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AMERICAN STATE PAPERS.

DOCUMENTS,

LEGISLATIVE

AJTD

OF

EXECUTIVE,

T H E

C O N G R E S S OF T H E U N I T E D

FROM

T H E

FIRST

SESSION

OF

T H E

T H I R T E E N T H

COMMENCING

S E L E C T E D

A N D

MARCH

E D I T E D ,

FIRST

TO

CONGRESS,

3, 1 7 8 9 ,

U N D E R

AND

T H E

T H E

THIRD

STATES,

SESSION

OF

T H E

INCLUSIVE:

ENDING

MARCH

A U T H O R I T Y

3,

O F

ISXSr

C O N G R E S S ,

B Y W A L T E R L O W R I E , Secretary of the Senate,
AND

M A T T H E W ST. C L A I R CLARKE, Clerk of the House of Representatives.

V O L M E

V.

WASHINGTON:
PUBLISHED BY GALES AND SEATON.
1832.

PUBLIC DEBT.

1796.]

*

4TH CONGRESS.]

NO.

P U B L I C

371

'

87.

[1st SESSION.

DEBT.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JAN. 4, 19, AND FEB. 3, 1796.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

December 31st, 1795.

SIR:

Agreeably to what was proposed by the committee of the House of Representatives at the conference with
them on the 26th instant, I have now the honor to present a statement of the debts of the United States, with a view
of the sums which will be annually requisite for discharging them.
1st Of the debts due in Amsterdam and Antwerp, for loans obtained under the late and present Governments.
The amount of these loans, exclusive of certain premiums with which one of them'is chained, amounted, on the
first of January, 1795, to thirty millions and five hundred thousand guilders, equal, at the exchange of forty cents per
guilder, to $12,200,000.
The anneied statement, marked A, shews, in detail, the several loans which constitute this description of debt,
the rates of-interest payable thereon, and the sums which, according to existing, contracts, are reimbursable in each
year. Itis to be observed, however, that the sums stated in dollars, are calculated at par, or forty cents per guilder;
the sums which may be really necessary to effect reimbursements^ cannot be ascertained, and will vary, from time
to time, according to the course of exchange.
2d. Of the domestic funded debt, bearing a present interest of six per centum per annum.
This debt, on the 31st of December, 1794, amounted to $29,046,730 62, but, by subscriptions under the supplementary funding act, passed on the 28th of January, 1795, it had increased, on the 30th of September, 1795, to
$29,310^856 86.
In this last capital is included the sum of $1,167,164 58, which has been purchased or redeemed; the interest of
which is vested in the commissioners of the sinking fund; also the stock created by funding the balances due to
certain States, in consequence of the report of the late board of commissioners in their favor; which balances originally amounted to $2,345,056.^
* ,,
By the act of the last session, providing for the redemption of the public debt, the commissioners of the sinking
fund are instructed to commence the reimbursement 6f the six per cent, stock, bearing a present interest on the
first of January ensuing, and to continue the same annually, until the said stock is fully redeemed. The sum
placed to the credit of the sinking fund, and the balances standing to the credit of certain States, in consequence
ofthe report of commissioners in their favor, are, however, excepted by the law from reimbursement. %
The annexed statement, marked B, shews the annuity necessary to complete the payment of the stock subscribed
on the 30th of September; other subscriptions, though not to any great amount, have been, and will continue to be,
made, until the close of the present year.
The interest and redeeming annuity, exclusive of the sum funded in favor of certain States,
will require
$2,274,624 13
But to reimburse the said balances to States, there ivould be necessary the further sum of
46,901 12
Amounting to
$2,321,525 25 •
It is proper, however, to observe, that, by a law passed on the 2d of Januaiy, 1795, the balances due to States
are, oh certain conditions, not now controllable by the United States, subject to be transferred, at any time before
the 2d of January, 1797, and that said balances, when so transferred, are subject to reimbursement
As the redeeming annuity is, therefore, unsusceptible of calculationat present, and may, with theinterest, amount
to $2,321,525 25, this last sum is assumed, in the general statement which is annexed, as the annual charge upon the
revenue.
This annuity will be necessary for the object before stated, .until the end of the year 1817. During the year
1818 it will decline to $1,862^501 63, and will then be liberated by the extinguishment ot the debt.
3d. Of the funded domestic debt, bearing interest of six perxentum pei* annum, after the year 1800.
This debt, on the 31st of December, 1794, amounted to $14,523,365 45; but on the 30th of September, 1795, it
had increased by additional subscriptions to $14,561,934 41. „
/In the capital last mentioned, is included the sum of $929,220 14, which has been placed to the credit of,the
sinking fund, and a sum of $1,172,528, arising from balances due to ^certain States, in consequence of the report of
the late board of commissioners in their favor.
%
.
The interest on this debt will commence on the first of January, 1801; the first reimbursement of principal is to
be made on the first of January, 1802; the credit to the sinking funa, and the balances due to certain States, which
may remain untransferred, are not subject to reimbursement.
The interest and redeeming annuity, exclusive of the balances originally funded in favor of certain States, will
require
.
$1,122,919 78
And to redeem the balances originally credited "to certain States, the further annuity of
23,450 56
Amounting to
$1,146,370 34
It being very uncertain whether any ^part of the balances due to States will remain untransferred till the year
1802, and there being important reasons in favor of a reimbursement of the whole debt on uniform principles, the
sum last stated is assumed as what will probably be the annual charge upon the revenue.
This annuity will continue from the year 1801 to the year 1823; duridg the year 1824, it will fall to $924,020 76,
and will then be liberated.
4th. Of the domestic funded debt, bearing interest at 3 per centum per annum.
This debt, on the last day of December, 1794, was $19,484,840 68; on the 30th of September, 1795, it had increased
by new loans to $19,569,909 63.
The sum purchased or redeemed, and passed to the credit ofthe sinking fund, was $607,097 27.
Notwithstanding this debt is redeemable at the pleasure of the United States, and though funds are, by the act
of March 3d, 1795, eventually destined for that purpose, yet, as the appropriation is conditional dnd revocable by
Congress, nothing more is stated as a charge upon the revenue, than the annual interest, being $587,097 28.
5th. Of the domestic funded debt, bearing interest at fiye and one half per centum per annum.
This debt has lately been created by a subscription at the treasury, of that part of the loans obtained of France
during the late war, which lemained unpaid, and which, bore interest at five per centum per annum, apd amounts
to $1,848,900.
This species of debt is liable to be increased by subscriptions of the debt due in Holland, bearing five per cent
interest; but any increase will operate an equivalent reduction of the foreign debt; the interest is payable quarteryearly, from and after the first of January, 1796, the annual sum requisite tor this object is. $101,689 50.
6th. Ofthe domestic funded debt, bearing interest at 4i per centum per annum.
This, like the debt last mentioned, has been produced by a subscription of a part of the sum due to France, and
arises from th$ loans which bore an interest of 4 per centum; theampunt is $176,000.
To discharge theinterest, there will be required annually the sum of $7,920.

372

FINANCE.

EI79&

7th. Of the unfunded debt, contracted during the late war.
This debt is composed of loan office and final settlement certificates, indents of interest, certificates of the
Register of the Treasury, credits on the public books, and unliquidated claims. The amounts cannot be 'precisely
ascertained, but, on the principles -of former estimates, which cannot be materially erroneous, the principal is
stated at
- , - *
$984,811 09
And the arrearages of interest, prior to 1791, at
898,026
Amounting to

H

-

-

$1,385,837 37

Agreeably to tlie contracts expressed in the certificates of unfunded debt, the principals bear an interest of 6 per
centuin per annum; die arrearages of interest, prior to the year 1791, on being subscribed to the loan opened for the
domestic debt, become 3 per cent, stock.
As yet, however, the acts of Congress have contained no provision for the payment of interest on this debt, except
on that part which has been registered at the treasury, and then only for a payment on account of interest, equivalent to what would be payable m consequence of a subscription to the loan.
On the principles which have governed former appropriations, there would be necessary, until, and including, the
year 1800, the sum of $51,333 22. and after the year 1800, the sufti of $71,029 44.
As, however, the amount of tne unfunded debt is uncertain, and as no principles for the reimbursement thereof
have been established, the sum last stated is assumed as the annual charge proper to be estimated for this object.
8th. Of the domestic loans, obtained under authority of the present Government.
The annexed statement, marked C, shews, in detail, the several loans which had been obtained on tlie 30th of
September, 1795,, amounting to $5,700,000. A further sum of $500,000 will be obtained at the close oi the present
year, which will increase this description of debt to $6,200,000.
In this siim is included one million four hundred thousand'dollars, being the amount of the instalments which remain unpaid of two millions, had of the Bank of the United States, for an equal sum of the capital stock of the said
bank; according to contract, this loan bears an interest of six per centum per annum, and is reimbursable in instalments of $200,000 at the close of the years, from 1795 *to 1801 inclusive.
There is also included in the aggregate amount before stated, the sum of one million of dollars, borrowed of the
Bank of the United States and the Bank of New York, for expenses incident to the intercourse of the United States
with foreign nations; four hundred thousand dollars of this loan will fall due in the year 1796, and the remainder at
the close of the years 1797,1798, and 1799, in equal instalments of two hundred thousand dollars each.
The other loans, with that to be made at the close of the'present year, will require provision in the course of
1796.
"*
*
It being evident that these loans, especially those which will fall due in the course of the ensuing year, must be
continued by new contracts, the annual interest only is introduced into the general statement which is annexed^
this interest, for reasons which will be developed in a subsequent part of this communication, is calculated at 6 per
centum,#or three hundred and seventy-two thousand dollars.
The several sums before stated have been brought into an aggregate view in the annexed table, marked D, the
last column of which exhibits the sums which are estimated as being necessary to be provided in addition to-the
ordinary expenses ot Government.
If a revenue adequate to the payment of the sums included in this estimate were to be established, the following
reductions of the public debt might be effected.
At the close of the year 1809, the whole foreign debt, amounting to twelve millions two hundred thousand dollars,
would be discharged, and an annuity of $573,632 02, now required for the payment of interest, would revert to the
' public.
At the close Of the year 1818, the funded domestic debt, bearing a present interest of 6 per cent., would be discharged. This debt amounts to $29,310,856 86 the annuity then liberated would be $2,321,525 25.
At the close of the year 1824, the funded Gper cent, stock, bearing a future interest, amounting to $14,561,934 41,.
would also be reimbursed, whenafurther annuity of $1,146,370 34 would be liberated.
The act of the last session provides fully for the fulfilment of the two last mentioned objects, by an absolute
appropriation of revenue.
Alter the reimbursementbefore mentioned, there would still remain the following sums of the existing debt:
The stock bearing 3 per cent interest, being
- - - - $19,569,909 63
The stock bearing 5§ per cent, interest
1,848,900 00
The stock bearing 4£ per cent interest
~
176,000 00
The capital of the present unfunded debt, with the arrearages of interest prior to 1791, estimated
at
1,382,837 37
And the capital existing in loans of the Bank of tne United States and Bank of New York,
6,200,00ft 00
Amounting, in the whole, to

-

-

$29,177,647 00

But, if a revenue were to be established, equal to what will be requisite to satisfy the public engagements upon
the scale of expenditure which will be necessary in the year 1801, the whole of the public debt might be extinguished,
by payment or purchase, at or before the close of the year 1824, as also a very considerable additional debt* if any
such should arise, out of future contingencies.
This view of the public engagements will, it is presumed, demonstrate to the committee, that, in the arrangements which have been hitherto made, an attention has not been wanting to secure a right of reimbursing the debt,
fully, if not more than equal, to what the United States can exercise^ and that the unforeseen events which have lately
happened in Europe, render it necessary to combine some efficacious plan for obtaining loans, with any augmentation of the revenue which it may now be judged expedient to establish.
After a full consideration of different expedients, it-has appeared to me most eligible to propose a commutation
of the whole debt due to the Bank of the'United States, into a funded domestic stock, bearing interest at six per
centum per annum, transferable at the treasury and loan offices, respectively, and irredeemable for such a penod
as will invite purchases at par.
Considering tlie great capitals which will soon be demandable, or which are in a train of reimbursement in consequence of the act of the last session, it is evident that, if the proposed new stock were to be declared irredeemable
for a period of twenty or twenty-five years, still the purchase or redemption of the remaining debt would be sufficient
for the employment of any revenues which can readily be acquired. It will also appear, from the table marked D,
that such ah arrangement would leave it in the, power of the United States to reimburse the proposed new stock at
a favorable period, by the application of revenue which will then be liberated, in consequence of thefinalreimbursement of the 6 per cent, stock, bearing a present interest.
The utility of the proposed measure can, I presume, receive but little illustration, beyond that afforded by a naked
exhibition of the public engagements.
It isj indeed, very probable that thefinalpayment of the public debt, instead of being postponed by any existing
stipulations which forbid reimbursements, will, in fact, be rendered additionally burdensome, if it be not somewhat
retarded by those conditions which require repayments at fixed periods.
The difficulties which are now experienced, in respect to the foreign debt, effectually demonstrate the impolicy
of unnecessarily contracting engagements which cannot be satisfied directly from the proceeds of the revenue. At
notimewill those who negotiate loans for the public be able to calculate the value of money, or the probability of an
increase or reduction of the rate of interest, with greater precision than those who lend. At all times must the
borrower be exposed to certain expenses,'risks,and embarrassments, for which no equivalent can be obtained.

PUBLIC DEBT.

1794.]

373

Among the reasons which recommend a commutation of the temporary debt due to the Bank of the United States,
the following deserve notice:
1st That this debt was contracted for the very beneficial consideration of an equal sum of the capital stock of
that institution, or, it consists of sums advanced for the public service, in anticipation of the revenue. In these respects the debt due to the bank may be fairly considered asfirstin merit and importance.
2d. That the proposed commutation will enable the bank to grant such further loans as the public exigencies
may require, without exposing the United States to certain expenses which are always incident to loans had of individuals.
3d. That, through the agency of the bank, sales, of stock can be made to the best possible advantage, and the
benefit of any premium whicn can be obtained, be secured to the United States.
This last consideration is of much importance: for, though the proposed stock might not, in the present moment
of commercial enterprise, command a premium, yet there can be but little doubt that it would bear a price considerably above par, at no distant period. While, therefore,.any present-exigencies would be supplied ontne mostfavorable terms, a certainty would remain, that the real value of the stock would accrue to the public.
I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, sir, your obedient servant,
OLIVER WOLCOTT, Jun. Secretary of the Treasury.
T o the H o n . WILLIAM* SMITH, E s q .

Chairman ofthe Committee of Ways and Means
of the House of Representatives.

A general statement qf the foreign debt of the United States on the 31st December, 1795, with a schedule of the
parts of principal which, by the terms of the severed loans, became annually payable, together with the interest, premiums, gratifications, and commissions, thereon, until its fined extinction in theyear 1809.
PRINCIPAL OF THE FOREIGN DEBT.

Loan of 5,000,000 guilders, effected at Amsterdam by the late Government, per contracts of llth June, 1782,at 5 per cent, interest per annum, remaining unpaid on the 31st December, 1795,
Loan of 2,000,000 ditto, per contract of March 9th, 1784, at 4 per
cent, per annum,
Loan of 1,000,000 ditto, per contract of June 1st, 1787, at 5 per
cent, per annum,
Loan of 1,000,000 ditto, per contract of March 13th, 1788, at 5 per
cent i>er annum,
Total amount of loans effected by the late Government, -

Guilders.

Guilders.

Dolls, at 40 cts.
per guilder.

3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000

7,000,000

2,800,000

Loans effected by the present Government, viz:
At Amsterdam.
Loan of 3,000,000, per contract of Februaiy 1, 1790, at 5 per cent
interest per annum,
Loan of 2,500,000, per contract of March 2, 1791, at-5 per cent, interest per annum,
• Loan of 6,000,000, per contract of December 14/1791, at 5per cent
interest per annum,
Loan of3,000,000, per contract of December 24, 1791, at 4per cent
per annum,
Loan of 3,000,000, per contract of August 9, 1792, at 4 percent per
annum, whereot only received
Loan of 1,000,000, being a reloan of the first instalment due on the
1st June, 1793, on the loan of 5,000,000, per contracts of llth
June, 1782, at 5 per cent per annum,
Loan of 3,000,000, per contract, dated 10th April, 1794, at 5 per
cent, per annum,
-*
At Antwerp.
Loan of 3,000,000, per contract, dated 30th November, 179J, of
which loan 950,000have been suppressed, at4^ percent, interest
per annum,
_
Total amount of loans effected under the present Government* Total amount of the principal of the foreign debt unpaid on the 31st
December. 1795, exclusive of 467,500 guilders, being the premiums ana gratifications on the loan of March 9, 1784,

41

f

3,000,000
2,500,000
6,000,000
3,000,000
2,950,000
1,000,000
3,000,000

2,050-,00a

23,500,000

9,400,000

30,500,000

12,200,000

S T A T E M E N T A—Continued.
„fl. A * , m , ,

, M

V

„ M « » r ^ i o n , ^

1796.

1797.

1798.

1799.

I * * — .

One year's interest on
- _
"
Premium on loan of 9th March, 1784,
Commissions on 2,555,250,
"

-

-

-

30,500,000 $1,435,250
120,000
25,552 10

$1,000,000-

Third instalment of 5,000,000 loan, of 11th June, 1782,^
One year's interest on
Commissions on 2,385,250,

29,500,000

Fourth instalment of 5,000,000'loan, of llth June, 1782,
One year's interest on
. Premium on loan of 9th March, 1 /84,
Commissions on 2?535,250,
~

28,500,000

Last instalment of 5,000,000 loan, of 11 th June, 1782,
One year's interest on
Commissions on 1,485,250,
~

27,500,000

First instalment of 1,000,000 loan, of 1st June, 1787, One year's interest on
Commissions on 1,675,250,

27,300,000

1,385,250
23,852 10

One year's interest on
Commissions on 2,255,250,

25,900,000
"

One year's interest on
Gratifications on loan of 9th March, 1784,

nual

instaL.

ment5<

Total amount in
dollars, payable in each
year.

,$400,000

$1,032,321

400,000

'963,641

400,000

1,024,241

80,000

600,041

160,000

676,S01

400,000

911,121

-300,000

995,961

!

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,285,250
14,852 10

200,000

200,000

1,275,250
16,752 10

624,241

1,560,602 10

520,041

1,300,102 10

516,801

1,292,002 10
200,000
200,000

-

dol_

larsofthean-

200,000

1,255,250
22,552 10

1.205,250
10,000
24,652 10

First instalment of 2,000,000 loan, of March 9th, 1784,
Fourth instalment of 1,000,000 loan, ?fJnne 1st, 1787,
Third instalment of 1,000,000 loan, of March 13th, 1788
Second instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of February 1st, 1790,
1802.

$1,000,000

A m o u n t in

1,335,250
25,352 10

26,900,000

One year's interest on
Gratifications on loan of 9th March, 1784,
Commissions on 2,465,250,

Amount in dolls. |
at 40 cents per
guilder, ofthe
annual paym'ts
of interest, Sec.

563,641'

1,409,102 10

400,000
1,277,802 10

Second instalment of 1,000,000 loan, of 13th March, 1788,
Third instalment of 1,000,000 loan, of 1st June, 1787,
First instalment of 3,000,000 loan, ot 1st February, 1790,
1801.

Annual amount
thereof.

$632,321

$1,580,802 10

Second instalment of 1,000,000 loan;:of 1st, June, 1787
First instalment of 1,000,000 loaii, of 13th March, 1788,
1800.

- *

Annual payments Instalments be
Capital upon Interest, premicoming1 due in
thereof.
which interest ums, gratificaeach year.
is payable in tions, and commissions.
each year.

Payable
in the
year

1795.

—

511,121

200,000
200,000
600,000
1,000,000

1,239,902 10

495,961
250,000
200,000
200,000

600,000
24,650,000

1,145,250
12,500

1,250,000

Commissions on 4,707,750,

47,077 10

-

Second instalment of 2,000,000 loan, of 9th March, 1784,
Last instalment of 1^000,000 loan, ot 1st• June,:178'r, Fourth instalment ot' 1,000,000 loan, of 13th March, 1788
Third instalment of 3,000,000 loan, o f l s t February, 1790,
First instalment of 2,500,000 loan, of 3d March, 1791,
"
First instalment of 6,000,000 loan, of14th.December, 1791, First instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 30th Nov. 1791, 950,000
whereof suppressed,
~
1803.

500,000
1,200,000
600,000
973,250
15,000
65,382 10

1,053,632 10

Third instalment of 2,000,000 loan, of 9th March, 1784,
First instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 24th December,1791, First instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 9th August, 1792, 50,000
whereof not received,
' "
Last instalment of 1.000,000 loan, of 13th March, 1788,
Fourth instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 1st February, 1790, Second instalment of 2,500,000 loan, of 2d March, 1791,
Payment of 1,000,000 loan, per contract of first June,
1793
*
Second 'instalment of 6,000,000 loan, of 14th December, 1791,
Second instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 30th November, 1791,
950,000 whereof suppressed,
1804.

One year's interest on
Gratifications on the loan of March 9th, 1784,
Commissions on 5,080,750,
-

1,901^931

2,220,000

2,641,453

1,740,000

2,052,623

421,453
250,000
600,000 200,000

1,000,000
1,200,000
600,000

-

Fifth instalment of 2,000,000 loan, of 9th March, 1784,
Third instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 24th December, 1791, Third instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 9th Aug. 1792, 50,000
whereof not received,
Fourth instalment of 2;500,000 loan, of 2d March, 1791,
Fourth instalment of 6,000,000 loan, of 24th December, 1791,
First instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 10th April, 1794,

1,420,000

600,000
500,000

15,550,000

One year's interest on
- t
Gratifications on the loan of March 9th, 1784,
Commissions on 4,533?250,
-

3,550,000

600,000

713,&50
17,500
50,807 10

781,557 10

Fourth instalment of 5,000,000 loan, of 9th March, 1784,
Second instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 24th December, 1791,
Second instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 9th Aug. 1792, 50,000
whereof not received,
" „ - . ~ , "
t
'Last instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 1st February, 1790,
Third instalment of 2,500,000 loan, of 2d March, 1J91?Third instalment of 6,000,000 loan, of 14th December, 1791, Third instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 30th November, 1791,
950,000 whereof suppressed,
1805.

481,931
250,000
200,000

200,000
600,000

21,100,000

One year's interest on
Gratifications on loan of 9th March, 1784,
Commissions on 6,538,250, *

1,204,827 10

5,550,000

312,623
250,000
600,000
600,000
600,000
500,000
1,^300,000
600,000

11,200,000

513,250
20,000
45,332 10

578,582 10

4,350,000

231,433
250,000
600,000
600,000
500,000
1,200,0J?0
600,000

STATEMENT A—Continued.
Payable
in the
year

Capital upon Interest, premi- Annual payment Instalments be- Annual amount Amount in dolls,
which interest
ums* gratificaat 40 cents per Amount in dol- Total amount in
thereof
coming' due in
thereof.
lars of the an- dollars, payable
is payable in
tions, and comguilder*
of the
each year.
in each year.
each year.
missions.
annual paym'ts nual instal- *
of interest &c. meats.

Last instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 30th Nov. 1791. 950,000
whereof suppressed,
.
m
1806.

One year's interest on
gratifications on the loan of 9th March, 1784,
Commissions on 4,051,500,
-

-

-

.

250,000
7,200,000

392,015

' Sixth instalment of 2,000,000 loan, of 9th March, 1784,
Fourth instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 24th December, 1791,
Fourth instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 9th Aug. 1792, 50,000
. whereof not received,
^
"_
Last instalment of £>500,000 loan, of 2d March, 1791,
Last instalment of 6,000,000 loan, of 14th December, 1791, becond instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 10th April, 1794,
1807.

One yearns interest on
Gratifications on the loan of 9th March, 1784,
Commissions on 2,508,000,
-

1809,

One year?s interest on
Commissions on 660,000, -

-

-

Fourth instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 10th April, 1794,
Onfe years interest on
J
Commissions on 630,000, -"
*
„
Last instalment of 3,000,000 loan of 10th April, 1794,

.

-

I

1,831,433

1,480,000

1,636,806

920,000

1,013,232

240,000

266,640

- 240,000

254,520

$12,200,000

$17,802,765

550,000
500,000
1,200,000
600,000

3,500,000

-

1,60-0,000

156*806

250,000
600,000

3^700,000

158,000
50,000
283,080

Last instalment of 2,000,000 loan, of 9th March, 1784,
Last instalment of 3,000.000 loan, of 24th December, 1791, Last instalment of 3,000,000 Joan, of 9th August, 1792, 50,000
whereof not received,
..
'
Third instalment of 3,000,000 loan, of 10th April, 1794,
1808.

4,000,000

329,000
22,500
40,515

93,232

500,000

600,000

600,000
600,000
1,200,000

600,000

60,000
6,600

66,600

30,000
6,300
36,300
$14,006,912 10

2,300,000

600,000

600,000

600,000

600,000
$30,500,000

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

26,640

14,520
$5,602,765

31 st December* 1795,

PUBLIC DEBT.

