermen and
their families, are fed in part by the labour of their brethren on shore;
but this is overpaid by an extra value and quantity of fish, &c. the
product of the sea, consumed on shore. In order to do away part of
this immense disparity, we must look at the latent increase of the va-
lue of landed property, which, if we were not draining our country
of money would account for a great portion of the difference. No
wonder, with such views of the subject, that Messrs. Adams and Jay,
at the peace of 1783, should be anxious to preserve the fisheries, and
to gain the western territory, that invaluable prize of war won from
British Canada: and no wonder, that Mr. Jefferson should propose
in 1791, his measures to make the fisheries more extensively useful,
and the lands also, in 1806. See his late proclamation for selling the
reserved sections at 8 dollars, for which price some have already sold,
as will be seen in the account of sales for this year.
The annual consumption of British and other dry goods, for six
millions of inhabitants within the United States, is on an average for
three years, 35 millions of dollars; and of all other foreign articles,
fifty-two millions, annually, making 87 millions for the total of foreign
articles consumed yearly. The grain and pulse consumed by the
inhabitants, is forty millions of bushels, of which ten millions is wheat;
total value 35,000,000. The consumption by live stock, of grain and
pulse, is above 20 millions of bushels; scarce any wheat. The num-
ber of sheep consumed, is above 800,000, at 2 dollars; of swine,
above 6 months old, 1,500,000, value $5; the number of horned
cattle, including calves, 1,200,000, averaged value $9; the poultry
is equal to $4,000,000; the roots, with all the vegetables and
drinkables, to 10 millions; the total consumption for wearing appa-
rel, &c. of domestic manufactures, is equal to 30 millions of dollars.
RECAPITULATION OF HOME CONSUMPTION.
The produce of the sea and rivers, consumed, is per
estimate,
The total amount of foreign articles,
$5,000,000
87,000,000
The total domestic consumption of agricultural food, &c. 85,000,000
Of domestic manufactures, &c.
Of all other produce, of the forest, &c.
1
30,000,000
12,000,000
219,000,000
Now, as it is certain that a community with above three fourths
of its inhabitants employed in agriculture and planting, ought to ex-
port as far as their consumable articles might go, in exchange or
otherwise, at least double the quantity of our exports, one of three
{
1
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
91
things are evident: either we have not yet discovered the best modes
for cultivation, or our lands are not well adapted, or we want a greater
portion of the stimulating classes to animate us to our duty. If
6,000 fishermen assist us to export three millions, the whole number
of our active agriculturalists and planters should enable us to export
their produce in the same ratio, in order to be equally productive.
We suffer greatly, especially where there are slaves, by allow-
ing them to keep a kind of blood or mongrel hound: with these they
sometimes join, in hunting a pig or a sheep, for a private barbecues
which they frequently have by themselves. On other occasions, these
dogs are kept on guard at a vacancy in a fence, that might be easily
mended; but then the pleasure of seeing the cows hunted and bit,
or heated till they go dry, would be lost; and the duties of the dairy
might become too troublesome if all the cows were suffered to give
milk for half the year.
The total of our dogs once amounted to one for each family, and
cost about 5 dollars, an average, for consumption and mischief among
the sheep, the poultry, and other animals, or five millions, a year: but
then, although a thief always knows how to coax and manage them,
they are excellent at biting a distressed friend, calling for advice or
assistance in the night, whenever sickness or accident may require.
The loss of good substantial food, in each year, by the death of
old horses, that would be barrelled for market, had they been oxen,
may be rated at six millions, annually.
The only reasons why the American people are yet less employed
in manufactures than the Europeans, are, they find fishing and agri-
culture by far the most productive. It is computed, that on the pur-
chase money for a farm, at the present low prices, with all the neces-
sary stock, and the labour paid for at more than a bushel of corn the
day, above double the money can be made, with less labour, than by
the averaged profit on the same capital, in the best mechanical em-
ployment suited to our country and present habits.
The European nations who want our bread and raw materials,
should be careful how they provoke us to rival them prematurely in
their own arts; time will effect this without such provocation,
In Louisiana, near New Orleans, the landed gentlemen say, their
lands produce about 20 bushels of corn, worth about 16 dollars; but
the same labour will give 250 lbs. clean cotton, worth 50 dollars; and
an acre of sugar cane will give about ten hundred lbs. worth 80 dol-
lars, with about 7 dollars in mollasses: hence, they will exchange
these articles with their northern brethren, for grain, meat, &c. and
thereby promote commerce.
It is the variety of our pursuits that will tend most powerfully to
promote the harmony of the United States, till our monied institu-
tions are extended further to clench the nails or rivet the golden chains
of our truly enviable union.
There have been a few attempts to alarm the government and the
people of the United States, with a report of a wished for separation
92
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
between the western and atlantic states; but these have been traced
to the great land speculators, who want to have the public lands re-
duced to a price favourable to monopoly. They succeeded about three
years since, partially, for the want of firmness in the government;
but as such people, with such views, are never to be contented, they
became more avaricious in consequence. But our government now
see their error, and the President has raised the reserved lands to
eight dollars, which are worth, and sell for, this price; and when go-
vernment get to work on the roads to the western country, all will be
well, especially if new loans should occasion a greater circulation of
certificates and money to facilitate the pay for the public lands; for
which there would then be an increased demand in a far greater ratio
than the increase of money in circulation, in all which our agricul-
ture is chiefly concerned.
The principal errors in our agriculture, are, inattention to the mi-
nutie on which the whole of this invaluable science depends. We
have only room to state, that somerimes the best mode of ploughing and
dressing the grounds are neglected; the best and most prolific seed;
the best seasons for sowing; the best rotine for a succession of va-
ried crops; irrigation, what is styled green cropping and the rear-
ing the best grasses, as well as the best seasons for harvest, are not
sufficiently attended to in many parts of the union. Our cattle and
sheep are often without shelter, and we have few good roads in the
new countries. So important are canals and irrigation, that the
British board of agriculture have declared, "that canals and irriga-
tion might be the means for highly cultivating EVERY INCH of British
ground." If this be true, we shall prove it in due time, and the sooner
we begin the better. Our general government should set the roads
and canals a going every where, as fast as they are wanted, by sub-
scribing to every eligible canal and road company, that might run as
radii from the HEART, which ought to have arteries suited to the
noble magnitude of the body. All these the general government
should ESTABLISH, or posterity will not overlook their neglect.
It is a point yet to be determined, how many individuals can be
supported on an acre, or by the agricultural labour of one.
Sir John Sinclair, says, that each acre of potatoes will feed (in Ire-
land) nine persons, on an average, for the general crop; the Ca-
rolina pine is deemed of more use than the cultivation of the vine.
See British agricultural reports. This is an important truth.
Agricultural premiums for the greatest quantity of food on the
smallest space of ground, with the least labour and least injury to the
soil, is a primary object. There are, however, many other objects
in connection for our comfort, and for the subsistence of domestic
animals, necessary to us by habit, of more immediate importance.
Rivalship in agriculture, is a desirable incentive to further im-
provement, and will become daily of more importance. We have
heard of rich merchants near Boston and New York, who amuse
themselves with experimental agriculture, at their country seats;
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
93
}
(this is indeed the most rational of all amusements) who have laid
bets of a dinner for the judges, on the event of the largest crop, to be
decided on the spot, by their friends, who partake of the winnings.
As in this cheerful and rational way much good may be done, by due
recourse to chymistry, for the best mode of dressing the grounds, the
poorer farmers will look at these experiments and embrace those on-
ly that are most successful. Would to heaven! this mode of betting
was substituted generally in America; especially where our horses
are dwindled down to mere grey-hounds and hares in shape, to make
them run. Although we admit that a few public exercises may help
to improve the breed, it is by no means certain that speed will be al-
ways connected with either strength or courage. The best race horses
that went from England in the cavalry of the duke of York, did not
persevere in a charge so generally, as the hunter breed from the old
British stock. It is certainly a vice, a sin, against the main objects
of agriculture, to be too fond of horses; for which reason, the Chinese
have banished this animal. The immense quantity of grain destroyed
by a creature that seldom does double the work of the ox that lives
almost without corn, and is valuable indeed at his death, either for
domestic or foreign consumption; while the horse beef lost at death,
has exceeded five millions per annum, ought to decide in favour of
more general dependence on a selected breed of oxen, for the pur-
poses of agriculture. If gentlemen will only attend to the ox, they
will find him an interesting, generous animal, improving as much by
kind attention as the horse; but he is often so ill treated, and so un-
comfortably geared, that it is really astonishing that he can do so
much labour as he does in the eastern and northern parts of the union.
Citizens of America! let us intreat you to attend to the promotion
of agriculture, for which we invoke the genius of Thompson.
"Ye sons of freemen, venerate the plough;
So with superior boon may your rich soil
Exuberant nature's better blessings pour;
O'er every land, the naked nations clothe,
And be the exhaustless granary of the world." Spring.
In our warmer climates, injury is often done by careless cutting of
the groves that shelter the springs in many parts of the country, and
the most attracting trees on the brow or summit of the highest
grounds, that would often seize an overburthened summer cloud, by
its lowest skirt, when down would fall the pending shower; as when
a sieve full of flour is shook, that without a jar, would still retain its
contents. For want of trees, and owing to a scarcity of a green at-
tracting covering on the soil, the reflected solar rays often assist the
atmospheric rarefaction, that upholds the bouyant summer clouds as
they pass on till they strike on the mountain tops, leaving many of the
parched plains without a drop. Every thing that may palliate or ame-
liorate the effects of the summer drought, is most worthy the atten-
tion of the chymist and philosopher, and no doubt there is room for
important discoveries in this line.
94
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &C.
1
To promote the science of agriculture, in the year 1791, GEORGE
WASHINGTON, then president of the United States, wrote circular
letters, from which the following is an extract, viz.
"My confidence in your disposition and knowledge, leads me to
offer to your inquiry, and to request from your intelligence as early
information as may be convenient, on the following heads."
"1st. The fee simple price of farming lands in such parts of the
state of
as are neither so near to large towns as to
enhance their value, nor so distant from market towns as greatly to
reduce it. Be pleased to note the situation, the soil, and if practi-
cable, the proportions of arable, pasture, and wood lands.
2d. The rents of the lands when leased, and generally the terms
of lease.
3d. The average product of the same lands (when leased, and gene-
rally) in wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, beans, pease, potatoes,
turnips, grasses, hemp, flax, &c. in the common mode of husbandry
now practised.
4th. The averaged prices of these articles when sold at the farm
or carried to the nearest market.
5th. The averaged prices of good working horses, working oxen,
milch cows, sheep, hogs, poultry, &c.
6th. The average price of beef, veal, mutton, pork, butter and
cheese, in the neighbourhood, or at the nearest market towns.
7th. The price of wrought iron, whence the price of farming uten-
sils may be inferred.”
Extract of a letter from George Washington, President of the United
States, to Arthur Young, esquire.
SIR,
PHILADELPHIA, December 5, 1791.
"IN a letter which I addressed to you on the 15th of August,
acknowledging the receipt of your favor, dated the 25th of January
preceding, I promised to answer the queries contained in it, in detail.
Accordingly I took measures for that purpose, by writing to some
of the most intelligent farmers in the state of New York, New Jer
sey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia; as you will perceive by
the circular letter herewith enclosed: and have obtained the answers
from the three last mentioned states, that are thereunto annexed....
I did not extend my inquiries to the northward of New York, nor to
the southward of Virginia; because in neither extremity of the union,
in my opinion, is the climate, soil, or other circumstances, well
adapted to the pursuits of a mere farmer, or congenial to the growth
of the smaller grains.
"Although I have no hesitation in giving it at the same time as
my opinion, that if I had a new establishment to make in it, it would
be under the knowledge I entertain of it at present, (and I have visit-
ed all parts, from New Hampshire to Georgia, inclusively,) in one of
NOTE E. ACRICULTURE, &c.
95
the three states of which you are furnished with particular accounts.
New York and New Jersey, do not differ much in soil or climate,
from the northern parts of Pennsylvania. Both are pleasant, and
both are well improved, particularly the first. But the country be-
yond these, to the eastward, (and the farther you advance that way
is still more so,) is unfriendly to wheat, which is subject to a blight
or mildew, and of late years, to a fly, which has almost discouraged
the growth of it. The lands, however, in the New England states,
are strong and productive of other crops; are well improved; popu-
lously seated; and as pleasant as it can be in a country fast locked
in snow several months in the year.
"To the southward of Virginia, the climate is not well adapted to
wheat; and less and less so as you penetrate the warmer latitudes;
nor is the country so thickly settled, or well cultivated. In a word,
as I have already intimated, was I to commence my career of life
anew, I should not seek a residence north of Pennsylvania, nor south
of Virginia: nor (but this I desire may be received with great cau-
tion, for I may, without knowing I am so, be biassed in favour of the
river on which I live,) should I go more than 25 miles from the mar-
gin of the Potowmac. In less than half that distance, in some places,
I might seat myself either in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Virginia,
as local circumstances might prompt me.
66 Having said thus much, some of the reasons which lead to this
opinion, may be expected in support of it.
"Potowmac river, then, is the centre of the union. It is between
the extremes of heat and cold. It is not so far to the south, as to be
unfriendly to grass; nor so far north as to have the produce of the
summer consumed in the length, and severity of the winter.
It wa-
ters the soil, and runs in that climate, which is most congenial to
English grains, and most agreeable to the cultivation of them. It is
the river, more than any other, in my opinion, which must, in the
natural progress of things, connect by its inland navigation (now near-
ly completed 190 measured miles up to fort Cumberland, at the ex-
pense of 50,0001. sterling, raised by private subscription,) the Atlan-
tic states, with the vast region which is populating (beyond all con-
ception) to the westward of it. It is designated by law for the seat
of the empire; and must, from its extensive course through a rich
and populous country, become in time the grand emporium of North
America. To these reasons may be added, that the lands within,
and surrounding the district of Columbia, are as high, as dry, and as
healthy as any in the United States; and that those above' them, in
the counties of Berkely, in Virginia; Washington, in Maryland;
and Franklin, in Pennsylvania, (adjoining each other) at the distance
of from 60 to 100 miles from Columbia, are inferior in their natural
state, to none in America. The general map of North America,
which is here with inclosed, will shew the situation of this district of
the United States; and on EVANS's map of the middle colonies,
which is on a larger scale, I have marked the district of Columbia
96
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &C.
with double red lines; and the countries adjacent to, and above it, of
which particular mention has been made, with single red lines. The
last mentioned map shews the proximity of the Potowmac (which is
laid down from actual survey) to the western waters; and it is worthy
of observation, that the Shenandoah, in an extent of 150 miles from
its confluence, through the richest tract of land in the state of Vir-
ginia, may, as it is supposed, be made navigable for less than 20001.
The south branch of Potowmac, 100 miles higher up, and for 100
miles of its extent, may be made navigable for a much less sum. And
the intermediate waters on the Virginia side in that proportion, ac-
cording to their magnitude. On the Maryland side (the river Potow-
mac, to the head of the north branch, being the boundary between the
two states,) the Monocacy and Conogecheag, are capable of improve-
ment to a degree which will be convenient and beneficial to the in-
habitants of that state, and to parts of Pennsylvania.
"An English farmer must entertain a contemptible opinion of
our husbandry, or a horrid idea of our lands, when he shall be inform-
ed that not more than eight or ten bushels of wheat is the yield of an
acre; but this low produce may be ascribed, and principally too, to
a cause which I do not find touched by either of the gentlemen
whose letters are sent to you, namely, that the aim of the farmers in
this country (if they can be called farmers) is, not to make the most
they can from the land, which is, or has been cheap, but the most of
the labour, which is dear; the consequence of which has been, much
ground has been scratched over, and none cultivated or improved as it
ought to have been: whereas a farmer in England, where land is dear
and labour cheap, finds it his interest to improve and cultivate highly,
that he may reap large crops from a small quantity of ground. That
the last is the true, and the first an erroneous policy, I will readily
grant; but it requires time to conquer bad habits, and hardly any
thing short of necessity is able to accomplish it. That necessity is
approaching by pretty rapid strides "
I am, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
As a further testimony of the universal attention of WASHINGTON,
to every statistical object, we subjoin the following note, viz.
DEAR SIR,
MAY, 1793.
"As your continuance in the service of the Federal city,
as agent and supervisor, at least till we have obtained the necessary
loans for the public works, will be a relief to the minds of the com-
missioners, you will much oblige us by returning again as soon as
you have visited your friends. Your venerable father will also much
oblige me by an account of the progress of his duck manufactory,
since I saw it; and also by his ideas of the best plans and route for
an inland navigation (co-extensive with the union) through the
eastern states."
To S. BLODGET, JUNIOR.
GEORGE WASHINGTON. .
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
97
1
The following table is formed from the answers obtained to the
preceding letter of WASHINGTON, and from all the other sources in
our power, after much time and pains; during which we found a
continual tendency to over-rate the several districts, not but that they
are in fact all under-rated in their ability for common crops, except
New England, which being more populous, the lands are on an aver-
age in better cultivation; yet not equal to Virginia for their natural
soil and climates.
PRODUCT OF AGRICULTURE in bushels to each acre.

DISTRICTS.
Wheat.
Rye.
Barley.
Oats.
Indian corn.
Buckwheat.
Potatoes.
Turnips.
New England, good crop, 30
35 40 45
Common do.
New York, good crop, 32
11
15
20
30
45 30
30 15
400 450
150 200
35
40
45
45
35
300 350
Common do.
10
12
14 25
Pennsylvania, good crop, 35
35
40
45
Q
+
25
45
10
10
16
90 100
35
300 350
Common do.
10
12
13 15
15
16
65 75
New Jersey, good crop,
30
30
35
35
35
30 250 250
Common do.
9
11
Delaware, good crop,
$5
35
34
12 14 14. 15
56 36 30 250 250
60 65
Common do.
10
12
13 15
Virginia, good crop,
30
35
35 45
Common do.
7
9
9 25
Carolina, good crop, 25
20
25 45
Common do.
6
10 8
23
in is in 10 00
NANA
15
16
65 65
45 30
150 150
25 15
60 75
45 20 60 75
20
4.5
45
45 50 35
25
25
36
15 50 50
350 400
37 30 40 200 300
40 40 40 55 25 300 350
West. Terr. good crop, 40
Common do.
Louisiana, good crop, 40
As it would require more room than we can spare in our manuel,
we have to reserve our minutiæ for our larger work. But in addition
to the preceding we must remark, that with correct management,
without slaves, grass is universally profitable to the north of the 36th
degree north latitude; though more so to the north of the 38th de-
gree, excepting clover or timothy in fine irrigated meadow. Both
blue grass and clover afford a second crop. Hemp has been found
profitable in many parts, and would average 700 lbs. to the acre ;
hackled flax, 100 lbs. Blue grass and clover often exceed two tons
to the acre. Good lands in the middle states, near to good markets,
sell at $30 to $ 100 the acre, and as high as $200 to $400, if good,
N
98
NOTE E. AGRICULTURE, &c.
&c. within 2 or 3 miles of a large town. For the average, see the
general table and price current.
Vegetables and roots, as well as every kind of pulse, are abundant.
We have found tobacco a very uncertain crop, and as it is neither
food nor raiment for man or beast, we have not mentioned particu-
lars. Butter is plenty where there are few dogs; but both sheep
and cows are scarce, or ordinary, where these destructive animals
abound. Pork and beef are plenty every where. Cotton is mention-
ed in another part of our work. Rice is confined to the southward
of Virginia; it gives from 20 to 30 bushels the acre, on wet ground.
The advantage we might derive from our fallow grounds by sheep, is
much lessened at the southward, by dogs and by negro theft. Hor-
ticulture is found to be incredibly productive every where, when
fairly tried. As soon as the wood is taken off, white clover in abund-
ance, is natural to our soil; but the benefit is in part lost by the wor-
rying of dogs. Good wheat weighs 62 lbs.; oats, 45 lbs. Our fruits
are of every kind known in Enrope, and rendered abundant with very
little care nor are we rivalled in fish, either in the abundance, or
for the variety of the different kinds, or by quantity or quality; but
cod, herring, salmon, and mackarel, are the staple fish for expor
tation.
Of the advancement of our manufactures we do not boast, for they
only increase where agriculture has not fair play, or where we have
more than the average of our population; or where government im-
prudently neglect to attend to the circulation of the oil of industry.
We have, however, had almost every article of the European manu-
facture made at home, by artists who occasionally try their hands,
even if they have exchanged their old occupation for agriculture.....
The exception to our general rules may be seen in the table of ex-
ports. It has often been an object of inquiry, what are the profits of
our agriculture? We are told that the New England men who go to
the westward, purchase a farm or quarter section of the public, and
procure enough by the third year, from the farm, to indemnify them
for the capital and interest, labour, &c. so as to be able to return the
entire purchase money to the original lender, or to pay the cost of the
whole, if received on credit. This is often done over and above the
increase in the value of the quarter section purchased, which is now
esteemed worth four times the cost. Thus from, say $ 1,000 capital,
above $ 5,000 is made in three years. It is owing to careless selec-
tion and to idleness, that this immense profit is not common to our
settlers on the prime public lands; but a spirit for monopoly injures
many who go beyond their funds, in hopes by intrigue and petition
to gain some advantages of the legislature. Government, by their
backsliding in 1802, so far encouraged these attempts, that they have
added thereby to their own future trouble. All retrograde movements
are always to be avoided, if possible.
Our next subject should be canal navigation, still in its infancy with
us, but in which we shall rival the universe in due time.
NOTES E. F. G. CANALS, &c.
66.

T
NAMES
of
Principal Canals.
Little Falls, Poto. Md.
Great Falls, Ditto,
James River, Virginia,
N. York western, N. Y.
Del. & Schuylkill, Penn.
Chesapeake & Del. Del.
Santee, S. Carolina,
Blodgets, New Hamp.
Middlesex, Mass.
South Hadley, Connec.
Norfolk, Virginia,
Susquehanna, Md.
Ditto,
Penn.
A SUMMARY STATEMENT respecting canal navigation.
Length.
Breadth & depth
in English feet.
Highest elevation
above tide water.
No. of locks.
Longest perfo-
rated distance
* $???!! [Sno.41/?
Longest elevated
aqueducts.
Highest elevation
of aqueducts.
Year when com-
pleated.
Cost in dollars.
Interest accruing
therefrom per an.
As neither of the above canals are completely finished, we defer inserting particulars for a future edition. It may be filled by the pen.
A
}
REMARKS.

100
NOTES E. F. G. CANALS, &c.
1
1
I
*
The magnificence of the Roman aqueducts, and the superior ex-
cellence and vast extent of their roads, formed by levelling hills and
raising vallies, and rendering the surface durable by rounding them
to throw off the rain water, is the theme of many writers. Mr. Gib-
bon tells us, of a length of communication from the two extreme
points of the empire, equal to 4,080 Roman miles, with post-offices,
&c. for state purposes, for the whole distance. Thus, when all our
country may be combined, a good road from Labradore to the Paci-
fic ocean, through Washington, may permit the members of congress
at each extremity, to meet each other in 14 days, at the seat of go-
vernment; now most happily fixed with a view to the final union of
all North America. (See a mercators chart of North America.) Some
have thought that this seat might have been more toward the interior;
but it is easy for any statist, or political economist to perceive, that
as we must grow daily in commerce, a tide water seat is essential to
the correct information of government in the most important inter-
ests of the union; and unless we are willing hereafter to become the
dupes of foreign intrigue, absolutely indispensable. As it is one of
the best established facts of any in ancient history, that Greece was
ruined by not fixing on their heart, and strengthening their head,
owing to the most contemptible local prejudices that ever disgraced
national legislators; we have less excuse, if we do not learn to love
our federal heart, as the Romans did their Rome, and as the French
do their Paris; because we know that the ruinous divisions of Greece
will await us. Till we are fully sensible of this sacred truth, a truth
we can dwell an, because owing to the ruinous forced sale of 1802, by
government, we are not so particularly interested, as we were till
that time, when public lots were sacrificed at 10 dollars, that would
in worse situations have brought 300 dollars, in the poorest village, at
the head of navigable tide water, in any town in the United States;
though with but half the inhabitants of Washington. What can be
the meaning of this? "Is there not something rotten in the state of
'Denmark ?"
Fathers of the American people! be assured of this sacred truth!
until you can agree with heart and hand to love THE HEART OF OUR
UNION, the people will never respect their HEAD.
Till you teach by your own example every loyal American to boast
of our Washington, as the French do of our Paris, the British of our
London, and the Chinese of our Pekin, the continuation of the union
will be doubtful. This no honest American, on mature reflection,
can deny any more than that our separation, the separation of these
United States, would give rise to the most sanguinary and horrid war-
fare that ever deluged and desolated the fair face of this globe. How
then have ye shewn such coolness, such apathy for this object! Have
ye hoped that among the crowd your individual names would escape
the vigilant scrutiny of eagle-eyed posterity? Do ye mean to destroy
your journals, or are ye indifferent to posthumous reputation, without
a respect for which there can be no firm patriotism? But perhaps all
}
1
NOTES E. F. G. CANALS, &c.
101
the error is with us? If so, we are indeed deceived, while we question
not your good wishes, but your attention to primary duties for the
public weal, in the drivelling manner in which you have voted the
sums to complete your house; that beloved and sacred mansion, in
which the people of America haye deposited their liberties! their all!
As on these natural supplies have depended the prices of the public
lots, and they were constantly in the market, why have ye neglected
them, of which ye have yet 6,000 remaining from the last great sacrı-
fice? Or why do ye leave them without the usual protection of a
minimum ?
Had WASHINGTON lived till now, he would have succeeded in ad-
vising you to take half the segment of his continental inland naviga-
tion, owned and offered to you, by the Chesapeake and Delaware
canal company.
Are yoų, venerable fathers, so blind as not to see the innumerable
advantages to be derived from your connection therewith? The
'states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, will immediately
take what you leave of the proffered stock; for which, if you pay in
5 or 6 per cent. certificates, made facile as the former loan office cer-
tificates, and receivable in exchange for Louisiana or western lands.
The effect of these certificates, on general circulation, would be im-
mediately to raise the public lands above the cost of the shares, in the
difference of the value given to all the back lands, by this augmen-
tation of money: thus, the shares in the canal would cost the public
less than nothing! and be productive of universal good.
The line of conduct we have presumed to point at in this instance,
is in connection with immutable principles, with which Rosseau ac-
cords, in recommending real property to the state for its principal
dependence! Judge Tucker has recorded Dr. Price's sentiments on
the same subject, in his appendix to Blackstone. We have had from
the lips of Dr. Price, the highest commendation of our plan to per-
suade the United States and states, to become mutually with the peo-
ple, proprietors in roads and canals; the former in the arteries only,
and the latter in every eligible cross road. By this mode, the public
in due time, may become rich with little or no dependence on taxes,
and yet so allied, and thereby so dependent on the people, as not to
dare to infringe their rights in the minor republics. With such plans,
when sufficiently carried into effect for the whole union, the people
in their present republican system will be amply secure. On this
delightful theme we could dwell for ever.
The increase of our excellent and improving toll bridges, are a
most happy confirmation of our local increase, and a further encou-
ragement for the government to do their duty, in due conformity with
the sacred trust reposed in them. The astonishing increase of our
post office revenue, is a further encouragement for our government
to awake from the worse than torpid state in which they have conti-
nued for near 12 years. Remember, O patres patria! what your be-
loved Washington tells you, "that in a country so extensive as ours,'
102
NOTES E. F. G. COMMERCE, &C.
1
a government of as much vigour as is consistent with the perfect security
of liberty, is indispensable." Then let us intreat you to realize the
supreme happiness of doing good! of being preeminently useful!
and do not, pray do not! forget the sentiment of Hamilton, "that a
wise nation will never permit those who relieve the wants of their
country, or who rely most on its faith, its firmness and resources,
when either of them are distrusted, to suffer by the event.”
In many parts of our book we hope we shall evince our due respect
for commerce, as a principle of the highest importance to the very
existence of liberty in any country; previous to which, we have only
to caution our readers against a confusion of ideas in the use of the
terms, commercial principle, merchants, traders, and pedlars. The
first, abstractly considered, is the most sublime gift of heaven, where-
with to harmonize and enlarge society. It is not only a principal
stimilus to all industry; it is thence the grand parent of all the use-
ful arts and sciences, and is the only deity who frankly tells its vota-
ries, “by untouched credit and industry alone shall ye rise on my wings,
to the temple of fortune and to fame."
By the learned professions, and by any other calling, except that
of a merchant, men may rise without that scrupulous attention to re-
putation and honesty, which is the basis of commercial elevation in
all countries where commerce receives fair play; which has rarely
been the case of late years, except in England and in Holland.
Dr. Priestley (on general policy) remarks, that "it is by com-
merce we enlarge our acquaintance with the terraqueous globe,
which tend greatly to expand the mind and to cure hurtful preju-
dices, unavoidably contracted in a confined situation at home." It
must, says he, have a favorable influence on benevolence, and create
a fondness for peace "The punctuality essential to all commercial
dealings must inculcate upon the minds of all concerned in it, the
principles of justice and honor." The immense importance of com-
merce to any republic, where alone it can flourish in full bloom, is
acknowledged by every one who has understood it; but as it has ex-
cited the jealousies of the privileged orders, it has been cruelly treated
in many arbitrary governments.
Lycurgus, contented to be a prince of iron-hearted banditti, enobled
only the profession of arms; but Solon more wisely ordained, not only
that trades should be honorable, but that the council of the Arco-
pagus should chastise the idle. Vide Plutarch.
Hesiod tells us, that in those times no trade was dishonorable; but
a merchant, highly honorable, because his profession was favorable to
a republic, and to republicanism.
Thales, Hippocrates, and Plato, were all engaged in commerce....
The profits of trade in the oil of olives, defrayed the expenses of the
travels of Plato to Egypt. The opinion of Solomon, on trade, may be
seen by the account given of the commerce of his time, in holy writ;
but we need not go from modern times. What was Portugal, in the
time of De Gama? Holland, in the time of De Wit? and what is
NOTES E. F. G. COMMERCE, &c.
103
*
Britain now? Although the conduct of mere pedlars is sometimes
brought forward to stigmatise commerce by the idle nobles and pri-
vileged orders of Europe; yet at last, we see all classes join in Eng-
land, in giving commerce its true character.
Mercantile cities are the most happy, says Dr. Moore, because
they are most congenial with the nature of man: there all is
life, motion, and animation, leaving scarce the time for any to in-
terfere with the happiness of others; there scandal, except for a great
prince, or a nobleman, is absolutely out of the question.
"The mer-
chant does not like the soldier receive wages from his sovereign; nor
like the lawyer, physician, &c. from his fellow, citizen: his wealth
often flows from independent sources; he is under no obligation to
those from whom it is derived. Those of them who have received
liberal educations, are the most liberal benefactors and the most be-
neficial patriots in the world." Dr. Moore.
All writers agree, that commerce and freedom, are reciprocally
guarantees for each other: neither can exist long without both; and
wherever one is discouraged, the other sickens; and if neither is re-
lieved, both are finally buried in one grave.
Thus commerce, roving still from place to place,
Blends, softens, and refines the human race;
Of jarring realms allays the mutual hate,
By cords of interest drawing state to state.
Where'er the breezes waft or billows roll,
Awakes the slumbering vigour of the soul;
Breaks the strange rivets prejudice had wrought,
And custom fasten'd on the free born thought.
Assists the press to spread each useful art,
Smooths the rough manners, meliorates the heart:
Till men, the land and ocean compass'd round,
Hail friends and brothers, still where men are found;
Till equal law, and virtue in her train,
Immortal liberty, o'er earth shall reign;
Truth, with a robe of light invest the ball,
And what one nation knows be known to all.
Sympson's science revived.
Montesquieu agrees with many of the principal republican writers,
that freedom and turbulence are concomitants; however this may be,
it is certainly incumbent on a free people to think less of the evil of
war, than if they were less liable to be drawn into it. As America is
now the only country where the people have uniform pretensions to
liberty and good government, they ought to be forever on their guard
against the insidious as well as open designs of all foreign and am-
bitious nations. By being on their guard, we only mean in full pre-
paration for an event they ought daily to expect, and never to dread,
what is rarely so great an evil as is supposed by the ignorant. The
principles on which war is conducted by civilized nations, merely
رم
--
104
NOTES E. F. G. COMMERCE, &C.
$
gives us the choice of our last terrestrial bed. This choice, a love
of country and for posthumous fame, will always enable a republican
to make in an instant, except O! horrida bella, in civil war.
"Tell military men, a soldier or a sailor, said Dr. Moore, you are
fighting for your country! This simple sentence contains in it all
the magic of excellence. It conjures up the ideas of protecting our
property, our homes; the abodes of our forefathers; the beloved
scenes of our earliest pleasures and first affections. It implies de-
fending from outrage our constitution, our freedom, our religion, our
friends; parents, wives, children, and grand children.”
"Vincit amor patrie laudumque immensa cupido."
"It not only excites to virtuous exertions during life, but is a most
consoling, soothing recollection in death." "Dulces moriens remi-
niscitur argos."
Our American naval architects, are most of them self taught, and
therefore, liable to errors, not se common to thorough bred mechanics
and mathematicians; and yet persons of this description have often
succeeded in building the fastest sailing ships in the world. Our 44
gun ships were built after the best European models, with some im-
provements in one instance: a novel addition was tried in two large
and well secured diagonal braces, abutting a midship on the keel, and
rising along the curves on each side, till at each end they support and
add strength to the timber both of the sides and the decks, for the
whole length of the ship, by which the longest ship would be in less
danger of springing a leak, even if grounded a midship on a falling
tide. All our public ships are well built and highly finished; even
our medley farmers sometimes undertake to form models and to build
merchant vessels of 90 to 200 tons, with little or no instruction.....
Their general rules are, by endeavoring to imitate the belly of a
duck or a fish, for the hull, and to have the extreme breadth within
one third of the whole length from the stem, to have an easy entrance
and true curve lines, with no hollow for the entire and clean run of
the ship, however trimmed or ladened, that if possible, no dead water,
as it is called, may follow her in her most rapid motion: but the com-
bined difficulties to encounter in the entire construction and rigging
a ship, involving as they do, the utmost stretch of mechanical and
mathematical skill, as well as nautical experience of the varied ac-
tions and counter-actions of the elements, often at war with each
other, and gravity opposed to both; all these difficulties make the
entire art of ship-building the most complex of any of human inven-
tion. Hence we often see our ships over-masted and too crank, by
unskilful and speculative proportions, from the hope of gaining a de-
sirable velocity. These errors are however less frequent from our
immensely increased and increasing experience; and in time may
be wholly avoided. To enhance the value of our marine, we have
now as fine a set of officers, as any in the world. Many of them
would not mismanage the fleet, if ever called to exercise the duties of
a higher command, than the present number of our ships will admit.
NOTE H、 MILITIA.
105
STATES.
Official statement of the Militia of the United States by the latest returns.
Dates.
New Hampshire,
1805
3
6
34
46 1,629 21,168
23,259
12,520
18
1,808 1,763
Massachusetts,
1805
10 22
83
2,629
2,690
61,502
66,821
46,615
129
2,387
2,357
Rhode Island,
1803
1
4
11
121
87
5,125
5,333
3,052
4
87
87
Connecticut,
1805
4
8 33
677
1,637
18,621
20,935
15,085
21
1,965
1,414
Vermont,
1805
10 31
408
1,263
16,510
18,181
3,824
3
1,020
1,048
ONew York,
1804
31 108
1,405 2,113
73,318
76,836
41,947
29
1,431
1,344
New Jersey,
1805
4
6
38
72 1,197
25,327
26,696
12,509
750
381
Pennsylvania,
1803
14 28 130
409 | 2,840
93.192
96,448 29,114
1,441
1,583
Virginia,
1805
3 16 84
1,365 | 3,549
68,884
73,798 13,224
2
407
333
North Carolina,
1805
12
50
291
42,665
42,956 18,914
71
114
South Carolina,
1802
•
Georgia,
1805
Kentucky,
1805
Tennessee,
1805
Ohio,
1805
2 3 5 E CO
9
40
911
2,970
32,742
35,723 12,878
17
1,383
1,057
5
7 26 10
7
101
721
18,572
19,394
3,737
6
371
239
12 54
33,176
33,176
19,533
20
14
Maryland,
771 16,092 16,863 4,647
113 15,863 15,976 3,515
30,190 7,000
75
95
30
30
Total,
70 182 754 | 3,660|21,876|542,857
·
3,660 21,876|542,857 602,585 258,114 | 236
13,22611,845
This incomplete return contains about one half of the militia, and near one fourth of the fire arms in the United States.


106
NOTE I. NAVY.
Names of
vessels.
Naval estimates for 1806, with provision for the marine corps.


Men.
Guns.
For pay and sub-
sistence.
For provisions.
For medicine,
stores, &c.
Contingent ex-
penses.
Total amount.
Frigates.
President,
400 44
United States, 400 44
Constitution, 400 44
Chesapeake, 400 44
Constellation, 340 36
Congress, 340 36
New York,
52,561 31,653 1,000 30,000 115,214
50,965 31,653 1,000 30,000
50,965 31,653 1,000 30,000
50,965 31,653 1,000 30,000
113,618
113,618
113,618
44,293 26,959 1,000
30,000
102,252
44,293 26,959 1,000 30,000
102,252
340 36
44,293 26,959 1,000
30,000)
102,252
Essex,
260 32
35,173 20,633
800 25,000
81,606
Adams,
260 32
35,173 20,633 800 25,000
81,606
John Adams,
130 32
35,173 20,633
800 25,000
81,606
Boston,
260 32
35,173 20,633
800 25,000
81,606
Brigs.
Syren,
120 16
19,746 9,534
600 12,000
41,880
Hornet,
120 16
19,746 9,534
600 12,000
41,880
Argus,
120 16
19,716
9,534 600 12,000
41,880
Echooners.
Vixen,
90 12
15,939
7,171 500 8,000!
31,610
Nautilus,
90 12
15,939
Enterprize,
90 12
15,939
7,171
7,171
500
8,000
31,610
500
8,000
31,610
I Gun boat,
46
1 6,441 3,648 200
750
་
· 11,639
9 ditto,
414
9
57,969 32,832) 1,800
6,750
104,751
2 Bombs,
12,882 7,296 4.00
1,500
22,078
663,374 383,925 15,900 379,000 1,442,199
,000!
Our noble spirited SEAMEN and half seamen, are above 110,000.
If either of the De Witts, Du Ruyter, or Van Tromp, could look
down at our insignificant naval force, with so many excellent seamen,
and such an immense commercial interest to guard, they would be
astonished at our apparent negligence; but we are perhaps stronger
than is generally apprehended, 100 good cruising ships, to average
20 guns, could be equipped from the merchant service in less than 3
months. And for the probable effect we appeal to Lloyd's lists for the
years 1775, to 1782.
L
NOTES L. M. SHIPPING, &C.
107
1
Statement comparing 4 years custom house PAYMENTS into the treasury
of the United States, for the following principal ports, commencing
April 1801, to April 1805, with the comparative increase of tonnage
in shipping for ten years.
Ports.
Tons.
Tons.
Payments.
1794.
1804.
}
New York,
12,862,020 87
94,061
166,363
Philadelphia,
7,777,965 14
74,168
81,163
Boston,
6,408,400 26
66,961
107,361
Baltimore,
3,861,963 08
24,253
63,480
Charleston,
3,031,639 54
40,572
48,650
Norfolk,
•
1,761,673 77
17,594
38,849
Salem, Ms.
1,034,498 07
23,623
38,523
Savannah,
914,039 73
3,038
8,919
'
Providence,
Portland,
New Haven,
·
Petersburg,
Portsmouth, N. H.
Alexandria,
Newburyport,
781,556 12
12,603
15,268
545,265 66
14,872
30,684
510,637 15
6,008
9,624
510,506 17
•
484,513 41
14,524
21,536
•
467,761 23
9,083
11,891
400,614 30
18,372
25,934
Newport,
390,916 70
12,180
12,371
Middletown,
382,757 31
16,741
Wilmington, N. C.
319,110 07
5,407
4,298
Richmond,
290,032 43
3,486
New London,
282.049 88
21,975
10,135
Wilmington,
Kennebunk,
Newbern,
Edenton,
Bristol, R. I.
230,327 87
2,300
8,112
168,984 64
6,364
•
146,429 95
3,659
5,724
129,505 57
5,670
9,292
106,600
5,539
Gloucester,
Bath,
Tappahannock,
•
104,049 61
9,568
11,988
96,927 19
6,717
14,299
93.249 97
2,931
5,433
Marblehead,
92,439 48
14.799
19,005
Wiscasset,
89,422 45
13,469
8,595
Fairfield,
72,900 46
3,453
5,785
New Bedford,
71,227 50
8,254
20,752
Washington, N. C.
67,234 64
3,519
4,829
Biddeford,
61,941 62
7,421
5,767
Nantucket,
58,395 41
9,494
15,109
Plymouth,
57,256 99
5,813
16,137
Waldoborough,
52,932 96
15,187
Penobscot,
51,366 63
3,683
9,637
For the annual totals see general table.
108
NOTE M. IMPORTS.
A statement of duties on merchandise, tonnage, passports, and clear-
ances, which accrued during the year 1804, and of all the foreign
articles of that years importation, which were actually consumed with-
in the United States.
GOODS PAYING DUTIES AD VALOREM.
30,211,367 dollars, at 121 per cent,
7,641,925
425,236
38 278,528
15
20
3,776,420 87
1,146,288 75
85,047 20
Additional duty on $22,297,845 at 2 p. ct. 557,446 12
5,565,202 94
Spirits, 10,488,696 gallons, at 29:2 cents,
3,061,007 38
•
Sugar,
55,070,013 pounds,
2:5
1,383,959 1
Salt,
2,439,241 bushels,
20
487,848 20
Wines,
3,003,312 gallons,
31:9
958,117 79
Teas,
2,423,074 pounds, 20
485,133 40
Coffee,
Molasses,
5
6,535,513 gallons, 5
All other articles,
6,101,191 do.
305,059 55
326,775 65
488,854 38
13,060,958 30
Deduct duties refunded and difference in calculation,
15,448 52
13,045,509 78
31 per cent. retained on drawbacks,
Extra duty of 10 per cent. on merchandise imported
in foreign vessels,
245,000 56
188,162 71
Net amount of duties on merchandise, 13,478,673 5
Duties on tonnage,
Light money,
Duties on passports and clearances,
Gross revenue,
Deduct expenses of collection,
159,429 84
49,300 16
208,730
17,334
13,704,737
5
484,045 68
13,220,691 37
Net revenue,
A further or minute specification of the articles imported would
swell this work beyond a neat manual size.
NOTE M. IMPORTS.
109
}
BUSHELS.
ARTICLES of foreign growth and manufacture imported and consumed in the United States, in the following years; viz..

POUNDS.
Merchandise
paying duties
Years. ad valorem.
Foreign
spirits.
Molasses. Wines.
Teas.
Coffee.
Sugar.
Salt.
DOLLARS.
GALLONS.
1790
1791
1792
1793
1794
1795
1796
1797
1799
1800
1801
1802
31,706,161 7,720,232
1803
1804
34,369,876 8,959,342
38,278,528 110,488,696
16,331,986 4,143,385 5,664,345 1,088,455
20,093,364 3,603,861 6,354,148 916,256
21,507,053 4,579,160 4,250,874 1,269,723
21,284,130 3,428,391 4,236,222 1,504,969
22,624,413 5,545,681 3,144,225 2,080,000 2,460,914
29,886,973 5,018,562 3,853,905 2,000,000 2,374,118
36,496,589 5,599,760 3,896,241 2,060,000 2,310,259
28,044,276 6,819,728 3,724,369 2,100,000 2,008,399
1798 23,972,260 4,648,743 4,079,145 2,000,000
33,093,831 7,302,297 3,889,084 2,400,000 4,501,503
34,393,617 4,785,937 3,717,359 2,150,000 3,797,634
43,527,584 7,608,563 5,447,545 1,223,721 2,669,831
6,317,969 1,912,000 2,406,938
5,963,275
6,535,513
3,047,242
4,150,754
22,719,457
1,734,058
985,997
2,588,970
21,919,066
1,359,461
2,614,008
4,769,450
22,499,588
1,331,586
2,009,509
11,237,717
37,291,988
1,424,974
6,033,618
33,645,772
2,236,718
14,674,726
37,582,507
2,281,343
5,526,269
25,403,581
3,012,049
13,511,877
49,767,745
2,288,172
1,890,965
4,178,321
33,206,395
2,022,397
10,800,182
57,079,636
1,662,511
7,408,196
50,537,637
2,734,243
8,471,393
47,882,376
2,881,803
6,724,220
39,443,814
3,244,300
1,772,769 3,174,370
8,495,260
51,066,934
2,760,648
3,003,312 2,423,074
6,101,191
55,070,013
2,439,241
To ascertain with more precision the actual consumption in each year an average of 3 or 5 years will be useful,
and by adding the domestic articles and refering to the prices current of the day the total annual consumption may
be easily obtained.
STATEMENT, exhibiting the ACTUAL amount of duties on merchandise and tonnage, and of the ACTUAL payments for
drawback on foreign merchandise, for bounties and allowances, and for expenses of collection, during each of the years
1790 to 1804.
110
NOTE M. IMPORTS AND REVENUE.
DUTIES ON
PAYMENTS FOR
REVENUE.
Drawbacks &
Passports
Years. Merchandise.
debentures on
Tonnage.
and
merchandise
Clearances.
Bounties
and
Allowances.
Deduct
Cost
per centum
on collection
Gross revenue. expenses on
collection.
of gross
revenue.
exported.
1790
2,239,746
157,376
12,610
1,895
2,382,617
85,053
3 56
1791
3,463,592
150,189
57,195
27,787
3,528,798
130,404
3
69
1792
4,938,074
157,365
137,861
44,772
4,912,806
161,754
3 29
1793
6,598,445
120,608
279,809
89,696
6,349,547
188,362
2 96
1794
8,588,382
80,113
1,615,574
107,536
221,090
6,945,385
3 18
1795
11,163,370
86,889
2,898,765
81,135
8,270,358
260,359
3
14
1796
12,581,167
92,854
4,508
4,784,050
93,888
7,800,590
291,206
3 73
1797 12,866,984
103,665
13,886
4,207,728
92,874
8,683,933
342,696
3 94
1798
11,402,185
107,253
9,978
4,799,498 113,904
6,606,014
375,879
5 68
1799
15,251,952
128,698
12,518
5,780,662 149,375
9,463,131
411,618
4 34
1800
16,000,779
143,523
14,804
5,249,282
106,178
10,806,646
440,373
4 25
1801
20,216,347
188,147
18,238
7,819,093
103,107
12,878,516
482 772
3.90
1802 14,795,975
160,424
13,820
4,197,256
133,978
10,584,619
484,018
4 30
1803
14,249,958
166,520
15,902
2,569,813
1804
20,372,567
208,730
17,334
6,686,483
151,717 11,710,858
192,741
404,428
3 90
13,719,407
484,045
3 80
Note. For the net revenue, see the general statistical table, page 64.

NOTE N. EXPORTS.
V. 111
A summary of the value of the exports from each state, 1805.
Domestic.
Foreign.
Total.

New Hampshire,
389,595
218,813
608,408
Vermont,
101,997
•
Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
New York,
67,405
169,402
5,697,051
13,738,606
19,435,657
1,065,579
1,506,470
2,572,049
•
1,353,537
90,190
1,443,727
8,098,060
15,384,883
23,482,943
New Jersey,
20,633
110
20,743
Pennsylvania,
4,365,240
9,397,012
13,762,252
Delaware,
77,827
280,556
358,383
Maryland,
3,408,543
7,450,937
10,859,480
Dist. of Columbia,
1,135,350
184,865
1,320,215
Virginia,
4,945,635
660,985
5,606,620
North Carolina,
767,434
12,469
779,903
South Carolina,
5,957,646
3,108,979
9,066,625
Georgia,
2,351,169
43,677
2,394,846
*Territory of the U.
S. viz. * Detroit,
Michilimakinac,
and New Orleans,
2,651,706
1,033,062
3,684,768
Total,
42,387,002
53,179,019
95,566,022
Classic summary of domestic exports for 1805.
Produce of the Sea,
The Forest,
Agriculture,
Manufactures,
Uncertain,
2,884,000
5,261,000
31,562,000
2,525,000
155,002
For a general comparative view of state exports (see page, 122,)
and for particulars (see page, 113,) for their destination (see page,
117,) for the minutiae of the annual classic summary, (see page,
120,
This neat and very satisfactory mode of classing our exports, ori-
ginated since Mr. Jefferson's administration to note the continual in-
crease of the several classes from year to year, will be highly interest-
ing to every political arithmetician.
112
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
Comparative view of exports of the following articles of American pro-
duce and manufacture, selected from the general list.
1791.
1799.
1805.
Beer,
doz. bottles
1,919
12,622
7,070
Ship bread, .
barrels
15,346
32,534
90,757
Butter,
lbs.
•
666,800
1,314,502
1,656,72+
Boots,
pairs
499
10,599
10,128
Tallow candles,
lbs.
174,700
1,060,391
981,446
Wool cards,
doz.
25
59
1,338
Copper and brass manufac-
tured,
dols.
8,300
56,655
12,977
Coaches & other cargs. dols.
3,000
42,470
20,279
Furniture house,
dols.
•
·
13,208
95,181
141,008
Gun powder,
bbs.
•
25,854
650
349,300
Ginseng,
lbs.
·
29,208
268,371
370,932
Hats,
•
Hams and bacon,
Hops,
Iron castings,
Wrought iron,
Lard,
Lead & shot,
Pork,
dols.
2,175
101,366
95,098
Ibs.
296,247
1,412,005
903,924
lbs.
650
•
18,336
134,606
dols.
2,598
16,573
25,821
lbs.
•
3,500
271,575
300,000
lbs.
522,717
1,454,657
1,308,278
lbs.
41,960
6,985
8,000
bbs.
•
27,781
52,268
57,925
Potatoes,
bushels
22,263
40,353
62,995
Spirits domestic,
galls.
753
16,979
67,092
Shoes,
pairs
7,046
137,879
102,502
Saddlery,
dols.
3,228
3,141
23,516
Soap,
lbs.
41,460
1,686,721
1,815,775
Snuff,
lbs.
15,689
109,682
23,514
Manufactured tobacco, lbs.
81,122
416,076
404,929
In page 124, the exports of beef, pork and lard are underrated on
an estimate for consumption of provisions at sea.
The great pronts that the late unbounded expansion of our com-
merce has afforded to agriculture, have, for a time, reduced the num-
ber of our trades by a temporary change of occupations; but should
the caprice of any European nation narrow our sphere for commer-
cial employment, we have (either latent or in embryo) every art that
we can desire to encourage: hence, if we are prematurely urged to
rival Europe in their own trades, it will be the natural result of trans-
atlantic policy. Page 113 will give a full display of domestic articles
exported, but not of all our manufactures..
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
113
«1 STATEMENT of the exports of the United States from the 1st of
October, 1803, to the 30th September, 1804.
SPECIES OF
MERCHANDIZE.
QUANTITY OR VALUE.
Domestic.
Foreign.
Ashes, pot,
Do. pearl,
Tons,
do.
3,411
1,138
Apples,
Barrels,
6,801
Beer, porter and cider in casks, Gallons,
75,501
3,271
Do. in bottles,
Dozens,
•
4,416
388
•
Beef,
Biscuit, or ship-bread,
Barrels,
134,896
do.
85,512
Do.
Kegs,
50,390
Buckwheat,
Bushels,
2
Barley,
do.
5,318
Bran and shorts,
do.
156
Beans,
do.
36,614
Butter,
Pounds,
2,476,550
Boots,
Pairs,
6,024
189
Bricks,
M.
1,031
Bark, essence of, .
Gallons,
941
Corn, Indian,
Coal,
•
Cheese,
Chocolate,
Bushels, 1,944,873
do.
Pounds, 1,299,872
2,982
78,566
do.
9,489
Cotton,
do.
35,034,175
3,083,866
Coffee,
do.
48,312,713
Cocoa,
do.
695,135
Candles, spermaceti,
do.
127,229
373
Do. tallow,
do.
2,239,356
26,728
Cables and tarred cordage,
Cwt.
4,165
2,556
Canvas, or sail-cloth,
Pieces,
54
Cards, wool and cotton,
Dozens,
258
Do. playing, .
Packs,
1,008
3,024
Copper or brass, and cop-
Dollars,
8,654
23,325
per manufactured,..
Coaches and other carriages,
do.
14,755
Flour,
Barrels,
810,008
Fish, dried or smoked,
Quintals
567,825
Do. pickled,
Barrels,
89,482
Do.
Kegs,
13,045
Furniture, houshold,
Dollars,
78,585
Flaxseed,
Bushels,
281,757
P
114
EXPORTS.
NOTE N.
STATEMENT, CONTINUED.
SPECIES OF
MERCHANDIZE.
QUANTITY OR VALUE.
Domestic.
Foreign.
Flax,
Pounds,
986
Gunpowder,
do.
510,520
Ginseng,
do.
301,499
Hats,
Dollars,
48,915
Hams and bacon,
Pounds,
1,904,284
Hair powder,
do.
5,587
Hops,
do.
385.886
Hides, raw,
Numb.
4,635
Horned cattle,
do.
6,290
Horses,
do.
5,126
Hogs,
do.
5,599
Iron, pig,
Tons,
454
Do. bar,
do.
379
Do. castings,
Dollars,
9,168
Do. all manufactures of,
do.
40,827
48,664
1
•
Indigo,
Pounds,
26,750
149,088
Lard,
do.
2,565,719
Leather,
do.
214,299
Lead and shot,
do.
19,804
128,178
Meal, rye,
Barrels,
21,779
Do. Indian,
do.
111,327
Do. buckwheat,
do.
48
Do. oat,
do.
1
Molasses,
Gallons,
55,259
Mustard,
Pounds,
5,023
Mules,
Numb.
Medicinal drugs,
Dollars,
605
21,664
133,170
Merchandize, and all other
articles of goods not parti-
do.
431,315 8,946,490
cularly enumerated,
Nails,
Pounds,
110,780
141,125
Oil, linseed,
Gallons,
19,047
Do. spermaceti,
do.
5,550
Do. whale and other fish,
do.
646,505
Oats,
Bushels,
73,726
Pork,
Barrels,
111,532
Pitch,
do.
6,225
Peas,
Bushels,
42,213
Potatoes,
do.
96,427
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
115
STATEMENT, CONTINUED.
SPECIES OF
MERCHANDIZE.
QUANTITY OR VALUE.
Domestic.
Foreign.
Poultry,
Rice,
Rye,
Dozens,
6,044
Tierces,
78,385
Eushels,
11,715
Rosin,
Spices, pepper,
Do. pimento,
Do. all other,
Spirits, foreign, from grain,
Barrels,
4,675
Pounds,
5,703,646
do.
463,539
do.
115,047
Gallons,
329,594
Do. from other materials,
do.
789,465
Do. domestic, foreign ma-
terials,
do.
409,521
Do. from domestic produce,
do.
41,979
Shoes and slippers,
Pairs,
123,741
10,606
Skins and furs,
Dollars,
958,609
Saddlery,
do.
7,827
•
Starch,
Soap,
Sugar, brown,
Do. clayed,
Pounds,
30,401
do.
2,796,982
742,015
do.
818,014 54,085,650
do.
20,060,702
7
Do. loaf and other refined,
do.
106,167
25,868
Snuff,
Pounds,
20,068
610
Spikes,
do.
1,750
Sheep,
Numb.
12,456
Ship stuff,
Cwt.
2,466
Steel, unwrought,
do.
Do. manufactures of,
Dollars,
116
8,593
Salt, glauber,
Cwt.
92
Do. other,
Bushels,
28,435
Segars,
Tobacco, manufactured,
Do. unmanufactured,
Tallow,
Tea, bohea,
Pounds,
3,949
do.
278,071
Hhds.
83,343
·
Pounds,
35,440
do.
231,842
Do. souchong,
do.
760,064
Do. hyson,
do.
101,785
Do. other green,
do.
125,542
Tar,
Barrels,
58,181
Turpentine,
do.
77,827
'
}
116
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
STATEMENT, CONTINUED.
SPECIES OF
MERCHANDIZE.
QUANTITY OR VALUE.

Domestic. Foreign.
Turpentine, spirits of,
•
Gallons,
19,526
Wheat,
Bushels,
127,024
Whalebone,
Pounds,
134,006
Wax,
do.
217,889
Wine, Madeira, Malmsey
and London particular,
Gallons,
22,399
Do. all other,
do.
32,648
Do. Sherry and St. Lucar,
do.
10,803
Do. Lisbon, Oporto, &c.
do.
8,853
Do. Teneriffe, Fayal, Ma-2
laga, &c.
do.
16,509
Do. all other in casks,
do.
1,453,003
Do. Burgundy, Champaign,
Dozens,
821
Do Claret and other in
do.
40,346
bottles,
Wood, staves and headings,
M.
34,614
Do. shingles,
do.
75,156
Do. hoops and poles,
do.
4,228
Do. boards, planks, &c.
M. feet,
76,000
Do. timber,
Tons,
826
·
Do. all other timber, wood
Dollars,
55,924
and lumber,
Do. oak bark and other dye,
Do. all manufactures of,
do.
88,470
do.
203,175
The goods, wares and merchandize of domestic growth or manu-
facture, included in this statement, are estimated at forty-five millions,
four hundred and sixty-seven thousand, four hundred and seventy-se-
ven dollars, and those of foreign growth or manufacture at thirty-
six millions, two hundred and thirty-one thousand, five hundred and
ninety-seven dollars. It is presumed that for the sums total, a refer-
ence will be had in this, and in all other instances of inquiry, to the
GENERAL STATISTICAL TABLE, to aid a comparative view, and to
answer the interesting questions that may arise from any thing in
natural connection therewith. "Although SULLY was not ignorant
of the minutiæ, his mind was chiefly occupied by grand results."
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
117
TABLE of the Value and Destination of the Exports of the United
States for the year 1804.

Total value
TO WHAT PLACE.
Domestic
Foreign
produce.
produce.
to each
power.
Prussia,
$409,321
776,795
1,186,116
Sweden,
Swedish West Indies,
58,361
400,848
64,045
168,721
•
691,975
Denmark and Norway,
477,211 1,115,965
Danish West Indies,
1,081,618
642,388
Danish East Indies,
16,073
13,368
3,346,623
United Netherlands,
2,064,158 11,757,002
Dutch West Indies and
1,600,667 848,365
American colonies,
Dutch East Indies,
80,176
97,049
16,447,417
England, Man and Berwick, 8,552
8,552,764
1,226,394
Scotland,
1,561,350
140,888
Ireland,
1,391,333
36,298
Guernsey, Jersey, Sark
282,212
15,262
and Aldernay,
Gibraltar,
242,248
74,339
British East Indies,
16,452
113,820
British West Indies,
6,315,667
731,991
Newfoundland, &c. fisheries,
175,597
32,666
British American colonies,
807,709
111,263
Other British colonies,
1,185
364
21,829,802
Hamburg, Bremen, other
949,454
3,525,553
Hanse towns, &c.
4,475,007
French European ports on 2
the Atlantic,
3,139,206
5,384,523
Do. on the Mediterranean,
80,906
220,419
French West Indies and
1,742,368
1,867,522
American colonies,
Bourbon and Mauritius,
120,042 221,125
12,776,111
118
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
TABLE, CONTINUED.
Total value
TO WHAT PLACE.
Domestic
Foreign
produce.
produce.
to each
power.
Spanish European ports on 2
the Atlantic,
$1,628,079
517,042
Do. on the Mediterranean,
676,114
80,100
Teneriffe and other Canaries,
120,084
61,101
Floridas,
60,738
22,886
*Louisiana,
117,430
207,717
Honduras, Campeachy and
Mosquito shore,
{d}
149,344
184,829
Spanish West Indies and
American colonies,
1,725,662
1,176,998
6,728,135
Portugal,
1,282,169
190,716
Madeira,
586,869
135,802
Fayal and the other Azores,
8,957
8,648
Cape de Verd Islands,
88,273
30,533
Other African ports,
10,834
46,287
Coast of Brazil and other ?
American colonies,
107,770
2,496,858
Italy, .
118,441 1,552,708
1,671,149
Triest and other Austrian
ports on the Adriatic, .
}
85,835
247,963
333,798
Turkey, Levant and Egypt,
12,681
31,975
44,646
Morocco and Barbary states,
8,657
676

9,333
Cape of Good Hope,
108,190
f
59,727
167,917
China,
162,806
35,795
198,601
East Indies, (generally)
•
258,090
538,226
796,316
West Indies,
do.
2,352,042 972,252
3,324,294
Europe,
do.
86,827 534,064
620,891
* From the 1st of October to the 31st of December, inclusive.
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
119
TABLE, CONTINUED.

Total value
TO WHAT PLACE.
Domestie Foreign
produce. produce.
to each
power.
Africa, (generally)
$221,738
126,248
349,036
South Seas,
10,000
10,000
North-west coast of America,
20,641
175,418
196,059
77,699,074
CLASSIC SUMMARY of Domestic Produce exported in 1804.
Product of the sea,
the forest,
agriculture,
manufactures,
uncertain,
$3,420,000
4,630,000
30,890,000
2,100,000
430,000
To the foregoing detail and summary of exports for the year 1804
only, we here add another for the year 1803, chiefly to shew the
new method of classing the different articles under the appropriate
and descriptive heads, by which we have embraced the sums total
only, in the last item. The next table presents an interesting view
of all the exports yet ascertained at all the custom-houses of the
United States, but it is to be lamented that these are generally short
of the truth, owing to the unwillingness that many individuals have
shewn to inform (unnecessarily as they conceive) any one of the ex-
tent of their trade; but, as by these errors the imports sometimes
appear to over-run the exports, they injure their own mercantile re-
putation, with that of commerce generally, in the eyes of the legis-
lature, whenever the delusive balance is thus presented. In follow-
ing this subject, it has been discovered that at least five millions
were omitted in one year, yet the general official account is suffered
to stand till the next edition of this work, before which time, if these
facts can be more fully discovered by any new means, they will be given
to the public; in the mean time, shippers are cautioned to be more
attentive to their future entries of articles for exportation, for their
general regard to truth as well as for the general weal.
120
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
A CLASSIC SUMMARY of the value of the exports of the United
States during the year ending on the 30th day of September, 1803,
accompanying the report of the secretary of the treasury.
THE SEA-2,635,000.
1. Fisheries.
Dried fish, or cod fishery,
Pickled do. or river fishery, (herring,
shad, salmon, mackarel)
Whale (common) oil and bone,
Spermaceti oil and candles,
1,620,000
560,000
280,000
175,000
2,635,000
THE FOREST-4,820,000.
2. Skins and furs, (Indian product)
Ginseng, (raw product of forest)
•
500,000
100,000
600,000
3. Product of wood.
Lumber, (boards, staves, shingles, hewn
timber, masts, &c.)
2,800,000
Oak bark and other dyes,
225,000
Naval stores, (tar, turpentine, pitch, rosin,)
460,000
Ashes, pot and pearl,
735,000
4,220,000
AGRICULTURE-32,995,000.
4. Product of animals.
Beef, tallow, hides, live cattle,
1,145,000
Butter and cheese,
585,000
Pork, pickled bacon, lard, (live hogs)
1,890,000
Horses and mules,
460,000
Sheep,
55,000
4,135,000
5. Vegetable food.
Wheat, flour and biscuit,
9,310,000
Indian.corn and meal,
2,025,000
Rice,
2,455,000
All other, (rye, oats, pulse, potatoes, ap-
ples, &c.)
290,000
14,080,000
NOTE N. EXPORTS.
121
Produce, continued.
Tobacco,
Cotton, (at 18 to 45 cents)
Flaxseed,
Hops,
Wax,
Poultry, hemp, flax, &c.
6,230,000
7,920,000
465,000
90,000
60,000
15,000
630,000
MANUFACTURES-1,655,000.
6. Soap, candles, boots, shoes, &c.
395,000
Hats,
18,000
Of GRAIN, (spirits, beer, starch, &c.)
21,000
Of wood, (including furniture, coaches, &c.) 210,000
Cordage, canvas, linseed oil,
50,000
Of IRON-pig iron,
26,000
bar iron,
18,000
castings,
6,000
nails, &c.
21,000
Various items,
16,000
790,000
7. Of foreign materials, viz.
Spirits, (of molasses,)
481,000
Sugar, refined,
18,000
Chocolate,
Gun powder,
4,000
38,000
Of brass and copper,
Medicinal,
•
6,000
18,000
Uncertain,
565,000
300,000
$42,105,000
7
Although the next table will shew the states from which all the
exports were made, yet as much of the produce was previously
transported coast-wise, as well as by the principal waters and roads
from other states, the domestic produce of each state is not yet as-
certained, except by the mere estimate of individuals. In a future
edition of this work, an effort to exhibit the manufactures and
total product of the labour of each state will be attempted, if no ac-
cident should intervene to prevent this design.
Q
A
1922
EXPORTS.
NOTE N.

SUMMARY OF EXPORT'S SINCE THE YEAR 1790.
STATES.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
Vermont,
N. Hampshire,
142,858
181,412
198,204
153,860
229,426
378,161
275,840
Massachusetts,
2,519,650
2,888,104
3,755,346
5,292,441
7,117,907
9,949,345
7,502,047
Rhode Island,
470,352
698,109
616,432
954,599
1,222,916
1,589,872
975,530
>
Connecticut,
710,352
879,752
770,254
806,746
819,465
1,452,713
814,506
N. York,
2,505,465
2,535,790
2,932,370
5,408,430
10,304,580
12,208,027
13,308,064
N. Jersey,
26,987
27,405
54,154
58,152
130,814
59,227
18,161
Pennsylvania,
3,436,092
3,820,662
6,958,736
6,643,092
11,538,260
17,513,866
Delaware,
119,878
133,972
71,242
207,460
158,041
11,446,291
98,929
Maryland,
2,239,690
2,550,258
3,687,119
5,640,347
5,811,379
9,201,315
9,811,799
Virginia,
3,113,865
3,549,499
2,984,317
3,321,494
3,490,140
5,268,615
4,908,713
N. Carolina,
524,548
503,294
363,307
321,015
492,161
671,487
540,901
>
S. Carolina,
2,693,267
2,917,979
3,195,874
3,867,903
5,998,492
7,620,049
*644,307
Georgia,
491,250
458,973
501,383
263,820
695,985
950,158
644,307
Tennessee,
Kentucky, .
Territories,
Total,
18,399,202 | 21,005,568 | 26,011,783
33,043,725 | 46,855,856 | 67,064,097 | 51,294,710
* Three quarterly returns from the district of Charleston (South Carolina) wanting.
An addition of about six per centum for SHORT ENTRIES, at the custom-houses, would bring the totals nearer
to the whole amount of the exports for the last ten years.
NOTE N.
123
EXPORTS.
SUMMARY OF EXPORTS, CONTINUED.
STATE.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
Vermont,
N. Hampshire,
20,480
57,041
57,267
31,479
117,450
191,725
361,453
361,789
431,836
555,055
565,394
494,620
716,091
Massachusetts,
8,639,252
11,421,591
11,326,876
14,870,556
13,492,632
8,768,566
16,894,379
Rhode Island,
947,128
1,055,273
1,322,945
1,832,773
2,433,363
1,275,596
1,735,671
Connecticut,
763,128
1,143,818
1,114,743
1,446,216
1,606,809
1,248,571
1,516,110
N. York,
14,300,892
18,719,527
14,045,079
19,851,136
13,792,276
10,818,387
16,081,281
N. Jersey,
61,877
9,722
2,289
25,406
26,227
21,311
24,829
Pennsylvania,
8,915,463
12,431,967
11,949,679
17,438,193
12,677,475
7,525,710.11,030,157
Delaware,
283,729
297,065
418,695
662,042
440,504
428,153
697,396
Maryland,
12,746,190
16,299,609
12,264,331
12,834,543
8,006,290
5,209,4189,151,939
Virginia,
6,113,451
6,292,986
4,430,689
6,483,028
4,660,361
7,414,346 5,790,001
N. Carolina,
338,124
485,921
769,799
874,884
659,390
952,614
928,687
S. Carolina,
Georgia,
6,994,179
961,848
8,729,015
1,396,759
10,663,510
14,304,045 | 10,639,365
7,811,108
7,451,616
t
2,174,268
Kentucky, .
1,755,939
29,430
1,854,951
2,370,875
2,077,572
Tennessee,
626,673
Territories,
443,955
1,343,303
1,959,423
Total,
61,327,411| 78,665,522 70,971,780 93,020,513 71,957,144
,957,144 | 55,800,033
55,800,033 | 76,246,876
To the above should be added the exports from the district of Columbia, which amounted to $1,452,198
making the grand total $ 77,699,074. See the GENERAL STATISTICAL TABLE, 1804.