377

B.
Statement of the Domestic Debt of the United States.
Six per cents.

Amount of the assumed debt, January 1st, 1795,,
Do
domestic do
do
do
Funded, from January 1st, to September 30th, 1795,
Total of capital stock, September 30th, 1795,

-

-

Of the above capital, there has been placed to the credit
of certain States, agreeably to act of Congress, and the report of the commissioners,
And to the credit of the commissioners of the sinking
fund; the treasurer, as agent for said commissioners; ana,
the treasurer, in trust for the United States,
And, to the credit of individuals,

Three per cents.

Deferred.

8,120,836 23
20,925,894 18
264,126 45

6,090,560 67
13,394,279 92
85,069 04

4,060,417 84
10,462,947 48
38,569 09

.29,310,856 86

19,569,909 63

14,561,934 41

2,345,056 00

703,516 80

1,172,528 00

1,167,164 58
25,798,636 28

607,097* 27
18,259,295 56

929,220 14
12,460,186 27

29,310,856 86

19,569,909 63

14,561,934 41

2d.
Schedule of the annual sums requisite to discharge the interest andprincipalofthe debt bearing sixper cent. interest.
The debt bearing a present interest of six per cent, exclusive of the balances originally credited to certain States,
amounted, 'on the 30th September, 1795, to 25,798,636 dollars and 28 cents, on which an annuity of 8 per cent,
per annum is payable, from the close of the year 1795 to the close of the year 1817, inclusive; and, during the
year 1818, an annuity of 6,369 per cent, which will complete the reimbursement: Therefore,
8 per cent*, on 25,798,636 28 '
is
2,063,890 90
The sinking fund,
1,167,164 58, a 6 per cent. 70,029 87
The balances originally credited to certain States,. 2,345,056 00
do.
140,703 36
Annual sum necessary, on the principles above stated, from the year 1795, to the year 1817, inclusive, and, according to the act' of March 3d, 1795, supposing no part of the balances, due to
States, to be transferred,
Annuity of 6.369 per cent, necessary to complete the reimbursement in the year 1818, on the principles before stated,
But, to redeem the balances placed to the credit of certain States, an additional sum of
$46,901 12, will be necessary, from the year 1795 to 1817,inclusively, making the whole annuity, during the said period, equal to
And, during the year 1818, when the said annuity would decline to 6.369 per cent on the whole
capital, exclusive of the sinking fund, a sum or -

2,274,624 13
1,853,848 37
2,321,525 25
1,862,501 63

3d.
Schedule of the annual sums requisite to discharge the interest and principal of the debt.bearing sixper cent. interest, from the close of the year 1800.
The debt bearing interest at six per cent from the close of the year 1800, exclusive of the balances originally credited to certain States, amounted, on the 30th September, 1795, to 12,460,186 dollars and 27 cents," on which
an annuity of 8 per cent, per annum is payable, from the close of the year 1801, to the close of the year 1823,
" inclusive, and, during the year 1824,.an annuity of 6.369 per cent., which will complete the reimbursement:
Therefore
8 per cent on 12,460,186 27
is
996,814 90
The sinking fund,
.
.
.
.
929,220 14, at6 per cent 55,753 20
The balances originally credited to certain States,
J3172,528 00
do
70,351 68
Annual sum necessary, on the principles above stated, from the year 1801 to the year 1823, inclusive, and according to the act of March 3d^ 17p5, supposing no part, of the balances due to
States to be transferred,
Annuity of 6.369 per cent necessary to complete the reimbursement in the year 1824, on the principles before stated, *
- ^ But,, to redeem the balances placed to the credit of certain States, an additional sum of
$23,450 56, will be necessary from the year 1801, to 1823, inclusive, making the whole annuity,
during said period, equal to
And, during the year 1824, when the said annuity would decline to 6.369 per cent, on the whole
capital, exclusive of the sinking fund, a sum of
-

1,122,919 78
919,694 14
1,146,370 34
924,020 76

4th.
' OF THE THREE PER CENT. DEBT.

Annual sum necessary to discharge the interest on $19,569,909 63, 3 per cent stock, is

-

587,097 28

Funded domestic debt, subscribed before the 30 th September, 1795, under the aet of March 3d, 17959 providing for
the support of public credit, ana for the redemption of the public debt, viz:
5th.
.
Arising from subscriptions of that part of the debt due to France, which bore an interest at 5 per
cent, and which has been converted into stock, bearing interest alt H per cent.
Annual interest on the 5£ per cent, stock, from and after 1st January, 1796,
-

1,848,900 00
101,689 50

FINANCE.

378

11796.

6th.

Arising from subscriptions of that part of the debt Hue to France, which bore an interest at 4 per
cent, and which has been converted into stock, bearing interest at 4i per cent.
Annual interest on the 4| per cent, stock, from and after 1st January, 1796,
-

176 000 00
7,'920 00

7th.
UNFUNDED DEBT.

This debt consists in certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury, loan office and final settlement certificates
indents of interest, credits at the treasury, and unliquidated claims, estimated, on the first of January 1795'
as follows, viz:
*
'
Debt due to foreign officers, for which an appropriation has been made, and which, of course, has
been vested in the sinking fund, the principal being. -*
186,988 23
And the interest', to the end of 1790,
22,438 58
The registered debt, and other objects before mentioned,
The arrearages of interest, to the end of the year 1790, which become 3 per cent.
stock, on being funded,
-

1,184,323 40

209,426 81

376,851 74
•1,561,175 14

But this debt has, by subscriptions, and conversions into funded debt, between the 1st January
and the 30th September, 1795, been diminished the sum of
-

1 770 601 95
5
'
387,764 58

Leaving the unfunded debt, on the 30th of September, 1795, on the principles of former estimates,
the sum o f "
" _T. " ^ '
*1,382,837 37
This sum, on being subscribed to the loan, would, according to former estimates, produce—
.
Funded 6 per cent, stock, bearing present interest,
656,540 71
Funded 6 per cent, stock, bearing interest after 1800,
^ 328,270 38
Funded 3 per cent, stock, bearing present interest,
398,026 28
If the unfunded debt were all subscribed on the principles before stated, the following annuities would be requisite:
T o discharge the interest on the 6 per cent, stock, bearing a present interest,.
T o discharge the interest on the 6 per cent, stock, bearing interest after 1800,
T o discharge the interest on the 3 per cent, stock, bearing a present interest,

-

-

-*

39 392 44
19'696 22
11)940 78
$71,029 44

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

31st December, 1795.

C.
A statement of the domestic loans on the ZOth September: 1795, shewing the periods at which the same become
redeemable according to contracts.
$1,400,000, Remaining unpaid of $2,000,000 borrowed under the act, entitled *6 An act to incorporate the subscribers
to the Bank of the United States," bearing interest at six per cent, per annum, payable by instalments on the 51st December, of the several years 1795 to 1801, inclusive, of $200,000 each.
300,000, Remaining unpaid, of $400,000 borrowed under the act, entitled " A n act for raisin^ a further sum of
money for the protection of the frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,^' bearing interest
at 5 per cent, per annum, and payable by instalments,
*
On the 1st November, 1795, $100,000
1st December, 1795, 100,000
1st January, 1796, 100,000
$300,000
1,000,000, Borrowed under the act authorizing the loan of $2,000,000, bearing interest at 5 per cent, per annum
r
9
payable on the 1st January, 1796*
200,000, Borrowed of the Bank of New York, under the act of the 20th fifarch,-1794, bearing interest at 5 DPI*
0
p
cent., payable on the 8th June, 1796.
'
1,000,000, Borrowed under the act authorizing the loan of $2,000,000, bearing interest at 5 per cent, per annum
payable on the 1st April, 1796.
^
'
800,000, Borrowed under the act, entitled " An act for the reimbursement of a loan authorized by an act of the last
session of Congress," bearing interest at 6 per cent, per annum, and payable by instalments on the
31st December, 1796, $200,000
31st December, 1797, 200,000
31st December, 1798, 200,000
31st December, 179,9, 200,000
$800,000
500,000, Borrowed under an act making further appropriations for the military and naval establishments and for
support of Government, passed 3d March, 1795, bearing interest at 6 per cent, per annum from' 1st
April, 1795, payable 1st April, 1796,
'
500,000, Borrowed under the aforesaid act of 3d March, 1795, bearing interest at 6 per cent, per annum navablp
r
5 v
1st October, 1796.
$5,700,000 Amount of domestic loans on the 30th September, 1795.
NOTE.—An additional loan, of $500,00Q, will be made at the close of the year 1795.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT*

3ls£ December, 1795.

D.
ofthe sums which will be requisite/or the payment of interest, and certain reimbursements of the public debt, from the year 1795, to the year 1824, inclusive.
An aggregate statement
00
In the year

1795
1796
1797,
1798
1799
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805

1806

1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812

1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818
1819
1820
1821

1822
1833
1824

(2.)

(3.)

(4-)

Sumsrequiredfor Supis required for the Sums required for the Sums required for the
interest of the 3 per
principal and in- principal and interest* principal and interest
ofthe 6 per cent, stock, ofthe 6 per cent, stock, cent, stock.
terest ofthe fobearing a present inte- bearing a future inreign debt^
terest.
rest.
1,032,321
963,641
1,024,241"
600,041
,676,801
911,121
995,961
1,901,931
2,641,453'
2,052,623
1,831,433
1,636,806
1,013,232
266,640
v 254,520
Extinguished,

2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2/321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
2,321,525 25
1,862,501 63.
Extinguished.

1,146,370 34
l j 146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
1,146,370 34
924,020 76
Extinguished.

587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,0t)7 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28'
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28
587,097 28

(5.)

(6.)

(8.)

Sums required for the Sums requir- Sums required for the Interest on the
interest of the unfund- domestic loans
interest of 5 J per cent, ed for the
as proposed.
interest of ed debt,
stock.
the 4£ per
cent, stock.
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50 •
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50.
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50
101,689 50

7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920 '
7,920
7*920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,920
7,92Q

71,029 44
71,029 44
71,02JT 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,039 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,039 44
-71,0.29 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44
71,029 44

372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
373,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000
373,000
372,000
372,000
372,00^
372,000
372,000
372,000
372,000

Total sums requisite in
each year, on the principle of this statement.

4,338,972 97
4,424,902 47
4,485,502 47
4,061,302 47
4,138,062 47
4,372,382 47
5,603,592 81
6,509,562 81
7,249,084 81
6,660,254 81
6,439,064 81
6,244,437 '81
5,620,863 81
4,874,271 81
4,862,151- 81
4,607,631 81
4,607,031 81
4,607,631 81
4,607,631 81
4,607,631 81
4,607,631 81
4,607,631 81
4,607,631 81
'4,148,608 19
•2,286,106 56
2,286,106 56
2,286,106 56
2,286,106 56
2,286,106 56
2,063,756 98

TREASRUY DEPARTMENT, 315/ December, 1795.

>i

CD

[1796.

FINANCE.

380

[Presented to the House the 19th of January, 1796.]

A statement shewing the final liquidation qf the French Loans, and their full reimbursement at the treasury, Upon
the principles of the loan opened for the Foreign Debt, under the act making further provision for the support
of public credit, and for the redemption of the Public Debt.
Livres. s. d. Livres.
Balance due to France, on the 31st December,
1794, agreeably to the printed statement for
that year, payable at different future periods,
ascertained by contracts, dated July 16,1782,
and February 25th, 1783,
Debt due to the Farmers General of France,
upon a contract made 3d June, 1777, with
Messrs. Franklin & Deane. as agents of the
United States: Amount of tne loan, Deductremittarices made by thelate Government

s. d.

Cents.

Dollars.

12,188,040 12 2, a 18.15 is 2,212,129 37

1,000,000
153,229 5 7

Interest arising, in the year 1795, on the instalments becoming payable by contract, after 31st
December, 1794, viz:
One year's interest, due the 3d September, 1795,
on six millions, being the residue of the loan
of eighteen millions livres, at five per cent,
per annum,
- 300,000
Ditto, due the 4th November, 1795, on two millions of livres, being the residue of the loan
of ten millions, at four per cent, per annum 80,000
Ditto, due the 31st December, 1795, on the entire loan of six millions, at five per cent, per
annum,
300,000
Interest, from September 3d? to December 31st,
1795, on 4,500,000, remaining of the' loan of
eighteen millions, after paying 1,500,000, the
instalment of 3d September, 1795, * 73,750
Interest, from November 4th, to December 31st,
1795, on one million of livres, remaining of
the loan of ten millions, after paying one million, the instalment of 4th November, 1795,
6,333 6 7
For amount of interest relinquished, which had
been charged in the account settled to the 31st
Debember. 1794, upon moneys advanced by
the! United States, on account of instalments
becoming due,
For amount of interest on 846,770.14.5, being
the balance due to Farmers General, from 3d
September, 1783, to 31st December, 1793, ten
years, three months, and twenty-eight days

s. d. livres.

846,770 14 5, at do.

153,688 89

760,083 6 7

104,462 2 5

437,262 1910

1,301,808 8 to, at do.

236,278 23

14,336,619 15 5, a 18.15 $2,602,096 49
The United States have reimbursed the French
Government thefullamount of the above, viz:
By payments made at the treasury, for the discharge of the instalments of the 3d September, and 4th November, 1795, $453,750, at
18.15 cents, By amount of supplies furnished, during the late
war, to the marine of France, under the agency of John Holker, Esq. Consul General, as
.settled at the treasury, viz:
Principal sum, Interest thereon, from September 3d, 1783, to
December 31st, 1793, Subscribed to the loan bpened for the foreign
debt, and for which certificates of domestic
debt were issued in favor of James Swan, Esq.
agent, duly authorized by the Committee of
Public Safety, of the National Convention:
Certificates, bearing interest at 5i per cent, per
annum, from 1st January, 1796, to amount
of
$1^848,900
Ditto, bearing interest at 4\ per
cent, per annum, from same
•
period,176,000
Payment to the said agent, by treasury warrant, No, 5,132, dated 22d July, 1795, for sixteen dollars and four cents, being the balance
due the Republic of France? on loan of money and other supplies obtained by the United States, of the Government of France, during the late war,
-

' *rdo.

453,750 00

680,057 11 0, a do.

123,430 45

11,156,473A16 7, a do.

2,024,900 00

7 10, a do.

16 04

2,500,000

448,471 14 8
231,585 16 4

10,186,776 17 2
969,696 19 5

Livres, 14,336,619 15 5,atl8.15 $2,602,096 49
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, January 16,1796.

If96.]

PUBLIC

381

DEBT.
/

NOTE REFERRED TO I N THE PRECEDING STATEMENT.

A. This subscription is in discharge of the residuary instalments, which had not become due on the 31st December, 1795, viz:
Three, of one million five hundred thousand, each, of the loan of eighteen millions, at five per cent.- per
annum,
- 4,500,000
Six, of one million, each, of the loan of six'millions, at do. - "
-1 6,000,0*00
10,500,000
Deduct so much paid in advance, on account of the instalment becoming due on the
3d September, 1796,
313,223 2 10
10,186,776172
One, of one million, of the loan of one million, a four per cent, per annum, - * - 1,000,000
Deduct so much, paid in advance, on account"of the instalment becoming due on the
4th of November,-1796,
30,303 0 7

969,696 19 5

Livres, 11,156,473 167

[Presented to the House of Beprefcentatives, February 3, 1796.]
1

SIR:

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

26th January, 1796.

'

The object of this communication is to represent to the Committee of Ways and Means that certain additional provisions appear to be advisable, in order to a due execution* of the act, passed during the last session of
Congress, entitled "An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption ofthe
public debt."
J. ? » «
*
.*
T T
The eleventh section of the recited act directs, that the commissioners ofthe sinking fund shall cause to be paid
yearly, such sums as. according to the right for that purpose reserved, may rightfully be paidfor and towards the
reimbursement or redemption qf the debt or stock, bearing or to bear an interest of six per centum per annum.
In respect to the stock bearing a present interest, it was directed that the reimbursement should commence on
thefirstday of January, 1796. Upon the stock which will bear interest after the year 1800, the reimbursement is to
continue on thefirstday of January, 1802.
. . ,
.. . ,
The sum which mayrightfullybe paid m one year,t is eight per centum per annum, upon the original capital
debt or stock.
. .
. t. r .
,
, "
n „
As the injunctions ofthe law upon the commissioners of the sinking fund are unconditional, and as permanent
funds have been vested and appropriated, itis conceived that a successive reimbursement annually, ofthe debts before mentioned, has become an irrevocable stipulation with the creditors. The stock bearing a present interest
lias, therefore, by the act of the last session, been converted from an annuity of six * per centum per annum, for an
indefinite period, into an annuity of eight per centum per annum, for a period of somewhat less than twenty-four
years, commencing with the year 1795.
^
.
The stock upon which interest was to commence m 1801, is a like annuity from that period.
^t
But a stipulation in the fourth section of the act, entitled "An act making provision for the debt of the United
States," requires a quarter yearly payment of interest, and this stipulation remains in force; a distribution ofthe annuity of eight per centum per annum, into four quarter yearly dividends, is, therefore, necessary to satisfy1 the contract with the creditors.
' t
1
XT.
CL
- i
If the dividends on the lastdays ot March, June, and September, in each year, were to be confined to a simple
payment of interest upon the unredeemed capital, the contract would be strictly satisfied: the fourth quarterly dividend, or that to be made on the last day of December, annually, might, in this case, be calculated at such arate,as
would complete the sum of eight per centum, for each entire year; tins appears to have been the design ofthe law,
in contemplating a distinction between the payments on account ofprincipal arid those on account of interest. a
The effect ot shch a distribution of the annuity of eight per centum, is exhibited in the annexed table, which
shews the dividends of interest, for thefirstthree quarters of a year, in a decreeing ratio, proportioned to the reduction of capital by reimbursement; while the dividends to be made at the end of the year, tor principal and interest, are represented as increasing by the amount of liberated interest; the dividends for the entire year being uniformly eight per centum upon the original capitaL
. ^^
,
Upon this statement, it may be observed, that it has been the established practice at the treasury and loan offices,
to suspend all transfers for fourteen days preceding the expiration of each quarter; that time beingfioundby experience to be indispensably necessary for the purposes of balancing the books, and calculating the dividends upon the
stock held by individual creditors: a view ofthe annexed table will, however, prove, thatthe labor of stating the dividends must be immensely increased, if a distinction between the payments on account of interest and those on account of principal is to be preserved. But the trouble and expense which would be created in the public offices,
would not be the only or greatest inconvenience. Such a system of reimbursement would, after a few years, render
it necessary to accumulate in the treasury, and suspend from circulation, very considerable sums; thet effects of such
a n accumulation might be inconvenient to commerce, and could not be materially advantageous to the public. As
the rates of thedmdends would vary from year to year, the true value of the stock could only be ascertained by
intricate calculations, to which many ofthe creditors would be incompetent. Moreover, theratesofthe dividends,
for interest for several ofthe last years, would, upon small sums, be too inconsiderable to induce the creditors toa
cheerful compliance with certain forms which haveibeen established with reference to the public security, and the
responsibility ofthe public officers. This last objection is very important; as every degree of loss and vexation to
the creditors, would not fail to produce a corresponding injury to the public credit.
Notwithstanding it is believed that the powers granted by the seventeenth section ofthe act ofthe last session
mieht be justifiably construed in such a manner as would obviate some, if not all the inconveniences which have
been stated, yet, ina matter of importance like the present, the decision ofthe Legislature is desirable. Itis, therefore proposed, that the rates of the quarterly dividends, until the final reimbursement of the six per cent stock,
beanng interest at present, and after the year 1800, be now declared and established by law.
ls^'Kat^
to the stock°bearing a present interest, it be declared, that there shall be dividends made on
the last days of March, June, and September, from the present year to -the year 1818, inclusive, at therateofone
and one half per centum upon the original capital; that there be dividends made on the 1st days of December, fh>m
the present year to the year 181T, inclusive, at the rate of three and one half per centum upon the original capital,
and'that a dividend be made, on the last day of December, in the year 1818, of one dollar eighty six cents and nine
mills per centum, upon the original capital, in full of said stock.
.
.. , u
, f>r 2d. That, in respect to said stock, bearing a present interest, the following dividends be established, namely:
from tfie present year to the year 1806, inclusive, a dividend of one and one half per centum, on each of the last
days of March, June, and September, upon the original capital; andupon each of the.las.days; of December, during
the said period, a dividend ofthree and one half per centum upon the original.capital; from the year 1807, to the
year 1818, inclusive, a dividend ofone per centum, on each ofthe last days of March, June, and September, upon
the original capital; from the year 1807, to the year 1817, inclusive, on each of the last days ot December, a dividend
49

f

FINANCE.

382

11796.

of five per centum, and upon the last day of December,in the year 1818. a dividend of three dollars, thirty-six cent s
and nine mills per centum, upon the original capital, in full of said stock.
If either of these propositions shall be adopted, in respect to the stock bearing a present interest, it will be proper
to establish the same rule for reimbursing the stock upon which interest will commence after the year 1800.
Either of the plans proposed will admit of an easy execution in the public offices, and either of them may be
adopted consistently with the public engagements. 'The first proposition would be most favorable to an equal and
regular circulation of the public revenue, and would serve to impress upon the stock the most uniform value. It is
liable, however, in a greater degree than- the second, to what may be deemed an objection common to both; namely,
that t)f requiring an expenditure of money before the time actually stipulated for payment, by the existing contract.
The considerations of public utility, which have been .stated', will, howeyer, it ia presumed, more than counterbalance the objection.
It is further proposed* as an*amendment to the act of the last session, that provision be made for reimbursing the
balances, bearing and to bear interest at six per centum, due to certain States, which were funded in consequence
of an act passedMay 31st, 1794. These balances, at present, constitute a part of the domestic funded debt, and unless they shall be reimbursed in course with the residue of said debt,'it is apprehended that a* degree of complexity
will be introduced into the public accounts, unfavorable to a regular and satisfactory administration of the business
of the treasury.
In deciding on the manner of executing the law, it has been judged inexpedient to renew the certificates in consequence of the annual reimbursements. It was, indeed, doubted, whether the operation would be practicable^ at any
rate, the expense to the public, and the trouble which would be produced to the creditors, were deemed insuperable
objections. a Accordingly, the creditors have been notified, that their certificates will not be recalled, and that
transfers will be continued upon the original capital stock. The value of the stock will, therefore, be hereafter a
matter of calculation, depending on the term for which the annuity of eight per centum per annum is to continue.
T o guard purchasers against deception, an intimation of the arrangement which has been adopted, is expressed in
the certificates which haye been issued since the commencement.of the present year.
a It is, however, essential to the preservation of order in the public accounts, and to the security of negotiations of
this description of stocjc, that all the certificates which-may, at any time, be in a course of transfer, should possess a
uniform character and value. That this uniformity will, in fact, be preserved, cannot be rendered sufficiently certain, unless the whole debt is subject to a regular reimbursement. It is now ascertained, that a considerable portion
of the balances due to States, will not be transferred within the time limited by the act of January 2, 1795. Uunless,
therefore, aprovision is made for reimbursing these balances in their present form, one of two consequences must
follow: the United States must, hereafter, refuse to permit transfers to be made, however pressing the emergencies
of the creditor States may be; or, two new denominations of funded stock must be admitted into circulation. It is
conceived, that neither the magnitude of these debts, nor any objects of public utility, require that the. exemption
from reimbursement, contained in the act of the last session, should be continued. If, however, the proposition now
made should be adopted by Congress, it will be proper that an option should be reserved to the States to receive or
reject, at their pleasure, a reimbursement equivalent to that made on the residue of the six per cent, stock, at the
commencement of the present year. It may, however, be -safely presumed that each of the creditor States will
readily comply with a measure obviously tending to produce an accommodation to the Government.
It is conceived to be a true construction of the law, that the annual reimbursement upon any stock, which may
be in a state of transition to, or from, the loan offices or treasury respectively, and, on that account, not in a state to
be included in a dividend at the .usual period, may be lawfullly made at the end of the ensuing quarter, at the office
where the gtock may then remain.
^ This construction is necessary to a due and regular execution of the law, and is supposed not to be inconsistent
with/the limitation which forbids the reimbursement of a greater sum than eight per centum, on account of principal
aaad interest, in one year. It would be unreasonable if an act of the creditor were to be construed to preclude the
right of the public to discharge theannuity at the regular period. If, however, any doubt should exist, as to the
powers of the treasury upon this point, a legislative explanation will be advisable. i
The trusts vested in the commissioners of the sinking fund, in respect to the reimbursement of the public debt,
and for other purposes, are, at present, of high responsibility and importance, and such as will require frequent decisions upon representations from the Treasury Department It is, in eveiy sense, proper, that the documents received by the commissioners, and their determinations thereon, should be fully recorded, and carefully preserved
by some confidential person, to be appointed by them. An annual provision, of a sum not exceeding two hundred
and fifty dollars, for the services of a secretary, will be sufficient for the object, and is advisable.
It is already known to the committee, that the proposal for converting the foreign debt into* a funded domestic _stock? has not been accepted by the creditors in Amsterdam and Antwerp. b It was foreseen, that the trouble of
maintaining a distant'correspondence, the necessity of employing agents in this country, the chances of,exchange,
and the charges of insurance and commissions, would powerfully operate to deter the creditors from acceding to any
commutation of their contracts, on the principles proposed. The additional interest of one half per centum was
intended to counterbalance these inconveniencies, which were, accordingly, estimated on a scale liberal for the
creditors:; whether the allow^rice will be considered by them as an adequate compensation, is uncertain. As, in
accomplishing the object of a re-loan, the United States will necessarily have to oppose many interests, and some
rejudices, it is desirable to render the proposal of the Government free from all real objections? that which has
een urged with the most force, arises from trie redeemable quality of the new stock.
The documents in the possession of the committee contain data, upon which an opinion is now expressed, that a
renunciation of the right of redemption, until the year 1819, would be attended with no inconvenience to the United
States, by prolonging the existence of the public debt.
Considering tnegreat amount of the debt in Holland, the unsettled state of that country, and the extensive operations which either a re-loan or direct reimbursement must occasion, it is conceived to be advisable that a discretionary power, of appointing a commissioner or agent to superintend the foreign expenditures, should be vested in
the President. _
Though it is not certain that such an appointment will be necessary, yet there are sufficient grounds to recommend a provision for such a contingency.
I have the honor tone, with perfect respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
OLIVER W O L C O T T , Jun. Secretary of the Treasury.
T h e H o n . W I L L I A M SMITH,

*

*

Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means of the Home of Representatives.

1796.]

REMISSION

OF

383

DUTIES.

Statement exhibiting the operation of the act, entitled " Jin act m'aking further provision for the support of public
credit, andfor the redemption of the public debt," in respect to the reimbursement ofthe six per cent stock, bearing a present interest
Term, being1
the close of
the year

Bates per centum, due on the original capital Bates per centum, due for interest in the 1st, 2d, and 3d
in each year, after the payments made, to the
quarters of each year.
end ofthe preceding years, are deducted.
Years.

1795
1796
1797
1798
1799
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
" 1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 - ,
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

4th CONGRESS.]

Dollars.
100
98
95 *
93
91
88
86
83
80
77
73
70
' 66
62
57
53
48
43
38
32
26
20
13
6

Parts.

Dollars.

*

.880
,632
.250
.725
.049
.212
.205
.017
.638
.056
.260
.236
.969
.448
.654
.574
.188
.480
.428
.014
.215
.008

:

1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
1

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rates per centum, payable at the
end.of the 4th quarter, of each
year, on account of principal
and interest.

Parts.

Dollars.

.50
.47
..439
.405
.369
.331
.291
.249
.203
.1^6
.105
.051
.994
.934
.870
.802
.730
.654
.573
.488
.397
.301
.199
.091

3
3
3
3
3

I

4
*4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
7
7
6

Parts.
.50
.59
.683
.785
.893
;oo7
.127
.253
.391
.532
.685
.847
.018
.198
.390
.594
.810
.038
.280
.536
.809
.097
.403
.096

January 26th, 1796.

JJO. 8 8 .

[ 1 s t SESSION.

R E M I S S I O N OF D U T I E S .
COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JANUARY 11, 1796.

Mr. GOODHUE, from the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, to whom were referred the petitions of John
Devereux, of William and Archibald McNeal ^ of Moses Myers, and of Wright White, 'severally praying for a
remission of the duties on certain imported articles, which were afterwards destroyed by fire, and other casualties, made the following report:
Wright White states, that, in September last, he imported into New York, in the brig Polly, a quantity of
sugar, from the West Indies, which was there landed, and tne duties secured according to law; and that, afterwards,
he re-shipped the said sugars, in the said brig, coastwise, from New York tp Fairfield, and on the passage she was
overset by a sudden squall, and the sugar nearly all lost;- he, therefore, prays for a remission of the duties on the
same.
. John Devereux states, that he imported into the port of Newbern, in May last, a quantity of salt, which was
landed, and the dudes thereon secured according to law; and that, in August followipg, the whole of the said salt
was destroyed by a violent storm; he, therefore, prays for a remission of the duties on the samp.
William and Archibald McNeal, state, that they imported into-Boston, in November, 1793, a quantity of hemp,
which was landed, and the duties thereon secured according to law; that, in the July following, their ropewalk,
together with the said hemp, was destroyed, by ,fire;they, therefore, pray for a remission of the duties on the same.
The object, and ground of application, in those three petitions, being similar, the Committee would observe, that,
however our feelings of compassion may be interested, in affording relief to the unfortunate, it becomes impracticable, if, to attain it : we must have recourse to principles which may lead us .into endless difficulties and embarrassments: and, upon inquiring into the equity of claims of this nature, and the consequences that might follow, should
they be admitted, the Committee are led to the following reflections: <
That, whatever duty is imposed on an imported article, the duty becomes incorporated into tlie price or value of
that article, after it is landed, and in the possession of the'owner, in degree equally as much, as its first purchase
money; and whether the duty be actually paid, or only secured, can make no difference; md if so, there seems to
be no reason why the United. States should be held, in cases where such goods are afterwards lost by accident, to
remit the duty, any more than they should be to reimburse the amount of the first purchase: for, m no respect,
ought the United States to be considered in the light of insurers of private property^ and should the principle of
accountability, on the part of the United States, be admitted in the case of those petitioners, who were the importers, there appears no reason why it should not extend to all cases of such loss, be the time ever so long from the
time of importation, or the changes of ownership of such goods ever so frequent: besides, the evidence of the
amount of such losses could not, from the nature of the circumstances usually attending them, be such as to secure
the public from innumerable impositions. The Committee, therefore, (though with reluctance) are compelled to declare, as their opinion, that the prayer of the petitions of Wright White, John Devereux, and William and Archibald McNeal, cannot be granted, and that they respectively have leave to withdraw the same.
Moses Myers states, that he imported into the port ot Norfolk, a quantity of coffee, of a very inferior quality^
he, therefore, prays for an abatement ofthe duty, on that account.
The Committee would observe, that provision is already made by law, where goods have received damage, during the voyage, for an abatement of the duty; but no provision is made, nor ever ought to be made, for an abatement
of any specific duty, on account of the article being of an inferior quality^ they, therefore, are of opinion, that the
prayer or the petition of Moses Myers cannot be granted, and that he have leave to withdraw the same.

S84

4th CONGRESS.]

[1796.

FINANCE.

No". 8 9 .

PUBLIC

•

[1st SESSION.

CREDIT.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FEBRUARY 4, 1796.

Mr. W I L L I A M SMITH made the following report:
The Committee of Ways and Means, to whom it was referred to report, whether further measures are necessary
to reinforce the existing provisions for the public debfc^ having considered a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, of the 26th of last month, on the subject of additional provisions, in order to a due execution ot the act of the
last session, entitled " An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption of
the public debt," recommend the following resolutions, viz:
1st. Resolved, That? in respect to the Tunded stock of the United States, bearing a present interest of six per
cent., there shall be dividends made on the last days of March, June, and September, from the present year to the
year 1818, inclusive, at the rate of one and one half per centum upon the original capital? that there be dividends
made on the last days of December, from the, present year to the year 1817, inclusive, at the rate of three and one
half per centum upon the original capital: and that a dividend be made on the last of December, in the year 1818,
of one dollar eighty-six cents and nine mills per centum, upon the original capital, in full of said stock.
2d. Resolved, That provision ought to be made for reimbursing, in the same proportions as the other sit per
cent, stock, the balances bearing and to bear interest, at six per centum, due to certain States, which were funded,
in consequence of an act, passed May 3lst, 1794.
3d. Resolved, That the commissioners of the sinking fund be authorized to appoint a gecretary, for the purpose of recording and preserving their proceedings and documents? and that a sum, not exceeding twp hundred and
fifty dollars, be annually allowed the said secretary, for his services.

4th CONGRESS,]

JJO. 9 0 .

{ 1 s t SESSION.

D R A W B A C K A N D R E M I S S I O N OF D U T I E S .
COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FEBRUARY 8, 1796.

Mr. GOODHUE, from the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, to whom were referred the several petitions of
Israel Loring, sundry merchants of the cities of Philadelphia and New York, Joze Roiz Silva, Nehemiah Somes,
and James Strange, made the following report:
Joze Roiz Silva states, that, in June, 1793, he imported into New York,in the brigantine Mary, from the island
of Graciosa, one hundred and ninety-seven pipes and seven quarter casks of wine, subject to a duty of forty per
centum ad valorem? that the said wine was duly inspected, and bonds given for the payment of the*duties? but that
the amount pf duties could not then be ascertained, lor want of an invoice, which, by some mistake, did not accompany the said ^ine.
That, about eleven months afterwards, the invoice arrived from Graciosa, which he presented to the collector of
the district of New York, for the ascertainment of the amount of the duties payable thereon, but was informed by
the said collector, that, in the statements of his accounts to the treasury of the United States, he had rated the duty
on the said wines at twenty cents per gallon? and, although it appeared he had overrated the duties, inasmuch as he
had transmitted his accounts to the treasuiy, the same must be discharged, and that he must, look for relief from
Congress. Accordingly, he paid the amount of duties^ thus overrated. In doing which, he states, that he paid
two thousand five hundred and twenty-one dollars and sixty cents more than he ought to have paid, had the duties
been estimated by the invoice, agreeably to law. He, therefore, prays for a reimbursement of the same.
The committee, under a persuasion that no fraud was intended by the petitioner, and the collector of the district of New York having certified that he should have corrected tne error complained of, if application had been
made to him therefor, before the,transmission of his accounts to the treasury, as stated in the petition, do recommend
the following resolution:
Resolved, That the collector of the district of New York be authorized, at any time within sixty days, to receive
from Joze Roiz Silva, of the city of New York, merchant, invoices and other proofs respecting the value of a cargo
of wines by him imported^ into the said district, in, or about the month of June, 1793, in the brig Mary, William
Hopper, master, from the island of Graciosa? and if it shall appear, to the satisfaction -of the said collector, that the
saia cargo, or any part thereof, was subject to a less duty than that charged to, and paid by, the said Joze*Roiz
Silva, therefor, then, and in such case, the said collector is hereby required to allow or refund to the said Joze Roiz
Silva, such excess or sum as shall appear to have been overcharged and paid on the same, in like manner as if such
invoices and proofs had beeh produced in dUe time.
James Strange and Nehemiah Somes, each, state, that they have lost a quantity of salt, the former on board of a
vessel going from Norfolk to Richmond, by a violent gust of wind? and the latter m a $tore which was consumed by
fire. They therefore pray for a remission of the duties on the same.
The committee having adopted principles in their report upon the petitions of Wright White and others, which
were agreed to by the House, and which embraced these two cases, do, in conformity thereto, report, that the prayer
of the petitions of James Strange and Nehemiah Somes ought not to be granted, and that they have leave to withdraw the same.
Israel Loring states that, in July, 1794, he imported into the port of New York, in the brig Diana, a quantity of
Indigo, from New Orleans, on which the duties were secured according to law, and that, in August following, he
re-stopped the said indigo, on board the brig Lydia, John H. Shackerly, master, for'Amsterdam,.under the inspection of one of the officers of the port, and his return was duly made to the custom house? and that, in the transaction
of this business, every requisite was complied with, except that of giving bond and taking the oath prescribed by law,
that the indigo should not be remanded in the United States? that the omission was m consequence of the great
number of persons who were in the office at the time he went to give bond and take the oath| and that the huriy of
business he was then engaged in, and also conceiving that it mightbe done as well, at any other time? by means of which
omission, the drawback on the exportation is not allowed, notwithstanding he has all the necessary proofs to show
that the said indigo was, bona fide, landed and sold at Amsterdam.
He, therefore, prays for the interposition of Congress, and that the drawback on the said indigo may be allowed.

1796.]

REMISSION

OF

DUTIES.

385

The committee, in considering this case, where proof is brought that.the goods shipped underwent the inspection of the proper officer, before the shipment, and they were actually landed in a foreign port, are of "opinion that
relief ought to be granted to the petitioner, and* for that purpose, recommend the following resolution:
Resolved, That the collector of the district of New York be authorized to allow the drawback upon such a quantity of indigo as, was imported into New York, from New Orleans, on the 10th of July, 1794,'by Israel Lorrog, in
the brigantine Diana, Allen Hill, master, and which was, on the 19th of August following, entered for exportation,
on board the brig Lydia, John'H. Shackerly, master, for Amsterdam,-notwithstanding bonds were not given, and
ah oath WAS not taken, at the time of exportation: Provided, That every other requisite has been complied with,
relative thereto, which, bylaw, is required, to entitle him to the same.
Sundry merchants of Philadelphia and New York,, represent, by their petitions, that they are owners of ships
entitled to the benefits or privileges of ships or vessels' of the United States, and that registers have been obtained
for them, agreeably to law? but that those registers have become invalid, in consequence of all the owners not having
taken the oath required by the act concerning the registering and recording of ships or vessels, and transmitted the
same, within ninety days, to the collector granting such registers, agreeably to the terms of the fifth section of the
said act? by which means, their ships and cargoes are subject to the same duties as though their ships were foreign,
and that such omissions were, in some cases, unavoidable, from the absence of some of the owners^ in others, from
ignorance of any such requisite? but in none, from wilful* negligence; TJiey, therefore, pray for relief from the-very
heavy extra duty, which, from that cause, they are subjected to.
The committee, taking into consideration the applications that have heretofore been made, as well as those now
made, for relief, in the cases of invalid registers, are of opinion, that thtf several omissions? haye, in a great measure, proceeded from this circumstance: that the former registering law had no such requisite as the present one
has, and that this has been the chief source of the errors. They, therefore^ willing to give relief, and, at the same
time, to avoid a repetition of acts'which have already been passed, for granting relief in similar cases, recommend
tile following resolution:
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be empowered to allow to such vessels and their cargoes, whose
registers haye already, or that may, before the close of the present session of Congress, become invalid, by reason of
a non-compliance with the terms of the fifth section of the act concerning the registering and recording of ships or
vessels, the same privileges and benefits they would have been entitled to, it no such invalidity had taken place:
Provided, It shall appear to him that such non-compliance did not proceed from wilful negligence, or an intention
of fraud.

4th CONGRESS.]

.

No.

91.

I N T E R N A L

[1stSESSION.

R E V E N U E S .

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FEBRUARY 23, 1796.

Mr. W I L L I A M SMITH made the following report:
The Committee of Ways and Means having taken into their consideration the subject >ofInternal Revenues, and
* the provisions requisite for improving the same; and for more effectually securing the collection thereof, recommend to the House the following resolutions viz:
1st. Resolved, That it will be expedient to abolish the1 tax laid on spirits distilled from materials of the growth or
produce of the United States, at any other place than a city, town, or village, or at any distillery in a city, town, or
village, at which there shall be one or more stills, which, singly, if only one, or together, if more than one, shall be of
less capacity than four hundred gallons? and to collect this branch of the revenue from a tax on the capacity of the
stills.
"
_
*
2d. Resolved, That the officer of the revenue ought to be authorized, by law, to require of the city distillers, and
the refiners of sugar, the verification on oath of their Dooks, once a quarter, and that it ought to be made the constant
duty of such distillers and refiners, to exhibit their books if required.
3d. Resolved, That atimeought to be limited, within which the exporter of spirits, distilled within the United
States, shall be entitled to a drawback? and that the drawback ought not to be granted, unless where the exportation
is from the district or State where the same are distilled, or the next adjoining district or State.
4th. Resolved, That it would be expedient to modify the act imposing duties on licences to retailers of liquors,
so as that the said retailers should pay m proportion to.tne amount of sales, so far as to divide them into three or four
classes.
5th. Resolved, That it would be expedient^ after demand made of any tax,, (except on goods imported) and a
neglect or refusal to pay, to authorize a collection thereof by distress.
6th. Resolved, That it would be expedient, after demand made of any such tax, and a neglect or refusal to pay.
to allow the officer employed to collect the same, a certain mileage for his travel out to collect such tax, over anu
above the commisson which he may be entitled to by law.
7th. Resolved, That provision ought to be made for allowing drawbacks upon 'spirits exported (via Mississippi)
in vessels of less than thirty tons.

4th CONGRESS.]

NO.

. R E M I S S I O N

COMMUNICATED

92*

OF

J 1st SESSION.

DUTIES,

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MALTCH

4, I79&

Mr. GOODHUE, from the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, to whom ^as referred the petition of Henry
Messonier, praying to be refunded a sum of money erroneously paid as duties on a quantity of coffee imported by
him, made the following report:
Henry Messonnier states that, in February 1794. he made an entry at the port of Baltimore, of two hundred and
sixty six hogsheads of coffee, imported in the French ship Paccareau, Captain Latour, of which quantity there were
two hundred (indfifty-twohogsheads on his own account, and the remaining fourteen" hogsheads for account of

S386

[1796.

FINANCE.

Champayne and Deyme; that the said Chanvpayne and Deyme, by mistake, bonded for fourteen hogsheads ofthe
wrong marks, in the amount of six hundred ana fifty-five dollars and ninety cents; but, on finding their error, they
gave a new bond for seven hundred and seven dollars and forty-three cents, being the amount of duty arising on
the fourteen hogsheads of coffee, actually their own property, but omitted to'cancel the former boiid; that those
bonds bear the same date, and were given to Otho H.« Williams, then collector for the* port of Baltimore; that,
when the same became due, Mr. Robert Purviancehad become collector, and had no power to grant relief to the
petitioner.
.
.
*
.
'
.
.
The Committee, under the persuasion that duties have twice been, paid on the same fourteen hogsheads of coffee,
do recommend the following resolution:
Resolved, That the collector for tiie* port of Baltimore do pay to Henry Messonier six hundred and fifty-five
dollars and ninety cents, being the amount of duties paid on'fourteen hogsheads of coffee, more than was imported,
in the ship Paccareau, Captain Latomyin February, 1794.

4th CONGRESS.]

No.

INTERNAL

93.

.

.

[ 1 s t SESSION.

REVENUE.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MARCH 7, 1796.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

March 6th, 1796.

SIR:

I have the honor to transmit, herewith, certain statements, which have been prepared by the Commissioner of
the Revenue, in pursuance of the resolutions of the House of Representatives, passed on the 2d day of March 1795,
and the 26th day of February 1796, with a report explanatory thereof, by that officer.
I have the honor to be, &c.
OLIVER W O L C O T T , Juru Secretary ofthe Treasury.
The Honorable the SPEAKER ofthe Home of Representatives.

A report ofthe Commissioner ofthe Revenue, required by the order of the House of Representatives ofthe 2 d day of
March, 1795, concerning the internal revenues of the United States.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

Revenue Office, February 29th,

1796.

The order of the House of Representatives having been made at the expiration of its last term, a report could
only be made to the present House. On the day following the receipt of the order, circular letters, communicating
the substance thereof, were transmitted to the supervisors. These letters contained also explicit and particular instructions, intended to ensure the requisite attention to punctuality and to the necessaiy details, as will appear from
the annexed copy. With a view to expeditious and easy communications from the supervisors to the inspectors^
printed copies were transmitted to the tormer, for 'all of the inspectors of surveys as well as for themselves. As
circumstances immediately preceding the order of the House had convinced those who had to pay the t$r, that the
revenue lays would be executed in future, and had removed some of the difficulties which had impeded and
greatly disordered the antecedent business; it appeard expedient to reinforce, by the influence of this legislative call,
the injunctions which had been previously given ,to settle and return, as far as was then possible, all that remained
in arrear. To prevent inconvenience from accidents, and to increase impression, duplicates'of those letters were
also transmitted. *
One of the acts concerning snuff and snuff mills, requiring an annual report of the revenue from that object to
be made to Congress, a special circular letter upon that subject was transmitted to, the supervisors, shortly after the
circular communication above mentioned, and nearly six months before the expiratioa of the first year of the operation ofthe snuff tax.
.
.
.
4
Immediately before the time when the five new duties 'would have existed an entire year, other letters were
transmitted to the supervisors, calculated to promote their attention to the.objects required by the House, and requesting them immediately to furnish, for legislative and executive use, anticipated estimates of what each of the
internalrevenues might be expected to produce in the year 1796.
Other letters,.partially circular, have been transmitted, at differenttimes,to those supervisors who continued to
be most in arrear as to these and their other returns.. Besides which, special letters, as frequent, and in terms as
urgent, as circumstances required and admitted, have been addressed to some of the supervisors, and indeed to other
officers of the revenue, who, from considerations of weight, cannot be instructed immediately from the treasury on
ordinary occasions.
But, although a perfect respect to the order of the House., and the proper; duties of this office, have produced
these early ancf repeated communications to the supervisors, it is not intended to convey the idea, that they, or the
other officers of the revenue, have made less exertions than any other description of persons in the public service.
For, it is believed, that a comparative view of their services and duties would produce different impressions. It is,
however, true? that the embarrassments and difficulties of the revenue business have been met by inadequate exertions in some instances. These cases have been the subjects of explicit communications with the proper officers.
But it is doubted whether a complete remedy can be applied without transferring the tax upon spirits to the stills.
When the order of the House w&s received at this office, the reflection occurred, that the first year of the five
internal revenues established in 1794, would not terminate until the 30th of September, 1795: and that the revenues
from both kinds of domestic distilled spirits and from stills, would have their nearest annual period on the 30tii of
June, following the receipt of the order. It was only on the same 30th of June, that the existing arrangement ot
officers and compensations would have been in operation for an entire year in relation to all the revenues which
are considered as parts of the system of internal taxation. .It appeared desirable, therefore, and indeed necessary,
to make preparation for statements, whch should, respectively terminate on those two days of June and September
1795. and a return of officers and compensations, as of the first of those days being the middle of the year.
When, however, it is remembered, that the statements of the familiar and unembarrassed business of the customs,
concentrated as they are, in each instance, in a single port and post-town, cannot be conveniently made up at the
treasury, for any year, until near the close ofthe year following, much longer time will appear necessary in the case
ofthe internal revenues. ^ Some of these are new, one litigated, and the largest of them has been the subject o,f forcible opposition and coercion.. They are, moreover, so scattered, that one or the other of them accrues in every
county, and in almost every township of the United States.

1795.]

INTERNAL

REVENUE.

387

The following statements, A , B ? C, D, E , F, and-G, contain an exhibition of all the returns, whether formal or
irregular, whichhave been yet received at the treasury To those papers are* added such supplementary'estimates
as we possess materials to justify. The paper H contains a list of the'officers, with their compensations* The
paper I is a copy of the act of the^jPresiaent,.establishing those compensations. The paper K is the general statement of those revenues, with all the .expenses of collection. The drawbacks' are inserted in the particular statements of the several revenues, so far as they are ascertained. These statements are accompanied with some
remarks, which may contribute to place the subject within the view of the Legislature.
1. Tlie gross revenue from spirits distilled from domestic materials and from stills appears, Jby tlie accompanying statement and estimate A , to amount to 218,036 dollars and 16£ cents, for one year, ending on the 30th of
June, 1795.
^
'
.
.
.
t
The two earliest and largest estimates of that branch of the spirit tax, which were made m December 1790,
resulted in a gross amount ot
$270,000
But, since the passing of the law of 1791, which was predicated on those estimates, the duty
on spirits from domestic materials has been reduced from nine to seven cents, being two-ninth
parts of the whole; for which, of course, there is to be deducted from the.estimate, - $60,000
The yearly duty,upon the capacity Of the still has also, been reduced, from sixty to fiftyfour cents, since tne passing of the act of 1791. This difference, taken upon only one fifth
part of the whole 270,000 dollars, gives the sum of
*5,400
Since that year, monthly licences, not contemplated by the estimates, have been allowed
by law, and an opinion is held at the treasury, grounded on a report made upon experiments
by distillers, that, in consequence of that allowance, the duty, in the case ot stills employed
on grain, may be easily reduced from seven cents to four cents and one half, and in tlie case of
fruit, from seven cents to four cents per gallon. If this betaken at the minimum of two cents
and one half per gallon, it will justify a deduction of
37,500
102,900
And the sum of
- $167,100
will be left as the just and true residuum, after thus deducting from the original estimate, the aggregate of those
excisions from this duty, which have been actually made by the law of 1792. Instead of that sum, there can be no
doubt, from the face of the statement A , that a larger amount has accrued and will be collected. And if the statutes
concerning this branch of the revenue had not been greatly frustrated by the unavoidable want of a law officer, to
prosecute the pleas of the United States in a productive district, a confidentbelief is entertained, that it would have
yielded a sum nearly one .third larger than the residuum above stated.
To collect, with an effect really equal to previous estimates, so very small a revenue, over the face of an extensive and sparsely-peopled country, under tlie disadvantages of necessarily imperfect and untried laws, of prejudice,
and even opposition, will be considered as favorable to the general character of the revenue officers in tlie districts.
It is, moreover, to be remembered, that there are some occasional circumstances, which might have been expected to
produce a defalcation of the duties upon spirits from domestic materials. The excessive prices of grain, of marketable and exportable fruit, and of cider, have deprived the distillers of a very large portion of tlie means to employ
their stills. In all places, "the inducements to disti] have been greatly diminished by the increased competition of
the miller and merchant for every species of grain. It might have been supposed, too, that the great additional
importations of foreign spirits*, of low priced winesf, and of malt liquors^, with the multiplication and extension of
the manufactories o f u i e latter, concurring with those circumstances, would have reduced the revenue on spirits
from domestic materials, far below all former, expectation. Yet this does not appear to be the case. It is worthy of
femark here, that, on a calculation predicated upon the premised facts, the quantity of spirits, from fruit and grain
only, which nave been subjected to the revenue, in the United States, in the reported year, appears to be greater than
the average of the same branch in England, during the last thirty years, notwithstanding the more strict and rigorous nature of their laws. b If these objects have produced there a greater sum, it is because the duty is much
higher. A comparison with the same revenue, under the laws of certain of the States, would be still more favorable to the operation by the United States. Pennsylvania, for example, collected, in the year 1790, from an excise
of eight cents and eight ninths, uponforeign and 'domestic spirits and upon all kinds of wine, much less than is now
collected from spirits made from domestic materials only, though her-territory is crowded with emigrants consuming her produce, and she contributed very largely to the supply of the Western and militia armies out of the crop of
1794.
2. The tax. upon spirits distilled from foreign materials appears, by the same accompanying statement A, to
amount to 141,989 dollars 15} cents, for one year, ending likewise on the 30th day of June, 1795.
The estimates of 1790, already referred to, resulted, -in regard to the tax on spirits from molasses, in the gross,
amount of
$385,000 00
But, since the passing of the first law, in 1791, which was predicated oh those estimates, the duty on
this kind of spirits has been reduced from eleven to nine cents per gallon. Wherefore, there are to be
deducted two eleventh parts of 385,000 dollars, being
- 70,000 00
Allowances-for leakage and for prompt payment were also made, for both of which there is yet to be
deducted about
-

315,000 00
6,669 50
$308,337 50

The revenue from spirits distilled from foreign materials, in the year ending with June, 1795., was, according to
statement and estimate A, $141,989 15. The defalcation of this branch of the revenue appear?, therefore,
$166,348 35. But the importation of molasses, in the year 17^4, was less than that in 1791. by 3,700,000
gallons. Allowing something extraordinary for the portion which would not have been used m distillation, the
duties on the remainder, at nine cents per gallon, would more than counterbalance that sum. To this deficiency in
the supply of molasses, it js probable that something might be added for the increased consumption of it in substance,
on account of the high price of sugar. These circumstances not only explain the defalcation of the tax on spirits
distilled in the United States from foreign materials, but afford ground of conviction, that a great revenue from
this sourcfe has been prevented only by the extraordinary nature of the war in the West Indies. As*to the future
course of the business, there appears little uncertainty in the expectation that the restoration of the molasses trade,
the reduction of the prices of grain abroad and at home, and the increase of fruit, or even the two latter, should
molasses continue to fail, will render the revenue from domestie spirits highly valuable, especially if further modified by the Legislature.
The estimates of the duties on sales at auction, snuff and snuff mills? refined sugar, carriages, and licences to
retail wines and foreign distilled Spirits, were formed upon grounds which are unknown at the treasury, having
been made by a committee of the House of Representatives. It appears highly probable, however, that any inform a* The quantity of foreign distilled spirits, imported in the year ending- on tlie 30th September, 1790, wa$ 3,678,199 gallons.
That in 1794, was 5,699,369 gallons. *
f The quantity of wines, other than those of Madeira, imported in the year ending on'the 30th of September1, 1790, was
607,561 gallons: That in 1794, was 1,336,076 gallons.
* The quantity of beer, ale, and porter, imported in the year ending on the 3GthSeptember, 1790, was 70,564 gallons. That
in 1794, was 331,458 gallons. '

S388

FINANCE.