124
EXPORTS.
NOTE N.
ANNUAL increase and decrease in the amount of certain Articles exported since 1790.
BEEF,
TAR,
YEAR.
COTTON.
CHEESE.
FLOUR.
RICE.
DRY PICKLED TOBACCO,
PITCH,
TURPEN-
PORK AND
FISH.
FISH.
LARD.
TINE.
Pounds.
Pounds.
Barrels.
Tierces. Quintals. | Barrels.
Hhds.
Barrels.
Barrels.
1790
100,000
1,447
1791
189,316
1,299
724,623 80,845 378,721 36,840
619,687 120,000 383,237 57,424
118,460
120,277
75,000
120,277
121,929
94,000
1792
138,328
1,259
824,464
141,762 364,820
48,277
112,428
146,909
110,000
1793
150,000
1,462
1,074,639
134,611 372,825
45,440
59,947
114,971
120,000
1794
400,000
15,769
1795
1,300,000
23,431
1796
1797
2,060,500
3,688,429 875,334
150,000
828,405 135,000 418,907
887,369 138,526 400,818
660,560 80,122 408,976
515,663 .60,111 406,016
36,800
100,000
130,000
135,000
55,999 61,050
132,866
150,000
63,220 58,000 110,520
69,782
160,500
58,167 105,271
140,200
1798
9,360,005 1,183,234
567,558
125,243
411,175
66,827
68,567
100,520
174,000
1799
9,532,263 1,164,590
519,265
110,599 428,495
63,542
96,070 101,220
180,000
1800
17,789,803 913,843
633,052
112,056 | 400,152
50,383
73,680
107,340
191,000
1801
20,911,201 1,674,834
1,102,444
94,866 | 410,94
85,935
103,758
104,000
195,000
1802 27,501,075 1,332,224
1,156,248
440,954
1803 41,205,625 1,278,608
1804 35,034,175
1,311,853
1,206,872
810,008
79,822
81,838 461,870 76,831 86,291
78,385 467,825 89,482 83,342
75,819
77,721
101,222
198,000
142,125 196,000
1
155,908 205,000.
The foregoing statement may shew that neither tobacco nor rice have called for any increase of slaves,
even admitting their labour to be better suited to the cultivation of these articles than that of freemen.



NOTES N. 0.* P. EXPORTS, LABOUR, &C. 125
:
'
Perhaps many other articles in our list of exports would form as
striking exhibitions as any of those in the preceding table, cotton
only excepted, which in its several relations is particularly interest-
ing. Reminding the enquirer of the importance of our view to com-
bine the general results rather than to attend to minutiæ, we proceed
to consider another subject of as much importance as any in the
statistical catalogue.
Custom-house balances were once the criterion for national profit
and loss, but these have of late been so fully exploded, that much need
not be repeated by us. Mr. Hume among others helped to correct
this ancient error. He pleasantly tells us that Mr. Gee struck the
British nation with an universal panic, by proving from custom-
house entries, that "there would not be a shilling in the country in five
years.
We have already shewn that what has occurred in every part of
the world, exists now in our country, where short entries, at least on
exports, are too common. But these are not the most important
points by which the fallacy of an old rule of judging of the balance
of trade is demonstrated. All our country would not sell for 10,000
sterling in the beginning of the sixteenth century; it would now
command above two thousand five hundred millions of dollars, or
rather at this rate, for any part comprised in any fair sale, or valu-
ation, of all the real and personal estates within the United States;
to which, were we to add double the specie in present circulation, an
increased price, exceeding all belief, would soon be realized
on all real estate, as far as the sales followed this increase of mo-
ney, for the averaged price of this property being now at less than
one-fifth its ultimate value, it requires MORE MEN AND MORE MO-
NEY, particularly the latter, to bring it on a par with the same spe-
cies in Europe; yet this is the only kind of property that would be
materially affected by the contemplated change in the circulating
specie of the country. Produce is already near enough its com-
parative value, and labour only too high, but when our new lands
are at a fair price, labour will fall to a par with that of other coun-
* In connection with the general table, and with all our commercial imports, ex-
ports, &c. a short note is included here. On the subject of insurance companies with
capitals, little will now be said, but that the author of this book, who first intro-
duced them into the United States, received the first hints on the subject from
that much lamented friend to America, Dr. PRICE. By these insurance compa-
nies, now amounting to more than forty in number, of which half are owned in
Massachusetts only, three millions have been saved in premiums in one year, that would
have gone to Europe but for these companies. Their plans are published in all the
newspapers; therefore, the amount of their capitals alone is here repeated; they ex-
ceeded ten millions in January, 1805, and have increased since. In smaller towns,
Banks should unite the business of banking, of fire and life insurance; the latter regu-
late their business" by tables of the probabilities of life, the former by easier and
better established principles well known
126
EXPORTS, LABOUR, &C.
NOTES N. O. P.
tries.
Were this the only good resulting from a change, less
stress would be laid on the measure proposed. SLAVERY WILL
SOON END WHEN ALL LABOUR IS AT ITS NATURAL PRICE, in com-
parison with the average of other articles in general estimation and
use; then these United States will soon be freed from its greatest
general evil!
The preceding remarks involve a proof that imports, even by their
apparent excess above the present exports in a young country, do
not operate to its disadvantage in any view, much less in a real ba-
lance of trade, neither does the nominally high rates of interest often
paid to foreigners, always evince either loss or extravagance. Our
RALEIGH and PENN, were both borrowers, the latter at any rate; he
once offered all Pennsylvania as a pledge for 10,000 pounds only,
which was then thought insufficient security! So when our govern-
ment were once willing to sell their lands (now worth 8 dollars) at 20
cents, in 1787, there were not so many buyers as when the price of
the same public lands was, in 1796, raised to 2 dollars; and if it had
been fixed at 3, it would still have met with more and better sales.
For those that now sell are richly worth that money, selected as they
generally are, the best from the choice of near 300 millions; but fo-
reigners, judging otherwise, by the low prices formerly and even now
demanded, buy less than they would if they knew the PUBLIC LANDS
ARE YET THE PRIME OF THE UNITED STATES. Hence any im-
ported money on loans made or to be made, to bring these lands into
greater demand and nearer their true value, will still increase the na-
tional wealth in spite of the BALANCE OF . TRADE. What farmer,
while improving a new estate, would admit that, because he had
given his ordinary lands a complete dressing, sufficient for many
years, and therefore imported in rich manure, &c. three times the
net proceeds of his next years crop, transported or exported to
market, thence, that by a balance of imports and exports for
the year only, he was going to ruin? It is in both cases, on a series
of years, and by including a total valuation of the entire estates at
each period that a true balance of profit and loss can be struck.
Thus our country, in mere estimation, perhaps worth nothing when
first discovered, is now valued at more than 2,500 millions of
dollars; although annually importing more than it exports, and
even yet a trifle, in proportion to the magnitude of the ques-
tion, giving 25 dollars a head, or rather the value of fifty days
labour only, in specie, if averaged for each individual, to our country,
by foreign loans, to be circulated in useful improvements. If the
certificates given therefore were receivable at the national land bank
of 1796, still open and increasing in operation, more benefits would
be derived from this increase than would be readily believed by any
superficial observer of any calculations, yet formed on these facts:
they are however predicated on a plain and simple statement of Wil-
liam Penn, who, in describing all North America to his friends said,
"we have found a country which some of you perhaps esteem as nothing,
•
NOTES N. O. P. EXPORTS, LABOUR, &ç. 127
but as it is of greater extent than all Europe, and abounding in all the
gifts of nature, and at least equal in all the rich varieties of clime and soil,
give us only as many men and as much money and we will make it cqual
in every other important view, perhaps in our own time." There
is little doubt, had that provident and enterprizing great man been
invested with efficient means and a patriarchal controul of all the coun-
try for 50 years, that it would now have twice the population, with
four times the amount in a total valuation of all its valuable proper-
ties and effects including the increased value of its territories.
Perhaps enough has been said on the subject of a custom-house balance
of trade, and yet as many of our modern publications have contained
obsolete views of the question, a few more remarks will be added to
this note, with the hope of placing the facts in a clear light.
When our country was younger, our merchants were poor and de-
pendant on European credits, for the active capital they employed:
they were then obliged to sell their cargoes here, at the price
fixed by their creditors. Then the simple balance was easily deter-
mined, by comparing their imports with the previously fixed and
ultimate price of the goods exported; but as soon as the funding of
the war and state debts by congress, gave a great accession of capital
to all classes of the community, enabling our merchants to pur-
chase their goods with ready money in Europe, by which they often
realized a clear gain of 10 to 15 per cent. in the difference of price,*
their shipments were now made for their own account, and consigned
to whom they pleased; this often gives them a profit of ten per cent.
on an entire cargo more than they could receive when they were
mere factors, for their European creditors. Hence, if a cargo of
flour be entered at 8 dollars cost, to net 12 abroad, if the proceeds
be invested in foreign articles, the apparent custom-house balance
would be 50 per cent. against the country, though in fact a great
gain. Whatever our emigrants bring with them is also a gain,
although often a large debit in the deceptive account in question;
add to this, if a ship is either hired abroad or sold, both the hire and
sale often swell this nominal debit; so when our merchants ship specie
to India, or bills, no outward entry is made of either, but often a large
return cargo, and of course a debit appears in the nominal statements
of the custom-house balance of trade.
In our daily prints are often seen complaints against the trade to
the East Indies, as the cause of the present scarcity of money; this
is also an error, 100,000 dollars sent to India have often purchased
200,000 pieces of nankeens or muslins, &c. in proportion. 150,000
of these pieces are sent to the islands, and sold, at times, at or near
2 dollars the piece for cash, which on the return may be entered or
not, as it is sometimes in part expended in coffee. This article often
serves as cash for remittances to Europe, with a profit to the shipper;
in all and either of these operations we find the specie account greatly
benefited.
* This effect of capital to the nation, cannot be too often considered.
+
128
VARIATION OF MONEY.
NOTE P.
In another note we shall endeavour to shew the true causes of the
late drain of specie from our country.
For the foregoing reasons, were we to endeavour to state all our
imports and exports for the last year, we should do it thus:
ESTIMATE.
All mercantile imports,
Do. cash and bills,
80,000,000
7,000,000
$ 85,000,000
Mercantile exports, generally under-rated, 84,000,000
Do. cash and bills,
5,000,000
$ 89,000,000
Here we state a gain of two millions in an estimate of all our
regular trade. But as the principal and interest of the national debt
is now paying off, above four millions is thus annually remitted to
Europe, making the balance two millions at least, against the coun-
try.
The order of the general table requires that something should be
here noted on the variation of money, in prices of wheat as well as
of labour; the latter will be too high, while our lands are too low.
We add that a scarcity of money does not reduce the price of
labour in the same proportion with us as in populous parts of
Europe, in any comparison we have yet made; and as our export-
ation of wheat is such as to effect the price according to the demand
in Europe, &c. we cannot often pronounce money to be plenty at
home, merely because the Europeans give us a greater price for
flour than usual. The difficulty of selling our real estates is probably
the best proof we have of too great a scarcity of money. The arti-
cles enumerated with these in a variation table in a note under the
head of metalic medium, will assist to shew the change that mo-
ney, particularly of the precious metals, has undergone through the
commercial world.
REVENUE.
On the subject of congressional REVENUES and EXPENDITURES, WE
begin with. 1774. Our finances were then and ever after, till the new
government was formed, in a most deplorable state, unless we admit
that gaining time was every thing that our young country, with such
immense latent and yet increasing resources could desire. With the
increase of our population, and a decrease in the value of all money,
and an additional rise of our new lands in consequence of our per-
sonal increase, all operating rapidly in our favour. We have since,
by the funding system, in a great measure repaired the individual in-
juries then sustained.
NOTES Q. R.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 129
TOTAL EXPENSES of the War for Independence, with a Statement of all the Troops in the Continental Service.
REGULARS RAISED IN THE YEARS
STATES.
New Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Treasury
payments.
1775.
1776. 1777. 1778. 1779. 1780. 1781. 1782.
1783.
·
2,824 3,019
16,444 13,372
1,172
1,283
1,001
1,017
700
744
733
Year.
Specie
value.
7,816
7,010
6,287
4,453
3,732
4,423
4,370
1775
20,064,666
1,193
798
548
630
507
915
464
481
372
1776 S
Connecticut,
•
4,107
6,390
4,563
4,010
3,544
3,133
2,420
1,732
1,740
1777
24,986,438
New York,
2,075
3,629
1,903
2,194
2,256
2,179
1,178
1,198
1,169
1778
24,986,438
New Jersey,
3,193
1,408
1,586
1,276
1,105
823
660
675
1779
10,794,625
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
500 5,519
4,983
3,684
3,476
3,337
1,346
1,280
1,598
1780
3,000,000
609
299
349
317
325
89
164
235
1781
1,942,462
Virginia,
S. Carolina,
Georgia,
Maryland,
N. Carolina,
637 2,030
3,307
2,849
2,065
770
1,280
974
1782
3,631,745
6,181
5,714 5,236
1.134
1,281
}
3,973 2,486
1,287 1,214
1,225
¹,204
629
1783
3,226,538
545
1,105
697
1783
2,069
1,650
1,650 909
139
351
1,123
673
87
145 Total,
Sundries,
548,525
92,485,693
42 708,009
Total, in pay,
|
27,443 46,891 34,820 | 32,899 27,699 21,015| 13,292 14,256 | 13,476
Total, servirea-
15,000 25,000 26,000 19,000 18,000 | 19,000 10,000 11,000 12,000
ble in camp,
135,103,703
See Rep. 30
Aug. 1790.
N. B. To the above should be added the militia of each state, which, on an average, amounted to about half as many as
the regulars; their pay is included in the list of expenses which were reduced in funding the public debt.
Specie,

130 NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
The striking disproportions in the preceding table between ex-
penses for the several years, after every allowance for the yearly va-
riations in the number of troops employed, and in pay, are in them-
selves the best comments that can be made on the importance of a
well digested and well appointed system of finance. As soon as an
intelligent individual (R. Morris, esq.) was placed at the head of this
department, savings in near three fourths the annual sums, previ-
ously required for the same purposes, were realized, and there is lit-
tle doubt that if either a Morris or a Hamilton had been at the head
of the department from the origin of our necessities, a difference in
the nominal expenditures would have exceeded 250,000,000 !
The whole amount of these expenditures were,
In 1775 & 1776, 20,054,666
1777,
26,426,333
1778, 66,965,269
1779, 149,703,856
1780, 82,900,320
1781, 11,400,095
(in old continental money as per state-
ment) near 358 millions, on which
an actual loss of near 60 millions
specie value was unfortunately sus-
tained by individuals, in the most un-
equal manner; the burthen fell chief-
ly on the most liberal of the com-
Old paper, & 357,486,539 munity, who had unfortunately the
most faith in the ultimate provisions for their indemnity. The long
time before any efficient plan was devised, the difficulty of ascertain-
ing the true money from the counterfeits in circulation, together with
the vague and divided opinions in congress, on the abilities of the na-
tion, the low estimate at which the prize-of-war lands (won from Up-
per Canada) were strangely held, these and other similar causes oc-
casioned a much less sum to be funded than was actually due to statc
and individual creditors of every description. It was not then gene-
rally known that public circulations were so widely different in their
effects from actual expenditures as they have since proved. The au-
thor of Common Sense had, it is true, publicly asserted that “ no
nation ought to be without a national debt," but this opinion was
sometimes ridiculed, because the true distinctions between the public
circulation of bills of credit were compared, in their effects, to the pri-
vate bonds at interest of individuals, although as the United States
have recently fully proved, no two things can be more unlike, if fairly
considered in all their important relations; for the first may be again
what it has been in our case, the salvation of a nation, while the other,
though sometimes highly beneficial, is often liable to injure both in-
dividuals and families. From any such injurious result of foreign
loans our nation is protected, by the value of money, proved to be above
10 per cent. at annual compound, on a fair average for the last 15
years; the only question then is, how long will this continue? Even
this is of no consequence till the public loans exceed the ultimate va-
lue of the PUBLIC LANDS, which, with all the patriotic exertions in
the power of congress, can scarcely be effected in a century, long
before which we should have the first university in the world, and all
the useful arts and sciences, with the best roads and canals, an effi-
cient navy, and in short every other desirable object both for our pub-
lic weal and our domestic happiness.
1
NOTES Q. R.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 131

UNITED STATES' INTERNAL REVENUE OF THE YEAR 1800.
In what district.
Spirits
distilled.
Country
stills. Sugar.
Licenses
to retail-
Sales at
Amount
Carriages.
auction.
Stamps.
ers.
New Hampshire,
117
3,075
109
1,903
4,401
in each
district.
9,607
Massachusetts,
91,340
825
5,610
14,065
11,782
14,096
35,174
172,894
Rhode Island,
26,012
1,494
910
574
1,046
5,663
35,702
Connecticut,
8,556
3,239
5,815
142
4,564
7,409
29,727
Vermont,
18
171
1,660
180
1,190
3,220
New York,
5,831
6,035
23,235
13,645
13,778
7,807
48,736
119,070
New Jersey,
12,199
2,654
87
5,233
3,319
23,496
Pennsylvania,
1,593
114,477
24,646
6,196
8,981
7,335
47,949
211,180
Delaware,
2,454
1,148
22
2,565
1,720
7,911
Maryland,
32,769
10,253
4,390
6,734
8,683
23,887
86,718
Virginia,
228
102,326
5,680
4,731
13,701
17,500
144,168
Ohio,
33,409
165
16
287
1,877
35,756
Tennessee,
10,173
65
85
435
10,758
N. Carolina,
14
32,897
2,555
348
4,834
5,828
46,479
S. Carolina,
6,125
14,996
1,785
3,328
4,329
12,914
43,479
Georgia,
6,585
1,350
1,010
1,214
3,329
13,489
Total,
139,834
372,505
65,238
65,158
51,642
77,862
221,331 993,654
The above table accords with the statement for the year, but not exactly with treasury receipts within the
term, part of the monies are yet to receive, although these duties have been repealed three years.
132 NOTES Q. R. 1
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
"The common misnomer expenditure ought never to confound the cha-
racter of domestic circulations with the foreign drains of money,
for the latter may at times be highly injurious, while the former are
always exhilirating and often of the utmost importance to the general
weal, though not called for by any particular exigencies of state."
Foreign expenditures and domestic circulations, under the following
heads, for the year ending 30th September, 1804, viz.
CIVIL DEPARTMENT.
For compensation to the president, senate and house of
representatives, judges, officers of government, com-
missioners of loans, &c.
595,731 09
For surveyors, chain-carriers, &c. in the territory north-
west of the river Ohio,
16,942 49
For the valuation of lands, houses, and the enumeration
of slaves,
6,678 29
619,351 87
MISCELLANEOUS.
Annuities and grants,
Survey of lands south of Tennessee,
Mint establishment,
Public buildings in the city of Washington,
Light-house establishment,
Salt works near the Wabash,
Interest on loans by Maryland to the city of Washington, 12,000
1,167 40
6,995
28,924 88
60,000
82,401 63
2,520
Second census,
365 36
Unclaimed merchandize,
1,119 57
Miscellaneous expenses,
16,183 30
Books for the use of congress,
2,174 89
Opening roads in the territory north-west of the Ohio,
1,202 26
Military pensions,
78,766
Civil government of Louisiana,
10,000
Extending the external commerce of the United States,
3,000
Furniture for the president's house,
145 17
Purchase of vellum, parchment and paper,
72
Purchase or erection of stores and wharves,
4,353 15
311,390 61
INTERCOURSE WITH FOREIGN NATIONS.
Diplomatic department,
Relief and protection of American seamen,
Prize causes,
40,743 42
6,433 02
6,138 53
NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 133
•
British treaty,
Awards under the 7th article of the British treaty,
Convention with Great Britain,
Investigation of claims under the French convention,
Treaties with Mediterranean powers,
Treaty with Algiers,
48,497 53
50,000
888,000
18,555 54
65,185 84
20,599 99
1,144,153 87
MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT.
Military department,
999,360 25
Fabrication of cannon and small arms, and the purchase
of ammunition,
+
108,599 04
Treaty or treaties with the Indians,
20,000
Treaty with certain Indian tribes north-west of the river
Ohio,
33,000
$1,160,959 29
NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT.
Naval department,
Building and equipping six 74 gun ships,
817,575 11
133,166 37
Erecting marine barracks,
Protection of commerce against the Barbary powers,
charged to the Mediterranean fund,
Marine hospital establishment,
3,584 72
350,000
74,899 47
$ 1,379,225 67
PUBLIC DEBT.
Interest on domestic loans,
Interest and reimbursement of the domestic debt,
Appropriation of monies from the sale of public lands,
Do. from old debts,
Do. from interest on stock purchased and redeemed,
Paying parts of the domestic debt,
62,843 68
3,763,822 06
158,949 65
135 46
445,225 30
Debts due to foreign officers,
627 80
5,145 60
$ 4,436,739 55
Reimbursement of loans to the bank of the United
States, viz.
On account of the loan of $ 2,000,000 obtained per act
of the 18th December, 1794,
250,000
The last instalment of the loan of $800,000 obtained
per act of 21st February, 1795,
150,000
The last instalment of the second loan of $ 500,000
obtained per act of 3d March, 1795,
100,000
500,000
134 NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
FOREIGN DEBT.
Warrants on account of the Dutch debt,
Deduct the sum expended for foreign intercourse, and
for the payment of interest on Louisiana stock, out
of the monies remitted towards the discharge of
the Dutch debt,
Interest on Louisiana stock,
2,749,610 51
111,807 17
363,333 27
3,001,136 61
1803, October 1.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in the hands of the treasurer,
Deduct warrants drawn prior to that day, and unpaid,
5,861,351 11
369 57
$5,860,981 54
Receipts from duties on merchandize and tonnage.
In the quarter ending 31st December, 1803,
31st March, 1804,
30th June,
30th September,
2,724,210 47
2,261,859 98
2,829,979 41
2,913,658 68
$10,729,708 54
Duties on stills and spirits distilled in the United States,
on sales at auction, licences, and on refined sugar,
stamps, &c.
In the quarter ending 31st December, 1803,
31st March, 1804,
30th June,
30th September,
24,938 50
13,908 08
10,915 08
17,769 97
$ 67,531 63
DIRECT TAX.
From the supervisors of the following districts, viz.
New Hampshire,
Vermont,
New York,
Pennsylvania,
Maryland,
Virginia,
Kentucky,
North Carolina,
Tennessee,
1,465 81
100
9,703 51
9,967 59
1,000
1,000
4,000
11,992 31
131
$ 39,360 22
NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 135
PUBLIC LANDS.
From the receiver at Cincinnati,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Chilicothe,
Steubenville,
Marietta,
From Thos. T. Tucker, treasurer U. States,
Fees on land patents,
Fees on letters patent,
Postage of letters,
Cents and half cents coined at the mint,
•
16,242 44
97,277 22
225,546 26
1,783 02
17,878 74
358,727 68
274
2,700
•
16,598 43
14,533 53
PUBLIC PROPERTY, SOLD.
Revenue cutter, Eagle,
Do.
Massachusetts,
Do.
General Greene,
་
{
Do.
Do.
Jay,
Bee,
A public schooner in the service of Andrew Ellicott,
late commissioner for running the line between the
United States and the Floridas,
Sundry articles shipped for Algiers, and returned,
564 50
900
2,575 44
6,956
2,350 95
677
726 51
Interest and damages on protested bills of exchange.
From George Simpson, agent for purchasing bills,
FINES, PENALTIES AND FORFEITURES.
From Samuel Bradford, marshal, Massachusetts, for
fines received by him under the act for prohibiting
the slave trade,
From John Smith, marshal, Pennsylvania,
From Daniel C. Brent, marshal, district of Columbia,
From sundry collectors for stamp duties and penalties
$14,750 40
32,870 91
2,000
176
75 39
133 49
$2,384 88
REPAYMENTS.
From Presley C. Lane, marshal, Pennsylvania,
From John Habersham, agent for placing buoys in
the river Savannah,
From James Findlay, marshal, Ohio,
From John Ragoon, late contractor for supplying troops,
52 50
34 21
56 86
100
136 NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
From Thomas Lowrey, marshal, New Jersey,
From Daniel M'Neil, commander of the frigate Ports-
mouth,
From Stephen Pleasonton, agent for paying the contin-
gent expenses of the office of the secretary of state,
From Charles B. Cochrane, late marshal, S. Carolina,
From Ambrose Gorden, late marshal, Georgia,
From George Gale, late agent for paying Maryland mi-
litia,
From Walter Hellen, late agent for paying the contin-.
gent expenses of the stamp-office,
George W. Erving, agent at London, being monies ad-
vanced by the United States in prosecuting claims in
prize causes and appeals,
From George Simpson, for bills of exchange,
From Thomas Smith, agent for paying interest in Penn-
sylvania, .
1 44
9,154 74
131 95
105 67
1,464 28
36 32
122 84
152,563 50
120,000
946 51
$294,770 82
30th September, 1804.
The sum in the treasury at this period was $ 4,882,222, a part of
which is subject to warrants for appropriations yet unexpended.
Without further departure from the elementary and summary
plan of this work, all the principal sources for the supplies of the ge-
neral treasury are here recapitulated with characteristic remarks.
Calls on each state in 1775 to 1788.
Foreign loans, in anticipation of the
final value of public lands,
Direct taxes.
Internal duties.
Dividends and profits in Bank Stock.
Duties on imposts and tonnage.
Postage of letters.
Sales of lots in Washington.
Fines, penalties and forfeitures.
Sales of public lands vary in demand
with the fluctuation of money, but
annually increasing, in a compound
ratio on the last years sales.
*
}
Injudicious and ineffectual.
Prematurely suspended and
paying off.
Judiciously repealed.
Suspended.
Sold out.
Increasing.
Improving post-roads.
Yet unimportant.
Do.
Inexhaustible if our money be
wisely kept on the increase
till we have our quota in the
United States.*
Money being the "essential oil to the wheels of industry and vital principle of
commerce," we ought to have our quota, in equality with our European commercial
rivals, on a fair average of the money in circulation on both sides the Atlantic.
?
NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 137
1
On the subject of requisitions and their effects in the several
states, after referring the enquirer to the statements, page 130, for
the whole amount of the old paper money issued from the treasury,
(which, with $2,060,485 of new paper at one for forty of the depre-
ciated old money, are included in the total estimate of the costs of
war, see page 129, where these sums are reduced to a specie valua-
tion of 135 millions, but the sum was still further reduced by con-
gress at the time of funding the war debt, as may be seen in the
general table, and in note U.) we here add from the journals of con-
gress for 1784, a remarkable characteristic of the imbecility and
anti-financial state of those trying times. "Many of the states have
thought hard that they should be so repeatedly called on ;" although
in four years from this requisition only, the following was all that
could be collected, on which congress, after reducing the claim to
half its original sum, reported that they had no hopes of a compliance
with this request!
A TABLE of specie requisitions by congress and of the payments
made under them.


OF THE
FOLLOWING
STATES.
N. Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Apportion-
ment of the
8 millions.
Paid of the 8
millions before
Dec. 31, 1783.
Sums required
to make half of
the 8 millions.
373,598
1,307,596
3,000
247,676 66
183,799
406,121 34
Rhode Island,
216,684
67,847 95
40,491 05
Connecticut,
747,196
131,577 83
242,020 17
N. York,
373,598
39,064 01
147,734 09
N. Jersey, :
485,679
102,004 95
140,834 55
Pennsylvania,
1,120,794
346,632 98
213,764 02
Delaware,
•
112,085
56,042 05
Maryland,
933,996
89,302 11
377,695 89
Virginia,
1,307,594
115,103 53
538,693 47
N. Carolina,
622,677
311,338 05
S. Carolina,
Georgia,
373,598-
24,905
344,301 57
12,452 05
Total,
8,000,000
1,486,511 71
2,670,987 89
Since the new constitution we have much improved in our trea-
sury arrangements, as may be seen by the following statement.
S
138 NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
F
!
1
:
Official order in the Treasury of the United States since 1789.
' By the constitution it is provided that " No money shall be drawn
from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by
law." By the act to establish the treasury department, it is enacted,
that the secretary of the treasury shall grant, under certain limita-
tions, all warrants for monies, to be issued from the treasury, in pur-
suance of appropriations by law; and that the treasurer shall disburse
the monies of the United States, upon warrants drawn by the SE-
CRETARY of the treasury, countersigned by the COMPTROLLER, re-
corded by the REGISTER, and not otherwise."
66
Although the construction given by the treasury department to
appropriation laws, may not have been universally uniform, yet it
seems to have been generally understood, that the whole of the mo-
nies, appropriated for the annual support of the army and navy, re-
spectively, were to be considered as making but one general appro-
priation for each of those two objects; and that the sums, thus appro-
priated, were indiscriminately applicable to every distinct object of
expenditure, embraced under those two general heads.
"The appropriations for the Indian department, and those made
generally for fortifications, have also been mostly blended with those
of the war department." "The appropriations in relation to the pur-
chase of cannon, arms, ammunition and military stores, to the pur-
chase or leasing of founderies and armories, and to the fortifications
of designated harbors; and also, those in relation to the purchase of
land with growing timber, or of timber, to the erecting of docks, to
the purchase or building of vessels, six 74 gun ships and the pub-
lic navy-yards, docks and wharves, and for erecting marine barracks,
have been considered as distinct from each other, and from all other
made in relation to the army and navy, respectively.
"The appropriations made in relation to the public debt, to the
civil department, to domestic expenses of a miscellaneous nature
(such as the mint establishment, light-houses, census, &c.) and to
foreign expenses, have been generally considered, as constituting for
cach distinct object of expenditure embraced under each of those ge-
neral heads, a specific distinct appropriation, the amount of which was
applicable only to that specific object for which it was appropriated."
"Two principal objects of expenditure, to which this exception to
the general rule applies, are the expenses incident to the courts of the
United States, other than those for salary; namely, those for jurors,
witnesses, fees, safe-keeping of prisoners and contingencies, which
are advanced by the collectors of the customs to the marshals; and
those incident to the ordinary support and repairs of light-houses,
buoys and piers, which are also generally defrayed out of the public
monies, in their hands, by those collectors, or other revenue officers,
under whose superintendence those establishments are placed.
In
those instances warrants issue as if the monies expended had been
1
NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 139
previously drawn into the treasury, and afterwards paid out of the
same, to the revenue officers, in order to enable them to defray the
expense.
"All warrants regularly granted by the secretary of the treasury,
on the treasurer, for the disbursement of public monies, issue, either
in payment of a balance actually due, or in advance: in the first case,
they are drawn in pursuance of a settled account certified by the
comptroller; in the last case, they rest on the authorization of that
particular department, which has the controul of the object of ex-
penditure, to which they refer.
"The payments on account of the compensations of the members
of the senate, and of the contingent expenses of that body, are made
on his requisition to the secretary of the senate; those on account of
the compensation of the members of the house of representatives, on
his requisition to the speaker of the house; those, on account of the
contingent expenses of the house, in the same manner, to the clerk
of the house,
"The payments on account of the official contingent expenses of
the several departments, are made at the requisition, and are after-
wards under the controul of the head of each department, respect-
ively; those on account of the expenses relative to the courts of the
United States, other than those for salary, are made on the requisi-
tion of, and to the marshals.
"The payments on account of the mint are made to the treasurer
thereof, on the requisition of the director; those on account of inva-
lid pensions, to the several commissioners of loans, or other agents,
on the requisition of the secretary of war.
"The greater part of all other payments, in relation to the civil
list, and to miscellaneous domestic expenses of a civil nature, as they
are made only after the amount has become due, and the account
has been settled, never can be liable to abuse.
All other payments
whatever, are generally made in advance, and in the following man-
ner:
"1. Those on account of the interest on the whole of the public
debt, of the annual reimbursement of the principal of the six per cent.
and deferred stocks, and of the instalments of the Dutch debt, are
made by the secretary of the treasury, as follow, viz. those on ac-
count of the interest and principal of the Dutch debt, to the coinmis-
sioners of the United States, at Amsterdam; those on account of the
interest and reimbursement of the domestic debt, standing on the
books of the treasury, to the bank of the United States; those on ac-
count of the interest and reimbursement of the same debt, standing
on the books of the several commissioners of loans, to the said com-
missioners respectively.
"The advances to the commissioners in Holland are made from
time to time, by remittances purchased heretofore, by the several
cashiers of the bank of the United States; and the commissioners
140 NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
render their accounts annually to the treasury. Those to the bank
and commissioners of loans are made quarterly, and to the amount
ascertained to be due to the creditors, on the respective books of the
treasury and commissioners. The commissioners of loans render
their accounts to the treasury quarterly; and as the dividends, which
remain unclaimed for nine months, are payable only at this treasury,
such unclaimed amount is quarterly deducted from the advances,
which otherwise should be made to the commissioners, and is paid
to the bank. From this arrangement it results, that the accounts of
the commissioners of loans uniformly exhibit a considerable apparent
balance charged to them, and which consists, partly, of the dividends
paid by them during the six preceding months, and not yet accounted
for, and partly of the sums necessary to pay the outstanding divi-
dends. The accounts with the banks of the United States, for ad-
vances and payments of interest and reimbursement of the domestic
debt, not having been settled since the year 1797, they exhibit an
apparent balance against the bank of more than six millions of dol-
lars, the whole of which, however, has been paid by them, with the
exception of the accumulated unclaimed dividends, the amount of
which is not ascertained.
"It is here proper to add, in relation to the other payments on ac-
count of the public debt, that those for interest, on the temporary
loans obtained from the bank, are made as the same became due,
quarterly or semi-annually, in pursuance of accounts settled and cer-
tified by the comptroller; those for the principal of the same loans,
occasionally, and at the discretion of the secretary of the treasury, as
the situation of the treasury may permit, and that those for purchase
of the public debt, or in payment of any part of the same, which may
be payable at the will of the United States, but is not actually de-
mandable by the creditors, are under the exclusive controul of the
commissioners of the sinking fund.
"For the purpose of paying either the interest or principal of any
part of the public debt, all the agents are immediately accountable,
and generally account regularly, to the treasury. The whole amount
of balances, due on that account to the United States for monies not
accounted for, is only 3,393 dollars and 49 cents.
"2. The advances for the war and navy departments are uniformly
made on the requisition of the secretaries of war and of the navy, re-
spectively, to the treasurer of the United States, who becomes there-
by treasurer of each department, and disburses the monies, thus
placed in his hands, according to law, on warrants signed by the se-
cretary and countersigned by the accountant of each department re-
spectively. The monies thus advanced by the treasury are charged,
in fact, to the proper department, in accounts opened in the names of
the accountants of the same. Individuals who receive monies from
the treasurer, by virtue of warrants of either of those two depart-
ments, are accountable to the accountants, who settle provisionally
NOTES Q. R. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 141
you
those subordinate accounts, and account themselves quarterly to the
treasury. The credits they claim embrace, therefore, all those to
which individuals accountable to them were entitled, and the whole is
ultimately adjusted and settled by the auditor and comptroller in the
same manner as all other accounts.
((
3. The advances for all expenses incident to the intercourse with
foreign nations, including the diplomatic establishment, the monies
expended in relation to the Barbary powers, those applied to the re-
lief of seamen abroad, those advanced in the prosecution of claims
for property captured by the belligerent powers, the salaries of
agents, and other officers abroad and at home, appointed under, or
in relation to certain articles of treaties with foreign nations, as well
as all other expenses incidental to the execution of those treaties, are
made on the requisition of the secretary of state, who has that class
of expenditures under his controul. The monies thus advanced are
paid, partly to the purveyor of supplies and to some other agents,
who are accountable to the treasury; but they have till lately been
made principally to the secretary of state himself, who disbursed the
same, and became personally accountable for the amount. The indi-
viduals to whom he advanced the money, used to render their accounts
to him; and his account, in some instances, embraced those subordi-
nate accounts, but generally exhibited only the disbursements made
by him to those individuals, who were thereupon charged with the
proper amount and became accountable to the treasury. But, by an
arrangement made in the month of June last, the secretary of state
no longer receives any money; the sums required for that part of the
public service are paid immediately by the treasury, to the agents or
other individuals, to whom they were formerly advanced by him;
and these are at once charged and made accountable to the treasury.
Those agents are principally, the purveyor of public supplies at Phi-
ladelphia, and bankers in England and Holland."
Treasury Report, dated March, 1802.
The table that immediately follows this, shewing the variation of
money, is, next to the GENERAL TABLE, not only one of the most im-
portant, but cost more time and attention to bring it to its present state
than either if not than all in this book, the general table alone ex-
cepted; and yet it cannot be made complete as it ought to be to an-
swer all the desirable purposes of a common measure, for all estimates
of real, instead of mere nominal expenditures; the variations in prices
have often been so sudden that an average for any three months
must sometimes appear doubtful to those who have not full time for
enquiry. It is made up from prices current, and merchants books,
and accounts of sales in every state in the union.
1
善
​142
NOTES R. S. MONEY.
PLACES.
PRICES CURRENT in the principal Cities, &c. of the United
authentic