[1796.

tion which could have boen attainable at that time, must have been very imperfect and uncertain, and it is to be remembered, that alterations in the bills, which produced diminutions in the product, were made during their passage
through the Legislature. On these five duties, the following observations occur:
1. The auctioneers' tax\ according to the statement B, amounts to' 31,593 dollars
cents? and falls considerably short of the estimate referred to. # It is conceived, that the numerous and extensive exemptions in the proviso to
the first section ofthe law; the very increased agency of brokers, instead of auctioneers, in tue business of the seaport towns, and the multiplication of the various objects, which now form our circulating medium, have greatly affected this revenue.
2. The taxes on snuff and snuff mills amount, according,to the statements C and D, to 9,511 dollars 85 cents,
and have proved apparently the least conformable with the committee's estimate, though it is not known what proportion they expected from manufactured tobacco. This article, which is of much greater consumption than snuff,
was not subjected to duty, as proposed by the committee. An opinion prevails, ana it is believed oh just grounds,
that the existing law,relatiye to this branch of the public revenues, is either constructed upon wrong principles, or is
very defective mits provisions. Itis understood, also, that the productiveness of this tax has*been diminished by
extraordinary, though very natural exertions of the manufacturers of snuff tojncrease the stock on hand, before the
operation of tne duty; ana it is represented, that, since the alteration of the principle of» the law,-the larger mills,
wit!L great powers of water and capital,.have been able to make snuff, by licence, so as to reduce the contribution on
the pound of the manufactured commodity to a much less rate than eight cents.
3. Them refined sugar tax amounts to 34,527 dollars S& cents, and appears also, by the statement E, to fall short
ofthe original estimate; but additions will be made when-all the returns shall be received. The defalcation may be
owing not more to the imperfection ofthe materials, which the committee could obtain, to govern their opinions, than
to the increased use of the fine Muscovadoes and of the clayed and powdered white sugars, which are understood to
iiave been imported in a greater decree than formerly. These have facilitated a prudent economy, to which the
prices of many of the necessaries of life have invited the consumer.
4. The tax upon carriages for the conveyance of persons appears, by the statement F, to have, produced 41,421
dollars 17 cents. The members of the Legislature are gererally informed, that a question has been raised, in an extensive State, about the constitutionality of the law which imposes it. That circumstance i? conceived not only to
have diminished the revenue in that district, but in some other places. As it was, for obvious.reasonsj highly desirable to have this point immediately settled, every exertion was made, short of precipitating thedecision, to bring it
early beiore the district court. The judges of that tribunal were divided, and the case was carried by appeal to the
Supreme Court of the United States. It was endeavored, on the part of the Government, to have the question finally
argued in August last, but, from circumstances on the side of the defendant* it became necessary to aquiesce in a
postponement, until the February term. ^ It is understood that the revenue ot the- current year will be farther diminished by the unavoidable delay of a decision. •
5. The statement G exhibits'the gross revenue from licences to retail wines and foreign distilled spirit, at 54,731
dollars and 54 cents, so far as returns !v;ve been received at the treasury. It was to be expected that the
amount would fall considersbly below the ouginal estimate, because the spirit licences were confined to the retailers
of foreign spirits, contrary to what seems to have been thefirstintention of the "committee. This hot only diminished greatly the number of licences, but is supposed to have facilitated evasions of the law. It is not doubted, that
the occurrence ofthe month of entry (September) so soon after the passing the licence act,may have prevented that
timely promulgation of i t which was necessary to the perfect collection of this tax. A similar reflection arises with
greater force in regard to the carriage tax; and, indeed, the arrangements necessary to carry into execution the several
Taws concerning the five new duties, required more time than intervened between the beginning of June and the
month of September.
The paper H contains the names of nearly all the officers employed in the bussiness of the internal revenues
throughout the United States. Judging by a comparison with facts in the scene most adjacent to the seat of Government, these are less numerous than the corresponding officers of the States. The collectors, alone, of the revenues of
the State of Pennsylvania, all of which are of coursemternal,arebelievedto be very many more in number, as well in
fact as in proportion to the respective aggregates of the taxes, than all the officers of every description employed in
that district to superintend ana collect the six duties of the United States, which are the subjects of this communication. Throughout the eastern parts of the Union it is understood that there is a collector of their taxes in every
township, which must give a number greater, in that quarter alone, than that of all the officers of the internal revenues ofthe United States. In the other parts of the Union, it is believed that there is considerably more than the
proportion of one collector of the State dues in each county, on a medium. Is is certain that the internal revenue
officers of every class, upon the federal establishment, are fewer in number, although one description of them (the
auxiliary officers) has been appointed for the sole purpose of bringing, conveniently near to the payers of certain of
the taxes, an office of entry and application.
The apparent emoluments of the officers, and the expenses of collection, though not^ higher than* has been expected, it accurately considered^ must be taken in conjunction with several connected circumstances.
a Some ofthe supervisors and inspectors have allowances for preparing or signing certificates for foreign distilled
spirits, wines, and teasj which, not being conveniently separable, appear, in their general mass of charges, on the
internal revenues. They are, however, not considerable.. For the important service of checking, on land, the great
import duties on those three articles, these revenue officers receive no other than the very small allowance which is
just referred to. A puncheon of spirits, worth one hundred dollars, vields to some one of them, in a district, no
more than two cents and one half; and a cask of wine, worth forty dollars, yields, in like manner, but a single cent.
The supervisors and inspectors' office rent, fuel, and clerk hire, the value, or hire, of the collectors' horses, and their
keeping, together with their own expenses when on the road, are deductions from their emoluments. The postages
of letters and packets, which greatly contribute to swell the incidental expenses, are all returned into the public
treasury, except the allowances to the post officers. Most of the supervisors, and several of the inspectors, perform
necessary and important duties, auxiliaiy to some ofthe officers ofthe several Executive departments, on terms
very far? indeed, below what would be accepted by any special agent, public or private.
The statements and estimates accompanying this report, contain the substance of all the returns and documents
concerning the internal revenues for the, year to which they relate. Such papers as may be received during the
course of the .session, are proposed to be digested into a supplementary statement.
. '
T E N C H COXE, Commissioner of the Revenue*

[CIRCULAR. 3
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, REVENUE OFFICE, May 1 Gift, 1795.
GfiNTtfiMEfcJ
I have been obliged to postpone, until this day- a communication to you concerning a resolution of the
House of Representatives of the 2d of March last. It did not reach my. hands till yesterday afternoon. The resolution requires, that there be laid before the next Congress, " such a statement of the internal revenues as will
ascertain, with precision, the nett product thereof, and the expense of collection;" also, " a list of all the officers
employed in that service, and the compensations allowed to each of them."

1796.]

INTERNAL

REVENUE.

339

Completely to effect these several objects, and as the basis of the relative observations and explanations which
should accompany the statements from the treasury, it is necessary that early and particular attention be paid to
the following points:
1. The completion of all the returns and abstracts relative to retailers' licences, sales at auction, carriages, refined
sugar, and snuff and snuff mills, until the 30th of September next, on which day thefirstyear of those revenues will
end.
2. The completion of all the returns and abstracts relative to the distillation in cities, towns, and villages, and
from foreign materials, from the first day of July, 1791, until the 30th day of September, 1795, the return for each
quarter, now unreturned, to be transmitted to the .treasury, as soon as completed.
\
3. The completion of all the1 returns and abstracts relative to the distillation front domestic materials, in places
other than cities, towns, and villages, and to stills, as far as the same can, by every exertion in your power, be completed. From the first day of July, 1791, to the last day of December, 1794, they should be made up by the close of
the current quarter, the 30th of June next. These, also, should be immediately sent forward, as each shall be completed. I recommend, too, such exertion as will possess the treasury of the abstract, relative to the half year, now
current, by the close of the year 1795.
4. The completion of the quarterly accounts current, with the proper accompaniments, from July 1st, 1791, to
the 30th day of September, 1795, and the transmission of each of them, which is, at this time, incompleted, as soon
as it shall be made up.
5. A complete list of all the inspectors of surveys, inspectors of the revenue for the ports, collectors of the revenue, auxiliary officers, and deputies of the inspectors of the revenue for the ports, as the same shall stand in the
month of June, 1795, exhibiting the salary allowed to each, and an estimate 6f the commissions, fees for marking
stills, &c. &c.$ also the surveys, divisions, and counties. T o these you will prefix a similar exhibition of all the emoluments of the supervisors.
Should any thing further occur, likely, in your opinion, to give to the Legislature a perfect view of the revenue
service, and of its results, you will be pleased to add such information.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
^
„
Hie Supervisors of the Revenue.

50

F

"

T E N C H COXE, Commissioner of the Revenue.

1
it

£
N . Hampshire,
do.
Massachusetts,
do.
Rhode Island,
do. t
Connecticut,
do.
Vermont,
do.
N e w York,
do.
N e w Jersey,!
do.
Pennsylvania,*
do.
.
Delaware,§
do.
Maryland,
do.
Virginia, ||
do.
Ohio,IT
do.
Tennessee, a
do.
N . Carolina,
do.
S. Carolina,b
do.
Georgia,
cfo.

w
4>
P! "
Is
o
W
•P
S3
Oh
SJ
Kfl
J. Wentworth,
do.
Nath'I Gorham,
do.
John S. Dexter,
do.
John Chester,
do.
Nathan'! Brush,
do.
Nicholas Fish,
do.
Aaron Dunham,
do.
Henry Miller,
, do.
Andrew Barratt,
do.
George Gale,
do.
Ed. Carrington,
do.
Thos. Marshall,
do.
John Overton,
do.
William Polk,
do.
Daniel Stevens,
do.
John Mathews,
do.

Number of gallons distilled in cities, towns,
and villages.
Foreign Domestic
materials.
do.

. Ti
u *
m
4)
t=oiS'S
Jpd

A oT S
•B g o a>
1 1<u §._.
2
g
- e^+H Q
o o
o
d W O) T} ^
US
O -S rt C
S 3B'
I w « s 4
a g >
tn wri P H
O « 2 ri °

_
—

630,589^
—

1,445|

„ 2,2993

_

-4

343,299 * 28,234!

-

240

-

7,334?

—

—

-

-

-

12,076
4,566"

—

55,232? 10,60lT
-

899
—

—

-

-

-

13,624
-

33,632

632,275^

210,834?

-

-

53,421
1,958 .

-H

1,294

—

6,951
-

4,443 67£

—

60,867?
'4,566

-

—

*415 96

62 93

79,457?
-

-

34,531

827 42
-

210,834?
6,951

-

1,065 65

-

-

-

-

6,020 72

5,537 54?

-

2,375 34 '
-

10,214 86£

o
E-<

1,201 33£

3,252

—

-

88 86

-

64,174 17

OJ 0
* a
I ^
S

u
o a
rt aT

1i

to
p *

$3 08
1,265 97? $47 393
63,318 98
334
662 24
33,111 99£
88 87$
67
5,509 32£
5 28!
-

415 96
-

8,396 06
-

10,277 792

-

53,504 15

(U

$160 99

54,331 57
1,201 33:1

-

53,421

—

16 80*

-

—

-

33,131 99%

-

—

$160 99

-

270,533!

-

41,457

2,299J $63,302 18

al gross amo
of duties.

tS
sm
'p

Number of gall
distilled from
mestic material!
the country.

A . — J i Statement qf the Revenue arising from stills, and from spirits distilled in the United States during one year, commencing on the first day of July, 1794, and ending on the thirtieth day
of June4 1795, so far as returns have been received at the Treasury, with an estimate of such as arc deficient

5,537 54?
-

64,263 03

-

-

120
18
1
47
16
26

16 15 88
96
25
1 80
683
52.
45

^ 0

0
P <U
tw _
0 c
+•>
C nd
0 V +3
0
0

Ill
w
J:s a
£ « &0
P °

*

$157 91
$67 16
61,988 80? 8,"861 46
16 46<|
32,449 7fi£ 19,143 85
4,354 13!
1,060 36?
415
5,884
2,356
59
10,167
810
53,477

'96
68
38
88
18
90
70

195 86
-

1,453 90
-

30 00
-

9 29£

-

1,192 04

110 72d

-

5,426 82! ^,158 79

„

1 57

-

-

-

87 29
64,174 17

-

35 57

238 36

m

327

70

33,808
—

1,049,092£ 49,878?

-

_
397

62,235^

86,043£

5,863

5,863

352,321? 1,451,293

•

36 22£
—

2,057 60

If5,489 15^

-

-

651

-

36 22j
-

#7,541 30£

9,598 90£

#1,149 00

1,149 60

41 20
-

„

-

2,016 40
7,541 3O3

308 26 :

1,149 60

141,820 16* 257,309 31? 2,420 25? 65 74i 254,823 31% 32,457 64

REMARKS.

•(•But one half yearly abstract has
i l l
-rt .£3 0 been receivedfrom New Jersey. The
other half year is, from an estimate
furnished by the supervisor, founded,
P ° S principally on the collector^ returns.
*But one quarterly return from the
city business.
This return of the country business
$18 11
is taken from partial statements, fur583 40 nished by the supervisor.
§But- one half yearly abstract has
been received from Delaware. The
other half year is on a statement fur78 -27 nished by the supervisor.
l|No regular half yearly abstracts for
the year here returned, have yetbeen
receivedfromVirginia. The sum here
39 00 stated for the country business* is
taken from an estimate made by the
supervisor, who is of opinion it will
be fully realized.
30 75
IThe district of Ohio consists ofthe
State of Kentucky, and the territory
of the United States northwest of the
river Ohio. It was erected into an
entire new district on the 20th August,
1794, and the supervisor was appointed the 22d of the same month.
No returns of revenue have yetbeen
received from it.
a The district of Tennessee consists
of the territory south of the Ohio.; it
was erected on the 20th August,
1794; the person for the office of supervisor was not determined upon
until February, 1795. No returns of
revenue have yetbeen received from
this district.
b No returns ofthe country business
are received from the first surrey.
749 53

•The allowance for leakage in the country business in Vermont,Virginia, South Carolina, andGeorgia, having been deducted by the collectors of the revenue, the supervisors did not introduce it in their half yearly abstracts,
wherefore the gross amount of duties from country stills ought to be two per cent. more. This, however, will not vary the nett revenue.

STATEMENT

A—Continued.

Additional estimate, in lieu of such returns as are deficient
Gross amount of du- Gross amount of du- Total gross amount
of duties.
ties in cities, towns, ties on spirits distil& villages, from fo- led in the country,
reign and domestic from domestic materials, & on stills.
materials.
Brought forward,
Massachusetts—the amount of one quarterly abstract, estimated as nearly
equal to the corresponding quarter of
the preceding year, Ditto of one half yearly abstract,- estimated by the preceding return,
Pennsylvania, do, of three quarterly abstracts,
Ditto of additional two half yearly do.
for a part of the country business,
Maryland, do. of two half yearly do*
Ohio, do. of two half yearly do, which,
if the law could be executed, would
be equal to the fourth survey of Pennsylvania, - n North Carolina, do. of two quarterly do.
Do. do. of two half yearly do*
South Carolina, do. of i additional half
yearly do. for the country business of
the first survey,
T
Georgia, do. of one half yearly do.
Amount of revenue payable, carried to
the general statement K ,
-

$115,489 15£

$141,820 16|

$257,309 31$

Amount of duty col- Drawbacks allowed
Discount allowed
Abatements for
leakage, at two per for prompt payment. lected in each dis- on spirits from foreign materials.
trict.
cent.

3,420 25$

$65 74£

$32,457 64

$749 53

25,000 00

25,000 00
16 00

16 0Q

25,016 00

1,500 00

1,500 00

141,989 151

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

$254,823 3l£

Drawbacks allowed
on spirits from domestic materials.

25,000 00
14,000 00

26,500 00
14,000 00

25,000 00
14,000 00

20,000 00

20,000 00

20,000 00

15,200 00

15,200 00

15,200 00

1,000 00
1,000 00

1,000 00
1,000 00

1,000 0
1,000 0i

218,036 16£

360,025 31$

2,420 25$

65 74=1

357,539 3l£

32,457 64

749, 53

Revenue Office, March 3d, 1796,
TENCH^ COXE, Commissioner qf tjie Revenue,

GO

A Statement of the Revenue arising on Sales at Auction within the United States, for one yean commencing onthefirst day of October 1794, and ending on the thirtieth day of September 1795
3
5
far as returns have been received at the Treasury.
In what district!

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut, Vermont,
New York,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland,
Virginia,
Ohio,
Tennessee,
North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia,

{a)
(b)
yO
id)
(e)
(/)
\g)

Names of Supervisors.

Joshua Wentworth,
Nath'l Gorham, (a)
JohnS. Dexter, (6)
John Chester,
Nathaniel Brush, Nicholas Fish,
Aaron Durham, (c)
Henry Miller, (d)
An ? w Barratt, (e)
George Gale, and'7
. John Kilty,
5
Ed. Carrington, (/)
Thos. Marshall, (g)
"John Overton, (g)
William P o l k , & )
Daniel Stevens,
John Mathews,

Amount of purchase „ Amount of duties there- Amount of purchase
money at one-fourth
on at that rate.
money at one-half
per cent.
per cent.

12,480 10|
35,104 50
2,742 10
605,444 66

158,517 67
27,0.07 69£

31 19J87

8,124 10J
486,086 32£

6 86£

7,173 10J
128 43
1*496,137 15

1,513 53

396 24
67 72

110,398 72

275 96

$951,695 45

$2,379 27

Amount of duties, there- - Total amount of duties.
on at that rate.

40 63
2,430 41i
35 87
64
7,480 52

1,326,599 92
241,044 72£

1,019,801 56

$4,585,095 32£

71 82}
2,518 17$
60 85
42 731
64
8,994,05
17 49
5,212 76

'

Auctioneers.' commission thereon at one
per cent.

1

71 I l f
2,493 "00
60 85
42 30£
63J
8,904 49.
IT 49
5,161 71J

7Xh
25 17|
!

The amount of duties
payable.

4243
i
89 59^
51 04J

6,632 90

7,029, 14

70 27

1,205 17

2,270 1%

12 57

2*25S 15

5,098 89

5,374 85

53 55£

5,321 291

$303 35J

$31,289 91}

$22,925 03| „

,

$31,593 23}

;

6,95S 87

For two quarters only.
From an estimate of the supervisor, no abstract having yet been received.
an estimate furnished by the supervisor, no abstract having yet been received.
From informal returns for three quarters, from the city of Philadelphia,
The supervisor reports that there will be nothing.
The amount of duly for one quarter's return, is on estimate of the supervisor.
No returns are received.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

Revenue Office, March Sd, l796.
TENCH

COXE,

Commissioner of the Revenue.

17-96.]

INTERNAL

REVENUE.

39S

A Statement of the Revenue arising on JSnuff manufactured within the United States, paying duty by the pound,
or quantity manufactured, for six months, cbmrnencing on the first day of October, 1794, and ending on the
31st day of March, 1795, so far as returns have been received at the treasury.

In what District.

Names of Supervisors.

Joshua Wentworth.
New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, - Nathaniel Gorham,
Joshn S. Dexter, (a)
Rhode Island,
John Chester,
Connecticut,
Nathaniel Brush,
Vermont,
Nicholas Fish,
New York,
Aaron Dunham,
New Jersey,
Henry Miller, (b)
Pennsylvania,
Andrew Barratt, fc)
Delaware,
George Gale,
Maryland,
Edward Carrington, (d)
Virginia,
Thomas Marshall, (c}/
Ohio,
John Overton, ( c )
Tennessee,
North Carolina, - William Polk,
Daniel Stevens,
South Carolina,
John Mathews,
Georgia,
Amount of duty reO
turned under the act 1
of June, 1794, lay- V
ing a duty upon the I
manufacture,
J

Quantity of Gross amount Discount allow- Drawbacks al- Nett amount
of duties.
ed for prompt lowed on ex- of duties.
snuff manupayment, at 6 portation
factured. "
per centum.
Pounds.

32,007j

$1,555 30

9,451 00

756 08

756 08

618 00

119 44

119 44

125 00

7 46

74 00

5 92

42,275^

$2,444 20

$44 67G

44

$1,510 62J

-

7 02

5 92

$45 ll£

-

$2,399 08i

(a.) No abstract or estimate of this revenue has been received, but a report that one mill only was worked.
(6.) From an informal return of the inspector of the third survey; no return from any other part of district,
(c.) No return, (d.) The supervisor reports that there will not be any thing.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

Revenue Office, March 3, 1796.
T E N C H COXE, Commissioner of the Revenue.

D.
A Statement ofthe Revenue arising on milk employed in the manufacture of Snuff, within the United States for six months, commencing on the first day qf April, and ending on the thirtieth day of
J
September, 1795, so far as returns have been received at the treasury.
DESCRIPTION OF MACHINE-IIY.

In what district.

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
Vermont, New York, ••
New Jersey)
Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,

Discounts allow- The'amount of
Mortars in Pairs of mil,1 Pestles in millsPestles in mills Mills worked Gross amount ed for prompt duties payable.
pf duties.
mills worked stones employ- not worked by worked by by stampers
payment, at six
and grinders^
hand.
ed" in the ma- hand. !
by water.
per centum.
nufacture of
snuff. ]
$112 each. $3340 each. Dollars. Cents. Dollars. Cents. Dollars. .Cents.
$140 each.
$560 each.
$560 each.

Names of Supervisors.

Joshua Wentworth.
Nathaniel Gorham, (a.)
John S. Dexter, (6.)
John Chester.
Nathaniel Brush.
Nicholas Fish,
Aaron Dunham, (c.)
Henry Miller, (d.) Andrew Barratt, (e.)
John Kilty,
Edward Carrington, (/.)
Thomas Marshall* (g.)
John Overton, (h.)
William Polk.
Daniel Stevens, (i.)
John Mathews.

Total of machinery, and of duty returned under the act of March, 1795,7
laying a duty on the mill machinery, implements, &c. for six months, 5

$230 00

$280 00

1,400 00

1,400 00

4,200'/00
840 00

U 2 00

4,200 00
840 00
112 00

7,112 00

7,112 00

280 00

11
3

13

19

$2,399 08I

Amqunt of duty on snuff, brought from statement C, for six months,

$9,511 08£

Total amount of duty on snuff and snuff mills, for one year,
(a.)
(d.)
(#.)
(?.)

280 00

(b.) On an informal statement ofthe supervisor.
No returns.
{eO On an informal report ofthe supervisor.
On an informal and incomplete statement.
N o return.
(/*.) No return.
.
.
One small mill was worked in South Carolina, under the first act, but was discontinued on the change ol the law.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

(c.) On an informal statement of the supervisor.
(/,) The supervisor reports that no duty has accrued.