Averaged in the
following years for
the first 6 months.
Lands improv.near
towns, per acre.
Rent ditto, p. cent.
Labour per day.
Wheat, per bushel.
Rye, ditto.
Corn, ditto.
Beef, per barrel.
Years. Dolls.
Cts.
Cts. Cts. Cts. Doll.
Boston,
New York,
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Charleston,
U. S. averaged, 1785.
Boston,
New York,
Philadelphia,
Baltimore,
Charleston,
30
4
50
80
65
4.0
6
50
4
55
75
60
4.0 7
•
1785.
50
4
60
75
60
40
7
30
31/1
50
75
65
35 7
30 5
50
80
65
40
7
22/1/2 3
50
60
45
35
15 1/1/18
600
50
1790. 65
50
60
5
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4
50
85
60
5
50
80
60
5 4
50
45
8
8
5
50 80
60 45
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60 75
60 40
60
85
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U. S. averaged,
1790.
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50
45
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100
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130 75
New York,
120
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75
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60
8/1/1
60
9
Philadelphia, . 1795.
120
5
100
120 75
60 9
Baltimore,
100
5
100
120
75
60 9
Charleston,
100
6
105 135 75
60 91
U. S. averaged, 1795.
54
Boston,
150
4/1/ 90 210 110
New York,
250
Philadelphia,
1800.
10 10
95 120 75 55 9
95 10
5 100 210 110 95 11
250 5 100 210 110 95 11
Baltimore,
200
6
Charleston,.
200
6
110 200 110 90 12
110 210 110 95 12/1/20
U. S. averaged, 1800.
6
4/12/2
90
200 100
85 10
Boston,
250
5
75
205 106
95 12
New York,
300
6
80
200 106 95 121
Philadelphia,.
1805.
250 6
80
Baltimore,.
250
5
200 106 95 13
80 200 106 95 13
Charleston,
250
6
100
210 106 100 14
U. S. averaged, 1805.
61
41
75
180 100 90 12
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
143
States, shewing the Variation of Money, &c. for 20 years, from
documents.

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Butter, per lb.
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Potatoes, per bush.
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Cod-fish, Cwt.
Rice, Cwt.
Flour, barrel.
Tobacco, Crut.
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144
MONEY, &c.
NOTES R. S.
1
As an appendage to the foregoing table, a short note on MONEY
will be excused, even by those who already know enough of its
true character. It commences with an ancient and ingenious descrip-
tion by Aristotle, from whom, it will be perceived, near all the more
modern political writers, all the French economists, Hume, Smith,
Stewart, Priestley, &c. have either borrowed or imbibed the same
ideas; either of which facts is an encomium on the wisdom of the
most enlightened sage of the period in which he lived.
ARISTOTLE'S ETHICS, BOOK V.
The comforts of life require an interchange of different works.
The bricklayer, for example, must exchange the production of his
labour with the shoemaker; and the bargain will be just when the
works exchanged bear a proportion to each other. If the bricklayer
has consumed a thousand times as much labour in making a house
as the shoemaker in making a pair of shoes, a thousand pair of
shoes must be given for one house. The utility from a mutual
exchange of different kinds of labour could not long be main-
tained unless the exertions of one artisan in one way were nearly
balanced by those of another artisan in another; a community could
not exist composed wholly of husbandmen; it must exist of other
classes variously employed; but that their works of different kinds
should be fairly exchanged for each other, it is necessary that they
should be nearly commensurate, that is, that they should be all capa-
ble of being estimated by one common measure. Hence the introduc-
tion of money, by which all these works are compared in value with
each other, aud their relative excesses or deficiences ascertained
with sufficient correctness for all practical purposes. In reality its
value depends on the mutual wants of men, for unless their wants.
were mutual exchanges could not be effected: but money is used
merely as a representative of all things wanted, since it serves as a
pledge, that whenever those wants occur they may speedily be grati-
fied. Money [nomos] derives it name from law, signifying that its
value is not founded in nature, but in convention, and that those who
have thought fit to employ it, may set it aside and set up any other
measure in its stead.
Money, though it represents or regulates the value of other things,
varies in its own, but its variations are less considerable than those
of most other substances. Without a common measure the various
productions of labour could not be exactly compared, neither by each
other nor even by money, but they may by means of the latter be
estimated with sufficient correctness for the commercial intercourse
which is so essential to the supply of our numerous exigencies.
NOTES R. S. MONEY.
145
ļ
Valuable as the foregoing original description of the nature
and use of money is, it has nevertheless done a great deal of mis-
chief by misconstructions, particularly the assertion, that money
is only a measure, and that societies have a right at any time to set
up any other in its stead. This we have found in America to be a very
dangerous opinion. The leather and iron money of former times,
the base money of Louis the 14th, and the paper money of America,
have all done incredible mischief in their turn, especially when en-
forced by arbitrary tender laws, than which no acts of tyranny were
ever more unjust, or more ruinous, in their effects on the morals of
the people. Nothing short of an UNIVERSAL CONSENT THROUGHOUT
THE COMMERCIAL WORLD can ever sufficiently evince the propriety
of altering the common measures of commercial exchanges. To illus-
trate this assertion let us consider the several kinds of nomos, moneta
or money, that have been in use in ancient and modern times.
1. Leather, iron, and paper of the character of the old continental,
money of the United States.
2. Base or light coin.
3. National bonds or certificates, bearing interest, regularly paid.
4. Copper, silver and gold.
5. Bank notes.
6 National bonds bearing interest with a right to exchange the
property at any moment for prime lands at an undervaluation, and
daily rising in value. The last is most esteemed.
All these different measures are or have been held in very different
estimation. The 1, 2, 4 and 5, are facile, the 3 and 6, negotiable only.
The FIRST were only used for very short periods, in ancient times
of ignorance, except the American paper, and this soon died a natural
death, after having done infinite mischief; but as it was a principal
instrument in the war for independence, we mention it with some re-
spect, although in any case but that of extreme necessity, it would be
universally reprobated, yet as it did not owe its origin to turpitude,
the errors of ignorance are now recapitulated merely to prevent
similar mistakes from future occurrence, again to retard the progress
of our general weal. The SECOND kind is of but little better charac-
ter than the first, it is a cheat and therefore to be reprobated. The
THIRD, viz. national bonds, bearing interest, has only an inconvenience
în transfer and its fluctuations against it in comparison with the
FOURTH, which are in universal esteem, in part for their intrinsic
value, particularly copper; and if either of the other should ever
become sufficiently plenty to admit of general use, as articles of cu-
linary furniture, their purity would make them important acquisi-
tions. This seems not to be improbable with respect to silver, as
may be seen by a statement to follow in this note, shewing the com-
parative rate of its increase and mutability, particularly since the
discovery of America.
Τ
146
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
The following estimate of the annual and universal product of the
mines, however deficient, is the best we can obtain.

Silver.
Gold.
Total.
Spanish America,
$33,000,000
1,000,000
34,000,000
Residue,
5,000,000
3,000,000
8,000,000
Europe,
1,500,000
500,000
2,000,000
Asia,
2,000,000 | 2,500,000
4,500,000
Africa,.
1,000,000 1,500,000 2,500,000
42,500,000 8,500,000
51,000,000
Annual waste and
consumption,
}
20,000,000 5,000,000
25,000,000
22,500,000
3,500,000 $26,000,000
Annual increase on
an average for ten
years,
Gold was once at ten to eleven for one in exchange for silver, but
since the discovery of America, silver has fallen faster than gold; it
is now in all exchangès near 17 ounces for one of gold.
The circulation of specie in most instances may be exemplified
by the recital from M. de Pinto's essay on circulation and credit,
viz. At the siege of Tournay in 1745, when all communication with
the country was cut off from the besieged, through this circumstance
they were under the greatest distress for want of specie to pay the
troops, and the resource was to borrow from the suttlers all the rea-
dy money they possessed, which amounted to 7,000 florins. At the
end of the week these 7,000 florins had returned to the suttlers, from
whom the same sum was borrowed a second time. This operation.
was repeated for seven weeks, until the surrender of the place; so
that the same 7,000 florins did the office of 49,000.
Nothing is more dangerous to a community than the hoarding of
money in the public treasury, a vice for which Henry the 7th has been
often accused. The effects are the reverse of brisk circulations.
There have been many attempts since those of sir William Pet-
ty, who was the first political arithmetician of any note in Europe, who
calculated the quantity of specie in circulation; by the most ap-
proved authorities metallic money may be now in nearly the following
proportion, if averaged for the population of each country, viz.
In England,.
France,
Holland,
Spain,
Portugal,
50 dollars a head.
60
do.
55
do.
44
do
40
do.
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
147
Although these proportions may be tolerably well supported by
the authority of names, it is not probable that there are above 25
dollars a head for an average of the commercial and trading countries
of Europe; but as even this would give them a great advantage over
the citizens of these states, the expediency of attending to a point of
such importance cannot be too often considered in all its various re-
lations, and combinations with the most important interests of indivi-
duals, and of associations, with that of the national weal; but although
this may be the whole amount in facile money, if we include the cir-
culations of above 500 town and country banks, their facile money
must be immense, in the amount exclusive of the operation of their
enormous public debt, which is now often paid and received as mo-
ney in commercial exchanges. So are their stocks in banks, turn-
pikes, canals, and all their other permanent companies and associa-
tions with defined capitals.
STATE of London market prices at different periods, from Nicholson's
Philosophical Journal, viz.