Revenue Office, March 3d, 1796.

T E N C H COXE, Commissioner of the Revenue.

INTERNAL

1796.]

REVENUNE.

395

E.
A statement of the Revenue arising on Sugar refined within the United States, for one year, commencing on the
1st day of October, 1794, and ending on the 30th day of September, 1795, so far as returns have been received at
the treasury.
In what district,

Names of Supervisors.

New Hampshire",
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
Vermont,
New York,
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland,

Quantities of Gross amount Discounts allow- Drawbacks The amount
sugar refined. of duties.
ed for prompt allowed on of duties clear
payment, at six exportation. of drawbacks.
per centum.

Joshua W entworth.
Nathaniel Gorham, (a.) 765.14,4762
John S. Dexter, (6.) John Chester.
Nathaniel Brush.
Nicholas Fish, 478,055
Aaron Dunham.
Henry Miller, (c.)
Andrew Barrat, ((/.)
George Gale and ?
85,868
John Kilty, #
Edward Carrington.(*Z.)
Thomas Marshall, (e.)
John Overton, (e.)
William Polk.
Daniel Stevens, (e.)
John Mathews.

Virginia, Ohio,
Tennessee,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, -

$1,245 '46
1,208 20

$17 07

11,984 90

163 32

11,821 58

13,139 08

148 98

12,990 10

6,950 22

210 20|

51 75

6,688 26J

lbs. 578,939| $34,527 86

$539 57|

$176 10

$33,812 18|

* $124 35

$1,228 39
1,083 85

(at.) For one quarter only.
(6.) From an informal statement of the supervisor,
(c.) From an informal return of the supervisor, for three quarters only.
(d.) The supervisor reports that no duty has accrued.
(e.) No return.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, REVENUE OFFICE, March 3d, 1796.
T E N C H C O X E , Commissioner of the Revenue.

F.
Statement of the Revenue arising on Carriages for the conveyance of persons within the United States, for one
year, commencing on the first day of October, 1794, and ending on the thirtieth day of September, 1795, so far
as returns have been received at the treasury.
o
Names of supervisors.

In what district.

£ o .
o ""0
a
o
O
New Hampshire, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
Vermont,
New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia,
Ohio, Tennessee, # North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia,

M
*<n
-M
.
a <p

§o

Joshua Wentworth, Nathaniel Gorham, John S. Dexter,(p.) John Chester,
Nathaniel Brush,
Nicholas Fish,
Aaron Dunham, (6.)
Henry Miller, (c.) Andrew Barratt,
George Gale and
John Kilty,
- ; Ed. Carrington, (d.)
Thomas Marshall, (e.)
John Overton, (e.)
- William Polk,
Daniel Stevens, (/.) John Matthews,

i !

i•>|Tj
•+
H

o

o
4) ?
m
A
"c2 m > rt
Jg O
t f i
el
O
gi-s
O

e,o
o fe
£
d> cS
CJ «

! §§
a
o m
o

£
43

Amount of
duties.

g
g ao S
£'S
•B 3 3
o

3
6

"8
31

7
19

9
8

1

1

35
33
1

79
15
38
4

6
2
116
15
37
13

1
1
94
28
166
16

55
1
104
787
173
36

596
16
226
549
913
825

599
15
X,512
1,032
142
119

$879 67
4,601 00
876 00
1,966 50
67 00
4,444 50
4,401 50
4,285 00
2,067 50

14
15

122
237

81
135

153
174

11
2 66

1,473
224

349
1,439

5,906 50
6,835 00

1
37
1

23
99
10

41
47
10

36
33
6

24
17
13

50
296
48

830
748
133

1,634 00
3,016 00
441 00

147 '

667

529

725-

1,558

7,487

7,054

41,421 17

5
331
66 • 1,940

17
119

(a.) From an informal statement of the supervisor, no abstract having yet been received.
(6.) Part of this sum is on an estimate of the supervisor, for want of a few of the collector's returns.
(c.) The returns from two surveys, and part of a third, are not received.
\d.) A small part of this sum is founded on an estimate of the supervisor.
(e.) No return.
A
( f . ) One survey yet unreturned.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Revenue Office, March 3d, 1796.
T E N C H COXE, Commissioner of the Revenue.

S396

[1796.

FINANCE.

G.
A statement of the revenue arising on licences granted to retailers of Wines, andforeign distilled Spirits, within the
United States, for one year, commencing on the first day of October, 1794, and ending on the 30 th day of SepUmber, 1795, so far as returns have been received at the treasury.

In what district.

Wine licences.

Names of supervisory

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut, Vermont,
New York, New Jersey;, Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
Virginia,
Ohio,
Tennessee, b North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia,

Joshua Wentworth, Nathaniel Gorham, (a)
John S. Dexter, (b) John Chester, (c)
Nathaniel Brush,
Nicholas Fish,
Aaron Dunham, (d) Henry Miller, (e)
Andrew Barratt,
George Gale ana John Kilty ,
Edward Carrington, ( / )
Thomas Marshall.
John Overton, ( g )
William Polk,
Daniel Stevens, (h) John Mathews,

Spirit licences. Am't of duties.

122
471

517
1,696

347
49
720
161
424
90
296
308

903
187
1,452
254
480
170
567
739

$2,836 20£
10,833 75
1,590 00
5,646 46|
1,180 00
10,094 82
2,409 06
4,673 53
1,203 45
4,301 14
6,445 00

68
106
41

186
230
80

1,233 12|
1,680 00
605 00

3,203

7,461

$54,731 54|

(a) A further return is expected, but will be inconsiderable.
Cb) From an informal statement of the supervisor, no abstract having yet been received,
(cj One small return is yet wanting.
( a ) Part ofthe sum here stated, is from an estimate of the supervisor,
(e) Returns are wanting from two surveys, and apart of a third.
( / ) One quarterly return of the duty is on an estimate furnished by the supervisor; the number of licences
does not appear.
(£•) No returns.
(//) Part of the returns are not received.
TREASURY" DEPARTMENT,

Revenue Office, March 3d, 1796.
T E N C H C O X E , Commissioner of the Revenue.,

H.
A list of the officers employed in the collection of the Internal Revenues of the Unitedt States, and in all other services relative thereto, on the 1st day of July, 1795, with their several denominations, and the compensations
allowed to each of them, so far as the returns or other documents have been received at the treasury.
No. 1.
A LIST OF THE SUPERVISORS.

The names of the
Supervisors.

District

Compensation.

Joshua Wentworth,
Nathaniel Gorham,
John 8. Dexter,
John Chester, -

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut,

Nathaniel Brush,

Vermont,

514 54

Nicholas Fish, Aaron Dunham,
Henry Miller, Andrew Barrat,

New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania.
Delaware, -

834 39£

John Kilty,

Maryland, -

1,372 12£

Edward Carrington,
Thomas Marshall,
John Overton, William Polk, -

Virginia,
OM6.
Tennessee.
North Carolina, -

2,495 88
1,294 62

Daniel Stevens,

South Carolina, -

1,410 39

John Mathews, -

Georgia,

Remarks.

$563 51
2,500 00
1,054 59
876 77

540 19£

551 50
$16,106 87|

C Noah Smith having resigned, was succeeded by
s
Nathaniel Brush. The compensations of both,
C
for the year, are included in this sum.

C George Gale resigned, and was succeeded by Mr.
<
Kilty. The compensations of both, for the year,
C
are included in tins sum.

f

A part of this, the supervisor receives as inspector
of the first survey, but he has not separated it in
his statement.

1796.]

I N T E R N A L

REVENUNE.

397

No. 2.
A LIST OF THE INSPECTORS OF SURVEYS.

District.

The names of the
Inspectors.

Survey.

New Hampshire,
- Massachusetts,
do.
do.
Rhode Island,

John Frothingham,
Jonathan Jackson,
Leonard Jarvis -

First and only,
First,
Second,
Third,
First and only,

500 00
1,392 474
1,392 47;191 39

First and only,

Vermont,

First and only,

-

-

First and only,

786 94

New Jersey, -

First and only,

William Nicholls,

Pennsylvania,

First,

John Boyd,
Edward Hand, John Neville, -

do.
do.
do.
Delaware,

Second,
Third,
Fourth,
First and only,

Maryland,

First,

Phillip Thomas,
William Richardson,
Drury Ragsdale,
Edward Stevens,
Mayo Carrington,
James Gibbon, Edward Smith, James Breckenridge, -

do.
dp.
Virginia,

62 25£

1r
-

95 36

Second,
Third,
First,
Second,
- : Third,
Fourth,
Fifth,
Sixth,
First,
Second,

'

Ebenezer Sproat,

do!
do.
do.
do.
Ohio,
do.

Thomas Overton^

Tennessee, - First and only,
North Carolina, First,

640 25
528 44£
589 65
693 78
649 02
669 85
928 78
607 61

573 82£

Hardy Murfree,

do.

Second,

725 17

John Whitaker,

do.
do.

Third,
Fourth,

561 16

do.

Fifth,

694 68

First,
Second,
Third,
First and only,

536 82
580 00

Daniel McKissach,

-

South Carolina,
do.
do.
Georgia,

Benjamin Cudworth, Silvanus Walker,

18 15

1

>

;

C The duty is performed by the superC visor.

$9 82

Connecticut, -

New York,

Ttemarks.

Compensation.

C The duty is performed by the superZ visor.
C The duty is performed by the. superC visor.
C The duty is performed by the superC visor.
C The duty is performed by the super1 visor.
C The duty is performed by the superi visor.
C The duty was, for a part of the time,
< performed by the supervisor,butan
C inspector was afterwards appointed

C Tlie duty is performed by the superC visor.
O The duty is performed by the supers visor. The emoluments are estiC mated, but on certain ground.
This is partly on estimate.

C The duty is performed by the super
c visor.
C He also perfoips the duty of collecJ tor of a division^ his compensation
) for both services, is included in
L this sum.
C The duty is performed by the superC visor.
f
}
)
L
C

He also performs the duty of collector of a division^ his compensation
for both services, is included in
this sum.
The duty is performed by the supervisor.

C The duty is performed by the superC visor.

$13,427 90

No. 3.
A TLST OF THE COLLECTORS OF THE REVENUE.

Names.

Karnes.

District.

George Wentworth, - New Hampshire,
do.
William Simpson,
Massachusetts,
Daniel Epes, (a.)
do.
Joseph Tucker, (a.) do.
Francis Cook, (a-)
do.
John Lee, (a.) do.
William Wier, do.
William Farnnam,

$128
126
79
32
35
27
190
245

82|
Thomas Burnham,
11|
Moses Moody, 60
Timothy 0$good,
76
William West,
72
Ezra Newhall,
18
George Osburn,
834 | William Rogers,
90 ! Samuel Swan,

(a.) These are also officers of the revenues of impost and tonnage.
51
f

District.

Massachusetts,
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

48 88
35 67
95 284
116 294
306 41
194 51
52 461
716 894

FINANCE.

398

11796.

Ji List of the Collectors of the 'Revenue—continued.
Names.

Names.

District.

Massachusetts,
Ebenezer Kent.
do.
Jonathan Kittell,
do.
Abraham Lincoln,
Abel Whitneydo.
Henry W . Dwight, do.
Asa Leach,
do.
do.
William Hichborn, do.
William Bradford,
do.
Samuel Moore,
Foster Cruft,
do.
Isaac Codman,
do.
Nathan Davies,
do.
David Cheever,
do.
Thomas Clarke,
do.
William Goodwin,
do.
Hodijah Baylies, ( « . ) do.
Joseph Otis, (a.)
do.
John Pease, (a.)
do.
Stephen Hussey, (a.) do.
Samuel Foster,
do.
George Se&rs,
Rhode Island,
Daniel S. Dexter,
do.
Paul Allen,
do.
Samuel Bosworth,
do.
Shubael Breed, (6.) - Connecticut,
Dyer White.
do.
Jesse R^ot, (c.)
do.
Robert Warner,
do.
Enoch Smyth,
do.
Alexander Catlin,
do.
Elijah Brush, ( A )
Vermont,
Jonathan Ware,
do.
Joseph Crook,
New York,
Frederick Weissenfels,
do.
Aquila Giles,
do.
Isaac Smith,
do.
Henry P.Dering, ( « . ) do.
Terence Reily,
do.
James Forsyth,
do.
Asa Steward,
do.
Robert Williams,
do.
Abraham A . Low,
do.
J.C. TenBroeck. (a.)
do.
Heiiry I. Bo£art, (&.) do.
Alexander Turner,
do.
NathanieiChristie,
do.
David Heniy,
do.
Johti Bleeker,
do.
John Post,
do.
Joshua Dervey,
do.
Melancthon \Voolsey, do.
J6hn L . Merceteau, do.
Thaddeus Chapin,
do.
Abiatha Hull,
do.
John Philips,
"New Jersey,
Thompson Darrah,
do.
John Burr,
do.
James Headen:
do.
James R. English,
do.
Moses Estey,
do.
Thomas Olden, Jr.,
do.
Elisha Clarke,
do.
Robert Campbell,
do.
Samuel Annin,
do.
William Wilson,
do.
Joseph Buck,
do.
Nezer Swain,
do.
John Bray,
do.

253 66f
249 49£
102 52£
97 08f
53 07
85 66
302 27£
724 85£
444 72£
332 08
512 80
126 43|
499 90k
77 11|
89 36s
52 43|
47 68j
16 2l£
19 53|
21 28
404 57£
532 18
343 32
164 30£
92 73
100 03
300 81
124 16
57 94
135 18
140 89£
145 56
238 72 '
124 70 53 88
74 12
56 61
78 04 63 26
105 47
67 91
66 62
60 24
160 60
42 35
47 27
51 81
45 67
47 08
50 96
40 70
59 07
64 59
40 00
220 62
57 59
H i 05
126 85
149 92|
"156 5 U
112 31
63 95
46 36i
119 82£
69 32
59 86
30 43
29 21

District.

Daniel St. Clair, (e.) - Pennsylvania,
Abraham Dubois,
do.
John Whitman, '
do.
Jacob Eyerly* Jr.,
do.
Thomas Hamilton,
do.
Peter Grrifcrb,
do.
John Ewing,
do.
'
Jacob Humphreys,
do.
Frederick Hubly,
do.
Conrad Laub,
do.
John Hughes,
do.
John Webster,
do.
Benjamin Wfells,
do.
Robert Johnston,
do.
William Meetkirk,
do.
John Wells,
do.
James Mills,
Delaware,
William Grey,
do.
Thomas Jeffrey,
Maryland,
Isaac Dickson,
do.
Joseph Forman, (/.) do.
Richard Marshall,
do.
John Hanson,
.do.
Joseph Ford,
do.
Daniel Reintzel, (g\) do.
John Ritchie,
do.
Samuel Price, (A.)
do.
Samuel Selby,
do.
Thomas D. Woolford,
do.
Francis Rose,
do.
Samuel W . Pitt, (£.) do.
John Dickenson,
do.
John Thomas, (?*.)
do.
Jeremiah Nichols, (a.) do.
James Rowland,
do.
Humphrey Hill,
Virginia,
John Priddy,
do.
Charles1 Grimes,
do.
William Parish,
do.
Wilson Allen,
do.
Meaux Thornton,
do.
Thomas Bagby,
do.
William Smith,
do.
John Tribble,
do. •
Martin Tapscol,
do.
Clement Snakelford, do.
Joseph Locke,
do.
Randolph Segar,
do.
John Lovel,
do.
Thomas L . Allison, do.
Francis Adams,
do.
Vincent Gray,
do.
Mathew Rodes,
do.
Samuel Overton,
do.
William C. Brown, do.
Robert H. Saunders, do.
Reuben Austin,
do.
John Higgmbotham, do.
Robert Snoddy,
do.
William Armstrong, do.
Reuben Payne,
do.
William M'Craw,
do.
Thomas Clarke,
do.
Peter Stokes,
do.
Francis Gooch,
do.
Robert Twiford,
do.
William Graves,
do.
Thomas Swepson,
do.

163 17
340 50
179 26
5-12 '40
906 21
176 12
106 90£
175 '632
107 27
362 57
414 00
140 00
120 00
121 57i
100 00
90 25i
170 6a
114 07
125 50
101 83
94 74
98 12
119 46
124 20
96 57
95 90
71 34
79 25
55 27
60 43
84 01
72 94
51 99
330 57
230 61
57 96
117 97
137 24
285 20
155 10
195 81
127 81
134 72
73 16
126 80
167 80
144 78
125 35
136 07
140 62
171 81
115 46

(a.) These are also officers of the revenues of impost and tonnage.
(6.) Thomas Coit and Robert Hallam resigned, and were succeeded by Shubael Breed; this sum includes all the
emoluments of the collectorship for the year.
(c.) William Adams died the 23d of June, 1795, and was succeeded by Jesse Root; the sum here set down
includes all the emoluments of the collectorship for the year.
(d.) Serenus Swift having resigned was succeeded by Elijah Brush; the emoluments of both, for the year, are
included in this sum.
(e.) Theduties ofthe collectorship ofthe city of Philadelphia are performed by the inspector ofthefirstsurvey.
(/.) Resigned, and' was succeeded by NicholasDonnellan in the collectorship) the whole emoluments of which
are included m this sum.
(ff.) Resigned, and was succeeded by George Magruder in the collectorship; the whole emoluments of which,
for the year? are included in this sum.
Ch.) Resigned, and was succeeded by George Price in the collectorship; the whole emoluments of which, for
the year, are included in this sum.
(£.) Resigned, and was succeeded by Thomas Corse; the emoluments of both, for the year, are included in this sum.
(J.) Resigned, and was succeeded by James Bowdle in the collectorship; the whole emoluments of which, for
the year, are included in this sum.

1796.]

INTERNAL

REVENUNE.

399

A List of the Collectors of the Revenue—continued.
Names.

District

Joshua Forte,
Virginia,
David Mason,
do.
Joseph Saunders,
do.
James Gibbon,
do.
Edward Friend,
do.
George Thornton,
do.
George Luid,
do.
Asher Waterman,
do.
James Cochran,
do.
Abraham Smith,
do.
Samuel Ball, (a.)
do.
Miles Lewis, ( « . )
do.
Baldwin Weaver, (a.)
do.
Zachariah Biggs, (a.) do.
John Snider,
do.
John Hays, do.
Nicholas Orick, do.
John M'Kees,
do.
John Goffbrd.
do.
William Ward, do.
Wjlliam Davidson,
do.
William Drope, do.
Isaac Watkins, do.
Nathan Ellington,
do.
James Brvan,
North Carolina,
Benajah White, do.
Kenan Love,
do.
David Slocumb, do.
Samuel Halliday,
do.
Duncan M'Rea, do.
John Storm, do.
John Gilchrist, do.
Isaac Lenier,
do.
Thomas P. Williams, do.
Enoch Dailey,
do.
William Bruer, do.
Stephen Skinner, do.
John Armistead, do.
John Norcum,
do.
Thomas Marshal, do.
William Benson, do.
Thomas Jordan, do.
Josiah Lawrence,
do.

Names.
279
181
197
127
94
392
250
191
244
79.
127
127
127
127

56
19
83
47
12
61
05
02
12
75
75
75
75
75

98
359
169
151
146
129
136
117
96
55
110
201
173
57
84
139
104
49
54
55
58
58
45
58
138
117
94
105

12
62
58
16
84
34
80
23
76
40
53
04
284
18|
GO"
61
874
51 ~
89
07
89
14
75
46
79
14
28
84

112 88

George Alexander,
Richard King,
James Hunter, Eli B. Whitaker, John J. Jackson, Allen Mann,
John Lockart,
Henry Hunter, Patrick Walker, William Ransom,
Philip Merony, William Owen, George Sims,
Barnaby Bunnow,
James Patterson, John Maderais, John Clixby,
Lemuel Moore, William Reynolds,
Francis Mulligan,
Robert Henderson,
Henry Gray,
John Adcock,
Thomas G. Scott,
Gasper Trotte, Joseph Davie,
David Evans,
William Barnet, Joshua Benson, Robert Carlos, Jabez Porter,
John Wright,
Silvanus Walker, jr.
Joshua Houton, Dudley Jones,
Christopher Clarke,
John Graves,
Yancie Sanders, William Wynn, John Berrien, (&.)
Thomas Collive, (6.)

District.

North Carolina,
do.
do.
do.
do.

tdo.

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
South Carolina,
dp.
do.
do.
do.
fc
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
Georgia,
fc
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

216 64d
417
90
90
82
66

934
00"
80
49
85

80 11

56 84
62 46
51 37
62 57
72 66
63 77
50 91
77 3p
45 C|Q
45 41
116 98
139 84
254 13
85 80
85 24£
140 424
130 00"

m

00

171 08
72 85
49 24
163 49
124 10
125 00
350 00
90 ,00
109 70
37 00
71 50
103 70
58 00
43 50
75 00
49 32

$30,601 80

therefor^ set against each^ame ^ ^ ****** ° U t b y t h e s u p e r v i s o r ' f o r these four collector^ one-fourth of it is,
(6.) These are officers of the revenues of impost and tonnage.
No. 4.
AUXILIARY OFFICERS.

Daniel Warner, New Hampshire,
Samuel Crosby, do.
Jonathan Thompson, do.
Nathaniel Cushing,
Rhode Island,
Daniel E. Updike,
do.
Thomas Arnold, do.
Edmund Badger, Connecticut,
Jared Cone,
do.
S. Smedly, do.
S» Rowland.
do.
Ben. B. Blydenburgh,
New York,
Perez Jones,
Vermont,
Samuel Prentiss, do.
Philander Vaughan,
do.
Elnathan Keys, do.
Nathaniel Fullerton, do.
William Graves,
Virginia,
John pann, do.
Moms Langhorn,
do.
John Hardiman, do..
John Lawson,
do.
William Horner, do.
Henry Peal,
do.
James Fraser,
do.
Andrew Shepherd,
do.
Richard Trett, do.
Patrick Napier, tdo.
William F. Davenport,
do.

60 00
62 55
30 00
81 62
19 50
20 32
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
30 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 .00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00

Matthew Wilson,
Isaac Oley, Samuel Clarke, James W . Williams,
Edward Daniel, John Wily, William White, Frederick Jole, John Reed, Edward Waine, Fergue Campbell,
Edward Yarborough,
Jacob Blume, * John Hunt, Andrew Smith, John P. Rushing, David M'Caleb, David Goodlet, John Lancaster, James Posh, b
Thacker Vivion, Richard Worsham,
Nathan Ryan,
Joshua Meals,

20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
20 00
(a.) 200 00
North Carolina,
10 00
do.
10 00
do.
15 00
do.
10 00
do.
15 00
South Carolina,
20 00
do.
10 00
do.
14 00
do.
14 00
do.
14 00
do..
14 00
Georgia,
24 00
do.
39 9Q
do.
39 00
do.
36 00
(b.) 24 00
Virginia,
do,
do.
dp.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

$1,501 99

(a.) The supervisor of Virginia makes provision, in his return, for ten more auxiliary officers, whose names are not
mentioned, at twenty dollars each, per annum.
(&.) The supervisor of Georgia makes provision, in his return, for another auxiliary officer, whose name is not
mentioned.

[1796.

FINANCE.

400

RECAPITULATION OF THE FOREGOING LISTS.

Collectors of the
Revenue.

Personsfillingthe Inspectors of surveys, not being
office of supervisalso supervisors.
or, including, in
some instances,
the office of inspector.

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
Vermont,
New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
Virginia,
OhiS,
Tennessee,
North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia, -

2
34
4
6.
2
22
14
16
2
17
57

-

Auxiliary officers.

3
4

5
1

31

-

Total,

22

(«.)236

980 82
12,071 51
2,811 80
1,878 84
950 99k
4,554 97
2,188 15£
(6.) 12,500 00
1,043 86£
6,259 01
15,502 51
(c.) 3,840 00
7,580 23
4,554 67
1,261 22

38
14
8
16

Total amount of compensations, subject to
the expenses of office
rent, fuel, candles,
clerkship, horse-hire,
office furniture, and
menial services, in the
care of the apartments,
fires, &c. all which are
paid thereout by the
several officers.

63

$77,978 5H

(a.) Of this number fourteen are also officers of the revenues of impost and tonnage.
lb.) The amount of salaries in this district is ascertained. The commissions are on estimate in this office,
(c.) This sum would be Hie utmost expense if the whole revenue was collected. But the collected product and
the expenses of the revenue in Ohio, will fall very short of the statements.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Revenue Office, March 3d, 1796.
TENCH COXE, Commissioner of the Revenue.