Wheat, bushels.
Labour.
Sheep.
Year.
Sterling.
1050
0
O
2-
4
1150
0 0
4.1
1250
0
Q
7
Sterling.
0 0
0
0
Sterling.
1350
0
1
10/1/
0 0
1450
0
1
5
0 0
1 2 3 m m
0
1
8
0
1
6
3 1/2
0
1
7
3
0
2
7
0
4
11
1550
1
10
0 0
6
4,
3
1600
0
4
0
0
0
6
0
5
0
1625
0
4
11
0
0
6
0
7
6
1675
0
5
6
0 0
7호
​0 11
0
1700
0
4
6
1720
4
4
0
∞ ∞
8
0
14
0
8
0 18
0
1740
0
3
8
0
0
10
1
6
0
1760
0
3
93
0
0
10
1780
5
0
2
1
10
0
1795
0
7
10
0
1
5
1
18
0
1800
0 10
0
0 2
0
2
0 6
It ought here to be observed that the difference of weight in the
pound sterling was in anno 1066 as 11 ounces, 5 pennyweight, are to
3 ounces, 17 pennyweight, 10 grains, which last is about the present
value of twenty British shillings, sterling, or the pound sterling. The
148
MONEY, &c.
NOTES R. S.
variations in the pound sterling were frequent till the year 1410,
when it was near 8 pennyweight, or nearly double what it now is.
Dr. Priestley states that the English pound weighed but 3 ounces, 6
pennyweight and 16 grains, in the year 1549, but this is probably a
mistake, and so is Dr. Adam Smith's statement, that the Scots pound,
from king Alexander's reign to the time of Bruce, was in weight
equal to 36 pounds modern, although by an examination of old re-
cords, while on a visit to Oxford in 1786, it was found that there
were as great and frequent changes both before as since the time of
Robert Bruce, but it is believed there never was so great a difference
as is stated by Dr. Smith, between the old and modern Scots pound,
or in the English pound sterling.*
An article of intelligence the most immediately necessary for in-
formation in finance, is how to make a just estimate of the riches
and power of ancient and remote nations, and to compare them with
those of our own age and nation, by means of the expressions which
historians have used to denote the riches and power of states, and
particularly by their sums of money.
There are two things which make an alteration in the representa-
tive power of money. The one is a change of the idea annexed to
any common name of a piece, or a sum of money, and the other is
an alteration of the proportion between the quantity of money in a
state, and the commodities represented by it. We shall explain each
of these more particularly.
If a change be made in the standard of a coin, which continues to
go by the same name, it is plain that the same name no longer ex-
presses the same idea, and therefore, if we be not aware of this
change, we shall be misled by the expressions. For instance, if the
quantity of silver which we call a pound be at this time but half the
quantity which was formerly cailed by that name, it is plain that if
we would form a just idea of the value of a pound in times previous
to the alteration, we must consider it to be two of our present
pounds, instead of one.
The tables of modern coin only show the proportion which sums
denoted by particular names, as pounds, shillings, pence, &c. bear to
one another; and though these sums may have always kept the
same proportion, the absolute value of them may have changed.
And tables, which shew the value of ancient or foreign money, are
always calculated according to the last standard of both, which is ge-
nerally the lowest. The modern tables, therefore, are not sufficient
to inform a reader of history of the true value of sums of money ex-
pended, or acquired, in early times. He must also have an histori-
cal account of those changes in the value of coin, which alter the
quantity of metal contained in it, either by diminishing the size of
the current pieces, or lessening the fineness of the metal by a greater
proportion of alloy.
* By pounds and shillings we allude to English sterling throughout.
NOTES R. S.
149
MONEY, &c.
As it is a maxim in trade, that every thing will find its value,
(and indeed the value which the exchange of any thing, in buying
and selling has, is its real value, that is, its true relative value with re-
spect to other things), the accounts of sums exchanged for commo-
dities in history are the only data we have given us, to determine
this relative value of money; and if we have enough of these ac-
counts, they will be sufficient for the purpose.
To judge of the proportion between the quantity of circulating
cash in different nations, or different periods of the same nation, it is
evident that we must not be guided by the price of any single article,
particularly in an article of luxury; because the prices of these things
depend upon fancy and caprice, which are continually changing. The
best guide upon the whole seems to be the price of mere labour, esti-
mated by the wages given to persons of the lowest occupations. For
these, except in the United States, have been observed, in all ages
and nations, to be little more than a bare subsistence, and the articles
of their expense must be the necessaries of life.
We shall endeavour to find the proportion between money and the
necessaries of life in the different periods of those histories with
which all literary persons would choose to be best acquainted, and at
the same time that we endeavour, in this manner to determine the
proportion which the quantity of current money has borne to vendi-
ble commodities, we likewise take notice of the price of money with
regard to itself, that is, the interest it has borne. It is true that the
interest of money has been very justly called the barometer of states
with respect to other things than those now under notice; but in the
mean time it may not be amiss to take notice of it, at present, as a
commodity, and on many occasions one of the most necessary.
For since money may be of use like any other commodity which a
person may make advantage of, he is the richest man (cæt. par.) whose
stated revenues can purchase the most extensive use of it.
The Greek coins underwent very little change compared with that
of the Roman money, or of the money of modern European states,
and therefore is the less worthy of our notice. All the allowance we
are to make for the changes of value in the Drachma (a coin equal to
the Roman Denarius, and worth about sixteen cents of our present
money) and to which the changes of value in the rest of their money
corresponded is, that from Solon to the time of Alexander we must
reckon sixty-seven grains for the weight of it, from thence to the
subjection of Greece by the Romans, sixty-five, and under the Ro-
mans sixty-two and an half, a change which is very inconsiderable.
The constant and stated rate of the value of gold to silver among
the Jews, Greeks and Romans, in the whole period of ancient times,
was ten to one, with very little variation, and the rate of silver to Cy-
prian brass, one hundred to one; and the general supposition is, that
there was one fiftieth part of alloy in the gold coins of the ancients.
At present gold is to silver as above sixteen to one, and silver to cop-
per as near seventy to one.
150
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
Numa, or Servius Tullius, first stamped brass money among the
Romans; silver was not stamped by them till the year of the city
four hundred and eighty-five, the time of their war with Pyrrhus,
and gold not till sixty-two years after.
The As, from being a pound weight averdupois, fell to two ounces
in the first Punic war, in the second Punic war to one ounce, and
presently after it was fixed by the Papyrian law to half an ounce.
These alteration were occasioned by the necessities of the common-
wealth; but, as Arburthnot observes, the plenty of gold and silver
would have done the same thing, and have brought down such an
enormous brass coin; or rather silver coins of an equal value and of
less weight, would have been introduced.
It may easily be imagined how scarce silver was at Rome when, in
all the early times of the Roman history, eight hundred and forty
pounds of brass were equivalent to one of siiver. Some say the pro-
portion between these two metals before the first Punic war was nine
hundred and sixty to one, The different proportion which was just
now observed to have taken place in Greece, during the same period,
shows how little communication there was between Greece and
Rome in those times. Indeed the commonwealth gradually reduced
this proportion, probably in consequence of a freer intercourse with
other nations, which would necessarily be attended with the intro-
duction of silver where it was so scarce.
The adulteration of the Roman coin in some periods of their his-
tory exceeds any thing we read of with respect to other countries.
The money of Caracalla had more than one half alloy, thạt of Alex-
ander Severus two-thirds, and under Gallienus it was nothing more
than gilt copper.
To enable us to judge of the proportion of money to commodities,
we select some of the accounts concerning the most necessary arti-
cles of consumption in the several countries and ages.
Corn was commonly reckoned in Greece at a drachma the me
dimnus, which, reduced to our computation, is one dollar for
be-
eight bushels. In Demosthenes's time it was much higher;
ing five drachmas the medimnus, which is about one pound two shil-
lings and seven pence per quarter. In times of plenty in Greece the
price of a sheep was eight pence, of a hog two shillings, an ox three
pounds three shillings; and a soldier served for a drachma a day,
which is about eight pence. Upon the whole, we may perhaps allow
that the proportion of money to commodities in the most flourishing
time of Greece, or the time in which the classical historians wrote,
was about the same that it was in Europe before the discovery of
America.
As the common people of Rome lived very much upon bread corn,
the price of that article will be a better guide to us than any other sin-
gle circumstance in judging of the proportion between money and the
necessaries of life among them. The ancient price of corn in Rome,
and to which it was reduced at the burning of Rome by Nero, was
NOTES R. S.
151
MONEY, &c.
three nummi the modius, that is three pence three farthings the
peck. According to Pliny, the coarsest bread was made of flour
worth forty ases, equal to fifty cents a peck; of wheaten bread forty-
eight ases; and the finest of all eighty ases, or one hundred and
thirteen cents; so that about the time of Pliny, corn was considera-
bly dearer in Rome than it is commonly at London.
The article which stands next to bread corn among the necessaries
of life is clothing. Common wearing cloaths, made of wool, such as
were always worn at Rome, we should not think very dear. For
Cato the elder never wore a suit worth above one hundred drachms,
equal to three pounds four shillings and seven pence; and we must
consider that the Roman cloaths were not made close, but large and
loose, and therefore would last longer than our close garments. This
article is likewise to be understood of plain undyed cloth, which was
white; for the expense of dyeing, particularly purple, which the Ro-
mans and the ancients in general, most of all affected, was prodi-
gious. Pelagium, one species of that dye, was worth fifty nummi,
equal to eight shilling per pound. The buccinum, another species of
it, was double that value; the violet purple was three pounds ten shil-
lings and eleven pence per pound, and the Tyrian dye could scarcely
be bought for one hundred and sixty ounces of silver per pound.
There must also have been a great difference in the fineness of their
wool, and consequently in the price of it. For a Roman pound of
Padua wool, the finest of all, (though indeed when it was rather dear)
sold for one hundred nummi, at which rate the English pound troy
comes seventeen shillings and eight pence three farthings sterling.
Wine seems always to have been cheap at Rome. For, according
to Columella, the common sort was worth eight pounds sterling per
ton.
In the early times of Rome, the price of a good calf was twenty-
five ases, equal to one shilling and seven pence three-eights sterling.
The price of a sheep a denarius, or eight pence, and the price of an
ox ten times as much. These articles Arbuthnot quotes from Pliny,
who, no doubt makes allowance for the alteration in the coin; or
money must have been plenty at that time. This makes the price
of wheat very high for the time.
According to Columella, the common mean rent of an acre of pas-
ture ground was one pound eight shillings and ten pence. Lands
were commonly reckoned at twenty-five years purchase. For the
lands of the government were so let, paying according to the rate of
four pounds per cent.
The price of land was considerably increased by the great treasures
brought to Rome in Augustus's reign. An acre of the best ground
in the city of Rome, under the emperors, may be reckoned to have
brought in a ground rent of five pounds sterling per annum; but at
this period Rome, like modern Britain, had much more than its pro-
portion of the universal money of the times.
152
MONEY, &c.
NOTES R. S.
Owing to this Roman monopoly of money, the price of an ordinary
slave, in Cato Major's time, was three hundred and seventy-seven
drachms, equal to more than forty-eight pounds sterling, while at
Cairo they were worth only fifty dollars.
Before Domitian, the Roman soldiers served for under ten cents,
and afterwards for about twelve cents a day; so that if we take the
price of day labour from the pay of a soldier (which in most coun-
tries, and particularly ancient nations, it hardly ever exceeds) it will
not make it much higher in Rome than it is now in France.
From the prices of all these articles taken together, we should
conclude that the proportion which money bore to commodities in the
most flourishing times of the commonwealth, and under the first em-
perors, was rather higher than it bears at present with us. But this
could only be the case at Rome, and the neighbourhood of it. All
the necessaries of life were considerably cheaper in Greece. Poly-
bius, who lived in the time of the third Punic war, says that provi-
sions were so cheap in Italy in his time, that, in some places, the
stated club in the inns was a semis a head, which is but little more
than half a cent. And under the later emperors the prices of all
necessaries were certainly nearly the same that they were in any
part of Europe before the discovery of America.
All the articles mentioned above related to what may be called the
necessaries of life. How extravagant the Romans were in entertain-
ments and the elegancies of life, we may form some idea of from the
following circumstance, that Roscius the actor (whose profession was
less respectable at Rome than it is even with us) could gain five hun-
dred sestertia, equal to four thousand and thirty-six pounds nine shil-
lings and two pence sterling per annum; and per day, when he acted,
one thousand nummi, equal to thirty-two pounds five shillings and
ten pence.
The most moderate interest at Athens was twelve per cent. paid
monthly, and according to Aristophanes it was somewhat more.
The rent of other things, likewise, was very high in proportion to
their value. Antidorus, says Demosthenes, paid three talents and
an half for a house, which he let for a talent a year. If this were
true, admitting it to have been an extraordinary case, it is no won-
der that the hire of money bore so extraordinary a price in propor-
tion to its value. Such circumstances as these are a demonstration
of the precarious state of property. For both with regard to money
and every thing else, the more secure it is supposed to be, the less
annual interest is required in proportion to its esteemed value.
In the early times of the Roman commonwealth too, interest was
at a medium twelve per cent. In the flourishing times of the com-
monwealth it fell to six, and though it was suddenly reduced to four
upon the conquest of Egypt, it presently rose to its old standard; and
in Pliny's time six per cent. was the public customary interest of
money; Justinian reduced it to four per cent. and money lent to
NOTES R. S.
153
MONEY, &C.
masters of ships to one per cent. per month. This kind of interest
had before been two per cent.
But there was a peculiarity in the Roman method of putting out
money to interest, which must be explained, as we have nothing like
it with us.
With them it was customary after one hundred and one
months to add six per cent. to the principal, besides the simple inter-
est which was due upon the sum. This they called anatocismos, so
that their usual rate for long interest was neither simple nor com-
pound, but something between both
The English money, though the same names do by no means cor-
respond to the same quantity of precious metal as formerly, has not
changed so much as the money of most other countries. In this part
of the subject we are so happy as to be able to give a much more
complete deduction of the changes both in the value of money, and
the proportion it has borne to commodities, than in the preceding.
A view of all the changes which the standard of our money has ever
undergone, we shall present at once, in brief extracts from the
account lately published of English coins by the society of antiqua-
ries. But previous to this it will be proper to notice, that in the
Saxon times, a shilling (at one time at least) was reckoned to contain
five pence, or penny weights, and one pound contained forty-eight
shillings, which is the same number of pence that a pound contains
now.
However, the proportion between the shilling and either the penny
on the one hand, and the pound on the other, seems not to have been
so constant and uniform as that between the penny and the pound.
During the first race of the kings of France, the French sou, or shil-
ling, appears, upon different occasions, to have contained five, twelve,
twenty, and forty pennies. From the time of Charlemagne among
the French, and from that of William the Conqueror among the En-
glish, the proportion between the pound, the shilling, and the penny,
seems to have been uniformly the same as at present.
Though a different distribution of the subdivisions of a pound was
introduced with the Normans, yet William the Conqueror brought
no new weight into his mint; but the same weight used there some
ages after, and called the pound of the tower of London, was the old
pound of the Saxon moniers before the conquest. This pound was
lighter than the pound troy by three ounces. It was divided into
two hundred and forty pence, and consequently the intrinsic value of
fifty-eight shillings and three half pence of present British sterling.
It may not be improper also to premise, that Edward III. was the
first English king who coined any gold; and that no copper was
coined by authority before James I. These pieces were not called
farthings, but farthing tokens, and all people were at liberty to take
or refuse them. Before the time of Edward III. gold was exchanged,
like any other commodity, by its weight; and before the time of
James I. copper was stamped by any person who chose to do it.
U
154
MONEY, &c.
NOTES R. S.
The French money has suffered much more by the diminution of
its value than the English. Voltaire gives the following general ac-
count of it. The numerary pound in the time of Charlemagne was
twelve ounces of silver. This pound was divided into twenty sols,
and the sols into twelve deniers. In Europe that sol, which was
equal to a crown at present, is now no more than a light piece of cop-
per with a mixture of at most one-eleventh of silver. The livre,
which formerly represented twelve ounces of silver, is in France no
more than twenty sols, and the denier is one-third of that base coin
we call a liard. Whereas a pound sterling is worth about twenty
two francs of France, and the Dutch pound is nearly equal to twelve.
Voltaire also gives us the following useful caution with respect to
the computations made by several considerable French writers. Ro-
lin, Fleury, and all the most useful writers, when they would express
the value of talents, mine and sesterces, compute by an estimate made
before the death of Colbert. But the mark of eight ounces, which
was then worth twenty-six francs, ten sols, is now worth forty-nine
livres, ten sols; a difference which amounts to near one half. With-
out remembering this variation, we should have a very erroneous
idea of the strength of ancient states, &c.
The changes in the proportion between money and commodities
in France may easily be imagined to have kept pace pretty nearly with
those in England, and therefore need not be particularly pointed out.
Accordingly, Voltaire observes that all provisions were eight or ten
times cheaper in proportion to the quantity of money in Charle-
magne's time; but he cannot be supposed to speak very accurately,
when he says that in the reign of Lewis XI: who was cotemporary
with Edward IV. money, meaning of the same standard, was worth
about double of what it is at present, and also that it was of the same
value in the reign of Lewis XIII. who reigned in the last year of
James I. and the beginning of Charles I For betwixt those two
reigns was an interval of one hundred and fifty years, in which
was the discovery of America, which occasioned the greatest ge-
neral alteration of the proportion between money and commodities
that ever was made in this part of the world. In the former reign,
therefore, the value of money must have been much greater, and
perhaps in the latter reign less than he makes it. At present the
prices of commodities are higher in England than in France, besides
that the poor people of France live upon much less than the poor in
England, and their armies are maintained at less expense. It is com-
puted by Mr. Hume, that a British army of twenty thousand men
is maintained at near as great an expense as sixty thousand in France,
and that the English fleet in the war of 1741, required as much mo-
ney to support it as all the Roman legions in the time of the empe-
rors. However, all that we can conclude from this last article is,
that money is much more plentiful in Europe at present than it was
in the Roman empire.
I
>
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
155
In the thirteenth century the common interest which the Jews had
for their money, Voltaire says, was twenty per cent.
But with re-
gard to this we must consider the great contempt that nation was
always held in, the large contributions they were frequently obliged
to pay, the risk they run of never receiving the principal, the fre-
quent confiscation of all their effects, and the violent persecutions to
which they were exposed; in which circumstances it was impossible
for them to lend money at all unless for a most extravagant interest,
and much disproportioned to its real value. Before the discovery of
America, and the plantation of the colonies, the interest of money
was generally twelve per cent. all over Europe; and it has been
growing gradually less since that time till it is now generally about
four or five.
When sums of money are said to be raised by a whole people, in
order to form a just estimate of it, we must take into consideration
not only the quantity of the precious metal according to the stand-
ard of the coin, and the proportion of the quantity of coin to the
commodities, but also the number and riches of the people who raise
it. For admitting the two circumstances, which have been already
explained, to be the same, still populous and rich countries will much
more easily raise any certain sum of money than one that is thinly
inhabited, and chiefly by poor people. This circumstance greatly
adds to our surprise at the vast sums of money raised by William
the Conqueror, who had a revenue nearly equal in value to twelve
millions of pounds sterling (allowance being made for the stand-
ard of coin and the proportion it bore to commodities) from a
country not so populous or rich as England is at present. Indeed
the accounts historians give us of this prince, and the treasure he
left behind him, are barely credible.
We now offer an apposite extract from Mr. Hume respecting
THE PRIMARY DUTIES OF THE LEGISLATURE, and on the fatal con-
sequences of a decrease of the efficient circulating medium, or the
essential oil of industry, money, in any civilized country.
"Whether money be in a greater or less quantity, the good policy
of the magistrate consists only in keeping it, if possible, still increas-
ing; because, by that means, he keeps alive a spirit of industry in
the nation, and increases the stock of labour, in which consists all
real power and riches. A nation whose money decreases, is actually
at that time much weaker, and more miserable than any other nation,
which possesses no more money, but is on the increasing hand.
"This will be easily accounted for, if we consider that the alterations
in the quantity of money either on the one side or the other, are not
immediately attended with proportionable alterations in the prices of
commodities. There is always an interval before matters be adjusted
to their new situation; and this interval is as pernicious to industry,
when gold and siver are diminishing, as it is advantageous, when
these metals are increasing. The workman has not the same em-
156
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
ployment from the manufacturer and merchant; though he pays the
same price for every thing in the market. The farmer cannot dis-
pose of his corn and cattle; though he pays the same rent to his
landlord. The poverty, and beggary, and sloth, which must ensue,
are easily foreseen."
It is much to be lamented to the dishonour of ancient legislation,
that the views here given by Mr. Hume, were so frequently realized
in former times, even in communities highly civilized in other re-
spects; but finance, for its numerous relations, the most difficult of
all the sciences, was never understood till since the birth of Sully, ex-
cept partially by Solomon, Pericles, Augustus and the Medici, who
were envied for their knowledge, and calumniated for the life and vi-
gour they every where diffused, by all the idle and ignorant of ancient
and modern times; but the art of printing has fortunately preserved
a sufficient number of facts for conviction, and as we have already
smarted under two insurrections for carrying injudicious taxes into
parts of our country where there was nothing to pay them, we hope
that proper order will one day be taken to watch the state of our cir-
culating medium, as the officer who distributes the fluid for the Delta
does the pillar of the Nile; if we do not, we shall always be liable to be
greatly injured, though we hope we have too much discretion again
to trust in remedies worse than the disease, as in the times of the two
insurrections of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.*
The importance of more carefully watching the state of our com-
mercial circulations, when we have the power at any moment so
abundantly to supply and to correct any error in finance, or to re-
dress all grievances of the kind alleviated by our funding system, is
best seen by looking often at the pictures of our former distresses.
By anti-financial policy, the effects of ignorance or inattention in the
legislature, our merchants may again be forced to run deeply in debt,
to near the whole amount of their shipping and all their other stock
in trade, by which, as in former times, an extra burthen of ten to
fifteen per cent. per annum for the increased risk of credits and inter-
est, will be realized, to an amount incredible with those who have not
fully attended to the subject. To these losses must be added the loss
in time by running after bad debts, and to borrow money, the cost
of law suits, the expenses in confinement for debt, the slothful habits
and lingering manners of our agricultural labourers and artizans,
when they are doubtful of being paid, and yet dare not refuse the
rare offers of work, the prevarications, want of confidence, and ma-
ny immoral practices that have ensued, in the old world, in all such
changes, are too shocking to dwell on: so are the circumstances
that led to our happy change, to which a report of the secretary of
the treasury, from which we give the following extracts, was chiefly
instrumental.
* Whenever a government makes money scarce it has been usual to charge the
merchants with the fault of over trading.
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
157
On the Importance of Public Credit.
"To promote the increasing respectability of the American name;
to answer the calls of justice; t restore landed property to its due
value; to furnish new resources both to commerce and agriculture;
TO CEMENT MORE CLOSELY THE UNION OF THE STATES; to add to
their security against foreign attack; to establish public order on the
basis of an upright and liberal policy: these are the great and inva-
luable ends to be secured by a proper and adequate provision for the
support of public credit."
1
To shew the difference between the unfunded paper money, which
may be pernicious to any community, and a FUNDED STOCK, which is
the reverse of the latter he says, "It answers the purposes of mo-
ney; transfers of stock are equivalent to payments in specie, or, in
other words, stock, in the principal transactions of business, passes
as money. Trade is extended by it, because there is a larger capital
to carry it on, and the merchant can at the same time afford to trade
on less profits (in this he accords with Hume, Smith, &c.) as his
stock, when employed, brings him an interest from the government,
and serves him also as money when he calls for it in his commercial
operations. Agriculture and manufactures are also promoted by it, for
like reasons, that more capital can be commanded in both, and be-
cause the merchant, whose enterprize gives to them greater activity and
extension, has greater means for enterprize.
The interest of money
will be lowered by it; for interest is always in a ratio to the quantity
of money; this circumstance will enable both the public and indi-
viduals to borrow on lower and easier terms: from a continuation of
these effects, additional aid will be furnished to labour, to indus-
try, and to arts of every kind.
The depreciated value of land ought, in a great measure, to be at-
tributed to the scarcity of money; consequently, whatever produces
an augmentation of the monied capital of the country, must have a
proportional effect in raising that value. The proprietors of land would
not only feel the benefit of this increase in the value of their property,
and a more prompt and better sale when they have occasion to sell, but
the necessity of selling would be greatly diminished.”
Having recently heard more complaints than at any time since the
fortunate funding of the debt, of an universal scarcity of specie, which
now bears a higher premium than usual, and of the banks being obliged
to curtail their operations; and also a more striking proof of money
being too scarce in the falling price of real estates, while popu-
lation is rapidly increasing, and while the average of our lands are at
less than one-fifth of their real value; we have endeavoured to
compare the average state of our specie, before the funding system,
with two different periods since, and believe we had not in 1790 above
two dollars and fifty cents for the entire population of the states;
but by the effect of the funding system we rose to near seven dollars
each, in facile money, in the year 1794, including bank notes, at one-
158
NOTES R. S. MONEY, &c.
third, in addition to the specie, and find by the same rules we have
not more than five dollars and fifty cents of facile money, at
this time, 1805, which by the depreciation of money in Europe,
would soon reduce us to a very low rate indeed, if it were not that
our insurance, turnpike and other stocks, as negotiable money,
have supplied in part the deficiency; these, with the increased and in-
creasing number of our banks, are now often used as remittances;
but this is an injurious fact, for, as by paying off six per cents. we
induce foreigners to buy into eight per cent. banks, &c. at par, we
thus increase the foreign drains one-third, without any increase of our
capital.
It may therefore be well worthy of the legislature to consider what
effects the sale of a three per cent. loan,* for the improvement of
roads, from the Atlantic to the national land bank, would have on the
prices and the sales of the lands that are finally to discharge these and
all other public loan certificates. We all know that the stock, thus
created, would, in lieu of specie, serve for remittances to Europe, and
often bring thence the purchasers, a desirable white population, with
their families, who would soon exchange their public certificates for
the public lands. This consideration would shew a providential and
paternal regard to their primary duty, and lead to an extension in finan-
cial knowledge, of incalculable importance to their country.
Having stated that many new banks have been recently formed,
in part to supply the merchants with remittances, bills, &c. in lieu of
the bills now bought annually by government, to discharge both the
principal and interest of our nominal debt, we have subjoined a list as far
extended as we have been able to collect information, of their numbers
and capital, but as some of the banks have not yet paid their whole,
and others have increased their capital, this list is not complete.
We ought here to repeat our obligations to Mr. R. Morris, to
whose vigilant and vigorous patriotism the people of the United
States are chiefly indebted for having first introduced the banking
system into our country. To his bank of North America, we are
chiefly indebted for the means that kept our army in camp till the
peace of 1783. By following his plans the poorer states of that time
are now the most wealthy and most industrious of the union. By
continuing to increase in banks, we are enabled to bear the annual
drain of above four millions, in discharge of public loans held abroad,
of which our legislature have not fully considered the value to their
"the
country, nor have they yet attended to these facts, namely;
fublic land laws have virtually provided for all the public debts." 2. Fo-
reign loans are now worth ten per cent. at an annual compound, and
will continue to be worth as much till we have the value of fifty days
labour a head, if averaged, for each individual in the United States.
3. The present value of money will not cease till the entire lands of
the union bring more than four times their present prices.
* The highest bidders for cash will be foreigners.
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &c.
159
1
LIST OF BANKS IN THE UNITED STATES.
When
insti-
NAME.
State.
Capital.
tuted.
North America,
1780 Penns.
750,000
Massachusetts,
1784
Mass.
400,000
New York,
1784
N. Y.
950,000
United States and 8 Branches,
1791
Penns.
10,000,000
Pennsylvania and 2 Branches,
1792
Penns.
2,000,000
Maryland,
1790 | Maryl.
400,000
Providence,
1791 R. I.
400,000
Albany,
1792, N. Y.
170,000
Bank of South Carolina,
Union Bank Boston,
1792 S. C.
675,000
1792
Mass.
1,200,000
•
New Hampshire Bank,
1792 N. H.
400,000
Alexandria, .
1792
Col.
500,000
Columbia,
1793 Col.
1,000,000
Wilmington,
1795 N.C.
110,000
Hartford,
1792 Con.
500,000
Union Bank New London,
1792 Con.
500,000
New Haven Bank,
1796 Con.
400,000
Norwich Bank,
1796 Con.
180,000
Middletown,
1795 Con.
400,000
Manhattan,
Newbury Port,
Essex Bank, Salem,
Bank Rhode Island, Newport,
Baltimore,
Gloucester Bank, Cape Ann,
Washington Bank, Westerly, ·
Bristol, Rhode Island,
Exchange Bank, Providence,
Farmer's Bank, Lansingburg,
State Bank South Carolina,
Pacific Bank, Nantucket,
Newburn,
Merchants Bank,
1795
Mass.
225,000
1799
N. Y.
2,000,000
1792
Mass.
125,000
•
1795 R. I.
100,000
1796
1795 Maryl.
Mass.
1,200,000
60,000
1800
R. I.
50,000
1800 R. I.
80,000
1801 R. I.
135,000
1802 N. Y.
75,000
1801
S. C.
800,000
1804
Mass.
75,000
•
1805 N. C.
200,000
1805 N. Y.
1,250,000
Haverhill Bank,
1804 N. H.
50,000
Keene Bank,
1804 N. H.
100,000
Farmer's Bank,
1804 N. H.
150,000
Boston,
1804
Mass.
1,800,000
Potomack,
1804 Col.
500,000
Virginia Bank and 3 Branches,
1804 Vir.
1,500,000
Union Bank of Maryland,
1804 Maryl.
3,000,000
160
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &c.
LIST, CONTINUED.
When
insti-
NAME.
State.
Capital.
tuted.
Farmer's Bank and two branches,
1804
Maryl.
1,000,000
Wilmington Bank,
1804
N.C.
250,000
Jersey Bank,
1804
N. J.
800,000
Exeter Bank,
1804
N. H.
100,000
Dover Bank,
1804 N. H.
100,000
Portsmouth Bank,
1804
N. H.
200,000
Boston Exchange,
1804
Mass.
500,000
We are without the necessary information to give the capitals of
the following institutions, and therefore only note their establishment.
Hudson, New York; Portland, Maine; Nantucket, Massachu-
setts; Beverly, Mass. Worcester, Mass. Merimack bank at New-
bury Port, Mass. Wiscasset, Maine, Salem, Mass. New Bedford,
Mass. Plymouth, Mass. Marblehead, Mass. Northampton, Mass.
Warren, R. Island; New London, Connecticut; Penobscot, Maine;
Taunton Manufacturers, Mass. Bank of New Orleans, Louisiana;
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Newark Bank and Insurance, N. Jer-
sey; Trenton Bank, N. Jersey; Hallowel and Augusta Bank, Mass.
The entire capitals of the preceding institutions, when all paid
in, will be near fifty millions. They, however, at present do not reach
forty-five, and if in some instances renewable notes are received,
with deposites of the original stock of the bank, and other sufficient se-
curities, as substitutes for the final payments by instalments after the
first, as is frequently the case in European institutions of this kind,
the facilities created by all these banks do not give to the specie me-
dium an additional circulation of facile money, more than one-third
on the real amount; thus with eighteen millions of specie we may
now have thirty-three millions, or five and an half dollars a head, if
averaged, for each individual in the United States. This is as near
the mark as we can arrive by our best present means of information,
and we hope not far from the truth.
It is not our intention to give a history of banks, or of their rou-
tine; they may both be found in part in Mr. Dobson's enlarged edi-
tion of a British encyclopedia; it is enough to say that our mode is
an improvement on the best in the world.
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &C.
161
The largest bank of discount in the world is that of
England, its capital and specie deposits are nearly,
And its notes in circulation will average,
18,000,000
12.000,000
Sterling, 30,000,000
The bank of Amsterdam is of a different kind, being only a bank
of deposite for what is called safe keeping; but as it cannot be sup-
posed to be very safe with such neighbours as a Lewis the 14th, or
any other as enterprizing and as sudden visitors, it is remarkable that
they thus wrap their talents in a napkin when they might make more
of them with less risk, by discounting; then those who may be
tempted to plunder them in their present state, might be obliged or
induced to support them, on account of their notes in circulation, if
they would condescend to improve by the experience of the rest of the
world; in this many of the principal burghers of Amsterdam agreed
with the author, when once on a visit at this bank, the stock of
which is either a secret or unknown to any but its officers.
Among the most striking features in a full account of the benefits
derived from our American banking system, are the following:
First, PUNCTUALITY IN ALL COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS, which
alone is the saving of many millions annually to the United States.
Second, It reduces usury, wherever there is a sufficient number
of rival banks, to prevent a monopoly of its benefits.
Third, It increases the facile money at least one-third and often
one half in the amount in circulation.
Fourth, It affords well known strong and convenient places for safe
keeping, and this prevents even a temptation to robbery.
Fifth, It saves an incalculable sum in a fair estimate of the time
saved in counting large notes instead of silver and other coins.
Sixth, It saves the expenses of carriage, which when calculated for
a long distance, on large sums, are great, and the post, or half note,
by mail, is always a safe mode of conveyance.
Therefore, every town eligibly situated for business, with near
4,000 inhabitants commercially and mechanically employed, may
find immediate benefit arising from a bank with a moderate capital.
In a town of 7 or 8,000 inhabitants, a banking capital of a million di-
vided into two parts, or even more, rather than all in one, will be
found more beneficial for the average of the community, though,
perhaps not so advantageous to the stock-holders; thus, twice our
present number of banks, if judiciously placed, would give the pre-
sent dividends of 8 per cent. and more general assistance to the
whole community.
The character of a valuable work will justify the followng ex-
tracts from Smith's Wealth of Nations:
"Every saving in the expense of collecting and supporting that
part of a national capital which consists in money, is an improvement
X
162
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &C.
t
:
of the revenue, hence the utility of paper bank circulation, which
supplies the place of an expensive instrument of commerce with one less
COSTLY and more convenient. The credit of a banker gives his notes
all the value of money in circulation, and twenty thousand pounds
in cash being generally sufficient to answer all the occasional de-
mands which may arise from the paper circulation of an hundred
thousand:* by this operation twenty thousand pounds performs all
the operations of an hundred thousand, and the whole will be car-
ried on with one-fifth of the specie necessary without it."
"Where
this paper money is employed in the increase of materials or em-
ployment for labourers, it promotes industry and wealth, this use of
an over-plus of money is most prevalent. It is, therefore, of ad-
vantage to society to increase the quantity of currency by bank notes,
as it gives an opportunity of increasing the quantity of materials,
tools and maintenance for labour, and consequently of the produce
of labour."
"The increase and riches of commercial and manufacturing towns
contribute to the improvement of the country three ways, by afford-
ing a great and ready market for the natural produce of the country,
by providing purchasers of land among the wealthy citizens, and by
establishing order and good government, liberty and security," of life
and property.
"The judicious operations of banking, by substituting paper in
the room of a great part of the gold and silver, which was dead
stock, and hereby enabling the country to convert this part into ac-
tive and productive stock, are exceedingly beneficial to commerce."
"Money, though a valuable part of the capital, is no part of the
stock of a society." "A guinea may be considered as a bill for a
certain quantity of necessaries, or conveniences, "the portion of
wealth consists not in the bill, but in the valuable commodities it will
command."
"Stock lent at interest is always considered as a capital by the
lender, and is generally employed as such by the borrower."
The character of our banks and of our insurance companies is now
so fully established, that every one will agree with the learned and in-
defatigable Mr.N.Webster. "Having seen these institutions are so well
conducted, that their credit has remained unimpaired amidst enormous
depredations on our commerce by the belligerent powers, and the nume-
rous bankruptcies occasioned by those depredations, and the vast specu-
lations of our citizens; these facts, while they inspire confidence in the
institutions, evince a degree of ability, diligence and integrity, highly
* We ought here to observe that Dr. Smith wrote his elaborate and highly use-.
ful work before the business of banking was well understood; it is now found that
a bank, to be perfectly secure, ought never to loan double its capital; and that even
30 per cent. on an average, will divide 8 per cent. per annum.
:
·
|
1
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &c.
163
}
honourable to the directors and to the commercial character of the United
States."
If they were so safe and well conducted before they were so nu-
merous, they are now rendered more stable by the increase of their
numbers, for instead of circulating two or three times the amount
of their capital, and thence dividing above 12 per centum, they can-
not now extend their notes in circulation beyond 50 per cent. on
their capital, as may be seen by their dividends, which are now on
an average not more than thirty-three and one-third, or at 8 per cen-
tum, while their legal interest on loans, by discount, are 6; hence
there can be little danger of any failure of these institutions, now
universally acknowledged to be among the safest and best conducted
in the world. When they were first instituted they excited many
unreasonable jealousies, but these have subsided in a great degree,
since it is known that banks counteract usurious practices, and tend to
make of every sixty dollars a circulation of eighty, thereby increas
ing the facile money of the community one-third beyond its real
amount in specie with no risk; and yet as it is the nature of man to
imbibe prejudices, it is incompatible with the general interest of a
large community of freemen that either a single set of bank direc-
tors, or a single company of bankers, should have an extensive con-
troul over the necessaries most essential to our natural or political
existence; hence, by equitable divisions, the banking principle should
be distributed over every quarter of a city, with a capital of not more
than one million of dollars to one company.
On having seen the question, how far the banking principle may
be carried without danger to the community? We have naturally
turned our attention to this subject, and believe the practice of the
first commercial country in the world, may assist in the answer.
There are in England, besides the bank of England, seventy-three
private banks in London, and four hundred and seventy-eight in the
country it is computed that the bank bills of exchange and notes
now circulated as facilities by these banks, are on an average more
than two hundred thousand pounds from each bank. An intelligent
American of acute observation in finance, has estimated the bank
accommodations of England to average six hundred millions of dol-
lars, for eight millions of people. According to this rule, if we have
only fifty millions and six millions of people, we have yet a great
deal to do before we reach the experience of England; we are, there-
fore, of opinion that the principle should not be disturbed by legis
lative authority, but left to regulate itself, especially since it is found
that where banks are not wanted the subscriptions will not fill.
At the time of the establishment of the national bank the author of
these remarks proposed, in addition, that the nation should take half
the institution, and by its charter, the secretary of the treasury should
be allowed to subscribe as often and as long as the shares, so sub-
scribed, would sell at not less than 25 per cent. advance, provided the
164
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &C.
1
cash paid therefor did not exceed the value of two thousand shares
in any one year, and that government should reserve the right to
stop these subscriptions for additional stock whenever all the larger
towns in the union (according to the federal rule of apportionment)
should be supplied with branches and capital sufficient for all their re-
gular commercial transactions.
All institutions of this kind should, in a growing country, be so
constructed as to admit of their increase in proportion to that growth,
or there cannot be a moral fitness for any length of time.*
The only objection to such a plan is the vast influence of such a
bank with subordinate branches, and the jealousies or real injuries
it might occasion to a republic; but if these be unimportant com-
pared with the great benefits that might have been, and still may be
gained; then, on the expected application of a renewal for a charter for
the United States' bank, if this may be deemed worthy of reconsidera-
tion, another equally beneficial to the community, and not in the least
dangerous, would be for government to anticipate a few millions of
acres, by a sale of 3 per cents. loans, sufficient for the purpose, to
grant a charter for twenty years, to a bank for every compact com-
mercial town, of at least, three thousand inabitants, and by subscrib-
ing for any amount not exceeding one half the stock to the new banks
that might be formed in due time, and to the existing banks that will
gladly admit subscriptions, for the return of a charter, when the ex-
isting exclusive privilege to the present bank of the United States is
omitted on the renewal of their charter now nearly expired. The
advantages to the United States from such financial measures may
be better illustrated by a recurrence to the great profit already real-
ized, in dividends and by sales of their stock in the bank of the
United States; but the extent to which the principle may be carried
to advantage, time and experience alone can evince; it would, how-
ever, be productive of many millions within a few years. In ano-
the part of this work we have mentioned that, on the fifth of the
bank of the United States, subscribed by government, near a mil-
lion had been gained. It will be easy to perceive the general bene-
fits to be derived by a further prosecution of the same or similar plans,
proportioned to the progressive improvement of the states, and con-
sequently necessary increase of banks throughout the union.
The
immense product of such measures in finance need no comment.
Account of the Bank of the United States, by N. Webster, esqr.
"After the establishment of the present constitution of government
for the United States, and a regular and efficacious system of finance,
the gentleman at the head of the treasury, whose distinguished ta-
lents had been occupied in bringing order out of confusion, project-
ed the plan of a national bank, to facilitate the operations of the sys-
tem, and furnish to the government, the means of procuring loans,
*This principle has been tried at the suggestion of the author in two banks.
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &c.
165
as occasion might require. The project was not well received by the
party opposed to the general system of finance, and the measures of
the first administration; but an act of incorporation was obtained
and approved by the president, February 25, 1791. By this act the
capital stock consists of ten millions of dollars, in twenty-five thou-
sand shares of four hundred dollars each, one-fourth of which was
paid in specie, and three-fourths in funded 6 per cent. stock. The
sums subscribed were paid in four equal instalments, the first on
subscribing and the others at the distance of six calendar months
from each other. The duration of the charter is limited to the
4th day of March, 1811; and the amount of property, real and per-
sonal, (including the capital stock) which the company is permitted
to possess, is limited to fifteen million of dollars. None but citizens
of the United States can be directors, and three-fourths only of the
directors can be elected the next succeeding year. The corporation
is not permitted to contract debts, of any kind, beyond the amount
of ten millions of dollars, over and above the monies then actually
deposited in the bank for safe keeping, unless previously authorized
by law. In case of an excess of debts, the directors under whose
administration it happens, are liable for the same in their private
capacities.
The corporation may sell any or all of its public stocks, and it is
understood, that a considerable part of it is sold, but they cannot
deal or trade in any thing except bills of exchange, gold or silver,
bullion, or in goods pledged for debts due to the corporation, or pro-
duced on their lands. The interest they are permitted to take for
their discounts cannot exceed 6 per cent. per annum. No loan can
be made by the corporation, to the government of the United States,
to an amount exceeding one hundred thousand; nor to a state ex-
ceeding fifty thousand dollars, unless previously authorized by law.
The United States subscribed, as by the act was permitted, two
millions of dollars to the capital stocks of the bank; and a part of
the funded stock subscribed has been sold.
Several branches, or offices of discount and deposit, are establish-
ed by the directors, in the principal commercial cities of the United
States, viz. one at New York, one at Boston, one at Baltimore, one
at Norfolk, one at Charleston, S. Carolina, and one at Washington,
the seat of government. The bank declares half yearly dividends,
which, from its establishment, have been 4 per cent. with two sur-
plus dividends, one of 1 per cent. and another of 2 per cent. It dis-
counts notes for sixty days.
The seat of the bank is in Philadelphia, where a superb building
has been erected for its accommodation.*
The bank is governed by twenty-five directors, chosen annually on
the first Monday of January. The branches have their own directors
elected annually by the stock-holders. Once in three years, a state-
ment of the concerns of the bank is to be laid before the stockholders."
The plan was by the author of this book; but its brick sides are an injurious deviation.
166
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &c.
The principles and manner of transacting business are nearly the
same in all our banks, except that those of Lexington and Newark
have connected insurance with banking. Some of the banks have
more directors than others; the highest number twenty-five, and the
lowest seven. The desire to afford an extension of bank favours to
prevent monopoly in times of a scarcity of money, have occasioned
a greater number of directors than would otherwise be necessary;
this has also occasioned an annual disability in a part of the direction
of the preceding year at each election.
The discounts, at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum, are generally
for sixty days only, but it has been generally expected that a renewal
of at least a major part of each note, against which no negative may
intervene, will be obtained on application a few days preceding the
time of payment.
As for safety of the banks a single negative vote is deemed suffi-
cient to check a loan; it is the interest of each community to pro-
mote a rivalry in banking as in all other trading institutions; this is
in fact the only way to correct the only evil incident to these invalu-
able institutions, viz. that of monopoly, to which might be added an
abuse of a power in a director over the commercial reputation of a
rival in trade.
But it is presumed, that in a country so young, the vices of the
old world are not yet practised to any extent; the last objection is
then of little moment, except to guard against the possible evils of
futurity.
Under the heads of MONEY and BANKS, it is proposed to offer some
remarks on an important improvement in both, and to state that,
however deficient we may be in other financial points, we have attain-
ed to one, by which we abundantly excel the rest of the world in our
national measures. But for this we are more indebted to providence
or to our particular situation than to any common cause; hence, our
expressions of gratitude preclude those which might lead us to err in
any account of our enviable and inestimable situation, from the fol-
lowing cause: By our war for independence, our nation won from
Canada near three hundred millions of acres of land, the superior
averaged excellence of which we have only recently discovered. As
this immense and invaluable prize was deemed a natural offset for
the expenses of the war, it was very early considered, in whole or in
part, as pledged for the redemption of our present and future public
debts. Hence, it was obvious that till these lands were expended,
no heavy taxes could be necessary after a simple and complete mo-
dification of this almost inexhaustible mass of wealth was perfected,
and the lands, in order for sale. Although a variety of opinions pre-
vented a due regard to the value of these lands, yet the congress of
the United States, by a law of March, 1796, have insured their pri.
mary object by the establishment of an immense national land bank, the
entire stock of which consists in three hundred million of acres on
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &C.
167
the north-east side of the Mississippi. A sufficient number of these
lands are already surveyed and laid out into square sections of one
hundred sixty acres each, and in townships of twenty-five thousand
acres; and the certificates of the public debt are now daily discount-
ing at two dollars the acre, for 6 per cent. stocks, &c. (the particulars
have another place in this work.)
The principal offices of discount and sale of the national lands are
now at the principal bank in the treasury of the United States, city
of Washington, and at the branch offices at Steubenville, Marietta,
Chilicothe, Zanesville, Cincinnati, Vincennes, and are daily extend-
ing. Some doubts entertained of the expediency of opening at
present the sales of the immense additional stock of lands acquired
by the purchase of Louisiana, render it uncertain when this import-
ant measure will take place, but no doubt, in due time, the whole
will be effected, and furnish more resources than will be expended by
posterity for a century to come.
By these simple and well organized means, it is now ascertained
that even with the present scarcity of money, less than one-tenth of
our public lands are sufficient to extinguish the whole of the present
public debt, if that can be called a debt which is thus more than amply
provided for. The time in which this will be perfected must depend
chiefly on the plenty or scarcity of our home circulations of facile
money. With six dollars a head, the present public debt would sink
in the land offices of discount, in about fifteen years; but with
twelve dollars (a head) in circulation, and sales only by auction, ad-
vancing on the miniinun of two dollars, the lands would bring above
fifty to one hundred per cent. on the present prices. To follow the
effects of additional loans on the price of our lands is a most inte-
resting study; lands would rise, labor would fall, but other things,
being governed by European commerce, would not be changed from
their present state.
Previous to our views of NATIONAL DEBTS, it may be proper to
shew that the aversion both to a public debt and to banks arose ori-
ginally from the jealousy of the European hereditary barons and im-
mense land holders, lest the mercantile gentlemen should by these
means become their equals, or approach nearer to that liberty and
equality, which they could not bear. The cause of opposition even
Mr. Hume could not conceal, for in speaking of public stocks, while
objecting to the increase of transferable wealth:
"In this unnatural state of society (says he, with all the feelings of
an ancient British baron) ADIEU TO ALL IDEAS OF NOBILITY AND
GENTRY! The stocks can be transferred in an instant, and will sel-
dom be transferred during three generations from father to son, or
were they to remain ever so long in one family, they would convey no
hereditary authority to the possessor, and by this means (alas,) the se-
veral ranks of men are lost !”
These consequences, so mortifying to a British gentleman with no-
ble blood in his veins, made him add several severe reflections, which
168
NOTES S. T. BANKS, &C.
neither his own natural good sense, nor the experience of the British
nation have ever justified.
Public debts and banks being favourable to a more equal distribution
of wealth, will not be suffered long, in an absolute monarchy, unless
the wise monarch himself be a real friend to the people, for the rea-
sons explained by Mr. Hume, but for those very reasons they were
advocated as early as 1776, first by Mr. Paine, as follows:
Extract from Common Sense, 1776.
“No nation ought to be without a public debt, it is a national bond.
"No country on the globe is so happily situated, or so internally
capable of raising a fleet as America. Tar, timber, iron and cord-
age are her natural produce. We need go abroad for nothing.
"We ought to build a fleet to encourage commerce. It being the
best money we can lay out. It is that nice point of policy in which
commerce and protection are united. Let us build, even if we want
them not. We never can be more capable to begin than now.”
Voltaire acknowledges the importance of a paper credit when he
says, "If the circulation of paper could be maintained, which has
at least doubled the strength of England, France would acquire its
last degree of perfection."
Mr. Anderson compares national paper to bank paper in its bene-
ficial effects. He admits that both have existed in the distressing
times of a scarcity of specie, but will not admit that they were
ever a cause of this scarcity.
"National as well as more private paper credit, by doing the of-
fice of real money or coin, so far from being injurious as some have
insinuated, is a real and a very considerable benefit to commerce.
But this, he adds, can never be the case for any considerable dura-
ration, or in any eminent degree, but in opulent commercial coun-
tries, and in such only where the liberties of the whole people are
inviolably established."
British Views of a National Debt.
"Those who compare public with private debts are totally in er-
ror, says Dr. Gardner. They consider the debt of England similar
to a debt contracted between two private individuals, to which it
bears not the least resemblance. The private debtor is obliged to
pay his creditor, if his effects are sufficient for that purpose; the
public are under no obligation to pay theirs, because they originally
granted them no more than a perpetual and transferable annuity,
The principal of a private debt is secured by law, though the inter-
est cannot always be got without much difficulty and delay; the in-
terest of the public debt is punctually discharged, but the principal
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
169
1
cannot be obtained by any other means than by transferring it to
another person for whatever price he may be willing to give; the pri-
vate debtor is often poorer in proportion to his debt, but the public
is often enriched by whatever it owes: hence the private debtor would
be richer if his debts were discharged, but the nation would be im-
poverished if hers were paid off."
The following is an extract from Blackstone's Commentaries,
page $29, viz. "The advantage resulting to a nation from public
debts is the increase of circulation, by multiplying the cash of the
nation and by creating a new species of currency assignable at any
time in any quantity, always ready to be employed in any beneficial
undertaking by means of its transferable quality, and yet producing
some profit when it lies idle and unemployed. A certain portion of
debt seems therefore to be highly useful."
Perhaps one hundred ingenious essays have been written, in the
last century, in support of the advantages to be derived from a judi-
cious exercise of financial skill, wherever the credit of a nation is fully
established; but no one has yet succeeded in defining the bounds or
utmost limit of this exercise. The British government were once
thought by many to be in a fair way to put this to the final test, but
it is said their alarm for the consequences of a possible bankruptcy
has driven them to a dernier resort, once deemed destructive to national
credit, viz.
After having extended their system of taxation to every
eligible point, they have recently had recourse to a tax on the income
of their national creditors, for the deficit of each year, by which they
propose always to keep their debt from passing beyond its present
*physical weight, and yet their stocks, though tl e debt has increased
since 1784 nominally more than 200,000,000 pounds sterling, have,
nevertheless, risen greatly in price since that period; for their 3 per
cents were then at 46, that now in 1806 are above 60 per cent. though
liable to be burthened with an income tax of from five per cent. to any
amount hereafter!! that the vague exigencies of the state under
their present financial practices may require, either to reduce the
physical or the nominal amount of their debt, or to cause it to remain
as it now is, declining, both by the increasing riches of the nation and
by the universal depreciation of specie and of all money. (See notes
R. S. and the table, page 142), where, by an accurate detail of facts,
this universal depreciation, owing to the continual flow of specie from
the mines, is fully explained.
As no other nation has ever been able to support the same extent
of credit under the same, or, indeed, under any circumstances, there
will always be a variety of opinions on the efficacy of their novel ex-
pedients in finance, on which their own ins and outs will continue at
variance; the latter will often side with the enemies of Britain in pro-
*The physical or real debt differs from the nominal by the depreciation of money.
(See page 142.) And also, comparatively, by the increased ability of the debtors.
Y
170
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
nouncing those measures that contribute most to their triumphs as
containing the seeds of their own destruction, and the real or sup-
posed intricacy of the question will often enable those to gain prose-
lites, while exerting but a moderate share of ordinary talents, if as-
sisted by the boldness common to such predictions. To the opinions
already given by Voltaire we add those of another respectable fo-
reigner who had no interest in deceiving, and was not very liable
himself to be deceived by mere appearances. "It is not foreigners
alone,” says Mr. de Pinto, in his essay on circulation and credit,
"who are still unacquainted with the nature of the national debt of
England, many thoughtless Englishmen state their debt as a coun-
terpoise to all their successes. An artificial capital which did not
exist before becomes fixed and permanent, and by means of public
credit circulates to the advantage of the public, as if it were in effect
so much real treasure that thus enriched the kingdom."
"Indirect
taxes for the most part return unto the hands that gave them. It is
always the rich or those who spend most money, that pay the chief of
the taxes, and the circulation turns greatly to the advantage of in-
dustry." "To suppress one million of the revenue where the coin
circulates from hand to hand twenty times in one year, would rob
the industrious of the profits of twenty millions.”*
The nominal augmentations of the British public debt have greatly
increased; (See the comparative expense of each of their former wars)
for example, the three years war ending in 1721 cost but two mil-
lions per annum more than their taxes. That of nine years, of George
the second, ending in 1748, five millions; the seven years war end-
ing 1763, fifteen millions; the seven years war with the UNITED
STATES near twenty millions, and their present war will not average
less than twenty nine millions, unless they should amend their pre-
sent financial plan, a thing EASILY EFFECTED if one able financier
alone could be permitted to manage it. The financial plan of a na-
tion, like the command of an army, can rarely if ever be submitted
to the controul of many without injury; because there are scarcely
ever two very great generals, or two very able financiers in any one
country in the same age; owing, in part, to the aversion that univer-
sally prevails against financial studies, and more to the deep rooted
prejudices and jealousies that the heads of the minor, or opposition
party of every country have had an imaginary interest in diffusing,
to oppose and to disappoint, at all events, their rulers in power, and
to promote their ruin however the interest of the nation may be in-
volved in the measure. Such, alas! is human nature, under all go-
vernments and in all ages, if history may be believed.
sam
* Public circulations are so different from mere taxes they ought not to bear the
sam names. A mere tax for foreign expenditure, is often a great grievance even to
the rich; but the poor rejoice in a foreign loan for domestic circulation, well know-
ing that they can gain something by the handling before they return the money to the
fountain, whence it may again flow, in a perpetual routine with equal benefits.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
171
1
Return to an order of the British house of commons of the funded debt,
at the periods under mentioned.
Beginning of the
Funded debt.
Beginning of the
Funded debt.
years.
years.
Pounds.
Pounds.
1730
47,705,122
1791
238,231,248
1740
44,072,024
1792
238.231,248
1750
72,178,898
1793
238.231,248
1760
88,341,268
1794
244,481,248
1765
127,585,821
1795
260,157,773
1770
126,963,267
1796
285,767,670
1775
122,963,267
1797
327,671,869
1780
142,113,266
1798
394,159,046
1785
226,260,805
1799
424,159,046
1790
238,231,248
1800
451,699,919*
N. B. The books of the exchequer not being found to contain
accounts of the public debt for 1700, 1710, and 1720; the above were
therefore the best returns that could be made to the order of the
house of commons.
*Heads of the public funded debt, as the same stood on the 1st Febru-
ary, 1800.
Bank of England 3 per cent. annuities
Old and new south sea annuities
3 per cent. annuities, anno 1751
3 per cent. consolidated annuities
3 per cent. reduced annuities
•
11,686,800
24,065,084
1,919 600
250,484,272
69,023 876
4 per cent. do.
do.
5 per cent. do.
do.
3 per cent. annuities, anno 1726.
5 per cent. annuities
•
45,269,860
28,125,583
1,000,100
20,124,844
Tvial,
451,699,919
N. B. The real value of the above nominal capital would not
amount to more than 280 millions, in estimating the 3 per cent.
consols at 60, the market price (July 1801,) and the other funds in
proportion. The debt is however increased to 507 millions, net.
(See page 173, for the British debt of 1806.)
172
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
State of the British public revenue from 1700 to 1805 inclusive, com.
puted on the medium of every seven years; also the amount of loans
for the same period.

Years. Heads of ordinary revenue.
Annual medi-
um of seven
Amount of
loans.
years.
1700
to
1707
>
Annual average amount of
customs, excise, stamps,
land tax, miscellaneous
taxes, including salt, post-
office, &c. for seven years,
from 1700 to 1707 inclusive,
Annual average amount of
Pounds.
Pounds.
5,011,770
24,952,545
Do. to 1714,
4,419,111
34,900,609
1714
Do.
Do. to 1721
5,629,004
00,000,000
1721
Do.
Do. to 1728
5,559,001
2,832,093
1728
Do.
Do. to 1735
5,224,961
1,800,000
1735
Do.
Do. to 1742
5,911,128
2,600,000
1742
Do.
Do. to 1749
6,290,422
22,302,472
1749
Do.
Do. to 1756
6,481,946
6,100,000
1756
Do.
Do. to 1763
7,540,065
7,313,553
1763
Do.
Do. to 1770
9,314,285
4,900,000
1770
Do.
Do. to 1777
10,395,687
7,000,000
1777
Do.
Do. to 1784
12,013,747
68,500,000
1784
Do.
Do. to 1791
15,732,561
1,002,500
1791
Do.
Do. to 1798
21,434,000
100,500,000
1798
Do.
Do. to 1799
34,707,906
18,000,000
1800
Do.
Do. to 1805
37,000,000
56,000,000
The amount of the permanent and temporary taxes for the year 1805,
estimated at 37,000,000l. viz.
The gross receipt of the permanent revenue, after
deducting repayments for over-entries, drawbacks,
and bounties, amounted, in the year ending the 5th
July, 1805, to
Discretionary tax on income estimated (in 1800) at
Tax on imports and exports, &c.
•
Pounds,
29,000,000
7,000,000
1,500,000
37,500,000
N. B. By adding the loans, sums raised by lottery, and other ex-
traordinary resources, to the ordinary revenue, the public income of
Great Britain is ascertained. The income tax is kept as an extraor-
dinary resource to which the administration may recur only in times
of great necessity.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
173
Dr. Price, in his work on annuities, has shewn that one per cen-
tum on each loan, if invested in stocks at compound interest at 5 per
cent. will sink the principal in 37 years. The principle of Dr. Price
has been adopted by the British since the year 1793, on a motion of
Mr. Fox, by which the sinking fund, now amounting to more than
one hundred and thirteen millions, may extinguish the existing debt
in a few years; as may be seen by the additional purchase made by
this accumulating fund in 1805, amounting to 12,972,913 pounds in
one year only. The increase, by continual purchase, of the stock on
interest appertaining to the sinking fund, becomes more rapid by
every fall of the funds, now at 62 for 3 per cents, which species of
debt composes the bulk of the entire debt of Britain, of which the fol-
lowing is an official return :
Total British debt, Jan. 5th, 1806,
New debt by loans of 1805,
STERLING.
603,925,792
38,700,000
642,625,792
Transferred to redeem the land tax,
Redeemed by the sinking fund,
22,000,000
620,625,792
113,500,000
which
1.507,125,792
Leaving on the 31st Jan. 1806, a net debt of which
above 4 fifths are three per cents,
The whole amount of the British debt at present prices, perhaps,
would not exceed 330 millions; and no doubt may be bought up by
the commissioners of the sinking fund before the year 1830; after
which they may have a sufficient national income for a perpetual
naval warfare, if they have no call for foreign subsidies. This is the
sum of the reasonings of the friends to the present administration.
They are, indeed, plausible, and if not correct they are not to be re-
futed by any existing facts, at least in our possession.
But if the British administration by extending their views to fur-
ther conquests, should still require new loans, what would they do to
defray the interest and reduce the principal? Some of their writers
would answer, that they have tried successfully a recourse to an in-
come tax for the deficiencies of their ordinary annual taxes, amount-
ing from twenty eight to near thirty eight millions; or to what is vir-
tually the same, as it affects the interest of their creditors, they may
reduce their dividends from 10 to 50 per cent. or to half or even a
third, to quadrate with their ability on each and every year's esti-
mate. The abilities of this nation are undoubtedly still increasing,
and we repeat that since the failure of Mr. Hume's, D'Avenant's, and
Dr. Price's predictions, "that Britain was unequal to a greater bur-
then than the interest on two hundred millions," no one has attempted
to fix a bound to their future resources, although many have ex-
pressed their fears that they were at their acme. It is, indeed, asto-
174
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
nishing that they should be able to bear up under their late annual
charges, which for one year amounted to sixty eight millions! in taxes
and loans, and yet to occasion a rise in their stock at market. Look
at their increasing valuation, their custom house returns of exports;
at the vast increase of their country banks, which since the partial or
temporary stoppage of the national bank, have been suffered to go on
in issuing bills with no further opposition from the bank of England,
in consequence of its exclusive charter: hence the rapid increase of
public and private credit even in time of war, the operations of which
were formerly unfavourable to both. A recent estimate of the paper,
inland bills included, in circulation by 430 country and 72 London
banks, states the averaged amount to exceed two hundred thousand
pounds each, or equal in toto to six hundred millions of dollars for
Great Britain alone, exclusive of Ireland. To this increase in the
number and ability of the banks to take off new loans of 20 to near
40 millions each, we must add the physical diminution of the compa-
rative public burthens by the depreciation of all money. (See the
tables page 142 and 147 of this book.) The table page 142, though
calculated for the United States, will apply in a great degree to Great
Britain. This nation by being now THE FIRST IN COMMERCE, is
the chief cause, perhaps by design, of the variation of all money
throughout the commercial world; unless we admit that above thirty
annual millions of specie, from the Spanish and other mines, has
had an equal effect on the comparative value of every merchantable
commodity, and of course on all old debts, on all private and public
bonds, stocks, and on monied obligations of every description.
While recommending a close attention to the financial history of
Britain, we would refer the reader to the observations of D'AVENANT,
ARCHIBALD HUTCHESON, in his collection of treaties, published
1720, GORDON'S tracts, 1722, WM. RICHARDSON'S view of the de-
cline of foreign trade, 1738, LORD LITTLETON's address to a friend,
1739, LORD BOLINGBROKE's state of the nation, 1749, HUME'S
essays, 1776, DR. PRICE's repetition of D'AVENANT'S presage, that
two hundred millions would probably sink the public debt to nothing;
premising, however, that the reading of such writers only, if done
with an aversion for every friendly view of British measures, so na-
tural to political opponents, might prevent our ever arriving at the
truth! It is remarked of the Romans that wherever they met with
sublime traits in the character of their neighbours, and even of their
enemies, they immediately imitated their manners, or inquired into
the circumstances that gave rise to the objects of their admiration;
they even altered their armour to the shape of that of their successful
opponents, and when they discovered that the Carthagenians owed
their superior elevation to a navy, they did not waste their breath in
crying down the folly and expense of a marine force, they built a supe-
rior fleet, and with it went to Carthage and thus changed the ques-
tion of delenda est, to UBI EST CARTHAGO? So will the emperor
of the French, if the British do not persevere in their successful
I
1
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
175
efforts to prevent a single power from RULING THE UNIVERSE both
by sea and land, to which a cherished ambition and a love of military
glory, now almost irresistibly impel heroic Frenchmen.
Perhaps the intelligent Mr. Hume, while he was with the opposition,
discovered more political imprudence than any other British author
of equal celebrity ever committed to paper, (Bolingbroke and Swift
not excepted) when in his ninth essay on public credit he
66
says, a
prudent man would rather lend money to the public after we had
taken a sponge to our debts, than at the present moment;" for con-
tinues he," an opulent knave is a preferable debtor to an honest bank-
rupt." This he first said in 1775, when the entire debt was but one
hundred and twenty three millions, (as may be seen in the preceding
table) or nominally, only one-fourth of what it now is: but before re-
ferring to this return of British debts, it is proper to examine the
physical difference of the respective burthens, thus;....If by a total
valuation of the real and personal estates, Britain contains double the
wealth of 1775, and all money has depreciated one half in the mean
time, then Britain does not owe more in reality than she did thirty
years ago, with above four times the nominal amount. It is, however,
certain, that the United States by this fair and only fair mode of esti-
mating our public burthen, would not now owe one-third of the nomi-
nal debt they funded in 1790, if we had never yet redeemed a single
cent of the principal in question, by our sales of public lands and the
other sinking funds. This being an important financial view it can-
not be too often considered by our present and future financial com-
mittees, and by all the active politicians of these United States.
A foreign writer, in 1805, on the British debt, observes, that "the
INCOME TAX of Mr. Pitt" (though not so unjust as the sponge of Mr.
Hume) was deemed the boldest measure ever tried in England,
since the PUBLIC CREDIT of Britain had so far obtained throughout
Europe, as to enable her to furnish the means of war by annual loans
from the purses of her enemies!! As her BRISK CIRCULATIONS of the
money obtained by these loans have greatly promoted the agriculture,
the manufactures, and comn:erce of the country, and as these have
greatly increased the number of BRITISH SEAMEN, THE PRINCIPAL
DEFENSIVE STRENGTH OF THE COUNTRY, it is not surprising that
the predicted destruction of the nation has hitherto failed; and small
as the island of Britain may be, in comparison with the fertile terri-
tory of her warlike neighbours, their delenda est Britannia will never
avail if the British administration should become more economical
in their expenses, and leave foreign subsidies and possessions to na-
tions who have less industry and less knowledge in the pacific arts
of agriculture, manufactures and commerce. If a defensive naval war
only was to be continued in future,, annual loans for a less sum than
the annual depreciation of all money, if added to the permanent taxes
of Britain, would, with good economy, keep the British debt at the
state in which it is at present, a good, an inestimable national bond,
combining even the poor of the nation, who often hold from 10
to 50 pounds in the funds; these stockholders, being connected
66
176
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
directly and indirectly with those in the banks, the insurance compa-
nies, in canals, in tontines, in the widow and orphan fund associa-
tions, and in all the other republican and commonwealth associations
with which this land of freemen abounds, are so numerous as to
involve the entire nation, who are thereby so interlinked and en-
tangled with these gold chains, they cannot get loose; not even those,
(and those there are,) who cannot or will not see the beauties of their
form of government, in the balancing of the powers of the ONE, the
FEW, and the MANY, as they are illustrated by Voltaire, Montesquieu,
Blackstone, de Lome, and for the purpose of transferring the re-
publican essence without the defects, by John Adams, citizen of the
United States.* In consequence of the mass of the people being less
acquainted with all these invaluable works than with the novelties in
the Age of Reason and the Rights of Man, England would have been
revolutionized with France in 1793, if it had not been for the mo-
nied associations and public stocks of Great Britain. If, however,
the economy of the British administration cannot always be within the
bounds prescribed, let their financiers persevere in excluding the
small and poor stockholders from the income tax, agreeably to the
excellent policy of Mr. Pitt, and they may occasionally draw 5, 10, or
even 20 per cent. from all income if they can offer good reasons for
this temporary resource." Invaluable if it be not abused.
Computation of the income of Great Brtiain, as stated by Mr. Pitt, in
the house of commons, liable in case of necessity to a tax according to
the exigencies of the state.
Landlords' rents, 40,000,000 cultivated acres, es-
timated at 12s. 6d. per acre,
Tenants profits at 3
Tythes,
Mines, navigation and timber,
Houses,
Annual income.
Pounds.
25,000,000
19,000,000
5,000,000
3,000,000
6,000,000
Professions,
2,000,000
Proportion for Scotland,
5,000,000
Income from possessions beyond sea,
5,000,000
Interest on funds, after deducting foreign pro-
perty, and sums issued to commissioners as
sinking fund and interest of capital redeemed,
Profit on foreign trade, suppose 157. per cent. on
80,000,000l. capital insured,
15,000,000
12,000,000
Ditto, home trade, at 157. per cent.
18,000,000
Other trade,
10,000,000
125,000,000
* See the late president Adams's defence of the American constitutions.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT,
177
&c.
Further to illustrate the use of public credit, Sir John Sinclair, in
his late address to the British board of agriculture, offers the follow-
ing estimate as the necessary result of eligible improvements yet to
be effected by further CIRCULATIONS on the combined strength of
the credit of his country: "The number of acres capable of im-
provement, are 22,35 1,000; the additional rent in consequence would
be, on an average, nine shillings or two dollars an acre, and the ad-
ditional produce, at treble the rent, six dollars: the additional na-
tional capital at 30 years purchase of the produce, 905,215,500
pounds;" raising the total income of Britain to more than one hun-
dred and sixty millions, and the total valuation at four per cent. to
about four thousand millions sterling. The whole increase of the
PUBLIC DEBT to effect the entire improvement, was estimated, on
actual experiments, to be at an average of four pound an acre on the
twenty two millions, or but eighty eight millions, to give an increased
national capital equal to more than nine hundred millions. This
capital would increase, nominally, as fast as depreciation may re-
duce the value of all money, and the product of agriculture thus
added to the national annual stock, would be equal to the maintain-
ance of more than three millions, in addition to the present popula-
tion of Great Britain. If such a plan was thought eligible in a coun-
try so near to its acme, what might be expected from an additional
capital, of the same amount, for these United States? where, from
the want of capital, lands equal to those that in Britain draw a rent of
four and five pounds sterling, are now selling in fee by our general
government at only two dollars. These facts are the more extraor-
dinary when we observe the difference of opinion between agricultu-
ral genilemen on different sides of the Atlantic. The whole British
board of agriculture were of the opinion with sir John Sinclair. Why
are our agricultural members of congress averse to similar modes of
improvement for the public weal?
Even Mr. Hume has in one instance given a fair statement of the
existing character of the public loans of England. "Public securities
(said Mr. Hume,) are with us become a kind of money, and pass as
readily at the current price as gold or silver; wherever any profita-
ble undertaking offers itself, however expensive, there are never
wanting hands enough to embrace it; nor need a trader, who has
sums in the public stocks, to fear to launch out into the most exten-
sive trade; since he is possessed of funds which will answer the most
sudden demand that can be made upon him. No merchant thinks
it necessary to keep by him any considerable cash; bank stock or
India bonds serve all the same purposes; because he can dispose of
them, or pledge them to a banker in a quarter of an hour, and at the
same time they are not idle, even when in his scrutoire, but bring
him in constant revenue: in short, our national debts furnish our
merchants with a species of money, that is continually multiplying
in their hands, and produces sure gain, besides the profit of their
commerce; this must enable them to trade upon less profit. The
small profit of the merchant renders the commodity cheaper, causes
Z
178
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
a greater consumption, quickens the labour of the common people,
and helps to spread arts and industry through the whole society.
"There are also, we may observe, in England, and in all states,
which have both commerce and public debts, a set of men, who are
half merchants, half stock-holders, and supposed willing to trade on
small profits; because commerce is not their principal or sole sup-
port, and their revenues in the funds are a sure resource for them-
selves. Were there no funds, great merchants would have no ex-
pedient for realizing or securing part of their profit; more men,
therefore, with large stocks and incomes, may naturally be supposed
to continue in trade where there are public debts; and this it must
be owned is of advantage to commerce, by diminishing its profit,
promoting circulation, and encouraging industry."
Yet such is the effect of party spleen, that Mr. Hume, at a former
moment, would have wiped away all these public circulations with a
sponge.
When will our government view these subjects in a true light, and
become more attentive to their financial duties? When will it be
perceived that by the late extensive importations of slaves! there is an
increased and an increasing necessity for further emigration of whites
from the grand source whence we all have emanated; till checked by the
increased and disproportionate operation of our sinking funds, we daily
saw an industrious race of friends continually attracted and emigrat-
ing, with their certificates of the public loans obtained in Europe,
and exchanging these obligations in the public land offices. By thus
converting useless acres into gold, we might yet arrive at our de-
sirable acme even in our own times: then why are congress now
so lost to the general weal! who are bound by their constitutional oath,
TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENCE AND GENERAL WELFARE
OF THEIR COUNTRY? Will the impressions, the prejudices, im-
bibed from our forefathers, continue always in force now WE ARE
FREEMEN? Are the habits and feelings of the ancient British barons*
and of the principal slave-holding families of our provincial times.
still to prevail? Are we yet to be told there are other reasons, and yet
to be put off with the mere opposition stuff, with the second handed
nonsense of the electioneering demagogues of Britain, on the dan-
gers of a debt and of taxes in a monarchy, when we are talking only
Of BENEFICIAL LOANS and of provident CIRCULATIONS IN A REPUB-
LIC in anticipation of our dormant and useless funds, now in an im-
mense desert, but convertable at pleasure into rich gardens! to be in-
habited and defended by brethren with the same affections for the
same commonwealth....a commonwealth secured by the very means
that may bring about the invaluable change, with no alloy to the pro-
position or fruition of the duty we owe to ourselves and to our poste-
rity. Shall they, shall posterity accuse us with having forever wrap-
ped our talents in a napkin? We hope not.
* See Mr. Hume's reasoning against transferable wealth, page 167 of this book.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
179
We regret that the rest of the old world will afford but little to
illustrate correct financial principles. Great Britain had not the fore-
sight till the time of sir William Petty, to understand much either
of statistics or of true financial policy, against which the shafts of their
enemies have been for more than a century unsuccessfully aimed.
That the British policy has faults we know, and we therefore know
how we may avoid them. They draw on every taxable ability for
their loans: we only on a dormant fund, that otherwise would be lost
to the treasury, for the principal of the sums borrowed; and chiefly
on luxuries for the interest. The British waste in their monarchial
pensions that which we can always employ on our roads, on inland
canals for the length and breadth of the continent; for the national
university, first endowed by Washington; for a defensive navy, and
for other good and responsible objects at present innumerable.
Perhaps PUBLIC CREDIT is deservedly cried down, by every friend
to the people, in an arbitrary monarchy; because it is there liable to
be abused, both in the modes of distribution and by an indifference
respecting the returns due to creditors, either of the principal or in-
terest; where the royal debtor despises the ignoble commercial class
to whom he is indebted. He is generally superior to every claim
but that of his own royal will and pleasure. Law's famed Mississippi
scheme flourished, till the duke of Orleans touched it, and so did
the new national bank of France, till the emperor, while on his
way to Vienna, was pleased to over draw it, and to order the directors
to furnish more bills than their own discretion would have dared to
throw into circulation: but in a government where, by frequent elec-
tions and by annual statements of the public receipts and expendi-
tures, the people may be so fully acquainted with the conduct of their
officers, there can be nothing to apprehend from an abuse of PUBLIC
CREDIT; but much from the neglect to use the talents, the benefits
of which it is the exclusive privilege of REPUBLICANS to reap, with
no alloy to the inestimable treasure.
There are however, in a mixed government like that of Great
Britain, favourable opportunities for the employment of deep finan-
cial skill by the management of public credit. In that country we
have seen a minister open subscriptions to the monied interest of
Holland for ways and means to capture a Dutch fleet: this has re-
cently been tried with success; and at this moment many of the prin-
cipal officers of the French and Spanish governments are large stock-
holders in the British funds; hence secrets of the French cabinet are
often known in England, that in the days of Louis XIV, would have
remained inviolable. When the British administration gave a license
to spoliations on our commerce, in 1794, our creditors in England
alone obtained for us a reverse of the severe order, for fear our losses
would reach and greatly injure their purses. This is a modern mode
of defence, which no country ever yet enjoyed to the extent of our
United States; but we remembered to forget it in 1793, and prema-
turely paid off the principal of a French loan even before it was due,
on which, (agreeably to the predictions of some of the principal patri-
180
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
ots of the day,) the French began to capture our ships, by which we
lost near five millions; and so again the British may treat us when-
ever our debts are sufficiently reduced; especially if a non importa-
tion law should be then in force against them, and thus leave no solid
argument again to plead in our favour. Who can doubt that
similar commercial habits with those we derive from Britain, would
have preserved the Grecian states? A great national bank at
Athens, if instituted by, or in the time of PERICLES, with the money
the confederates had left after the Persian war, if composed of small
shares, might have persuaded all the Greeks to become stock-
holders, and would have done more than all the agrarian laws
that ever were thought of. If to this were added as many other mo-
nied institutions as the English now enjoy, and if to all these were
united THE BOND OF COMMON SENSE, (see page 168) an efficient na-
tional debt, in which their money loving neighbour Philip might have
been a stockholder, neither he nor his hair brained son would have
had the same unqualified inducements to kill a bird that laid such
golden eggs.
Great events have often sprung from trivial causes.
The cackling of a few feathered centinels once saved Rome Per-
haps even the slight hints contained in these short notes may stimu-
late some unfeathered biped,"* in our capitol, again to save a com-
monwealth.
Although the British financial practice is nearer our own, it may
not be improper to take a view of the French receipts and expenses
of government for the last return, viz.
General result of the accompts of the treasury of France for the year X11.
Direct taxes,
RECEIPTS.
Of the enregistrement and of custom houses,
Divers products,
National woods,
Alienation of national domains,
Produce of the regies and administrations,
Of the custom houses,
Of the post offices,
C
•
327,880,248
•
191,691,727
45,600,284
6,284,387
40,287,015
8,946,876
Of the mint,
Of the lottery,
Of the salt pits,
Divers receipts
Extraordinary and exterior receipts,
Produce of effects negociated or recovered,
By the sinking fund, .
By the administration of enregistrement
·
1,283,639
15,659,401
2,700,000
27,692,151
141,178,023
809,202,751
1,463,768
1,400,445
812,097,964
Plato's definition of man.
1
[
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
181
Public debt and pensions,
The emperor's household,
Ministry of war,
Administration of war,
Marine,
EXPENSES.
Interior,
Worship,
Finances,
Public treasure,
Exterior relations,
Justice,
General police,
Expense of negociations,
94,827,655
•
4,666,667
187,406,674
134,504,963
213,519,056
57,648,196
5,232,057
40,173,895
6,607,208
7,596,096
41,717,458
194,887
19,368,075
Francs, 813,462,887
Divers disbursements,
2,337,440
Total of expenses,
815,800,327
It can hardly be expected that in a monarchical government so re-
cently founded by military usurpation, the respect due to coMMER-
CIAL PRINCIPLES, so essential to insure a good financial system,
should immediately prevail. We cannot fail, however, to admire the
very liberal disposition, even in time of war, of so great a portion of
the revenues of the empire for interior improvement. The gallant
and accomplished emperor is said to posses great taste for literature
and the fine arts; these he has most liberally endowed in his own
country, and even sent magnificent presents to a state school in these
United States, for the encouragement of these FLOWERY BANDS OF
SOCIAL UNION. It is also said that the greatest additions ever
known are now making to the roads and canals of France! Ought not
our legislature to blush, to be thus outdone in a principal line of their
constitutional duty to our COMMONWEALTH!
In page 157 of this manual, we inserted part of a treasury report,
to which we now add the following from Mr. Hamilton's statement
communicated to the house of representatives of the United States,
Dec. 5th, 1791. They may, in part, elucidate the sentiments which
were at the time opposed to that funding system that raised our once
degraded national reputation to its present state. We can only re-
gret we have not room for the entire report, formed after we had
felt, in part, the good effects of the funding system. These gave
encouragement for a further expansion of the patriotic views of an
enlightened statesman.
182
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
"It is certain, that the United States offer s vast field for the advan-
tageous employment of MORE CAPITAL.
"The introduction of banks, has a powerful tendency to extend the
active capital of a country. Experience of the utility of these insti-
tutions is multiplying them in the United States. It is probable that
they will be established wherever they can exist with advantage; and
wherever they can be supported, if administered with prudence, they
will add new energies to all pecuniary operations.
"The aid of foreign capital may safely, and with considerable lati-
tude be taken into calculation. Its instrumentality has been long
experienced in our external commerce; and it has begun to be felt
in various other modes. Not only our funds, but our agriculture and
other internal improvements have been animated by it. It has al-
ready, in a few instances, extended even to our manufactures.
"It is not impossible, that there may be persons disposed to look
with a jealous eye on the introduction of foreign capital, as if it were
an instrument to deprive our own citizens of the profits of our own
industry but perhaps there never could be a more unreasonable
jealousy. Instead of being viewed as a rival, it ought to be consi-
dered as a most valuable auxiliary; conducting to put in motion a
greater quantity of productive labor, and a greater portion of useful
enterprise, than could exist without it. It is at least evident, that in
a country situated like the United States, with an infinite fund of
resources, yet to be unfolded, every farthing of foreign capital, which
is laid out in internal ameliorations, and in industrious establishments
of a permanent nature, is a precious acquisition.
"And whatever be the objects which originally attract foreign
capital, when once introduced, it may be directed towards any pur-
pose of beneficial exertion, which is desired. And to detain it among
us, there can be no expedient so effectual as to enlarge the sphere,
within which it may be usefully employed: though introduced mere-
ly with views to speculations in the funds, it may afterwards be
rendered subservient to the interest of agriculture, commerce and
manufactures.
"When the manufacturing capitalist of Europe shall advert to the
many important advantages, which have been intimated, in the course
of this report, he cannot but perceive very powerful inducements to
a transfer of himself and hus capital to the United States. Among the
reflections, which a most interesting peculiarity of situation is calcu-
lated to suggest, it cannot escape his observation, as a circumstance
of moment in the calculation, that the progressive population and
improvement of the United States, ensure a continually increasing
domestic demand for the fabrics which he shall produce, not to be
affected by any external casualties or vicissitudes.
"But while there are circumstances sufficiently strong to authorize
a considerable degree of reliance on the aid of foreign capital, towards
the attainment of the object in view, it is satisfactory to have good
grounds of assurance, that there are domestic resources of them-
2
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
183
selves adequate to it. It happens, that there is a species of capital,
actually existing within the United States, which relieves from all
inquietude on the score of want of capital; this is the funded debt.
"The effect of a funded debt, as a species of capital, has been no-
ticed upon a former occasion; but a more particular elucidation of
the point seems to be required by the stress which is here laid upon
it; this shall accordingly be attempted.
“Public funds answer the purpose of capital, from the estimation
in which they are usually held by monied men; and consequently
from the ease and dispatch with which they can be turned into money.
This capacity of prompt convertibility into money causes a transfer
of stock to be in a great number of cases equivalent to a payment in
coin; and where it does not happen to suit the party who is to re-
ceive, to except a transfer of stock, the party who is to pay, is never
at a loss to find elsewhere a purchaser of his stock, who will furnish
him in lieu of it, with the coin of which he stands in need.
Hence in a sound and settled state of the public funds, a man
possessed of a sum in them, can embrace any scheme of business
which offers, with as much confidence as if he were possessed of an
equal sum in coin.
"This operation of public funds, as capital, is too obvious to be
denied.
"The force of monied capital which has been displayed in Great
Britain, and the height to which every species of industry has grown
up under it, defy a solution from the quantity of coin which that
kingdom has ever possessed. Accordingly it has been coeval with
its funding system, the prevailing opinion of the men of business,
and of the generality of the most sagacious theorists of that country,
that the operation of the public funds as capital has contributed to
the effect in question. Among ourselves appearances thus far favor
the same conclusion. Industry in general seems to have been reani-
mated. There are symptoms indicating an extension of our com-
merce. Our navigation has certainly of late had a considerable
spring, and there appears to be in many parts of the union a com-
mand of capital, which, till lately, since the revolution at least, was
unknown.
"A funded debt serving as a new power in the operations of in-
dustry, it has within certain bounds a tendency to increase the real
wealth of a community; in like manner as money borrowed by a
thrifty farmer, to be laid out in the improvement of his farm, may,
in the end, add to his stock of real riches.
"Yet there are respectable individuals, who, from an aversion to
an accumulation of public debt, are unwilling to concede to it any
kind of utility, who can discern no good to alleviate the ill with which
they suppose it pregnant; who cannot be persuaded, that it ought in
any sense to be viewed as an increase of capital, lest it should be in-
ferred, that the more debt the more capital, the greater the burthens
the greater the blessings of the community. But it interests the
public councils to estimate every object as it truly is."
184
NOTES S. T. U, PUBLIC CREDIT. &c.
"Wherever
To the foregoing we add from Dr. Adam Smith:
capital predominates industry prevails; any variation of capital
therefore naturally tends to increase or diminish the real quantity of
industry, the number of productive hands, and consequently the ex-
changeable value of the annual produce of the land and labor of the
country, the real wealth and revenue of all its inhabitants."
A reference to the debates of the day, as they are contained in the
periodical publications for 1788, to 1791, will shew the variety of
argument warmly opposed to the funding either the whole or any
part of the WAR DEBT by any means, and also the reasoning in favor
of a different modification of the plan that finally obtained, chiefly by
the exertions of Mr. Hamilton.
Public debt, U. S. 1791.
Domestic debt,
Assumed do.
•
Foreign
do.
Sundries,
39,554,188 55
19,979,466 18
12,001,198 07
702,449 17
Amount of debt on 1st January 1790, per above, 72,237,301 97
•
Interest on foreign debt for 1790,
474,715 11
Deduct monies in Holland, .
132,475 31
342,239 80
Interest on domestic debt for 1790,
Do. assumed debt for do,
1,688,962 01
1,045,669 64
2,734,631 65
75,314,173 42
1,045,669 64
422,110 08
1,467,779 72
Interest on assumed debt for 1791,
Interest on balances for creditors
States for 1792, 1793, and 1794,
Total, 1791. 76,781,953 14
Mr. Hamilton has been blamed both for assuming too much, and
for funding too little, on account of the unliquidated claims of each
state on the union for important services during the revolutionary war.
But the experience of 15 years has decided the question, and shewn
that it would have been greatly to the interest of all classes and
descriptions throughout our union. If equal justice had been done
to the generosity of those who have so long withheld their just
claims from the public eye: if the United States had added a sum
to the assumed debts of the states equal to ten dollars a head for each
inhabitant, they might have called it a gratuity, in part, for inestima-
ble services....inestimable not only for the blessings they procured
in our independence, but for the 300 millions of acres that were
unexpectedly won from upper Canada, in addition to the territory
claimed by the revolutionary provinces as their own.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
185
This inestimable prize would not only have liquidated our just
debts, it would sink ten times the amount long before the certificates
therefor could be beneficially spared from general CIRCULATION as
money. WHAT WE OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, in part, for real ser-
vices totaly neglected, a recurrence to pages 129 and 130, and to any
history of the times, will fully evince. The plan proposed would have
raised the debt to about 100 millions, and yet to less than one fifth
of the British extra expenses in the same war....a war, during which
our personal increase does not appear to have been retarded from
former rates, and the extra 300 millions of acres won therein, being
equal to the averaged quality of the acres of Britain, may finally be
worth at least the rental of the present purchase money, at two dol-
lars the acre. But the substance of this digressive note will be reserv-
ed for continuation in its place.
Specification of the nominal public debt of the United States, from Janu-
ary 1st 1800, and 1805, exclusive of the sinking funds.

1800.
1805.
Sinking
fund.
Foreign debt,
Deferred stock 6 per cent.
Three per cent.
Six per cent.
Five and one half per cent.
Four and one half per cent.
Six per cent. 1796,
Six per cent. navy,
Eight per cent.
Bank U. S. loan,
•
Louisiana contracted 1803,
•
See sinking fund,
•
Nominal debt including sink-
ing fund.
dollars,
10,819,000 4,065,000 8,172,000
13,682,944 13,672,966 976,362
28,038,467 28,190,862
176,000 176,000
1,847,500
19,086,708 19,094,231 622,680
1,897,535
1,847,500
1,400
80,000
80,000
929,200
711,700
5,000,000
6,462,300
19,400
3,640,000
700,000
11,250,000
11,689,366
89,443,437 97,939,926 11,689,366]
The usual offsetts to ascertain the true debt, are reimbursements,
sinking funds, cash in the treasury, custom house bonds, and balance
due for instalments of the public lands; these, if the three per cent. and
eight per cents. are reduced to six per cent. stocks, would reduce
the present debt below fifty millions of dollars; but the only correct
mode of comparing the burthens for any two years is, by looking at
the population and at the variation table of money, page 142; these
will prove that our debt was at its acme in 1791; since which it is so
2 A
186
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
far reduced by depreciation of money, and by appreciation of the total
valuation of the estates liable for the debt, as to make the real bur-
then in 1806, not one-third of that of the year 1791, as may be seen
by the scale, page 187, for the comparative burthens of each year.
UNITED STATES FINANCIAL MONEY-METER
To explain the effects of loans, and sinking funds, on the physical and
moral abilities and energies of a commonwealth.