I.
An Act of the President of the United States, to consolidate and establish the allowances of compensations, and
for contingent expenses in the revenue service.
Section 1. Whereas the Legislature of the United States has made further provision for services and expenses
in the collection and securing the revenues thereof, and it has, therefore, become necessary to revise and enlarge
some of the allowances heretofore made for the same: it is herebv declared and established by the President of the
United States, that the following compensations shall be granted, and paid to the several officers employed in the
supervision, inspection, and collection of the revenues accruing upon spirits distilled in the United States, and upon
stills, retailers' licences, sales at auction, refined sugar, carriages, snuff, and mills for the manufacturing the same;
and that the following expenses and charges shall be allowed thereon, from and after the first day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four:
Sec. 2. There shall be allowed to the several supervisors, the following annual salaries, viz:
To the Supervisor of New Hampshire, the sum of
500 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Massachusetts,
1,000 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Rhode Island,
600 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Connecticut,
700 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Vermont,
500 dollars.
To the Supervisor of New York,
1,000 dollars.
To the Supervisor of New Jersey,
600 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Pennsylvania,
1,200 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Delaware,
500 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Maryland,
1,000 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Virginia,
1,350 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Ohio,
700 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Tennessee,
500 dollars.
To the Supervisor of North Carolina,
1,000 dollars.
To the Supervisor of South Carolina.
1,000 dollars.
To the Supervisor of Georgia, 500 dollars.
Sec. 3. There shall also be allowed to the supervisors of the revenue in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, a commission of one per
centum on the gross amount of the revenue, collected in their several districts, from spirits distilled therein from
foreign materials. To the supervisors of the revenue in Connecticut and North Carolina, one and one-half per centum on the same; and to the supervisors of the revenue in the other existing districts of the United States, two per
centum on the same.
9
Sec. 4. There shall be allowed to the supervisors of the revenue in the districts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut,. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia? Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina, a commission of one and one-half per centum upon the gross revenue trom spirits distilled
in the United States from domestic materials, and from stills, collected in their several districts. To the supervisors of Vermont, Delaware, Georgia, and Tennessee, a commission of two per centum on the same.

1796.]

INTERNAL

REVENUNE.

401

Sec. 5. There shall be allowed to each of the supervisors of the revenue, a commission of one-half per centum on
the gross revenue collected within their respective districts, from retailers* licences, sales at auction, refined sugar,
and carnages, snuff, and mills for manufacturing the same.
.
'
Sec. 6. There shall be allowed to the supervisors of the revenue, for preparing, stamping, and distributing, among
the inspectors, or procuring to be so prepared, stamped and'distributed, the sum of one per cent, for every certificate
to accompany foreign and domestic distilled spirits, wines, or teas, which shall be actually issued in the surveys and
ports of their respective districts.
Sec. 7. There shall be allowed to each of the inspectors of the revenue, in the districts of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, (not being also supervisors) a salary of five
hundred dollars per annum; and to the inspector of the second survey of the district of Ohio, a salary of tour hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
Sec. 8. There shall also be allowed to the inspectors, as aforesaid, a commission of one per centum upon the
gross revenue arising from spirits distilled in the United States from foreign materials, except the inspectors of the
first and second surveys of North Carolina, to each of whom there shall be allowed a commission of two per centum
thereon.
Sec. 9. There shall likewise be allowed to each of the inspectors of the revenue, as aforesaid, a commission of
one and one-half per centam on the gross revenue arising from spirits distilled within their respective surveys, from
domestic materials and from stills, excepting the inspectors of the first and second surveys of North Carolina, to each
of whom there shall be allowed a commission of two per centum thereon.
Sec. 10. There shall also be allowed to each of the inspectors of .the revenue, as aforesaid, a commission of onequarter per centum on the gross revenue, collected within their respective surveys, from retailers' licences, sales at
auction, refined sugar, and carriages, and from snuff, and mills for manufacturing the same.
Sec. 11. There shall be allowed to the supervisors of the revenue, acting as inspectors of surveys, and to the inspectors of surveys, the sum of two cents and one-half for each and every certificate to accompany domestic distilled
spirits, signed by them; and one cent for every certificate to accompany foreign distilled spirits signed by them, and
issued in the surveys under their inspection, respectively, or in the ports within the same.
Sec. 12. The supervisors may allow to such of the collectors of the revenue, as, for the execution of the public
service, it shall appear to them really necessary so to compensate, a yearly sum, to be apportioned at discretion,
over and above their other emoluments, not exceeding the medium sum of eighty dollars, nor, in the districts, respectively, the following limited number of collectors, that is to say:
In New Hampshire,
three
collectors,
In Massachusetts,
thirteen
ditto,
In Rhode Island,
two
ditto,
In Connecticut,
six
ditto,
In Vermont,
three
ditto,
In New York,
eight
ditto,
In New Jersey,
eight
ditto,
In Pennsylvania,
sixteen ditto,
In Delaware,
three
ditto,
In Maryland,
fifteen ditto,
In Virginia, forty-two
ditto,
In Ohio,
eight
ditto,
In Tennessee,
three
ditto,
In North Carolina, •
ditto,
twenty-five
In South Carolina,
ditto,
eighteen
In Georgia, ditto.
six
Sec. 13. There shall also be allowed to the collectors of the revenue, the following commissions, viz: On the
gross revenue collected by them, respectively, from spirits distilled from foreign materials* three per centum: on
the gross revenue from spirits from domestie materials and from stills, six per centum^ on the gross revenue from
retailers' licences, and from sales at auction, onev and three-quarters per centum; ana on the gross revenue from
carriages and refined sugar, and on snuff, and mills for manufacturing the same, four per centum. There shall
likewise be allowed, the sum of sixty cents for measuring and marking, according to law, every still of less than one
hundred gallons in capacity; and seventh-five cents for every still of the capacity of one hundred gallons, or more;
two cents and one-half for marking every cask of domestic distilled spirits, and for countersigning and issuing
every certificate to accompany the same; and six cents for every cask thereof, which they shall respectively gauge.
And the same allowance shall be made to any other person, not being a collector, for every cask of domestic distilled
spirits gauged by him.
Sec. 14. The supervisors may allow to such number of auxiliary officers, as. for the execution of the public service, it shall appear to them really necessary so to compensate, a yearly sum, to be apportioned at discretion, over and
above the other compensations and emoluments which are, or may be alfowed to them, not exceeding the medium
rate of thirty dollars; nor in the districts, respectively, the following limited numbers of such officers, that is to say:
six
auxiliary officers,
In New Hampshire,
.fourteen
ditto.
In Massachusetts,
three
ditto,
In Rhode Island,
four
ditto,
In Connecticut,
six
ditto,
In Vermont,
fifteen
ditto,
In New York,
six
ditto,
In New Jersey;,
eleven .
ditto,
In Pennsylvania,
three
ditto,
In Delaware,
ten
ditto,
In Maryland,
forty-three
ditto,
In Virginia,
five
ditto,
In Ohio,
three
ditto,
In Tennessee,.
twenty-six
ditto,
In North Carolina,
thirty
ditto,
In South Carolina, <
six
ditto.
In Georgia,
Sec. 15. There may be allowed, for the extraordinary expenses necessary for the procuring of printed forms, certificates, and other papers, and for the expediting and. distribution ofthe same, in some of the districts, not exceeding three, if actually incurred, an aggregate sum, not exceeding two hundred dollars per annum.
Sec. 16. There may be allowed, for extraordinary law fees, costs, and charges, if the same shall be found really
necessary in some of the districts, not exceeding three, an aggregate sum, not exceeding two thousand dollars per
annum.
Sec. 17. There may be allowed to such of the inspectors of surveys as shall be desirous, and shall be found really
able, punctually and effectually to perform, in addition to their other duties, those of a collector, in any division of
not more than two counties, all the emoluments of such a collectorship.

402

'

FINANCE.

[1796.

Sec. 18. There may also be allowed to such of the supervisors of the revenue as may be desirous, and as shall be
really able, punctually and effectually, to perform^ or to procure to be performed,. by the persons employed in their
service, respectively, m addition to their other duties, those of a collector of a division, of not more than two counties, all the emoluments (except the salary) of such collectorship.
And whereas it may be found, on examination, or experience, that the apportionment of salaries, as aforesaid,
among the collectors and auxiliary officers* may be modified by the supervisors^ with advantage to the public service,
it is hereby allowed, that such and so many officers of each, or either of the said denominations, may be paid out of
the aggregate amount of the two allowances of eighty dollars, and thirty dollars, in each district, and at such different rate of salary, as, in the judgment of the supervisor thereof, shall be deemed expedient.
Sec. 19. There shall be allowed to the inspectors of the revenue for the ports, the sum of one cent and one-half for
every certificate to accompany foreigu distilled spirits; and two cents and one-half for every certificate to accompany wines and teas, issued within their ports, respectively. To the deputies of such inspectors, the sum of two
cents and one-half for eyerylcask or package of foreign distilled spirits, wines or teas, by them legally marked, and
returned to their respective principals.
Sec. 20. And lastly, there shall be allowed for the gauging of wines, whereon the impost is pavable, according to
the value thereof, the sum of six cents for every cask tnereofwhich shall be actually gauged for that purpose.
Given under my hand, at Philadelphia, this ninth day of April, in the year one thousand seven hundred
and ninety-five,
'

ft

GEO.

WASHINGTON.

1796.]
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403

S404

4th CONGRESS.]

[1796.

FINANCE.

^O.

94.

DOMESTIC

[1st SESSION.

DEBT.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OT REPRESENTATIVES, MARCH 11, 1796.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March
SIR:

Bth. 1796.

1 haye the honor to transmit herewith, four statements, exhibiting the sums necessary to discharge one hundred
dollars of six per cent, stock, upon the principles assumed in the following propositions, transmitted to me by the
committee.
First. Supposing one and one half per cent, to be paid on the last days of March^ June, and September, and
three and one naif per cent, on the last day of December of every year, till the annuity is redeemed.
Second. Supposing one and a half per cent, to be paid on the last days of March, June and September, 1796,
and three and one half per cent, on the last day of December, 1796, ana that, from the last day of March, 1797,
inclusive, till the annuity is redeemed, two per cent, shall be paid every quarter.
Third. Supposing one and one half per cent to be paid on the last days of March, June, September, and December, 1796, and from the last day of March, 1797, inclusive, till the annuity is redeemed, two per cent, shall be paid
eveiy quarter.
Fourth. Supposing that one and a half per centum be paid on the last days of March, June, and September, 1796,
and from thence forward two per cent, per quarter.
To discharge one hundred dollars, principal stock—
Agreeably to the first proposition, there would be wanted
$188,526 00
Agreeably to the second proposition,
186,541 79
Agreeably to the third proposition,
191,725,448 00
Agreeably to the fourth proposition,
190,548,336 00
Upon the principles assumed in the communications, which I had the honor to make to the committee on the 26th
January, 1796, the reimbursement of one hundred dollars principal, would require $190,369 00.
It now remains to determine the true meaning of the public stipulation with the creditors, as expressed in the
act making provision for the debt of the United States, passed on the fourth day of August, 1790.
The contract is expressed in these words: " The subscriber shall be entitled to a certificate, purporting that the
United States owe to the holder a sum to be expressed therein, bearing an interest of six per centum per annum,
payable quarterly, and subject to redemption by payments, not exceeding in one year, on account of both principal
and interest, the proportion of eight dollars upon a hundred of the sum mentioned in such certificate^
The general principle assumed in the^ communication, submitted by me to the committee, was this: that the
capital due at the commencement of any given year, is fixed during the whole of the said year, and that the public,
by including in the quarterly dividends sums exceeding those actually due for interest, do not acquire a right to
have the same applied to the reduction of the principal, until the commencement of the succeeding year. In other
words, my idea is this: that the dividends for interest must, for eveiy quarter of a given year, be uniform, in order
to satisfy the contract.
The propositions transmitted by the committee proceed upon a supposition that a new principle, upon which to
calculate interest, may be fixed, quarter yearly, and, of course, that, in case greater sums are included in the quarterly dividends than those actually due for interest, the public may immediately apply then to'the diminution of the
capital, and thus arrest the growth of future interest.
I continue to be of opinion that the construction last mentioned cannot be supported, and my reasoning upon the
subject is as follows:
The stock, as created by the act of August 4th,1790, can be no otherwise defined than as an annuity of six per
centum per annurn, for an indefinite term, convertible, at the pleasure of the United States, into an annuity of eight
per centum per annum of equivalent value.
The stock supposed by the propositions may be properly defined to be an annuity for an indefinite term of one
and half per centum for every three months, convertible into an annuity of two per centum for every three months*
The results presented hi tue calculations, now transmitted, shew that these descriptions of stock are not of the
same value, the latter being susceptible of extinguishment with a lesser sum of money than the former.
That the definition, assumed in the propositions transmitted by the committee, is inapplicable to the stock
created by the act of August, 1790, is, in my opinion, evident, from the following considerations:
First The act of August 4th, 1790, speaks of a capital bearing .an interest of six per centum per annum, subject
to redemption by payments not exceeding in one year the proportion of eight dollars upon a hundred, and as these
words are descriptive of the contract, they must be construed to support some precise meaning.
Second. The construction assumed in the propositions, defeats and renders nugatory those expressions in the
contract which relate to & yearly rate of interest, and yearly payments.
Third. The construction taken by the treasury avoids this difficulty, by assigning to every part of the contract,,
some definite sense, to wit: that, though the interest is required to be adjusted quarter yearly, the payments, on
account of the principal, are to be estimated only in reference to an entire year.
Fourth. That, admitting the meaning of the contract to be doubtful, which, however, does not appear to be the
case, the construction most beneficial to the creditors is to be preferred.
If, however, the Legislature should overrule the construction which has been given, it is conceived that the first
proposition is the most eligible of the four winch have been mentioned, and for the following reasons:
First Many of the public creditors may be presumed to haye formed arrangements under an expectation of
receiving one and one half per centum, quarter yearly; by continuing this dividend, these arrangements will be less
disturbed than in either of the other modes^
Second. It is possible that the public exigencies may render it necessary to have recourse to loans; if this should
be the case, it will be more convenient, as well as economical, to borrow the whole sum wanted at one time, than at
different times in the same year.
A draught of a bill, pursuant to certain resolutions of the House of Representatives, is herewith transmitted.
I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, sir, your most obedient servant^
OLIVER W O L C O T T , Jr. Secretary of the Treasury.
The Honorable W I L L I A M SMITH, Esq.
Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.

1796.]

DOMESTLC

.DEBT.

405

PROPOSITION, I.
Statement of the sums required to discharge one hundred dollars of simper cent. stock, supposing one and a half
per cent. to be paid on the last days of march, June, and September, and three and a half per cent. on th last
day of December of every year, till the annuity is redeemed.

„

*

Rates' per centum
«
due on the original capital in each
Amount of inter- Amount of inter- Xmount ofinter- Amount of inter- Amount of prinyear, after the payest due 30th of
cipal redeemest due 31st of
ments made to the est due 31st of est due 30th of
ed each year.
September.
June.
December.
end of the prece- March.
ding year are def
ducted.
K

Term, being the
close o:
the year

1795
1796
1797
1798
1799
1800
1801
1802
1803
* 1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Dolls. Parts.
100
98
95 87.800
93 62.500,
91 23.300
88 69.500
86
*
83 14.000
80 10.500
76 88.400
73 46.500
69 83.600
65 98.500
61 91.700
57 58.000.
52 97.600
48 09.000
42 90.400
37 40.000
31 55.800
25 35.800
18 77.700
11 79.200
4 39.368

.

Dolls. Parts,
Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts.
1 50
1 50
1 50
1 46.908
1 47
1 46.965
1 43.639
1 43.877
1 43.734
1 40.447
1 40.293
1 40.148
1 36.859
1 36.661
1 36.462
1 32.529
1 33.062
1 35.797
1 29.000
1 28.685
,1 28.394 *
1 23.945
1 24.720
•
1 24.340
1 20.167 * • 1 19.709
1 19.264
1 15.326
1 14.805
1 14.287
1 09.599
1 08.993
1 10.197
1 04.764
1 03.386
1 04.084 .
98.221
97.434
1 00.977
92.029
91.157
92.885 84.445
86.370
85.424
79.464
78.405
77.341
72.145
70.966
69.791*
64.366
63.080
61.767
54.691
56.100
53.260
47.34-7
45.796
44.243
34.651
38.037
36.367
28.165,
24.483
26.337 „
15.702
17.688
13.677
06.578
04.426
02.232
22 45.541

22 23.116'

22 02.456

Dolls. Parts.
1 50
1 46.873
1 43.535
1 39.999
1 36.258
1 32.227
>1 28.050
1- 23.563
1 18;794
1 13.752
1 08.388
1 02.687
96.686
90.265
83.465
76.252
• 68.587
60.442
51.820
42.646
32.922
22.599
11.653
00.026
21 81.487

Dolls. Parts.
2
2 12.274
2 25.245
2 39.123
2 53.800
2 69.425
2 85.411
3 03M62
3 22.086
3 41.850
3 62.833
3 85.099
4 06.702
4 33.694
4 60.308
4 88.558
5 18.541
5 50.365
5 84.139
6 19.988
6 58.033
6 98.416
7 41.280
4 39.368
100

i

Loss by fractions,
Principal,
Total interest payable on the 31st of March, m every year,
Do.
do. 30th ot June,
do.
Do.
do. 30th of September,
do.
do.
Do.
do. 31st of December,

.480
-

-

-

-

-

-

_

-

-

-

Sum" required as above, for payment of one hundred dollars principal, and interest thereon, of the
_
_
_
six percent, stock,

Dolls.
100
22
22
22
21

Parts.
45.541
23.116
02.456
81.487

188 52.600

Thus it appears, that, by dividends of one and a half per cent, on the original capital, on.the last days of March,
June, and September, and three and a half per centum on the last day of December, annually, until the 31st of December, 1817, inclusively, and by dividends of one and a half per cent, on the last days of March, June, and September, in the year 1818, and a dividend of .026 on the last day,of December, in the said year 1818, the original capital would be extinguished, on the principles of this statement.

o<2

f

406

A

[1796.

FINANJCE,

PROPOSITION II.
Statement of the sums required to discharge one hundred dollars of six per cent stock. Supposing l£ per cent to
be paid on the last days of March, June, and September, 1796, and 3£ per cent on the last day of DecemberT
1796, and that, /rfrm the last day of March, 1797, inclusive,
annuity is redeemed, too per cen*. s/w//
pafd euerj/ quarter, wAen wiw the annuity be redeemed, ani what will be the amount of the concluding
payment9
Years.

Amount of principal.

Dolls,
1795
1796
1797
1798
17 99
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818

1
2
3
4 *
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16- .
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Amount Of inte- Amount of inte- Amount of interest paid first. rest paid second , rest paid third
quarter.
quarter.
quarter.

parts. ^ Dolls, parts.

100
98
95 87.7
93^7.7
91 13.6
88 54,6
85 79.7
82 87.9
79 78.2
76 493
73 00.7
69 30.5*
65 37.5
61 20.4
56 77.7
52 07.9
47 09.2
41 79.9
36 18.2
30 22.0
23 89.2
17 17.6
10 04.8
2 49.626s

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1

50
47
43.815
40.365
36.704
32.819
128.695
54.318
19.673
14.742
09.510
03.957
98.062
91.806
85.165
78.118
70.638
62.698
54.273
45.330
35.938
25.764
15.072
03.744

22 18.106

Dolls, parts.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1'
1
1
1
1
1

50
46.955
42.972
39.470
35.754
31.^11
27.624
23.183
18.476
13.463
08.153 *
02.516
96.532
90.183
83.442
76.290
68.697
60.637
52.086
43.009
33.875
23.149
12.297
00.809

21 80.874

Dolls.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
»I

parts.
50
46.908
42.116
38.562 *
34.790
30.788
26.540
22.031
17.244
12.165
06.774
01.Q53
94.980
88.534
8K694
74.434
66.727
58.548
49.867
40.654
30.876
20.4&7
09.481

Amount of inteAmount of
rest paid fourth principal paid
quarter.
in each year.
Dolls, parts.

.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

-

21 45.263

-

.

-

2
2 12.275
2 29.850
2 43.963
2 58.940
2 74:832
2 9i:704
3 09.607
3 28.614
3 48.783
3 70.187
3 92.904
4 17.02f
4 42.614
4 69.779
4 98.608
5 29.210
5 61.692
5 96.158
6 32.744
6 71.573
7 12.785

7 56.5a*
2 49.6&v

21 09.936

22 18.106
21 80.874
21 45.263
21 09.936

-

100

/toffs, parte.
ioo

86 54.1?3

Sum required as above, for payment of $100, principal and interest thereon,"?
of the six per cent, stock,
3
Extinguished on the 30th June, 1818, .on payment of interest,
Do.
do.
do.
principal,

50
46.862
41.247
37.640
33.812
29.750
25.437
20.861
16.002
10.847
05.376
3&.570
93.405
86.863
79.920
72.550
64.728
56.425
47.616
38.263
28.338
17:805
06.619
-

Dolls, parts.
Principal,
• r
Total interest payable on 31st March, in each year,
Ditto,
30th June,
do.
Ditto,
30th September, do.
Ditto,
31st December, do.

Dolls, parts.

-

_.

A B b 54b 1

.

00.778
51.923
52.701

PROPOSITION

III.

Statement ofthe sums required to discharge one hundred dollars of six per cent. stock, supposing l£ per cent. to be paid on the last days of March, Jtme, September, and December, 1796; anrf
/7ic /as/
March, 1797, m c t o ' v e , tmra the annuity is redeemed, two per cent shall be paid every quarter.

Second quarter.

First quarter.
In the
year

O

£
1
1796
9.
1796
X
1797
1798
4
1799
5
6
1800
18t)l
7
'1802
8
9
1803
10
1804
11
1805
12
1806
13
180?
14
1808
15
1809
1810
16
17
1811
1612
18
19
1813
20
18J4
21
1815
1816
22
23
i8ir
1818
24
1819
25

Principal4ue Interest paicl

Principal
redeemed.

.Principal
due.

Interest paid

Fourth quarter

Third quarter.

4S

Anniual payments.
Interest.

Principal Principal due. Interest paid. Principal Principal due. Interest paid. Principal
redeemed.
redeemed.
redeemed.

Principal.

Total.

Dolls. Parts Dolls. Parts Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts Dolls. Parts Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. ,Farts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts.
1 50
50
6
2
100
$8 00
100
1 50
50
50
100
1 50
50
1 50
100
5 87.7272
0 12.2728* 6 00
1 46.8629
03,1371
1 46,9093
03,0907 97 90,8643
1 46.9550
03
03.0450 97 93.9550
98
97 97
1 47
2 17,5711
55,6135
5 82.4289
1 44,3815
8 00
1 45,2084
54.7916 96 25,7696
1 46.0180
53.1841 97 34.5431
53,9819 96 80.5612
97 87.7272 1 46,8159
5 69.0780 - 2 30,9520
1 40.9739
59.0261
8 00
58,1538 93 98«*2602
1 41.8462
1 42.7056
57.2943 94 56,4140
1 43.5523
95 70.1561
56,4477 95 13.7084
5 55.4152
2 44,5848
1 37.3593
62.6407
8" 00
61,2224 91 57,2900
1 39.1898
60.8192 92 J 8.5124
1 38,7776
1 40.0885'
59.9115 92 79.3226
93 39,2341
5
34,8991
66,4846
1 33,5154
2 60,1009
8 00
1 34.4980
65,5020 89 01.0330
1 35.4660
64,5340 89 66.5350
1 36.4197
63,5803 90 31.0690
90 94.6493
5
23,9383
2 76.0617
1 29.4357
70,5643
8 00
69,5215 86 29.0510
1 30.4785
1 32.5182
1 31.5059
67,4318 87 67.0666
68,4941 86 98,5725
88 34.5484
5 06,9983
2 93.0013
74,8944
1 25,1056
8 00
73,7875 83 40,3794
1 27.3029
1 28.0773
85 58.4867
71.6227 84 86.8640
72,6971 .84 14,1669 * 1 26,2125
4
89,0187
79.4901
1
20,5099
3
10,9813
8 00
78.3154 80 33,9938
1 21,6846
1 23,9822
1 22.8420
82 65,485076,0178 81 89.4672
77.1580 81 12.3092
-4
69,9358
1
15,6321
84,3679
3
30.0642
83.1211 77 08,8074
8 00
1 16,8789
80,6825 78 73,8212
1 18.1073
79 54.5037 1 19.3175
81.8927 77 91,9285
4
39,6817
99.5451
1
.00,4599
3
B0;3183
73
63,6663
8 00
1 13.0820
88.2217
1 14.3665
85.6335 75 38.8060
86.9180 74 51.8880
1 11,7783
76 24.4395
1
04.8033
69
86,8893
95.1967
4-27.5714
93,7899
8 00
3 72,4286
91.0382 71 73.0830 . 1" 07.5962
S2.4038 70 80.6792
1 06,2101
1 03.9618
72 64.1212
4 04.7179
1 01,0383
99,5451 65 97.4488
98.9617
3 95.2821 8 00
1 00.4549
1 01,9260
98,0740 66 96,9939
68 91.6926 . 1 03.3753 J
95.6247 67 95.0679
3 80.4618
92,7615
1 07.2385
4 19.5382
1 05.6536 61 84,1108
8 00 '
94,3464
1 02.5539 63 93.856$
97.4461
95,9078
1 04.0922 62 89.7644
64 96.4105
3 54^7182
86,1812
-1 13.8188
)1 12,1367* . 57 45,4193
1 08,8468 59 68.0355
91.1532
1 10.4795 58 57,5560
87,8633
4 45.2818 8 00
89.5205
60 76.8823
3 27,3942
1 20.803179,1969
4 72.6058
1 19,0178 52 79,7978
8 00 •
1 15,5260 55 16.0745
80,9822
-84.4740
1 17,2589 53 98,8156
82.7411
56 31.6005
2 98.3933
71.7840
1 28.2160
5 01.6067
1 26,3212 47 85,6040
8'00
1 22.6151 50 36.3796
73,6788
77 3849
1 24.4544 49 11,9252
75/5466
51 58.9947
2 67,6i30
63,9162
1 36,0838
5 32,3870
1 34,0727 42 61,0848
1 30.1392 45 27.2488
8 00
65,9273
69.8608
1 32.0913 43 95,1575
67.9087
46 573880
2 34.9438
55.5656
1 44.4344
5 65.0562
1 42,2999 37 04,3792
8 60
1 38,1250 39 86.8760
57,7001
61.8750
59.8031
1 404969 38 46,6791
41 25.0010
2 00*2699
1 53,2974
5 99.7301 8. 00
46.7026
1 51,0319 31 13,5121
.53.3991
1 46.6009 34 13,3439
48,9681
• 51,2001
35 59,9448
1 48,7999
3?,2958
1 62.7042 ' 1 63.4635
6 36.5315 8 00
1 60,2997 24 86.3874
1 55.5968 28 04.6179
44.4032
42.0692 , 1 57.9308
39,7003
29 60.2147
1 24.4086
1 72,6883
6 75,5914
I 70,1363 18 20.7801 # 27-3115
8 OO
34,8552
1 65.1448 21 58,5384
1 67,6220 19 9Q,91&k
32.3780
29,8637
23 23.6832
16.7149
1 83.2851
82.9518
1 80,5765 11 14,3287
22.0921
1 75.2787 14 72.8131
19,4235
7 17.0482. 8 00
1 77.9079 12 94,905*!
24.7213
16 48.0918
05.4679
1 94.532r
38.9513
3 64,5270
7 61,0487
1 86.0344 , 7 45.0092
5 56,184SC
1 9116573
8 00
13,9656
11,1751
1 88,8249
9 31.0436
, 08,3427
02.5499 . 1 69.9949
1 69.9949
2;5490
1 69,9949
23 50.8635

23 13.0380

'22 30,8915'

• 22 77.7337

100
f

Interest paid.
tf23 50.8635
23 13.0380
22 77,7337
22 30,8915'jFotal sum required to discharge the -above 100 dollars, six pefr cfcnt stock,

Principal.
$100 00

91 72,5267
$191 72.5267*

* The Secretary of the treasury, in his letter/ states the amount of the sum necessary to discharge $100, principal stock, agreeably to this proposition, to be |191 72.54485

.