Twenty-five dollars for each person the highest specie level.
25
20
15
12
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
O
Foreign loans of specie may fill the meter.
Specie level or average of commercial Europe
in 1805.
Money will gently begin to flow off before it
reaches the general level.
Real estates sell at twenty five to thirty years
purchase.
Lands higher and near their acme. Interest 5
per cent.
Science extending. All real estate at a fair
price, and labour also.
Commerce brisk, the arts flourish, neat hus-
bandry prevails.
Back lands rise, labour lowers, interest six per
cent.
Industry gains ground with commerce and
agriculture.
Commerce flourishes, and with it every thing
improves.
Back lands begin to sell at two dollars, in small
parcels.
Money reaches the middle country; all labour
very high, in 1800.
Money still centers in the cities; usury twelve
per cent. in 1806.
Idleness abounds; usury at twenty to thirty per
cent.
Extreme distress, universal distrust, govern-
ment in danger.
The principal drains are, by sinking funds, or 1
imbursements of foreign loans in bills or specie.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
187
t
Different views of the United States debt, at different periods.
Gross or
nominal debt
years.
United States,
see page 66.
Debt after
deducting
sinking fund
& reimburse-
ments, see
page 67.
Net debt
after the fur-
ther offsets
of bonds &
cash in the
treasury.
Comparative
debt for each
person after
reference to
depreciation &
increase of po-
pulation.
DOLLARS.
DOLLARS.
DOLLARS.
DOLLS. CTS.
1791
76,781,953 76,081,969
73,670,259
18 25
1792
77,124,300 75,924,300
72,797,970
18 5
1793
78,402,946
76,383,762
70,379,950
16 50
1794
79,424,668 77,159,646
69,185,090
15
1795
1796
84,980,438
83,404,139 80,803,795
81,726,203
71,785,132
14 60
70,862,624
14
1797 81,324,139 76,774,512
1798 81,244,139 76,010,965
63,432,545
12
40
63,616,936
1 1
10
1799
88,456,038 80,291,805
65,385,826
10
50
1800 89,443,437 80,161,207
1801 88,745,704
1802 87,451,521 74,257,743
1803 98,196,018
1804 97,939,926
59,767,483
8
77,869,018
57,304,914
7 25
54,253,931
6
80,955,949
63,124,921
6
5
77,565,959
57,747,605
5 90
1805
97,232,006
73,725,947
For depreciation, see variation tables, page 142.
It cannot be too often repeated, till it is fully impressed, that our
foreign loans of money are lightened continually, both by our in-
creasing ability and by the depreciation of all money, and that none
of the calculations for the old world, will explain our fortunate situa-
tion, particularly in the former instance; for while our back lands
are so far below European rates, a comparatively small addition only
to our specie medium, by raising the demand and price for these
lands, has an almost incredible effect. All which is explained in
another part of this work, on the utility of loans to any young and under
valued country, such as the United States; and perhaps in future,
New Holland.
The views in the first and second columns only of the last table,
have hitherto governed our committees of ways and means; but they
are very deceptive, owing to the continual variation of money by de-
preciation, by increased population, and by the consequent approach
of all our real estates to their acme; to which though they may not
arrive in the present century, they rapidly advance, and stop only
1
188
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
when checked by the antifinancial conduct of that legislature wiose
duty it is to provide for the general welfare. Our ancestors well knew
we wanted only MEN AND MONEY, to bring the averaged value or
rental of our real estates equal to those of England, now near three
dollars the acre, which they multiply by 30 to ascertain the true value
in fee of all landed estate. This valuation for England increases as
the old rents fall in, and new leases are granted, governed by the
depreciation of all money: these are now often at 60s that fifty years
since were given at 5s. to 10s. (See the British agricultural reports.)
Hence, if as an outline for fifty years, we rate the acme of our public
lands at fifty dollars, we shall be still within the mark Till our finan-
cial conduct is governed by the rules of HUME, of LOCKE, and all
other correct statesmen, "to keep money always on the increase," to
quadrate with our population, and with the universal depreciation of
all money, we shall virtually pay AN ENORMOUS TAX to all the
foreign and commercial nations who are not equally short sighted
with us.
To the resemblance of the duties of a financier to those of the
watch at the nilo.neter, for wholesome distributions of the rich circu-
lating fluid on the Egyptian delta, another simple illustration may
be added. Whenever the public lands do not rise in demand, and sell
in the ratio with the increase of our population, including the depre-
ciation of all money throughout the commercial world, we may com-
pare their stagnant situation to water at the bottom of a deep well,
with a short, a cracked, or a crazy pump or piston. If in such exi-
gencies we have often seen a bucket of the essential fluid, borrowed
from a neighbouring fountain, immediately produce a plentiful sup-
ply, and no injury arise from even an excessive surplus in conse-
quence, can we yet be at a loss how to act where the cases are so exactly
similar? We have been wrong for near twelve years; hence the
total of our United States valuation, that ought to have more than
quadrupled its rate in 1791, and at least doubled that of the present
year, is now nearly at a stand in comparison with the effects of the
correct individual enterprize of many of our industrious citizens.
To know that we have been financially wrong, we have only to com-
pare the price of the public property with that of private persons,
out of the reach of the baneful effects of our public errors. Our pub-
lic property, in real estate, is chiefly in lots in Washington, and in
lands in the west, both of which, entirely owing to our errors in
finance, have been falling in price! while other property has risen
rapidly every where, in spite of the scarcity of our money....a scarcity
created by the drains of our injurious cash sinking fund; to which,
if the present or a future congress, like Smollet's Mrs. Bramble,
on her marriage, should "grow more economical than ever," they
may add, a man sinking fund, and export our labourers, and thus re-
move all the obligations we are under to the old world, that we may
be no longer in debt! Our financial character will then surely be
complete, if it be not already at the cap of the climax.
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
189
In order further to elucidate the public debt of the United States,
it may be proper to give the following extracts, viz. as the soldiers
did not all know the truth, they did not suppose that any real want of
financial skill, had occasioned their many hardships from grievous
disappointment; hence in their camp meetings, they plainly told each
other, they had lost all confidence in the gentlemen their country
had chosen to provide for the general weal; and therefore, as they
had won 300 millions of acres from British Canada, in addition to
the territory of the colonists, whose independence they had pledged
their lives to establish, it was urged that out of these surplus lands
they might pay themselves, by immediate possession of the entire pro-
perty to which they were entitled, on the principles that govern our
cruising ships; thus one half of the prize lands belonged of right to
the captors, after discharging all the claims for outfits and expenses};
then the remaining half would belong to the owners of the ship, who
during the cruise had remained in safety at home.
They acknowledged that both the owners and crew had some-
times employed the same agents; but this was by no means neces-
sary. Justice might be done by the confidential trustees of each party,
while acting in concert with the same justice in view, for the benefit
of all parties; they therefore proposed, that army agents should meet
an equal number only on these grounds; some soldiers were entirely
opposed to trusting any thing to the depreciation men, as congress were
called, for having issued paper money, payable without date, without
time, and without interest; and calling these barren old rags money,
to defraud either the soldier or his assignee by a depreciation that
they all knew might be limited by this simple sentence, WITH LEGAL
INTEREST TILL PAID. Such men cannot regain our confidence, said
they, we will have no agents but honest men of our own chusing,
who shall liquidate all just claims at home and abroad against our
prize-of-war lands: they are amply sufficient for every thing. In the
details of the various plans of those days, one proposed that the pub-
lic or prize lands should be surveyed and offices established, in which
all liquidated claims should be received at one dollar the acre; each
applicant was to have his choice of the property in the order of the
application; an interest was to accrue at the same moment, both for
the lands and for the claims by certificates, all equitably liquidated
to a day. The land officers were to be permitted to sell for cash, to
defray the interest of all liquidated claims, provided the same rule
was observed in the price, or that a small advance should be demanded
of cash purchasers, to raise the price of the certificates, at least to
par, after the existing war debt was thus amply provided for, in lands
sacredly appropriated. The agents were to inform congress of the
quantity of lands remaining, and to agree with them on an equal
mode of division by lot; and then the army agents were to distribute
certificates for their pait, proportioned by a general army scale for
the amount; the certificate holders were to receive either the acres or
the interest, at their option, in exchange, with the right to sink both
ļ
190
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &C.
in the land offices at any time within 20 years, after which all the
outstanding claims were to be deemed void, and the certificates there-
for as lost forever.
This plan was by many thought visionary at the time; but it has
since been proved that it was eligible with some additions, and could
have been carried into effect by the joint agreement of all the parties;
perhaps to great general advantage, as far as the increase of our specie
circulation only was concerned; but if it would have given to the
army, for their half of the prize, above an hundred millions of
acres, or one hundred millions of dollars, it was too much; the poor
remaining soldiers have however the misfortune, as their affairs now
stand, to be (many of them!) in a very dependent and forlorn state,
by not being able to prove, by external marks, that their present inabi-
lities are the effect of excessive hardships in their country's service.
The following is perhaps the best written among the letters that
circulated in the camp, at these trying times: it cost general Wash-
ington, and his best friends, much anxiety and labor before the army
could be reconciled to congress, who they believed had deceived them
by design.
It may be proper before we give this artful letter, to state further,
that a memorial was presented to congress, in December, 1782, in
behalf of the army, by three commissioners, consisting of maj. gen.
M' Dougall, and two field officers, in which their wishes were thus
expressed: "1. present pay....2. a settlement of the arrearages of pay
and security for what is due....3. a commutation of the half pay allow-
ed by different resolutions of congress for an equivalent in gross....4. a
settlement of the account of deficiences of rations and compensa-
tions....5. a settlement of the accounts of deficiences of cloathing and
compensation." In April following, the army was informed, by their
commissioners, that congress had "decided on nothing of moment
for them." Upon this, a meeting of the general and field officers
was called at the public building, for the express purpose of consi-
dering "what further measures (if any) should be adopted to obtain
redress." This anonymous summons was accompanied with the let-
ter in question.
66 TO THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY.
Gentlemen....A fellow soldier, whose interest and affections bind him
strongly to you, whose past sufferings have been as great, whose
future fortunes may be as desperate as yours; would beg leave to
address you.
Age has its claims, and rank is not without its pretensions to ad-
vice; but though unsupported by both, he flatters himself that the
plain language of sincerity and experience, will neither be unheard
nor unregarded.
Like many of you, he loved private life, and left it with regret.
He left it, determined to retire from the field with the necessity that
called him to it, and not till then, not till the enemies of his country,
the slaves of power, and the hirelings of injustice, were compelled to
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
191
abandon their schemes, and acknowledge America as terrible in arms
as she had been humble in remonstrance. With this object in view,
he has long shared in your toils, and mingled in your dangers. He
has felt the cold hand of poverty without a murmur, and has seen the
growing insolence of wealth without a sigh. But, too much under
the direction of his wishes, and sometimes weak enough to take de-
sire for opinion, he has till lately, very lately, believed in the justice
of his country. He hoped that as the clouds of adversity scattered,
and as the sunshine of peace and better fortune broke in upon us, the
coldness and severity of government would relax, and that more than
justice, that gratitude, would blaze forth upon those hands, which
had upheld her in the darkest stages of her passage from impending
servitude to acknowledged independence. But faith has its limits as
well as temper, and there are points beyond which neither can be
stretched, without sinking into cowardice, or plunging into credulity.
This, my friends, I conceive to be your situation. Hurried to the
very verge of both, another step would ruin you forever. To be tame
and unprovoked when injuries press hard upon you, is more than
weakness; but to look up for kinder usage, without one manly effort
of your own, would fix your character, and shew the world how rich-
ly you deserve those chains you broke. To guard against this evil,
let us take a view of the ground upon which we now stand, and thence
carry our thoughts forward, for a moment, into the unexplored field
of expedient.
After a pursuit of seven years, the object for which you set out is
at length brought within your reach. Yes, my friends, that suffering
courage of yours, was active once; it has conducted the United States
of America through a doubtful and bloody war. It has placed her
in the chair of independency, and peace returns again to bless....whom?
A country courting your return to private life, with tears of gratitude,
and smiles of admiration; longing to divide with you that indepen-
dency which your gallantry has given, and those riches which your
wounds have preserved? Is this the case? or is it rather, a country
that tramples upon your rights, disdains your cries, and insults your
distress? Have you not, more than once, suggested your wishes, and
made known your wants to congress....wants and wishes which grati-
tude and policy should have anticipated, rather than evade? And have
you not lately, in the meek language of intreating memorials, begged
from their justice, what you could no longer expect from their favor?
How have you been answered? Let the letter which you are called to
consider to-morrow make the reply.
If this be then your treatment, while the swords you wear are ne-
cessary for the defence of America, what have you to expect from
peace, when your voice shall sink and your strength dissipate by di-
vision? when those very swords, the instruments and companions of
your glory, shall be taken from your sides, and no remaining mark of
military distinctions be left, but your marks, infirmities, and scars?
192
NOTES S. T. U. PUBLIC CREDIT, &c.
Can you then consent to be the only sufferers of this revolution, and,
retiring from the field, grow old in poverty, wretchedness, and con-
tempt? Can you consent to wade through the vileness of dependency,
and owe the miserable remains of life to charity, which has hitherto
been spent in honor? If you can, go, and carry with you the jest of
tories, and the scorn of whigs; the ridicule, and what is worse, the
pity of the world. Go, starve, and be forgotten! but if your spirit
should revolt at this; if you have sense enough to discover, and spirit
sufficient to oppose tyranny, whatever garb it may assume; whether
it be the plain coat of republicanism, or the splendid robe of royalty;
if you have yet learned to discriminate between a people and a cause;
between men and principles, awake, attend to your situation, and
redress yourselves. If the present moment be lost, every future
effort is in vain; and your threats then will be as empty as your en-
treaties now.
I would advise you, therefore, to come to some final opinion, upon
what you can bear, and what you will suffer. If your determination
be in any proportion to your wrongs, carry your appeal from the jus-
tice to the fears of government. Change the milk and water style of
your memorials; assume a bolder tone; decent, but lively, spirited,
and determined; and suspect the man who would advise to more
moderation, or longer forbearance. Let two or three men who can
feel as well as write, be appointed to draw up your late remonstrance;
for I would no longer give it the soothing, soft, unsuccessful epithet
of memorial. Let it represent, in language that will neither dishon-
our you by its rudeness, nor betray you by its fears, what has been
promised by congress, and what has been performed; how long and
patiently you have suffered, how little you have asked; and how much
of that little has been denied. Tell them that, though you were the
first, and would wish to be the last to encounter danger; that though
despair itself can never drive you into dishonor, it may drive you
from the field: that the wound often irritated, and never healed, may
at length become incurable; and that the slightest mark of indignity
from congress now, must operate like the grave, and part you for-
ever: that in any political event, the army has its alternative. If
peace, that nothing shall separate you from your arms but death. If
war, that courting the auspices, and inviting the direction of your
illustrious leader, you will retire to some yet unsettled country, smile
in your turn, and "mock when their fear cometh on.” But let it
represent also, that should they comply with the request of your late
memorials, it would make you more happy, and them more respect-
able. That while the war should continue, you would follow their
standard to the field; and that when it came to an end, you would
withdraw into the shade of private life, and give the world another
subject of wonder and applause....an army victorious over its enemies;
victorious over itself."
NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS, &c. 193
The immediate attention of our Washington to his duty, at this
critical moment; the full avowal of his firm reliance on the purity
of the intentions of congress to liquidate the accounts of the army,
and as far as they were able, to do justice, pacified the soldiers; while
the anonymous letter had the effect to rouse the dormant sensibilities
of the states, for which purposes, no doubt, it was chiefly designed.
The author well knew that cur old churter congress, possessed but
the shadow of the necessary powers for the general weal. What
could be more farcical than a power to raise an army, with nothing
to support it? To obtain loans, but not to discharge them? To make
laws, but not to execute them? To make treaties, but none to fulfil
them? With astonishing powers of promise, but really none for per-
formance? Hence, after the accounts of the army were liquidated,
most of the soldiery looked upon the new paper given them, as very
doubtful. This is mentioned here as a mem.nto for posterity. The
writer of this note, with a number of his friends of the army, parted
with their public paper at an eighth of its nominal value, for present
subsistence; but they did not therefore conceive they had any demand
on the purchasers, after the funding system. They abandoned what
they then conceived to be a great risk, equal to the premium. As this
was a common sentiment, our quixotes of the army were generally
hurt at the proposition in congress to interfere with their private bar-
gains, in order to obtain for them a return of premium, not contem-
plated at the moment of insurance, when the whole property was
abandoned for a sum in hand, by mutual agreement, and all parties
equal judges of the final result. The feelings, therefore, of the gen-
tlemen were hurt at the attempt to do them a mere pecuniary ser-
vice at the expense of their unsullied honor.* They further said, what
the few that remain on this side heaven will yet say, if congress are
ever disposed to make up their losses by any provision out of the
prize-of-war lands, for the few soldiers that are in extreme want,
though with no external scars, it will be very acceptable, and settle
the account for ever. This might still be done by issuing notes in
full, bearing interest, till sunk in the land offices, at 2 dollars the acre,
and call for not a thousandth part of the surplus prize lands, after
every part of the war debt was thereby provided for, in exchange for
acres at the rates established by law; but instead of doing this, con-
gress have contemplated reducing the price of lands, now too low,
and to favor lord Melville jealousies in our country. No more of the
war debt is to be duly honored in the land offices, in future !!! This a
few speculating gentlemen have been for some time trying to effect
*The motion for a discrimination in favor of the original possessor of certificates
of public debt, was made indubitably with THE VERY BEST PATRIOTIC INTENTIONS;
but as in the course of the debate many improper expressions and reflections were
cast on both sides, these occassioned an unfortunate breach and a marked division into
parties not yet on the original footing of UNANIMITY FOR THE PUBLIC WEAL,
When ye do this for one of the least of these, ye do it unto me.
B 2
+
!
194 NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS,
LANDS, &C.
+
}
in congress, and against their designs we now quote Mr. Gallatin's
public sentiments.*
Extract from Mr. Gallatin's sketch of the finances of the United States.
"The actual demand which must regulate the price that may be
obtained by congress, for the lands belonging to the public, is deter-
mined itself by the increase of population. Land of good quality, and
in actual demand for settlers, will fetch 4 dollars, payable in about 5
years by instalment. If sold upon shorter terms of credit or in large
tracto, the real settlers are generally excluded in favor of speculators
who buy to sell again.
"The provision which fixes the price at two dollars at least, will
exclude speculators to a certain degree.
"Various circumstances render it impossible to form any tolera-
ble correct conjecture on the amount of sales; it is not probable that
on the plan which has been adopted, they will exceed 250,000 acres;
the first year will perhaps be more productive than the succeeding
ones." (The last years sale was 619,266 acres, jur $1,235,953.)
"The lands may be applied to the payment of the debt either indi-
rectly or immediately: INDIRECTLY, by selling for the best price that
can be obtained, and applying the monies to the redemption of the
public debt; immediately, by inducing the holders of some species of
the debt, to exchange it for lands by making the price payable in
certificates of debt: the second mode will secure a proper application
of the proceeds of the lands; the land itself will pay the debt, without
coming into the treasury in the shape of money, WHICH MIGHT BE
APPLIED TO OTHER PURPOSES!" He then proposed, page 145, a sub-
scription and lottery plan, to dispose of ten millions of acres at two
dollars on a credit and instalments, with interest at the rate of three
per cent. payable in any species of stock at its nominal value. The
advantage to subscribers (says Mr. G.) would be obvious; the average
price of lands equal in situation and quality, is now 4 dollars: a part
might now, in 1796, be sold above that price; a great portion of the
lands will attain itwithin a shorter period than ten years; the most re-
mote situation will be worth it at the expiration of that time, viz. in 1806.
The only objections made to this plan of Mr. Gallatin's was, the profit
to be made by the speculators was equal to the intire purchase money
proposed, and this profit ought to go either to the United States, or
to individual settlers, rather than to speculators.
* In aid of this injurious speculation in favor of treasury patronage, the committee of
ways and means joined their influence, to the astonishment of every one who saw the
inevitable effects of such measures; but there is now reason to hope as soon as the
speculative operation is effected by the authors of the motion, that order will be re-
stored; and as the sales of the public lands have, even in a scarcity of money, so far
exceeded the expectations of Mr Gallatin, when he opposed a cash sinking fund, in favor
of a debt sinking fund in the lands only, we hope another session will not pass till the
truc interest of the UNION may be thus established for at least half a century to come.
NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT,
CREDIT, LANDS, &C.
195
Such were the patriotic opinions of Mr. A. Gallatin, now secretary
of the treasury. These he is now, more than ever, called to defend,
if he is still firmly opposed to excessive or unnecessary treasury
patronage, to useless commissions, &c. as he has formerly declared.
Now is the time for us to prove this patriotism, by reloaning the
reimbursements of foreign loans, and doing this in a manner that
the specie drain in the cash sinking funds may be stopped, and all
future foreign and domestic debts die in the land offices their natural
death. This would indeed be highly grateful to ti.e old soldier, thus
to know who had contributed to make so important a present as the
value of the war debt, and a surplus of 200 millions of acres to his
country this they ought to be allowed to make; for it is more than
· one hundred per cent. better, in the entire operation on the acres in
question, than any other plan ever proposed in congress.
Its effects upon the CURRENT CIRCULATION of monry, for the uni-
versal benefit of all classes and descriptions of our citizens, and for
the general weal, are too obvious to require any comment; while
the refusal of certificates of war debt, for the prize-of-war lands, in
the public offices, can only disgust the whole commercial world for
its injustice, impolicy, and for the fixing a British cash sinking fund
in lieu of a debt sinking fund, instead of retaining the specie loans in
Europe till our citizens find we have no further use for the addi-
tion to our very deficient capital, with our over growing population.
More will be repeated on these subjects of lands, of loans, and of
sinking funds, than would have been published here, but for the
known present intentions of further speculations on the public pro-
perty. We were so fortunate as to apprize many members of both
houses, of an attempt to reduce the public lands to 125 cents, a short
ti ne since. Who knows but we may be again with the majority?
We shall, however, at every risk, oppose all such highly injurious de-
signs as those, for the unnecessary reduction of price in the public
lands, and for public CASH or MAN drains, till we have a surplus of
both.
If the specie drains are not counterpoised by public reloans, one of
two effects must necessarily follow in consequence. Our merchants,
finding an annual flux greater than the annual balance, realized in
the amount of their imports, must have recourse to the forming of
more banks, for stock to remit; and thus subject us to 8 per cent. an-
nual drains, in lieu of 4 to 6 per cent paid by the United States; or
they must suffer immense losses by the effect of the superior specie
capital with their European commercial rivals. This is common
sense, and financially true, though there are a few superficial essays,
that by mere sophisms may have made contrary impressions. Wit-
ness the late rise of usurious interest, and specie is now at five per cent.
advance; to remit the rise of British bills, that would be down 6 to 10
per cent. under par, if government were no longer rival purchasers in
the market, to the great and manifest injury of our extensive com-
merce, at a very important period for the interest of agriculture.
196
NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS, &C.
}
An estimate of all the real and personal property in the United States.
1 million of habitations and apparel for 6 millions of
persons, with shops, barns, implements, tools, fur-
niture, &c. each 360 dollars,
39 millions acres of lands averaged at 6 dollars,
150 do. acres adjoining and near the cultivated
lands averaged at 3 dollars,
$360,000,000
234,000,000
525,000,000
451 million acres, the residue of all the lands in the
United States, averaged at 2 dollars,
902,000,000
The carriages, horses, horned cattle, sheep, hogs,
poultry & other live stock at 70 dolls. each family,
Turnpike, canal, and toll bridge stock,
70,000,000
15,000,000
4,000,000
10,000 flour, grist, saw, iron, and other mills, value
not less than 400 dolls. each,
1 million of slaves, averaged value 200 dolls.
Country produce on hand for exportation, manufac-
ture, &c.
Stock in trade, viz 1,000,000 tons shipping. Europe-
an, India, merchandise, &c in specie, bank stock,
insurance stock and all other incorporated funds,
Public buildings, churches, v ashington city lots,
arsenals, naval and military stores, arms, ammuni-
tion, frigates, dock yards, timber, &c. &c.
Total valuation for 1805,
200,000,000
26,000,000
150,000,000
19,500.000
2,505,500,000
Louisiana is omitted at present, because the boundaries are not yet
adjusted. The addition is of immense importance in a pecuniary view;
and as the union of all North America was contemplated in 1776, and
a favourite topic with Franklin, Green, Washington, and all our
most respectable patriots, we may embrace the whole in due time;
for we have now above 100 thousand spare souls increasing annually
for migration to the unsettled ports of our country. The slaves in
the above table are rated too high, till they are better managed; but
every thing else is below the mark, in at least the same amount. As
the whole of this table would be materially affected by more, or by
less money than we now have, the difference between foreign loans
and continual drains should be carefully weighed by a kind of money
meter. (See plans for these in page 186 and 197.)
The writer of this gave Mr. Hamilton a plan for regulating his
disproportioned cash sinking fund, on his first return from abroad ; but
at that time parties ran so high, Mr. Hamilton could not attempt to
add, for fear of a consequent injury by congress, to his existing plan.
The writer also proposed a coNCILIATORY LOAN, on account of the
unequal operation of the funding system, by anticipations on the
public land offices at 2 dollars the acre: this loan was to be at 10 dol-
lars a head for each state, and FOR STATE PURPOSES, of banks, roads,
canals, education and other improvements, and for a further sum to
purchase the entire ground for the Federal city; this loan to die in the
lot office of the city. See Federal city, under note page 82. )
!
NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS, &C. 197
The following tables may further evince the truth of all our preceding
remarks on the value of money to the United States, to a certain ex-
tent; and also the difference that a mere increase of men only would
create in the price of real estate with no additional STIMULI.
Men to cach
mile.
Money aver-
aged to cach.
Productive of
labour.
Public land
per acre.
Labour per
day.
3
CO
5
10
20
50
୪୫
$ 2
2
Q Q Q N N
4
1
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
Hla
H2
- Q Q CO
6
3
4
6
5
5
6
10
8
247
6
15
10
81
6
20
12
10
من
1
1
Total valua-
tion of the
public lands.
Total valua-
tion of all the
property of
the U. S.
300,000,000 $ 800 000,000
450,000,000 1,150,000,000
600,000,000 1,500,000,000
2
2.
3
cts.75
70
750,000,000 2,000,000,000
900,000,000 2,400,000,000

600,000,000 2,500,000,000
1,200,000,000 4,500,000,000
60 2,100,000,000 6,000,000,000
55 2,550,000,000| 6,500,000.000
50 3,000,000,000 7,000,000,000
Among the materials for a larger work on ELEMENTAL ECONOMY,
the above is sufficiently explained; but from this short table, and
from the money meter, page 186, a principle only can be obtained.
On the principle, therefore, the eronomist may reflect, and form the
graduations for himself. (See pages 64, 66, 68, and 142.)
An underrate for lands generates feudal and allodial monopolies,
and depresses population by promoting slavery and tyranny.
A fair price for lands brings labour down to a fair price; while a
low price for lands creates a high, injurious price for common labour,
and thereby promotes idleness.
A fair price only, for white labour, would banish slavery from the
healthy parts of our country.
The reason why too low a rate for lands raises the price of labour,
is obvious. What free man will work for another, while he can
buy good lands, at 2 to 4 or 5 dollars the acre, on which he need not
work above one or two days in the week, to gain a comfortable sub-
sistence? Hence our back country people are sometimes more idle
than is either for their health, or for the peace and happiness of their
families. More money from Europe, and the natural consequence
more workmen, would correct this by migrations with their certifi-
cates to buy lands, &c.
"Men follow money,
As flies follow honey." Old proverb.
198
NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS, &c.
REPORT of the amount of stock possessed by creditors, &c. under the following denominations, on 30th June, 1803.
1
;
FOREIGNERS.
STOCKS.
States.
English.
Dutch.
All other Total
foreigners. foreigners.
ed bodies.
Incorporat- Domestic
individuals.
Total dollars.
6 per cent.
3,447,672
7,285,592
3 do.
6,663,371
3,902,307
928,951 11,662,217 2,306,253
663,868 11,229,546
5,818,798
Def'd 6 do.
4,207,053
1,903,718
546,075 6,656,847
1,728,126
1,558,084
8,448,316
1,028,929 5,086,091 19,072,695
1,563,669 3,869,198 13,647,800
28,235,585
8 per cent.
787,500
136,200
303,900
1,227,600
14,100
1,249,100
3,975,800
6,466,600
5 ½ do.
727,500
445,700
97,400
1,270,600
204,600
4 ½ do.
41,600
9,000
50,600
Navy 6 do.
8,100
11,400
2,300
21,800
2,000
372,300
108,200 17,200
123,100 561,700
1,847,500
176,000
708,600
•Total,
Louisiana 6,
9,250,000 1,500,000
15,882,797 |13,693,918 | 2,542,495 32,119,211
500,000 11,250,000
5,608,564 10,096,398 |22,330,606
70,154,781
11,250,000
Bank U. S.
4,000,000 2,000,000
200,000
6,200,000
120,000
3,680,000
10,000,000
State banks,
5,000,000 3,000,000
1,000,000
9,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000 120,000
26,000,000
Insurance co.
500,000
500,000
100,000
400,000 10,000,000
9,000,000
Turnpikes &
canal,
100,000
80,000
180,000
100,000 3,120,000
3,400,000
Total,
34,732,797 20,273,918 4,242,495 59,249,211
8,708,564 14,716,391 36,010,606 129,804,781
* The items preceding this line are from the treasury reports.

NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS, &c.
199
Dividend
on all the
stocks for
one year.
Official statement of the United States' debt, June 1803, with the number
of stockholders then enumerated, exclusive of the stock in the name of
the commissioners for the sinking fund; also an estimate for 1804, of
all the other monied associations in the United States.


On what
books.
Total
amount of
stork on the
several
books.
Number
of U. S.
Stock-
Banks, Insurance
cos. Turnpikes, c.

Monied Stock-
holders.
companies holders.
Treas. U.S. 25,399,862
1,613,678
2,152
New Hamp.
501,658
31,996
171
21
1,000
Mass.
11,537,080
785,036
4,199
68
6,000
R. Island,
827,375
55,181
471
14
850
Connecticut, 1,692,051
113,484
710
18
1,850
New York, 11,732,132
770,155
2,204
51
5,000
New Jersey,
442,729
29,591
212
18
850
Pennsylva.
12,854,712
848,665
2,746
42
4,000
Delaware,
173,439
11,997
46
4
350
Maryland,
1,023,217
61,210
157
16
3,800
Virginia,
969,173
62,876
376
9
700
N. Carolina,
123,818
7,840
43
6
450
S. Carolina,
Georgia,
2,767,204
188,618
727
14
1,050
110,324
8,294
22
5
400
14,236
286 26,300
70,154,781 | 4,590,628
Believing, as we do, from every view taken of the subject in all its
connections, that small incorporations of the respublica, or things
held in common for mutual and equitable benefit, by affording fre-
quent profitable dividends, are of primary importance firmly to attach
a free people to the form of a commonwealth in the plan of their ge-
neral government; we continue to do all in our power to extend in
our own country, those institutions that are most likely to operate as
an equipoise to the allodial and feudal tendency of the land monopo-
lizing systems of the Mr. Barings and Pultneys, and many of our
wealthy citizens.
Dr. Price, and many others believed, that these little monied repub-
lics, by embracing the interests of so great a portion of the middling
and poorer classes of the people, that composed the retainers and
villains of feudal times, by affording something periodically from the
savings of the industrious, in addition to the daily product of their
labour, stimulated to further industry. Hence a new character was
given to the common people of Holland, and of England. From be-
ing in the most servile state of dependance, they soon began to con-
200
NOTES U. W. PUBLIC CREDIT, LANDS, &c.
tend for rights, that the allodial and feudal lords at first denied them;
but in time, their opponents so far succeeded as to be perhaps the
only means of preserving the remaining traits of republicanism that
survived the accession of Charles the IId, and continues to exist till
this day. With such impressions in favour of numerous incorporated
commonwealth plans, for republican security, we regret that they are
not more numerous; but as they daily incrcase, we hope in time, by
the manner in which our states, as well as the United States, and all
our associations shall become linked in these golden, social chains,
that even if we extended over all North America, we should still find
it strongly to our interest, as well as agreeable to our inclinations, to
continue in peaceable and in cordial connection.
If it be true, that a great commonwealth cannot long be preserved
without these interesting ties, we hope that all true friends to our re-
publican union will do all they can to extend the system of banks,
insurance companies, canals, turnpikes, bridge companies, and all
other such useful commonwealth associations, with small shares, to
embrace the poorer classes, and thus to stimulate them to further
industry, which they have never failed to do, where frequent free
elections have given a correct direction to the employment of the
funds, for the encouragement of all useful labour. The immense
resources combined within these systems, to stimulate to further in-
dustry, while they contribute to increase the capital of a community,
form a complete contrast to the tendency of riches in a monarchy,
where a ribbon, a ring, a garter, or a feather, too often forms the most
substantial fetters against the powers of industry, and render man as
idle, and in reality as worthless, as the four footed gentleman of Dr.
Franklin. We do not mean to assert, that there are no industrious,
even among the privileged orders, that operate as stimulants to ani-
mate those who might otherwise remain in idleness; but this class
are often too numerous and too disproportioned, where it is a thing
of governmental creation, while the stimulating classes are perhaps
no more than may be proper in a commonwealth. The immense
sums that the general government might have gained by borrowing
in Holland, at 4 per cent. in 1790, and by subscribing something to
each state bank, as well as the bank of the United States; and the
immense sums that our active citizens would have gained by the use
of this money, is very candidly conceded by Mr. Gallatin, when he
tells us, in his report, Oct. 23, 1803, it is now evident that our wealth
increases faster than our population; that is, after paying the interest
on all public and private debts, which will require at least 12 per cent.
profit on our money, borrowed by our merchants and the public from
abroad. Why are zve now paying of 5½ per cents, while 6 per cents are
under par?
Why I repeat it, are we thus wastefully returning our money
to Europe? When will our venerable political fathers attend to
their financial, their primary duties, and make OUR COUNTRY THE
FIRST OF THE UNIVERSH?
NOTES X. Y. Z. PUBLIC LANDS, &C.
201
It was our intention to have inserted a particular statement of every
thing we could obtain relative to the public lands, but we find we have
not room in our manual; and to save us some trouble in our next
edition, we beg leave to suggest the propriety of a more particular
and retrospective view in the official returns to be presented in fu-
ture. At present we do not find in these statements any recapitula-
tion, forming the sums total of all the lands sold or of their proceeds,
or of the lands granted to the army, and of the number of acres given
away for the various reasons assigned in the laws concerning these
donations. As it is our opinion, that both the states and the United
States, have been too hasty in granting and selling in times past,
we know of no means so likely to prevent such errors in future, as
very full statements of all that has been done with the public lands;
provided these statements are accompanied with notes, explaining
the present state and value of the former grants. They will assist
future sales of the public property, at fair prices, or nearer the true
value than those demanded and received at any time hitherto, (the
sales of the reserved sections at 8 dollars excepted.) By our list re-
vised since the table was printed off, (see page 68,) we have found
an error, and obtained another year's sales in addition to the state-
ment referred to. We hope the following is near the truth; but
we still want the York sales of 1786, &c
The total sales to October 1803, from the commencement, was above
919,724 acres, for, we believe, $ 2,248,509, and the rest as follows:
ANNUAL SALES.
TOTAL LANDS SOLD.
Proceeds.
;
A
t
Years.
Acres.
Proceeds.
Acres.
1803
199,080 $ 398,161
1804
373,611
1835
619,266
772,851
1,235,953
919,724
1,293,335
1,902,601
$ 2,248,509
3,020,360
4,266,313
I
!
1806
1807
}
The next year's sales may shew the impropriety of refusing the
receipt of public debt for public lands. To increase in the ratio of
our preceding experience, near a million of acres must sell for above
two millions of dollars in the year 1806, and 60 per cent. on this for
the next year; but we have already said enough on this topic, and
against the cash sinking fund, and on the subject of lots and lands.
Perhaps we have said too much, from our anxious desire to place
this all important subject in a true light.
We confess, we are apprehensivè that a stranger might suppose
we have not treated our political fathers with sufficient respect, but
"faithful are the wounds of a real friend," and meaning well, we
glory as much in our republican frankness as we do in the liberty of our
American press.
C 2
1
1
"
202
!
A
A General Index for the heads of the general table. (See page 68 to 70.)