PROPOSITION IV.

Statement of the sums required to discharge one hundred dollars of the six per cent, stock, supposing one and a half per cent. be paid on the last days of March, June, and September, 179G,
^and from thenceforward, two per cent.
FIHST aUAIlTEIl.

<D
£

Principal due Interest paid.

a

1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802,
1803,

SECOND aiUILTEIt.
Principal
redeemed.

Principal due. Interest paid.

Principal
redeemed.

TIII ns anART EH.
Principal due, Interest paid.

FOUUTH aUAUTEIl.

Principal
redeemed.

Principal due. Interest paid.

1804. 10
1805, 11

1806. 12
1807. 13
1808. 14
1809. 15
1810. 16
1811. 17
1812, 18
1813. 19
1814. 20
1815. 21
1816. 22
1817. 23
1818. 24
3-819. 25

Interest.

Principal.

Total.

Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts.
Dollsr Parts. Dolls. Parts. Dolls. Parts.
50
50
100 00
1 50
50
100 00
1 50
100 00
50
1 50
50
2 00
6 00
:
47
03
97 97
1 46,9550
03,0450
97 93.9550 1 46.9093
03.0907 97 90M43
1 46.8629
55A371 5 87.7272
62.2728
97 37.7272
46.0659
53-9341 96 83.7931
1 45.2568
54,7432
96 29.0499
44.4357
55.5643 95 73.4m
1 43.6022
56.3978
5 79.3606 2 20.6394*
95 17.0878
42,7563
57.2437 94 59,8441
1 41.8976
58,1024
94 01.7417
41.0261
93 42,7678 , 1 40,1415
58,9739
59.8585
2 34.1785
5 65.8215
92 82.9093
39,2436
60.7564 92 22.1529
1 38.3322
61.6678
91 60,4851
37.4072
62.5928 90 97.8923
1
6X5317 5 51.4513
2 48.5487
36.4683
90 34.3606
35,5154
89 69,8760
64.4846
34,5481
65,4519
89 04.4240
33.5663
66.4337
88 37.9904 1 32,5698
67.4302
5 36.1996
2 63,8004
87 70.5602
3l»55§4
87 02,1186
68,4416
30.5317
69.4683
86 32,6503
29-4897
70.5103
85
62,1400
7U5679
1
28,4321
5
20,0119
2 79,9881
84 90.5721
27,3585
72,6415 Si 17,9306
26 2689
73.7311
83 44.1995
25.1629
74.8371 -82 69,3624
1
75.9596
24.0404
5
02.8307
2 97.1693
81 93,4028
22.9010
81 16,3038
77.0990
21.7445
78,2555
80 38.0483
20.5707
79.4293 79 58.6190
80.6208- 4 84.5954
3~15,4046
1 19,3792 78 77^9982
18,1699
81.8301 •77 96,1681
16.9425
83.0575 77 13.1106
1 15.6966
84,3034 76 28,8072
1 14.4321
4 65,2411 3 34,7589
85.5679
75 43.2393
13.1485
86,8515 74 56 3878
11,8458
88.1542
73 68.2336
1 10.5235
89,4765' 72 78,7571
1 09,1813
90,8187
4 44.6991 3 35,5009
71 87.9384
07.8190
70
95,7574
92,1810
06.4363
93.5637
70 02.1937
05 0329
94,9671 69 07,2266
1 03,6083
96.3917
4 22.8965
3 77.1035
68 10,8349
02.1625
67
12.9974
97,8375
00.6949
99.3051
66 13.6923
99.2053
00,7947
65 12.8976
97,6934
1 02.3066 3 99,7561 4 00.2439
64 10,5910
96.1588
94.6012
03,8412 63 06,7498
1 05.3988 62 01.3510
93.0202
06,9798
60 94,3712
91,4155
1 08.5845 3 75.1957
4 24.8043
59 85.7867
89.7868
88,1336
10,2132 58 75,5735
1 11.8664 57 63,7070
86.4556
13x5444 56 50,1627
84.7524.
1 15.2476 3 49.1284
4 50.8716
55 34,9151
83,0237
54 17,9388
81,2690
16.9763
1 18.7310 52 99 2078
79.4981
20-5019
51 78,7059
77.6805
1 22,3195 3 21.4713
4 78,5287
50 56,3864
75,8457
73.9834 1 26.0166
24.1543 49 32,2321
48 06.2155
72.0932
27.9068 46 78.3087
70,1746
5 07.9031
1 29,8254 2 92.0969
45 48.4833
66,2506
68,2272
31,7728 44 16.7105
1 33,7494 42 82.9611
64,2444
35.7556 .41 47.2055
62,2080
2 60.9302
1 37.7920
5 39,0698
40 09.4135
58.0433
60,1412
39.8588 38 69.5547
1 41.9567 37 27,5980
55,9139
44.0861 35 83.5119
53,7526
1 46,2474
2 27.8510
5 72,1490
34 37,2645
49.3323
51.5589
1 48,4411 32 88,8234
1 50.6677 31,38.1557
47.0723
52,9277
29 85.2280
44.7784
1 55.2216
1 92,7419 6 07.2581
28 30.0064
40,0867
42,4500
1 57.5500 26 72,4564
1 59.9133 25 12.5431
37.6881
62.3119 23 50.2312
35,2534
1 55.4782 6 44.5218
1 64.7466
21 85.4846
30.2740
32,7822
1 67,2178 21 18,2668
1 69.7260 18 48.5408
27,7281
72,2719
16 76,2689
25,1440
1 74,8560
1 15,9283 6 85,0717
15 01.4129
19.8590
22.52 U
1 77.4789 13 23,9340
1 80.1410 11 43.7930
17.1568
82,8432
9 60,9498
14,4142
73,9511 7 26,0489
1 85.5858
7 75,3640
08,8049
11.6304'
5 86,9944
1 88.3696
1 91.1951
3 9*.7993
05,9369,
94,0631
2 01,7362
03,0260
1 96.9740
29,3982
7 70.6018
04.7622
00,0714
1 04,7622
00,0714
04,7622
23 17,8964
'22 82.0923
22 45.8338
22 09,0111
100 00

1 100 00
2 98 00

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Principal
redeemed.

ANNUAL PAYMENTS.

Interest paid.
$23 17.8964
22 82,0923
22 45,8338
22 09,0111

Principal.

$100 00

90 54,8336
Sum required, as above,"for payment of $100, principal and interest thereon, of six per cent, stock,

$190 54.8336

$8
6
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8

00
50
00
00.
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

1796.]

INCREASE

4th CONGRESS.]

OF

NO,

I N C R E A S E

REVENUE.

95.

OF

*

'

409

*

[ 1 s t SESSION.

R E V E N U E .

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MARCH 17, 1796.

Mr.

W I L L I A M SMITH

made the following-report:

The Committee of Ways and Means, having taken into their consideration, the state of the receipts and expenditures of the United States, and the existing and approaching exigencies, for which provision will be requisite,
make the following report:
>
1st. That, in their opinion, the proceeds of the duties on imports and tonnage, and of the internal revenues,
which will be received in the treasuiy, during the year 1796, will be adequate to discharge the current expenditures
of the said year, upon the scale of expense stated in the estimates transmitted with the report of the Secretary of the
Treasury, dated 14th of December, 1795, including the payment of the interest on the public debt, and the reimbursement of the annuity due on the domestic stock, bearing a present interest of six per cent. Butthatthey will be insufficient to repay either the anticipations heretofore obtained on the credit of the revenue, already accrued from imports and tonnage, but remaining uncollected, amounting to three niillions'eight hundred thousand dollars, or the instalments ofthe foreign debt and domestic loans, which fall due during the present year, amounting to one million
two hundred thousand dollars, and that there is, therefore, a sum of five millions of dollars to be provided for,
either by continuing the present anticipations, or by obtaining loans upon other terms.
2d. 1 hat, in like manner, the probable receipts into file treasury, for the years 1797, 1798, 1799, and 1800, will,
respectively, defray the current expenditures "of the same years, supposing the public expenses not to be increased;
but will prove insufficient to discharge the instalments of foreign debt, or of domestic loans, which will fall due.during
those years.
3d. That, from and after the year 1801, the current expenditure will be increased by a sum of 81,146,370 34,
which will be required to discharge the annuity that -will then become due, and payable on the deferred stock.
4 th That, exclusive of the anticipations mentioned in the first paragraph of this report, the instalments of the
domestic loans, which will fall due atter the present year, amount to one million six hundred thousand dollars; the
whole of which mil fall due before, and during the year 1801.
5th. That the whole ofthe foreign debt, exclusive of the instalment which falls due in the current year, amounts
to 11,400,000 dollars; the whole of which fall due before, and during the year 1809$ and that there is but little expectation that the holders of the said debt will convert the same into domestic debt, upon any reasonable 'terms, or
that, in the present circumstances of Europe, the instalments that will become due witnin a short period, can be discharged by obtaining a reloan ofthe same, upon similar terms with those on which the original loans were obtained.
6th. That no means are provided, on the present scale of revenue and expenditures, either to discharge the domestic loans and instalments of the foreign debtabovementioned, or to paythe additional expenditure of $1,146,370 34
arising from and after the year 1800.
7th. That, iu order to discharge the anticipations, domestic loans and instalments of foreign debt, it will be necessary, either to provide further revenues, or to adopt such measures as will vest in the proper officers an efficient
power to obtain loans, on such terms as they can now be obtained; but that, so far as relates to the additional
expenditure of $1,146,370 34, accruing after the year 1800, an adequate additional revenue must be provided
after that year.
_
^
*
.
8th. That, if an additional revenue of one million two hundred thousand dollars be raised from and after the present year, it will not^ only be sufficient to discharge the annuity, which will become due and payable after the year
1800, but will also reimburse four millions eight hundred thousand dollars, in part of the anticipations, domestic
loans, and foreign debt, before mentioned, antecedent to the.year 1801, and the whole amount of the said loans and
anticipations before the year 1807; leaving then a redeemed annuity, which is calculated at 396,000 dollars, to be
applied to the reimbursement of the foreign debt.
9th. That, if an additional revenue ot two millions, instead of 1^00,00p dollars, be raised, for a term of twelve
years, it will, within that period, discharge, besides the accruing annuity arising from the deferred debt, and the domestic loans and anticipations aforesaid, the whole of the foreign debt, and the new domestic stock bearing an interest of five and a half and four-and a half per centum,,and that, at the end of the said period of twelve years, an annuity will be redeemed, which is calculated at 1,113,930 dollars; which, with the revenues now established, will be
sufficient to meet all demands against the Government,' upon the principles before assumed.
The committee having contemplated the various resources of tne United States, which may be resorted to in the
- present exigency, and having, in the first instance, turned their attention to the subject of indirect taxes, were not
able to agree upon objects suitable f$r that kind of taxation, from which an adequate revenue could be "obtained,
without great inconvenience and embarrassment. On recurring to objects of direct taxation, they are, of opinion,
that those are alone competent to yield such a revenue as appears necessary; the subject being, however, of a new
impression, and presenting various difficulties^ which, although of a nature to be overcome, yet are such as prevent
the completion of a proper system, during the present session, the committee have concluded to go no further, at
this time, than to report a resolution preparatory to that object.
The committee are, moreover, of opinion, that some further revenues, in addition to the improvements of the present internal revenues already, and hereinafter proposed, may, during this session, be obtained from an extension of
the system of indirect taxation; and^ therefore, submit certain resolutions to that effect.
But, inasmuch as the actual receipts into the treasury will be inadequate to discharge the current expenses of
the Government, and the loans had of the Bank of the United States* which fall due in the course of the present
year, and as future loans and anticipations may become necessaiy, the committee are of opinion that a loan, to the
amoun* of five millions of dollars, ought-to be opened, for the purpose of discharging the said debt to the Bank of
the United States.
As the result of their deliberations cm the important subjects referred to their consideration, the committee, therefore, recommend the following resolutions:
1st. Resolved, That the Secretary ofthe Treasuiy be directed to prepare, arid report to the House of Representatives, at the next session, a plan forraisingthe sum of two millions of dollars, by apportionment among the several States, agreeably to the rule prescribed by the constitution; adapting the sanje to such objects of direct taxation,
and such modes of collection, as may Appear, by the laws and practice of the States, respectively, to be most eligible in each."
2d. Resolved, That a duty of two per centum ad valorem ought to be imposed on all testamentaiy dispositions,
descents, and successions to the estates of intestates, excepting those to parents, husbands, wives, or lineal descendants.
3d. Resolved, That the following duties ought to be imposed by means" of stamps, viz:
On Letters patent, two dollars.
Exemplification thereof, one dollar.
Awards, twenty cents.
Bottomry and respondentia bonds, fifty cents.

S410

[1796.

FINANCE.

On Indentures of apprenticeship, thirty cents.
Certificates of debentures for drawbacks, twenty cents.
Bills of lading coastwise, except those from one district to another, within the same State, ten cents.
For bills of lading,,forty cents.
Bonds, bills, or notes, for the security of money, according to the following scale:
Above 50, and not exceeding 100 dollars,' ten cents. *
Above 100, and not exceeding 500 dollars, twenty cents.
Above 500, and not exceeding 1,000 dollars, thirty cents.
x
Above 1,000 dollars, fifty cents.
. Provided, That if any bonds or notes shall be payable at, or within sixty days, such bonds or notes shall
be subject to only one-fourth part of the duty aforesaid.
Notarial acts, twenty-five cents.
Letters of attorney (except for invalid pensioners,) twenty-five cents.
Policies of insurance, viz.:
From one district to^ another in the United States, ten cents.
To and from theJUnited States, to any foreign country, tor any sum more than 500 dollars, and less than
1,000 dollars, twenty-five cents.
For.1,000, and less thap 2,000 dollars, thirty cents.
For every sum of 2,000 dollars, and above, fifty cents.
For all deeds, for the conveyance of houses or lands, twenty-five cents.
For every other deed and specialty not enumerated, ten cents.
"
4th. Resolved, That there ought to be an addition of fifty per cent to the duties now payable by law on earn
riages for the conveyance of persons.
5th. Resolved, That the sum of five millions of dollars ought to be obtained to discharge the debtdueto the Bank
of the United States, by creating a stock, bearing an interest of six per cent., and irredeemable for —
years; the
redemption thereof to commence thereafter, and to be payable in
yearly instalments.

Statement of the sums whieh will fall due^ after the year 1796J ori account of instalments of the foreign debt, and
domestic loans, till the year 1801, inclusive:
1797. Instalment of the loan of two millions, had of the Sank of the United States,
for stock,
- $200,000
Instalment of $800,000, had of said bank, for expenses of foreign intercourse, - 200,000
Instalment of foreign debt, which will fall due in this year,
400,000
1798. Instalment of the loan of two millions, had of, the Bank of the United States, for
stock, '
- 200,000
Instalment of $800,000, had of said bank for expenses of foreign intercourse, - 200,000
Instalment of foreign debt, which will fall due in this year,
80,000
•

1799. Instalment of the loan of two millions, had of the Bank of the United States, for
stock, 200,000
Instalment of $800,000, had of said bank, for expenses offoreignintercourse, - 200,000
Instalment of foreign debt, which will fall due in this year,
- " - 160,000
1800. Instalment of the loan of two millions, had of the Bank of the United States, for
stock, Instalment of foreign debt, which will fall due in this year,

200,000
400,000

1801. Instalment ofthe loan of two millions, had of the Bank of the United States, for
stock, Instalment of foreign debt, which will fall due in this year.
.
.
.

200,000
500,000

4th CONGRESS.]

NO.

N

96.

R E M I S S I O N OF

$800,000

' 480,000

560,000

600,000

700,000

[ 1 s t SESSION

DUTIES.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, APRIL 5, 1796.

Mr. GOODHTJE, from the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures* to whom were referred the several memorials
and petitions of Joshua Johnson, of Gurdon Backus, and David Meade Randolph, of William Rotch and Sons,
of David Pearce, and others, of Moses Myers, of Philip Finney, and of Samuel Brawn, made the following
report:
Joshua Johnson, consul of the United States, in London, states that, m March, 1795, he purchased, in London, of British merchants residing there, a certain brigantine that was built in Philadelphia, in 1789, and which had,
prior to his purchase, been condemned in a British admiralty court, as lawful prize; that ne sent the said brigantine to the United States, and, for want of proper American papers, he has been obliged to pay the tonnage, and other
duties, as by law are required of foreign ships or vessels. He? therefore, prays for a reimbursement of the excess of
the duties, which he has thus paid; and that he may be authorized to have a register granted for the said brigantine,
whereby she may, in future, be entitled to the privileges of a ship or vessel of the United States.
The Committee, in conformity to a principle, which has heretofore been adopted by Congress, in a like case,
viz: That an American vessel, once becoming the property of a foreigner, never ought to be restored tb her former
privileges, report, that the prayer of the petition ought not to be granted, and that leave be given to withdraw the
same.
Gurdon Backus and David Mead Randolph state, tha.t they were owners of a certain vessel, which, in the year
1792, was sold upon the coast of Africa, and that the register of thefeaidvessel was stolen from the master; by which
means they are subject to a penalty for not returning the said register^into the office from which it issued, as is
required by an act for registering and recording ships or vessels. They, therefore, pray, under those circumstances,
that the penalty might be remitted.
The Committee, under a persuasion that great caution ought always to be had, to prevent foreigners from benefitting themselves, by getting possession of American registers, and though, in this case, it does not appear but that

1796.]

REMISSION

OF

DUTIES.

411

the petitioners have been perfectlyWmefeg} yet, by some of'the papers accompanying the petition, there is reason
to suppose the register wajriiofs tolen7but~~sold to a foreigner by the master, or some other person belonging to the
said vessel: and the Committee, conceiving, that the owners of a vessel ought, generally, to be responsible for the
misconduct of the master, are ot opinion, in this case, where they were his sureties, that the prayer of the petition
ought not to be granted, and that leave be given to withdraw the same.
William Rotch and Sons state, that they were the owners'of two ships, that sailed from Nantucket, in the years
1787 and 1789. with registers, agreeably to the laws of Massachusetts; that they were employed abroad, in foreign
countries, in the whaling business, till the year 1794, when they returned to New Bedford, where the collector demanded of them foreign tonnage and duties, inasmuch as they were not registered in conformity to the act concerning the registering and recording of ships or vessels, which had been passed by the present Government during
their absence, and which confines the privileges of American ships to such only as are registered agreeably thereto.
They further state, that the said ships Were, oonafide,their sole property, during their absence, and that they sailed
under no other papers but those they were possessed of, at the time they left the United States, till their return.
They, therefore, pray for a reimbursement of* the excess of duties, which they have paid on the return of those two
ships into the United States, in consequence of their not having such registers as would have entitled them to the
privileges and benefits of ships or vessels of the United States.
The committee, satisfied with the truth of the facts, as set forth in the petition, by the papers accompanying the
same, and seeing no reason why the relief so prayed for should not be granted, recommend the following resolution:
Resolvedv That the collector of the district of New [Bedford, be authorized and required to refund, to Wuliam
Rotch and Sons, owners of the ship Maria, Owen Hillman? master, ^nd of the ship Diana, Timothy Long, master,
which ships were entered in his ofiice, in the month of April, 1794, such excess of duties as was paid upon the said
ships and their cargoes, beyond what would have been demandable, had they been registered at that time, agreeably to the act concerning the registering and recording of ships or vessels.
David Pearce and others state, that they have had several vessels, that took on board considerable quantities of
salt, on which the duties had been paid, and which "salt was expended in saltipg the fish caught on the banks of
Newfoundland; from whence the said vessels proceeded directly to France, with their fish. They, therefore, pray
for the interposition of Congress, to remit the duty paid on such salt, inasmuch as the act, entitled " An act concerning certainfisheriesof the United States, and for the regulation and government of the fishermen employed
therein," does not embrace the cases mentioned in the petition.
The committee, while they admit the general principle, that there ought to be a remission of the duty paid on
any imported article, upon the exportation of the same, are, nevertheless, sensible that the systepi of drawbacks,
though absolutely necessary in a commercial xiountry, ought, from the liability ofimpoptions, to be guarded with as
much precision as possible, and the cases of the petitioners, they conceive, do not admit of such a degree of certainty as would render it proper for the interposition of Congress.
They, therefore, are of opinion, that the prayer of the petition ought not to be granted, and that leave be given to
withdraw the same.
Moses Myers states, that he had a quantity of goods on board the French snip of war Jean Bart, of seventyfour guns, lying in Hampttfn roads.
*
'
That the ship not being destined for any port of delivery in the United States, but being in the waters of the district of Norfolk and Portsmouth, the said Moses Myers entered, at the custom^ house ill Norfolk, twenty-three
bales, cases, and trunks of merchandise, and paid, or secured to be paid, the duties on the goods contained in the
packages aforesaid.
That the said Moses Myers employed a certain James Dunlavy, master of a schooner called the Quantico, to
convey the entered goods from the ship of war Jean Bart, to Norfolk.
That the said schooner did receive the goods from on board the ship, and was proceeding to Norfolk, when she
was overtaken by a violent wind, which overset and sunk the said schooner, by which accident, the goods were in
the water several hours, and thereby sustained considerable damage.
On account of the said accident, a regular protest was entered by the master of the said schooner, and one of the
crew, before the notary public of Norfolk. The committee, therefore, submit the following resolution:
Resolved, That the collector of the customs for the port of Norfolk and Portsmouth be, and he is hereby, authorized to|have ascertained, the rate of damage sustained by Moses Myers, on the goods contained in the twentythree bales, cases, and trunks of merchandise, unladen from on board the French ship of war the Jean Bart, and
which were damaged by the oversetting of the schooner Quantico, and remit to the said Moses Myers, the duties,
in proportion to the damage sustained on the goods damaged as aforesaid.
Philip Finney states, that he is the owner of afishingvessel, that was employed in thefishingbusiness for more
than four months, in the last year; but that, from a want of some formality in shipping the crew, he is unable to avail
himself of the allowance which he otherwise by law would have been entitled to. He, therefore, prays that he may
be entitled to it notwithstanding.
.
.
The committee would observe that it does not appear, that the fish caught on board the said vessel were actually
divided among the crew, in proportion to What was caught by each person, as is required by law, in order to entitle
them to the allowance prayed for.
They are, therefore, ot opinion, that the prayer of the petition cannot be granted, and that leave be given to withdraw the same.
Samuel Brown states, that'he was the owner of afishingvessel, that was employed in thefisheries,for more than
four months, in the year 1792; but, from some informality in the agreement made with the crew, that thefishshould
be divided among them, in proportion to the fish respectively caught, he has not been able,to avail himself of the
allowance which die law contemplates.
The eommittee are of opinion that, though there was a deficiency in the agreement, yet, inasmuch as it appears
by evidence accompanying the petition, that the fish were actually divided ip the manner prescribed by law, that it
would be reasonable to grant the relief prayed for; and, therefore, recommend the following resolution:
Resolved, That the collector of the district of Newport be authorized and directed to make the same allowance
to Samuel Brown, for his schooner Betsey, employed in thefishingbusiness, in the year 1792, as he would have
been entitled to if the terms of the written agreement, relative to the distribution of the fish caught on board the
said schooner, had been such as are required by law.

S412

FINANCE.

4th CONGRESS.]

[1796.

97.

BANK

[ 1 s t SESSION.

LOANS.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MAY 3, 1796.