In 1805.
In 180
Territories of the United States*
Acrcs.
1,280,000,000
Free persons, (See note)
A
Persons.
5,156,000
Slaves,
Do.
1,024,900
Freed persons of colour,
Do.
131,000
Births,
Do.
321,000
Deaths,
Do.
158,000
Total population,
A
Do.
6,180,000
Total increase, yearly,
Do.
180,000
Persons to each mile,
B
Do.
3
Dwelling-houses,
C
Houses.
1,225,900
Colleges,
Number.
20
Academies,
Do.
4I
Improved lands,
E
Acres.
39,400,000
Averaged price, cultivated,
Cents.
6 25
Do. in their natural state,
Cents.
2 20
Horses,
F
Horses.
1,235,000
Horn cattle,
Cattle.
2,960,000
Toll bridges,
G
Capital
2,900,000
Turnpikes and canals,
Do.
6,000,000
Militia,
H
Men.
1,100,000
Navy U. S.
I Vessels.
Seamen,
Tons shipping,
Imports,
Exports,
Insurance companies,
Averaged labour per day,
Do wheat per bushel,
Revenue,
Expenditure,
KLMNOP
Scamen.
24
66,000
Shipping.
1,443,453
Dollars.
96,000,000
•
· Do.
95,000,000
Capital.
13,000,000
Gents.
75
Do.
130
Dollars.
11,826,307
R
Do.
12,615,112
Metalic medium,
S
Do.
18,000,000
Banks,
T
Number.
72
Bank capital,
Dollars.
>
43,000,000
Bank notes circulating,
Do.
15,000,000
Nominal public debt,
U
Do.
97,232,006
Sinking fund,
Do.
23,506,025
Cash in the treasury,
Do.
4,037,005
Custom house bonds,
Do
18,000,000
Total valuation U. States,
W
Do.
2,505,000,000
Public lands sold,
X
Acres.
1,902,601
Proceeds public lands,
Dollars.
4,266,313
NATIONAL FUNDS, viz.
Active sinking fund & reimbt. Y
Dollars.
23,506,058
4500 lots in Washington city,. Z
Do.
1,500,000
Western public lands,
Z
Ꮓ
Acres.
250,000,000
Louisiana lands,
Do.
400,000,000
*The addition for Louisiana in 1804, is from a vague estimate, the bounds
being yet undefined.
APPENDIX.
1
TOWARD the close of our prefatory address, we commenced a
statement of all we knew of the national university, and of a few
particulars respecting its seat, the city of Washington.
This ill fated city, if it had not been an infant Hercules, would have
been strangled in its cradle by those baneful serpents local preju-
dice and party spirit, both of which the federal seat was wisely form-
ed to overcome; and thus one day to save the republic! from the
fate incident to the intestine divisions of ancient Greece. During
the marked contempt, or (what was in fact the same) the neglect of
congress toward the HEART OF THE UNION, the members were re-
peatedly consulted individually, but always found (with some honor-
able exceptions) averse to every expedient that could reasonably be
expected to prepare the public building for the reception of govern-
ment, in due time. This conduct, of a majority of the national legisla-
ture, it was thought, arose from a secret hope of defeating the exist-
ing plan for the seat of government.
The natural astonishment of the proprietors of the lands, above
half of which they had now given to government, at this unexpected
return from such a source, could only vent itself in self accusations
and intestine divisions and disputes with the now merely nominal
commissioners, who like our first congress under the old charter,
had ample powers to promise, but scarce any for performance. At
this critical juncture, the writer, from his known attachment to the
object, was prevailed on to leave his private affairs, to engage in those
for the forlorn hope, of doing something for the almost deserted fede-
ral heart of the union; with very little benefit to the city, except in
obtaining a law for the bank of Columbia, then intended chiefly for
the benefit of the city, and another for the bridge over the Potomac.
He also headed a loan with 5,000 dollars, to the city; but as congress
would not then afford their guarantee, it obtained no further.
The character in which the writer now officiated, to please his
former commander, was, merely to fill a vacancy till another agent
and supervisor could be found with more leisure for the office. At
this crisis, as a dernier expedient, two United States lotteries were
formed, but in magnitude disproportioned to the state of the city,
with the host of active enemies that rival cities and rival lotteries had
formed. As extensive credits were the only eligible mode of sale,
they were recommended by the commissioners; but unfortunately
for the treasurer of the city, and the agent, they were called on, in
ii
APPENDIX.
the first instance, to make good all the losses and accidents, which
unavoidably exceeded one fifth of the amount of the entire sales. In
addition to these losses, it happened that one of the principal
prize tickets promised a superb hotel; for the building of which, the
sum originally allotted thereto by the scheme of the lottery, was
punctually paid (agreeably to the order of the commissioners ap-
pointed by the congress of the United States) to the architect of their
own appointment, for the public buildings of the city; but a depre
ciation of money, and a rise of all materials and labour, it is stated,
rendered the original sum unequal to the completion of the building.
A law suit for the stated difference was now instituted; not against
the public commissioners, but against their agent! although he had
previously complied with all the terms of his agency: yet the suit
was recovered and an extravagant sum awarded, under a belief, on
the part of the jury, that government would not suffer a faithful in-
dividual to be injured in their service. By the event of this suit,
and by the great fall of the city property, in consequence of the
great sale and sacrifice of public property at auction, in 1802, above
1,500 lots, that cost 200,000 dollars, with the buildings thereon,
were bought in for less than 26.000 dollars, the sum recovered of
the writer to finish the hotel, as we have already stated. The writer
has many reasons for making this known at this period: as most of
the members of congress are his subscribers to this manual, it may
favour a request he intends to make, viz.
That on a full investigation of the losses he has thus sustained in
the public service, they will give the amount to the national univer-
sity, from his original donation of 1,500 lots, (see page 24,) the
amount of his unfortunate loss in public service, as agent to the com-
missioners of the United States, for the federal city; but as the ex-
act loss is not yet ascertained, his memorial will not be presented to
congress till the net and unavoidable amount is substantiated.*
As this loss (possibly of the entire fortune of the writer) occurred.
while he was writing this book, agreeably to promise, he has men-
tioned these circumstances naturally as an apology for the unexpected
delay, occasioned in part by the trouble in attending to this suit; and,
in spite of a natural flow of spirits, by the untimely loss, at this peri-
od, of two promising children, and by ill health, the remaining
effects of the severe campaigns of 1775 to 1778. To those who are
acquainted with the time requisite to form some of the tables, no
further apology, we hope, will be necessary, even for some inaccu-
racies that may possibly have escaped us at each revision of the
tables. The stile of our book, being a secondary consideration, was
As the intention of the writer to give a large portion of his property in the city,
to the university, was made known to the commissioners many years before this re-
verse of fortune, the request here mentioned, will, it is hoped, be the more effectual
from this well known circumstance.
APPENDIX.
111
less attended to; we now can only promise to revise this in a future
edition, and to leave off our delenda est Carthago repetitions, whenever
we find they have produced the desirable effects. From this digres-
sion we proceed to state, that with due attention on the part of the
government of the union, to the property given by the original pro-
prietors of Washington city, at least 500 dollars a lot might have
been obtained in due time, on 10,000 of those given to the public;
leaving 2,000 to be disposed of to the first settlers, on condition of
immediate improvement, on any reasonable terms, at discretion of
the commissioners. But by the neglect duly to support these gentle-
men in their early efforts, they were driven to many expedients need-
less to repeat, as we now believe that congress were in fact the cause
of every important mistake, by refusing to guarantee the loans in
anticipation of the estimate value of the lots. In consequence of these
anticipations, with such resources, the president of the United States
could have obtained the best assistance from any part of the world,
and the city would now have twice its present inhabitants. We
have tried to discover the cause of the recent sacrifice of 2,400
comfortable city lots, at an average of 10 dollars, and believe it arose
chiefly from that careless inattention to which large bodies are sub-
jected, chiefly from the extensive subdivision of their responsibility.
Is there no remedy for this? Why is not the judiciary begun ?
Why is THE SACRED MANSION OF THE PEOPLE, still in an unfinished
state? It is now said that its noble dome is to be omitted and struck out
of the original plan ;* but we hope this report is premature. The mag-
nificent width of the avenues and principal streets of Washington,
will require a corresponding stile in the size and elevation at least,
of the public buildings, or they will be diminished in perspective
from the extreme points of sight, so far as to lose that characteristic
effect, which they ought ever to produce from every point of view.
Why is there yet so little ground taken into the navy yard? and
why is not the grand hospital for invalids in a state to receive at least
a part of the poor beggars we see wandering about, and shewing their
honorable scars, to enforce this question? As we are the only coun-
try for which soldiers ever effected so much, this question is tru-
ly mortifying. It will be time enough to desert them when their lands
are gone.
That we shall soon have a national university, there is now the
greatest reason to hope, since many gentlemen who had read only of
some objectionable institutions in Europe, and who conceived we
should of course imitate them, are now fully convinced that they were
wholly mistaken; hence many members of congress have contributed
* For this truly sublime and beautiful building, Dr. William Thornton received
the premium; but as it has undergone some changes by deviations, agreeably to the
taste (de gustibus non est disputandum) of the several ingenious gentlemen who have
superintended the work, we know not how much the original architect wlll disown.
iv
APPENDIX.
to augment the fund of Washington, on finding that this national
institution was intended both to give additional stability to the union,,
and yet to assist in the preservation of the independence of each in-
dividual state seminary; and that instead of interfering with the mi-
nor schools, it was to have nothing to do with them; that instead of
controuling and humbling the state colleges, it was to contribute to
their independency and to increase their importance; inasmuch as a
principal controuling power over the most commanding features of
the university, might be vested with the principals of the state semi-
naries.
The injuries complained of by some writers, from the two inde-
pendent situations, by the too great salaries and too secure hold of
their durable places, in the permanent officers of Europe, will no
doubt be avoided in ours, and every thing done to make the univer
sity not only an epitome to correspond and harmonize always with
the principles of our government and union, but highly conducive
to the preservation of that freedom and independence possessed by
all classes of the people composing our American commonwealth.
It would be an endless task, and require volumes to hold all that
has been written in favour of a federal heart and university, in our
periodical papers, since 1775. We shall only select a few.
Published September, 1787.
"If a federal university should be established, I shall advance my
humble opinion on the plan: here it is enough to observe, that the
institution must be simple, complete, and grand. The great science
of politics requires a particular professorship; and a person qualified
for this place, must be one of the first characters in the United
States. A mere financier, or civilian, is not a politician: this phi-
losophic character must understand morals, war, finance, commerce,
manufactures, agriculture, police, philosophy; he must have a per-
fect view of all the great affairs of a nation in their whole extent and
intimate connection. His republican heart should be equally noble
with his understanding, animated with rational piety, warm philan-
thropy, and sublime patriotism, infinitely above the narrow senti-
ments of sects and parties. A mechanic may construct an admira-
ble machine, whether he is a good man or not: but the design of a
political system is the felicity of a nation; the rights and feelings of
millions must be understood. The great artist must therefore feel
the joys and sorrows of his species in every condition of life, and
with impartial goodness secure to all the happiness they have a right
to enjoy as men and citizens. A narrowness of thought and senti-
ment has produced the many absurd political systems; a devotee
would sacrifice all for religion; a moralist regards virtue not as the
principal, but the only object. A military politician is often dazzled
by the glory of victory and grandeur of dominion, not considering
APPENDIX.
how dearly they are bought by the blood and distress of thousands;
the political economist is so narrow in his view of property, as to for-
get the proprietors, and in his pursuit of national wealth thinks little
of that liberty, honor, wisdom, valour, without which it cannot be
enjoyed and preserved: What is extraordinary, political economy
itself is divided into ridiculous sects; one doats on agriculture, ano-
ther on manufactures, a third on commerce. If the professor of
politics has the noble talents I have mentioned, what excellent states-
men and legislators will not be formed under his hand; but if blind-
ly attached to a system, or a leader of political party, he will, with
many valuable qualities, be one of the most pernicious men in the
union.
"In one department of the federal university the science of war
should be taught in all its branches, particularly those which will
for a long time be most useful in America; her defence will depend
very little on regular fortifications; but the art of chusing posts is
very valuable in a country so woody, hilly, and intersected with rivers,
creeks, &c.; and above all, the science of forming a correct dispo-
sition for battle, and in the heat of it, under the eye of death, display-
ing those excellent manœuvres, that have often conquered numbers,
will, in this and most countries forever hold the highest rank.
"The belles lettres or elegant literature claim also particular atten-
tion. These are both in the ancient and modern stile called humani-
ora, because they humanize and refine the human heart. They are
not merely ornamental, but extremely useful by ennobling those af-
fections which are the bands of civil society; and by qualifying men
in several respects for all the important offices of government. Mili-
tary harangues have often appeased the fury of soldiers, and inspired
fortitude in the most forlorn situation. In foreign negociations a
great deal depends on the address, wit and genius of a minister....
Political eloquence is absolutely necessary in republics; the dull must
be roused, the cold warmed, the impetuous restrained, the daring in-
timidated, the artful detected through all their fraudulent windings,
the selfish and ungenerous exposed in all their meanness.
A great
speaker or writer for a party is very dangerous unless an able
champion of patriotism; truth has an invincible power, but she must
be held up in her true majestic form, with the just proportions, ani-
mated features, beaming eye, fine complexion, and noble air; in
drapery that becomes a goddess, like that of her sister nature, now
like a morning in the blooming spring, then the star bespangled
midnight sky, sometimes as the foaming ocean, the thunder that
strikes the lofty tower, and shatters the solid rock. The writings of
Swift greatly promoted the peace of Utrecht: his conduct of the allies
in particular, had a great effect upon the nation, though its pride was
so highly flattered by a continual series of illustrious victories. How
much Common Sense disposed the people of America for indepen-
dency, is well known. Again, had the earl of Chatham been alive
and well, it would probably not have been obtained without a serere
I
vi
APPENDIX.
struggle. I speak of this ardent inflexible character only as an orator;
for had he again been keeper of the British lion, he would much more
have rouzed it to desperate deeds; it would not have slumbered,
frisked whole days round a whistling mocking bird, hunted rabbets
and sheep, and to no purpose left bits of the tail, and a claw here
and there; it would not have struck a few bold strokes now and then,
but darted furious on the chest of the fierce unicorn, though his horn
might have gored its heart. A collection of the great events produced
by political eloquence in ancient and modern states, would make an
entertaining instructive volume. While it is a truth, that a single
speech in a national assembly may determine peace or war, and that
one pen may do more than 10,000 swords; that political cloquence,
which is the offspring of strong sense, great knowledge, sublime fan-
cy, warm sensibility, and above all, a noble heart, cannot be too high-
ly valued.
"Sublime learning is a powerful antidote against that excessive love
of property, which in the present mode of civilization prevails too
much. A man, who has read the best political and military authors,
who is well acquainted with the best poets and historians, who has of-
ten sighed over the select scenes of heroic tragedy; such a man can-
not have low thoughts, and mean sentiments; he cannot regard his
slaves, or acres, or shining toys, or some hogsheads of sugar, more
or less, as great national objects; and in voting for a tax he does not
calculate how many shillings will come out of his own pocket. Men
of letters know their own dignity, scorn to flatter the rich or great,
and under the frowns of fortune often preserve a noble spirit of in-
dependency.
"Natural philosophy and mathematics are the same every where ;
but moral and sentimental literature has a great influence on man-
ners and government. A critical inquiry into the species and forms
of learning most proper for America, would be a noble object to a
man of genius and political knowledge. I shall only remark, that
the European is not in all cases suitable; but that some justly ad-
mired compositions may have a bad influence. The characters of
many favourite dramas are kings and queens, lords and noble ladies.
A celebrated French author pretends that only persons of the first
rank can engage the simpathy of mankind: an idea degrading to the
human species every where; particularly destructive in free countries.
"America must have her own sterling even in learning; let her
establish an academy of belles lettres: of this every fine genius in the
union should be a member: it must be central, and under the patro-
nage of the federal power.”
Extract from the fourth volume of the Independent Gazetteer, printed
at Philadelphia, 1788. [No. 548.]
"A gentleman under the signature of Nestor, some months since,
gave the public a hint for erecting a federal university. How much
APPENDIX.
vii
}
this will promote learning in general, is evident from the situation
of this
young country, whose pecuniary and literary resources cannot
yet be great enough for more than one illustrious assembly of the muses.
It would be an excellent institution for promoting federal sentiments.
In the happy spring of youth, all our affections bloom; the high
sense of honor; the warmth of friendship; the glow of patriotic vir-
tue, then animates the enraptured soul: sublime and elegant litera-
ture then has its highest relish, refines and exalts these noble pas-
sions. What glorious effects may not then a nation expect froin a
concourse of her best sons at the temple of wisdom? Society in
the sweet enjoyment of wisdom, literature, and the many social
pleasures of an academic life, will create a mutual endearment,
and form those charming friendships that will continue to the grave.
When after a finished education they depart to their different stations
and places of residence, they will be so many capital links of the fe-
deral union; so many stately columns under the grand fabric; so ma-
ny bright luminaries to shed a radiance through the whole federal
system; and so many powerful centripetal forces to give eternal sta-
bility. Infinitely above the local prejudices of vulgar bosoms, they
will think and feel as genuine sons of America. I scruple not to
say, that though a state college is formed on the most liberal plan,
its education cannot be so patriotic as that in a federal university.
'Let us propose these questions to the respective students: Where
did you spend the happiest part of your life? In (say) Pennsylvania.
Where did you acquire those sciences and liberal arts, which you
value more than Peruvian treasures? In Pennsylvania. Where did
you know the best politicians, philosophers, poets, &c.? In Pennsyl-
vania. Where are your most faithful and most admired friends? In
Pennsylvania. When the dearest objects of the human heart are
thus confined within a narrow sphere, it must be uncommonly noble
to embrace unknown persons and objects, however nearly politically
related; but all these questions would be answered by the federal
student, in America: his learning, his virtues, his graces, all the bles-
sings of education were acquired in the center of the confederacy
(where congress meets.) The friends of the youth, for whom he
would die, are Americans; some in Georgia, others in New Hamp-
shire, or Kentucky; military officers, clergymen, magistrates, mem-
bers of legislatures, delegates in congress, &c. &c."
Although our WASHINGTON had nothing nearer his heart, after
the completion of our independence, than a federal city and a central
university, as he felt a diffidence when the question for the republican
form for the university arose in his mind, lest it might militate with
the prejudices of those who were educated at aristocratical semina-
ries, and thereby fail from formidable opposition: he nevertheless,
recommended the attention of congress, in two instances, to this ob
ject, in his speeches, while president of the United States, viz.
D 2
1
viii
APPENDIX.
Extract from a speech to the first congress, 1789.
"Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion,
that there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage, than
the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every
country the surest basis of public happiness, &c."
Answer of the Senate.
“Literature and science are essential to the preservation of a free
constitution. The measures of the government should therefore be
calculated to strengthen the confidence that is due to that important
truth."
Answer of the House of Representatives.
"We conceive with you in sentiment, that the promotion of sci-
´ence and literature will contribute to the security of a free govern-
ment. We shall not lose sight of an object so worthy of regard."
K
Speech of the President to the fourth congress, second session, 1792.
"I have therefore proposed to the consideration of congress, the
expediency of establishing a national university, and also a military
academy. The durableness of both these institutions has so con-
stantly increased with every new view I have taken of the subject,
that I cannot fail of recalling your attention to them."
"The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not
to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sci-
ences contributes to national prosperity and reputation: true it is
that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of
learning, highly respectable and useful; but the funds upon which
they rest, are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the
different departments of liberal knowledge for the institution con-
templated, though they be excellent auxiliaries. Among the mo-
tives to such an institution, the assimilation of principles, opinions,
and manners of our countrymen, by the common education of a por-
tion of our youth from every quarter, well deserves attention."
"The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these par-
ticulars, the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a
primary object of such an institution should be the science of govern-
ment."
"What duty of the legislature can be more pressing than to pa-
tronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future
guardians of the liberties of their country?"
Extract from the answer of the Senate.
"A national university may be converted to the most useful pur-
poses. The United States will assume a more dignified station
among the nations of the earth, by the successful cultivation of the
higher branches of literature."
APPENDIX.
ix
•
As it is unnecessary at this time, while every thing respecting our
beloved Washington, is still fresh on the minds of his fellow citizens,
to add to the chronological memoranda in the first part of this book,
we shall only endeavour to account for his having done nothing fur-
ther for the university till he founded the institution in his last will!
In a conversation with the writer hereof, he stated his opinion, that
till there were 4 or 5,000 inhabitants in the city of Washington, and
until congress were comfortably accommodated, it might be prema-
ture to commence a seminary, at which our youth from other com-
fortable establishments were to receive an additional polish to their
republican suavity of manners, as well as to their other mental and
personal accomplishments. He did not wish to see the work com-
mence till the city was prepared for it; but he added, that he hoped
he had not omitted to take such measures as would at all events se-
cure the entire object in time, even if its merits should not draw
forth from every quarter the aid it would be found to deserve. He
then talked again and again, on Mr. Turgot's and Dr. Price's calcu-
lations of the effect of compound interest, at which, as he was well
versed in figures, he could acquit himself in a masterly manner. But
to lose no more time, we now offer the extract from his will, to which
unborn millions will be indebted for their ability to shine in the senate
and the field, and thus to save their country, we hope, till time shall be
no more.
Extract from Washington's will.
"It has always been a source of serious regret with me to see the
youth of these United States sent to foreign countries for the purpose
of education, often before their minds were formed, or they had im-
bibed any adequate ideas of the happiness of their own; contracting
too frequently, not only habits of dissipation and extravagance, but
principles unfriendly to republican government, and to the true and
genuine liberties of mankind; which, thereafter, are rarely overcome.
For these reasons, it has been my ardent wish, to see a plan devised
on a liberal scale, which would have a tendency to spread systematic.
ideas through all the parts of this rising empire, thereby to do away
local attachments and state prejudices, as far as the nature of things
would, or indeed ought to admit, from our national councils. Look-
ing anxiously forward to the accomplishment of so desirable an ob-
ject as this is, (in my estimation) my mind has not been able to con-
template any plan more likely to effect the measure, than the estab-
lishment of a university in a central part of the United States, to
which the youths of fortune and talents from all parts thereof might
be sent for the completion of their education in all the branches of
polite literature; in arts and sciences, in acquiring knowledge in the
principles of politics and good government, and (as a matter of in-
finite importance, in my judgment) by associating with each other,
and forming friendships in juvenile years, be enabled to free them-
符
​APPENDIX.
selves in a proper degree from those local prejudices and habitual
jealousies which have just been mentioned; and which, when carried
to excess, are never failing sources of disquietude to the public mind,
and pregnant of mischievous consequences to this country: under
these impressions, so fully dilated"....
"ITEM. I give and bequeath in perpetuity the 50 shares which I
hold in the Potomac company, (under the aforesaid acts of the legis-
lature of Virginia) towards the endowment of a university, to be
established within the limits of the district of Columbia, under the
auspices of the general government, if that government should in-
cline to extend a fostering hand towards it; and until such seminary
is established, and the funds arising on these shares shall be required
for its support, my further wILL and DESIRE is, that the profit ac-
cruing therefrom, shall, whenever the dividends are made, be laid
out in purchasing stock in the bank of Columbia, or some other bank,
at the discretion of my executors, or by the treasurer of the United
States, for the time being, under the direction of congress; provided,
that honourable body should patronise the measure, and the divi-
dends proceeding from the purchase of such stock is to be vested in
more stock, and so on, until a sum adequate to the accomplishment
of the object is obtained; of which I have not the smallest doubt, be-
fore many years pass away, even if no aid or encouragement is giv-
en by legislative authority, or from any other source.'
"If no aid from congress, or any other source" had followed this no-
ble challenge of Washington, his donation, at compound interest, would
în 12 years, have given $50,000, and in 24 years, $ 100,000; at
this period, one of the colleges of the university might have been
erected and endowed, and yet a part of the surplus might remain at
compound interest, for the completion of the whole design.
The following extracts from a journal of the late supervisor of the city
of Washington, while acting as secretary to the subscribers, for the
university and monument to Washington, are descriptive of the origin
and progress of this enterprise, and of the general impression in its
favour.
MEMORANDUM.
On that day on which the first intelligence of the death of the be-
loved and universally respected MARTHA WASHINGTON, Consort to
THE HERO AND FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY! was received at Boston,
the following address was immediately penned to appear in the same
gazette with the first publication of this melancholy event, on the 2d
of June, 1803. See the Columbian Centinel of that date,
APPENDIX.
și
MEMORY OF WASHINGTON.
To the citizens of the United States!
When your beloved WASHINGTON, the father of his country, died!
you saw with increased sensibility the universe in tears! AMERI-
CANS! How did your bosoms dilate and glow, when, at the first
meeting of your political fathers, following the melancholy event,
you saw the call for a MONUMENT, worthy of the sublime virtues you
hoped to perpetuate, universally applauded!
How then, fellow countrymen, have ye permitted two whole years
to pass since the noble and natural resolution was every where indi-
vidually formed; and the traveller still to ask in vain, where is
THE NATIONAL MONUMENT, sacred to the public and private virtues ;
to the manes of the illustrious WASHINGTON?
COLUMBIANS! you owe to the world, as well as to yourselves, an
apology, or an explanation, for the mysterious delay of your acknow-
ledged duty since nothing can be more true, than that a mere dif-
ference of opinion, respecting the form of the monument, or the
mode of its elevation, is the sole cause. To prove this, let us agree
at once to obviate all difficulty, by uniting in a simple plan to accord
with the annexed, now in operation :....
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION,
To a monument, sacred to public and private virtue, dedicated to
GEORGE WASHINGTON, to be erected in the city bearing his
name, by the voluntary contribution of citizens of the United
States, only. The form and inscriptions, to be under the entire
direction of three trustees.
I. These articles of subscription for a monument to WASHINGTON
may be opened in any district or part of the United States, provided
that none but citizens be allowed to subscribe, and that no individual
be allowed to contribute in his own name more than one eagle, (or
ten dollars) to the subscription fund.
II. The name of each subscriber shall be written in a book, and
transmitted with the subscription monies to either branch of the bank
of the United States.
III. To render the whole design as simple as may be, three trusty
and well beloved friends, namely, BUSHROD WASHINGTON, and
JOHN MARSHALL, judges in the supreme court of the United States,
and BENJAMIN STODDERT, late secretary of the navy of the United
States, or any two of them, are hereby empowered and requested to
carry the whole design into effect, in such manner as in their wisdom
may be deemed most honorable to the memory of WASHINGTON.
IV. Should the sum hereby collected be more than sufficient for a
monument or university, whatever the object of our respect may be
xii
APPENDIX.
called, the trustees are hereby requested to appropriate the surplus to
increase the fund which WASHINGTON began, when in his last will
and testament he virtually laid the corner stone of a national university.
V. The trustees are hereby empowered and requested to draw the
subscription.monies from the bank, in which they are deposited at
discretion, and also to deposit the original subscription book, either
with the remains of WASHINGTON, or in the library of the national
university, founded by WASHINGTON. They are also requested to
publish whenever they may think fit, statements of their progress in
the important work, hereby consigned to their care.
Memorial presented to the congress of the United States.
MONDAY, January 10, 1803.
Mr. Van Ness presented a representation from Samuel Blodget,
on the subject of a national university, as follows:
"The memorial of Samuel Blodget, late supervisor of the city of
Washington, represents, that owing his appointment chiefly to his
zeal in forming several probationary plans for a national university,
he conceived it an indispensable duty after the death of Washington,
to follow the commanding advice and noble example of the common
father of his country, so irresistably pourtrayed in his farewell ad-
dress, and in the clause of his will annexed to his liberal donation.
therefor. In thus calling, most respectfully, the attention of your
honorable body to this part of the will of Washington, he fulfils a
promise made in behalf of more than one thousand subscribers to the
same object, whose respectable names accompany this memorial,
with a request that a committee may be appointed to consider what
portion of the public lots, and of lands in the western territory of the
United States, shall be appropriated by congress to this important
institution, in addition to the contents of either of the sites already
contemplated therefor within the city of Washington, by Washing-
ton himself, and by the commissioners thereof. And further to con-
sider the expediency, ( should it comport with the monumental plan
to be adopted) of erecting the statue of 1783, or in lieu thereof, any
appropriate and characteristic equestrian statue, of the original
founder of the national university, as a beautiful centre piece for the
entire plan, to be surrounded by halls and colleges as they may be
built in succession, by the fund to which the whole people of Ame-
rica, are now so liberally and so honorably contributing by voluntary
subscriptions, from Maine to Georgia inclusive. Thus virtually fol-
lowing an ancient custom of the original Americans, when men, wo-
men and children, all carried a stone to the monumental pile of a
beloved chief.
It is humbly conceived that no further aid will be necessary for
your honorable body to give, till in your wisdom it may be deemed
proper to follow the sublime and prophetic advice of Washington,
APPENDIX.
xiii
and to assume the entire direction of the most important object ever
contemplated in the united efforts of all parties, persuasions and
classes of the American people, under a firm belief that the govern-
ment I plan, and synopsis thereof will be maturely considered and
wisely adapted to promote the views of the sage and provident Wash-
ington, namely, "to do away local attachments and state prejudices,
as far as the nature of things would or indeed ought to admit, from
our national councils;" and, in short, to promote a true amor patriæ,
as well as the advancement of new arts and universal science, in all
useful knowledge, while "our youth by associating with each other
for these purposes, and forming friendships in their juvenile years,
will free themselves from those narrow local prejudices which, when
carried to excess, are never failing sources of disquiet to the public
mind, and pregnant of the most mischievous consequences to this
country."
Such are the principles under which this sublime institution,
founded by Washington, and indubitably the best monument to his
memory, is now rapidly progressing to the inmortal honor of the
American name, nor does it require uncommon inspiration to fore-
tel, that as long as it shall continue true that parents are naturally
attached to the most amiable of their offspring, so long will the foun-
ders throughout the Union, themselves and their posterity, delight
to preserve a noble fabrick, which in itself will unite the most su-
blime points that can with reason interest a generous, industrious and
an enlightened people, and equally endear them to their country and
to each other. And so long as the divine principles that gave birth
and strength to the infancy of the university may continue, so long
by turning the tide of emigration in search of learning, shall the
American character be the pride and boast of the liberal and learned
of all nations, and the dread of every foe to human excellence.
A synopsis for the university uniting with it a plan for a free
college, adopting and combining there with the interests of the
´existing seminaries throughout the union, accompany this memorial,
together with descriptions or duplicates of several monumental plans,
which will remain re the present committee of subscribers till
Congress may think proper to assume the entire direction of this ob-
ject, in conformity with the ardent wishes and earnest advice so
irresistably enforced by Washington."
The memorial was accompanied by a plan of the equestrian statue
of Washington, surrounded by halls and colleges regularly arranged;
the whole to be stiled Washingtonia, or the monument to Washington.
These articles were disseminated in all the news-papers, and al-
ways with an explanatory note, that the monument in contemplation
was in imitation of the Timoleonteon of Syracuse, as it is described
by Plutarch, to whose lives the reader is referred.
It was also stated, in handbills, that in conformity with the nomi-
nation and appointment at the first meeting of the subscribers,
Samuel Blodget had accepted the office of secretary, and the cashier
Xiv
APPENDIX,
of the branch bank of the United States, James Davidson, esquire,
that of general treasurer to the subscribers. Both of these officers
are to have each a vote, at every meeting of the original trustees.
It has been also stated, that on account of their known zeal for the
object, as well as their convenient residence, the following gentlemen
would be asked to unite with the trustees, for the promotion of the
entire plan, in any way within the views of Washington, that to
them might seem meet, viz. George Washington Custis, esquire,
and colonel John P. Van Ness, president of the branch bank of the
United States, at Washington.
•
It is left to the discretion of a majority of the trustees, at any of
their meetings, to commence one of the buildings on such ground
as they may deem proper, after consulting the president of the Unit-
ed States, with due deference to his opinion, in aid of the views of
Washington, and of the entire plan of his subscribing followers.
The building the present trustees are authorized to erect, shall be
of free stone, in a suitable stile for one of the libraries, or for a mu-
seum, to be immediately improved as such, by depositing therein all
the books, models, relicks, antiquities, and valuable donations of eve-
ry kind, suited to a library, museum, and to all the future views of
the society; for the care of these models, books, &c the secretary
will be responsible.
It is also within the duty of the treasurer and secretary, to see that
the funds collected by any of the other volunteer agents are duly in-
vested at compound interest, in any species of productive stocks, or
minor republican monied institutions, that the original subscribers
in the several districts may direct; and where there are no particular
directions on the part of the subscribers, the monies are to be sent to
the general treasurer, at Washington, with the certificates of the
stocks. invested agreeably to the general form: In trust for the uni-
versity and monument of Washington, and notice given thereof to the
general secretary for record on the books of the university.
It shall be the duty of the secretary to make known at discretion,
to all the friends of science in Europe and universally, that presents
are admitted from any quarter of the globe, either to the museum or
library, and that foreigners (although not admitted in the list of con-
tributors to the monumental pile, in honor of the father of his coun-
try) may, nevertheless, contribute to the endowment of the universi-
ty, in any way consistent with the liberal and honorable views of an
institution at which the youth of all nations are to be admitted on equal
terms, excepting only in the provision for the free education of indi-
gent youth of genius only, who intend to remain citizens of the Unit-
ed States.
The secretary shall publish at any time, such parts of the proceed-
ings and progress of the subscription and work, after it commences, as
he may think proper, or as in due respect to the subscribers and
trustees it may be his duty to make known.
M

BOUND BY J.C.SCHELLER, NEWARK. N.
*
i

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}