Mr. W I L U A M SMITH, from the Committee of Ways and Means, to whom it was referred to inquire whether the
Bank of the United States is willing to continue the loans made by it to Government, in anticipation of public
revenue, or any part thereof, by new loans, on terms similar to those on which the said anticipations are obtained,
reported that the committee have made the inquiry directed, and have received from the President and Directors of the Bank the answer and information following*
#
The committee appointedto confer with the Committee of Ways and Means, on the subject of continuing, to a more
remote period, the loans made to the United States, having reported:
The Board took into consideration the most essential points that had relation to the present subjects, viz: the
great increase in the price of all alienable property, which requires a correspond ingaddition of circulating medium
to represent it; the necessity of placing this institution in a more respectable situation, in point of available funds,
whicn will enable it to promote, more generally, the interests of commerce and manufactures, and afford the means
of facilitating the financial operations of Government, by temporary loans, whenever the fiscal administration may
require such a resource, as well as the more immediate advantages of the stockholders and customers ofthe bank,
as both intimately connected with the active employment of a larger specie capital: Whereupon,
Resolved, th^t the United States be requested to extinguish sthe loans that are already due to the bank, as well
as to make provision for those which may become payable in the course of the present year.
T H O M A S W I L L I N G , President.
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES, April

4th C6NGRESS.]

Zlst,

1796.

Attest,

No.

G. SIMPSON, Cashier.

98.

[ 1 s t SESSION.

B A N K DEBT.
t

,

COMMUNICATED TO THE SENATE, MAY 11, 1796.
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES, May

SIR:

.

11/ZR, 1796.

The Board of Directors" of the Bank of the United States have viewed with great disquietude and alarm, the
ineffectual tendency of a bill which has passed the House of Representatives, and is now submitted to the Senate,
which purports to be for their relief, but which, by the modification of a provisionary clause, will probably defeat
the object it Mras intended to promote.
You must be sensible, from experience, that the disposition of the bank to aid the financial operations of the
Government, by temporary loans, m anticipation of its revenues, or when under the pressure of sudden unprovided
exigencies, has been uniformly favorable, and at least commensurate with its available means. .
Its advances have, at length, accumulated to the amount of six millions of dollars, four millions and four hundred thousand of which are already due, or payable, within the course of the present year—the detention of which
must naturally be very oppressive on its resources.
It is needless to exhibit to yaur view the necessity that exists^ under the present state of moneyed operations,
connected with the advanced price of all alienable property, to bring jnto activity a greater portion of their specie
capital, which the general interests of the community, the prosperity and reputation of our institution, and the
immediate advantages of their constituents, absolutely^ require. ^
In discharge, therefore, of their duty, in their various relationships, the Board is compelled to press upon your
attention the payment of the instalments that are now due upon the loans made by the bank to the United States.
They cannot but flatter themselves, that a Government uniformly attached to the'support of public credit, on
the purest principles, will furnish its administration with ample means to prevent a violation of its faith. They are
more inclined to cherish this impression, at the present moment, when the country exhibits such "prominent marks
of prosperity under the influence of such a system; and more especially when the provision to be made regards an
institution, whose uniform services to the Government, upon the most disinterested principles, have, hitherto,
pressed hard upon its faculties, and whose extensive circulation of paper has so essentially benefitted the community, by multiplying its moneyed resources, and by facilitating the payment ofthe public contributions.
But, if the Government should provide no other means to liquidate their claims, than by the sale of stock at par,
they apprehend a violation ofthe public faith will be the necessary consequence.
Public funds, like other property, are exposed to feeL the impression which contingent circumstances operate
upon its value; a stipulation, therefore, that it shall not be sold, but at a given price, in order to extinguish the debts
contracted with the bank, is an illusory provision, and places the demands'ot the institution on a very unsafe and
unsatisfactory footing; it is likewise opposed to the practice of all nations habituated to the support of public credit,
under the operationof a funding system. They, therefore, cannot but view a, conditional arrangement, by which
the bank may be compelled to wait an indefinite period of time for payment, as an infraction of a contract, and
incompatible with the justice of their country. In bank operations, where punctuality is so essential, and, therefore, so strictly observed, there is but little difference betwixt a delay and a refusal of payment.
As an additional grievance, they are, in the present case, deprived of an alternative: for, if pressed by their
necessities, -they were disposed to make a sacrifice, by receiving the stock at par, as a composition for, or extinction of their debt, thereby risking an eventual loss to their, constituents. Their charter precludes them from making
such a commutation, there being an express prohibitory clause therein, as relative to the purchase of stock.
The bill, therefore, by depriving them of all option, operates upon them as a compulsory proceeding, by forcing
them to wait for a liquidation of their just demands, until a combination of circumstances, over which they have no
control, will produce the required result, that of raising this stock to par. Under these impressions, the Board are
urged, by a,, sense of duty to their country and their constituents, to make this application to you, in language ofthe
most serious concern, hoping that, through your intervention, that justice, which is so amply due to them, may be
speedily and effectually obtained".
I have the honor to be, sir, for the President, Directors, and Company of 'the Bank of the United States,
your obedient,
THOMAS W I L L I N G , President.
T h e Hon. OLIVER WOLCOTT, Jun. Esq. Secretary of the

Treasury.

IR96.]

INCREASE

4th CONGRESS,]

OE

«

99,

INCREASE

413

REVENUE.

„

,

OF R E Y E N U J S .

COMMUNICATED TO THE IFOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MAY

SIR:

«

18,1796.

1

TREASURE DEPARTMENT, May
'

0

#

[1st SESSION.

6th ^ 1796.

I have the honor tcf present, herewith, a statement of the prohable receipts and expenditures of the United
States, in the course of the current year,_ cromprising the appropriations already made, and those which appear to
be contemplated by bills now depending in Congress, the result of which shews, that the sum of one million three
hundred and ten thousand six hundred and five dollars and thirty cents must be obtained from loans, or new
revenues.
»
#
In this estimate, the sums due to the Bank of the United States and the Bank of New York are omitted, being
considered as provided for by the bill foi* funding those debts; the instalment of the foreign debt is, however? included, as the fund must be raised in the United States.
In other respects, this statement'essentially agrees with that which accompanied my report to the House of
Representatives, on the 14th of December, 1795, except that the following additional estimates are introduced, for
0
which appropriations have been made, or are depending, viz:
e*
For the Indian trade,
. ;
For extraordinary expenses, incident to the intercourse of the United States witlrforeign
nations,
"
- "
For expenses incident ta the treaties lately negotiated,
*
- For completing the building of three frigates, .
.
.
.
Additional interest, which will be payable in consequence of funding-the debts due to banks,
and a sum equal to the instalment of the foreign debt,* which mil become due in the
present year,
. -

$158,000 00
301,132 00
134,491 00
296,917 82
25,000 00

9

Amounting to

-

-

--

-

-

$915,540 82

Thus, it appears, that, though {he bill for funding a part of the debt due to the Bank of the United States, and
that due to the Bank of New York, will relieve the treasury from the payment of certain instalments, which were
included in the former estimate, yet, the additional appropriations which are contemplated will require some other
provision than ha& been hitherto made.
.„
,
*
As the payment of the interest on the foreign and domestic debts, the annual reimbursements of the six per cent,
stock, and the expenses of Government, are secured by the priority ofthe appropriations for those objects, the committee will perceive, that any deficiency will, of course, fall upon the appropriations for other and more recent
services.
*
The authorities to borrow, now existing, are contained in the first and tenth sections of the act, passed on the
3d of March, 1795, entitled " An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the
redemption of the public debt," and they contemplate, merely^ a provision for the payment of interest, or a reimbursement of the principal of the public debt; it will, therefore, be proper that the appropriations for the Department of war, should be accompanied with a poweir of anticipation, in the usual form.
It being known to the committee, that no loans can, at present, be negotiated in Europe, and that the high profits which reward commercial enterprise, though beneficiaj to the community, are obstacles to the success of domestic loans, beyond a limited amount, I cannot, consistently with my duty, omit expressing it as my opinion, that
some effectual measures, for improving and extending the revenue, ought to be adopted during the present session
of Congress.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
OLIVER WOLCOTT, Jr. Secretary ofthe Treasury.
T h e H o n . W I L L I A M SMITH, E s q .

*

Chairman ofthe Committee of Ways and Means,

„

Jin estimate of the Expenditure and Revenue of the United States, during ihe yearil$6.
EXPENDITURES.

Interest on the foreign debt, , •- .
« $573,632 02
Interest on the funded domestic debt, including the reimbursement of the 6 per cent.
stock, 3,018,232 03
J Interest on the unfunded debt,
51,333 22
Interest on the debts due to the banks, proposed to be funded at 6 per cent 3?2,000 00
Reimbursement of an instalment of 1,000,000 guilders, in^ Holland, in June, 1796,
Appropriation for the civil list, mint establishment, annuities and grants, light houses, and miscellaneous expenses, in 1796, per act of 5th February, 1796,
Appropriation for the military department, per act of March 12th, 1796,
.
.
.
Appropriation for trade with the Indians, per act of April 18th, 1796,
-

$4,015,197 27
414,100 00
568,064 94
500,000 00
158,000 00

Additional appropriations, which will be required, under the following heads, viz:
Civil List.

For additional compensation tof attorneys, marshals, jurors, witnesses, &c.
Clerks in loan ofiices, and stationary,
-

War Department. The estimate exhibited December 14th, 1795, was for
Of which, there has been appropriated, b The residue of the estimate will be required, in consequence of
the rise of provisions, and the extra expense of maintaining
new posts, being
- n
iVaval Department. Being the sum included in the former estimate,
Military Pensions. Being the sum included in the former estimate,
Contingent expenses of Government. Being the sum included in the former estimate,
53
t

10,000 00
14,000 00
*
1,480,247
500,000

-

24,000 00

980,247 00
73,934 00
85,098 00
20,000 00

S414

FINANCE.

Diplomatic Department. Ordinary estimate,.
Extraordinary, - «

-

[1796.

-

Expenses incident to treaties., With Great Britain,
Spain,
Algiers,
- •
Indian tribes, -

40,000 00
301,132

-

--

-

-

-

-

341,132 00

80,808 00
18,683 00
24,000 00
11,000 00

134,491 00

The sum unexpended, of fQrmer appropriations, including the sum granted for
galleys, being re-appropriated by,an act, passed April 20th, 1796, for building three'frigates, is estimated as the sum which will be required under this
* head, in 1796, being
' -

Naval Department

296,917 82
7,611,182 03,

RECEIPTS9 EXPECTED FROM

Duties on imports and tonnage,
*
Internal revenues, calculated to be equal to the receipts, in 1795,
Postage of letters,
Letters patent,
Dividends on bank stock,
Proceeds of the sinking fund,
-

-

Sum to be borrowed, or otherwise provided, in 1796,

•

-

-

u

-

5,679,418 58
337,255 36
35,000 00
660 00
160,000 00
88,242 79

6,300,576 73
1,'310,'605 30

-

$7,611,182 03
OLIVER W O L & O T T , Jun. . Secretary of the Treasury,
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, May

4 t h CONGRESS.]

*

5th, 1796.

1

No.

D I R E C T

•

100.

, *

[ 2 d SESSION.

T A X E S j.

COMMUNICATED* TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DECEMBER 14, 1796.

•

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, December

14,1796.

In obedience to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 4th of April, 1796,1 have the honor to
transmit a report, containing a plan for laying and collecting direct taxes, by apportionment among the several
States, agreeably to the rule prescribed by the constitution.
I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, sir, your obedient servant,
'
O L f V E R W O L C O T T . Jr.
The Honorable the SPEAKER of the House of Representatives.

The Secretary of the Treasury has,^during the recess of Congress, directed his attention to collect such information
as appeared necessary to enable him to comply with the resolution of the House of Representatives, passed on the
fourth day of April, 1796; and though, from the importance and complexity of the subject, more time and leisure
wtfuld have been desirable, yet, in obedience to the said resolution, he most respectfully submits the following
report:
The duty enjoined is to "report a plan for laying and collecting direct taxes by apportionment amohg the several
States, agreeably to the rule prescribed by the constitution; adapting the same, as nearly as may be, to such objects
of direct taxation, and such modes of collection, as may appear by the laws and practice of the States, respectively,
to be most eligible in each."
,
The amount of the proposed tax n&t being specified in the resolution, the Secretary presumes it to have been the
intention of the House that the sum to be apportioned should be sufficient to-consummate the system which was esta-w
blished in March, 1795, for the .reduction ofthe present debt of the United States, and commensurate to the probable"
exigencies of the Government/
/
*
This construction has appeared the more reasonable, because necessary to prevent the measures, then adopted,
from producing effects in some degree opposite to what were intended. The public faith having been pledged to
r e i m b u r s e a great portion of the debt, which lately rested in permanent loans, sufficient revenues for this object,
and all neces&ary expenses of Government, must be provided, or recourse had to a continued system of borrowing.
If this last expedient .should be resorted to, the public burdens, though the debts may change their form, will
remain substantially the same. The Government will, moreover, be* liable to certain risks ana expenses, which
inevitably attend extensive contracts; and unless it shall be found practicable to obtain new loans, on terms at least
as favorable as those to be extinguished,*the public debts will be somewhat increased, by the inefficacy of the
measures which were intended to reduce them.
It will not escape the attention of the House, that the causes which at present most favor the prosperity of the
United States, and consequently increase the ability of .the people to pay taxes, are such as oppose obstacles to the
negotiation of new loans, or, at least, render their terms peculiarly burdensome and expensive. But, while it would
beimproper to encourage an expectation that the affairs of this extensive and enterprisingcountry can be# successfully conducted without an occasional application to this resource, it ought to be a fixed principle to establish a permanent revenue, adequate to every permanent expense, and sufficient to discharge, in a reasonable time, all loans
arising from extraordinary and unforeseen contingencies. This principle has already been recognised by the act of
March 3d, 1795, which has solemnly pledged the public faith for the reimbursement of the debt how existing; it,
therefore, only remains to embrace the present period, as the most auspicious which lias vet occurred, and as favorable as any which may be expected, for establishing and maturing such systems as will efficaciously fulfil the inten^01Asnecessmly^connected with the question; how far additional revenues are requisite, the Secretary has deemed
it to be proper, though not enjoined by the resolution of the House, to present a concise statement of the finances.
The period selected for this -purpose is the first day of July, of the present year, at. which time the debts of the
United States were of the following descriptions and amounts:

DIRECT

1796.]

TAXES.

415

1st The foreign debt, consisting of loans obtained by the late and present Government, in Amsterdam and Antwerp, amounting to twenty-nine millions five hundred thousand guilders; equal, at forty cents
per guilder, t o "
^
$11,800,000 00
2d. The six per cent, domestic stock, now in a course of reimbursement,
29,344,752 98
3d. The six per cent domestic stock, upon which reimbursements are to commence in the year
1801, - > 14,578,882 39
4th. The three per cent, domestic stock,
-o"
19,597,545 93
5tli. The five and a half per cent, domestic stock,
„ 1,848,900 00
6th. The four and a half per cent, domestic stock,
' " 176*000 00
7th. The unfunded registered debt, exclusive of arrearages of interest prior to the year 1791,
179,953 1,6
8th. The debts due to the Bank of the United States and the Bank of New York,
6,200,000 00
The sums before enumerated are precisely ascertained by the records of the treasury, and
amount to
- ^ , There are, however, in circulation, various descriptions of certificates, the amount andsvalue of
which are not exactly ascertained, which, with the balances of certain unliquidated accounts and
arrearages of interest, may possibly rise to h
The entire amount of all/those capitals, upon which an expenditure is incurred, and for which
provision is necessary, may, therefore, be estimated at r

83,726,034 46
1,124,404,24
84,850,438 70

To reconcile this representation with reports heretofore made from the treasury, and to prevent erroneous opinions from being entertained respecting the real amount ofthe public debt, it appears proper to represent that the following sums are indisputable off-sets against the capitals before enumerated:
1st. Six per cent, stock, bearing a present interest, already purchased or redeemed, and vested in
the commissioners ofthe sinking fund,
1,170,232 13
2d. Six per cent, stock, on which interest will accrue after the year 1800, ~
930,753, 91
3d. Three per cent, stock, also purchased or redeemed, ••
610,757 94
4th. Stock of the Bank of the United States,^sold by the United States, estimated at par,
-2,000,000 00
5th. The sum reimbursed at the close ofthe year 1795$ on the six per cent, stock,
544,066 54
Amounting, in the whole, to

r>

$5,255,810 52

The particulars and amount of the expenditure required by the .public contracts, in relation to the capitals first
enumerated, calculated on an average of the respective yeays for which each description of debt is to continue, are
as follow:
"
,
1st. The debts due in Amsterdam and Antwerp* a^s before stated5\amount to eleven millions eight hundred
thousand dollars. The contracts respecting them require annual reimbursements in'unequal portions, until the
year 1809, when the last payment is to be made. The whole sum required for principal and interest, on an accurate
calculation, and supposing the utmost punctuality to be, maintained on the part ot the United States, is sixteen
millions seven hundred and seventy thousand four hundred and forty-four dollars.
The average sum which will be required, during the fourteen years, which this debt is to continue* is, thereJ .
fore,
§1,157,888 84
This calculation, however, supposes the practicability of such a punctual provision for the payment
of interest and principal, as will entirely supersede the use of temporary credits in Europe; and it ,
moreover supposes that remittances can be uniformly made at the par of exchange. As neither of
these suppositions will be, in fact, realized, there is to be added to the foregoing sum the estimated
expense of remittances^ above par, and for interest on temporary advances to the United States, to
ensure punctuality; this expense will not, probably, be less than five per centum on the annual payments, and being calculated on the average annual demand above stated, will, at this rate, amountto
59,537 30
* '

r $1,257,426 14

Upon the principles herein assumed, the average sum tobe provided^ until the year 1809, inclusive, for the extinguishment of the Dutch dfbt, will be one million two hundred and fifty-seven thousand four hundred and twentysix dollars fourteen cents.
'
*
It is proper, however, to state, that the foregoing estimate is founded on a presumptioft that som% systematical
plan will be adopted for satisfying the existing contracts, by direct payments from the treasury. In every degree
m which recourse may be had to new loans, the expense of reimbursement will be finally increased by at least the
charges of negotiation; these, upon such loans as may be hereafter obtained in Holland, caimot be estimated at'less
than six or seven per centum upon the capitals which may be borrowed.
2d. The six per cent stock, now in a course of reimbursement, exclusive of the sum passed to the credit of the
sinking fund, is twenty-ei§ht millions 9ne hundred and seventy four thousand five hundred and .twenty dollars
eighty-five cents, upon which the annuity of eight per centum amounts to
2,253,961 66
The capital passed to the credit of the sinking fund is one million one hundred and seventy
thousand two hundred and thirty-two dollars thirteen cents; upon which the accruing interest of
six per centum per annum is
70,213 92
Amounting to

*

*

82,324,175 58

This sum,, last mentioned, will be annually required until the close of the year 1817. "During the year 1818, the
demand for the object will decline* to about one million eight hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars, and will
then cease by the extinguishment of the debt.
3d. The six per cent stock, on which reimbursements will commence.in the year 1801, amounted, on the.first of
July 1796, to thirteen millions six hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and twenty-eight dollars fortyeight cents,-exclusive of nine hundred and thirty thousand seven hundred and fifty-three dollars ninety-one cents,
passed to the credit ofthe sinking fund. The annuity on thefirstsum,at eightper centum, amounts to 1,091,850 28
And on the latter sum, # six per centum, to
- t -,
55,845 23
Being, together,

$1,147,695 51

Whicji last sum will be required, from the year 1801 to the year-1823* inclusive. During the year 1824, the
charge will be reduced to about nine hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars; and, after that period, .will wholly
cease, with the reimbursement of the debt.
4tn. The funded three per cent stock, exclusive of the credit to the sinking fund, amounts to eighteen millions
nine hundred and eighty-six thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven dollars" ninety-nine cents; on'which the
annual interest is
^
. 569,603 63
The stock of the sinking fund is six hundred and ten thousand seven hundred and fifty-seven
dollars ninety-four cents; and the interest thereon,
18,322 73
Amounting to

$587,926 36

FINANCE.

S416

[1796.

The duration of this annuity may be considered as indefinite: for, though funds for the redemption of the capital
stock are eventually appropriated by the act, entitled " An act, making further provision for the support of public
credit and for the redemption of the public debt,^ yet, by a proviso to the twelfth section of the said act, the power
of diverting the appropriation to other objects, is reserved to the Government.
* .
5th. The interest oh the stock bearing interest at five and a half pei; centum per annum, (being one millioneight hundred and forty-eight thousand nine hundred dollars) will require one hundred and one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine dollars fifty cents.
.
"
.
6th. The interest on the stock bearing interest at four and a half per centum, being one hundred and seventy-six
thousahd dollars, will be annually seven thousand nine hundred and twenty dollars:
7th. The unfunded debt is of two descriptions, viz:
That which is registered, being $179,953 16
And that not registered, estimated at - ,
1,124,404 24,
" Amounting to

'

^

$1,304,357 40

For this debt no provision has been made by law, except a partial grant from year to year, on account of interest
So far as the debt has been liquidated, the public are bound, by contract to pay an interest of six per centum per
annum. Similar, engagements will be expressed in the certificates hereafter to be issued; to discharge which interest, there will be annually required the sum* of seventy-eight thousand two hundred and sixty-one dollars fortyone cents
8th. The debts due to the Bank of the United States and Bank of New York amount to six millions two ^hun- *
dred thousand dollars; though a part of this sum was borrowed at five per centum per annum, yet, as the existing
contracts are expected to be satisfied from the proceeds of new loans, at six per centum, the annuity chargeable upon
the revenue is calculated at this last rate, being three hundred and. seventy-two thousand dollars.^
The annuities before recited comprise all the demand? which will he. made upon the treasury, in consequence of
the present debt of the United States; and being reduced to aggregate sums, and classed according to the epochas
for which the said annuities are to continue, they will require a provision of revenue as follows: (
1. From the year, 1796, until the end of the year 1800, when the annuity on the deferred six per cent, stock will
begin to accrue, four"millions seven hundred and twenty-nine thousand three hundred and ninety-eight dollars and
n i U 2 ? F n m the year 1801, to the year 1809, inclusive, when the present foreign debt will be extinguished, five
millions eight hundred and seventy-seven thousand ninety-four dollars fifty cents. *
i
3. From the year 1810, to the year 1818, inclusive, when the annuity on the six per cent stock, bearing a present
interest," will be extinguished, four millions six hundred and nineteen thousand six hundred and si^ty-eight dollars

^ i T Fromthe year 1819 to the year 1824, inclusive, when the annuity on the" deferred six per cent, stock will be
extinguished, two millions two hundred a$d ninety-live thousand. four hundred and ninety-two dollars seventyei eht cents.
"
5. After the year 1824, supposing the debt above mentioned to be extinguished, and the other debts of the United
States to remain in their present situation, one million one hundred and forty-seven thousand seven hundred and
ninety-seven dollars twenty-seven cents.
, ,, r
By the establishment of a revenue adequate to the current expenses of Government, m addition to the foregoing
estimate, during the periods above recited, tjie following reductions of debt might be effected:
1.. At the close of the year 1809, the entire amountof present foreign debt, being
$11,800,000
2. At the close ofthe year 1818, the six per cent stock, bearing a present interest, - * 29,344,752 98
3. A t the close of the year 1824, the deferred six per cent, stock,
14,578,882 39
Amounting, together, to

-

-

-

-

After the reimbursement ofthe foregoing sums, there would still remain, of
1. The three per cent, stock, being
- - 2. The five and a half per cent, stock,
3. The four and a half per cent, stock,
- - - 4. *The unfunded and unliquidated* debts,
5. The debts due to banks, or the stock which may be substituted therefor,
Amounting, in the whole, to

-

-

-

-

-

$55,723,635 37

the present'debt,
- $19,597,545 93
1,848,900
- 176,000
1,304,356 97
6,200,000
-

-

-

$39,126,802 90

If, however, the United States can establish a revenue equal to the scale of expenditure which will be necessary
in the year 1801, the whole debt may be extinguished by payment or purchase, on or before the end of the year 1824;
as also a considerable additional debt, if such should accrue from Tuture contingencies.
The foregoing calculations being founded on existing Contracts, are liable to but little uncertainty; it is necessary, however: to form an estimate of the probable expenses of those est^blishments which the United States must
at all times maintain. On this subject there^exist no data, from past experience, which afford a satisfactory ground
for an opinion; it is believed, however, that it will be unsafe and deceptive to calculate the current expenses of
Government at less than the following estimate:
For the support of the civil list, 486,000
For expenses of intercourse with foreign nations*
100,000
For the mint establishment,
- - - - - - 40,000
For light houses,
- * 25,000
For expenses of the loan offices,
12,000
For miscellaneous objects and contingent expenses of Government,
37,000
For the military and naval departments, including pensions,
2,000,000
Amounting, in the whole, annually, to

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

v

$2,700,000

I f it shall be found that the expenses of the military and naval departments cannot be reduced below the above
estimate, which, though much to be desired, is far from certain, the foregoing calculation will fall short of the real
expense; it being morally certain, that the expenses of civil government, wlH, hereafter, considerably increase.
Assuming it, however, as a principle, that the expenses ofthe public establishments will amount to two millions
seven hundred thousand dollars, and'no more, it follows that, to, preserve the United States from the necessity of
recurring to future loans, it is requisite to establish a revenue, to continue until the close of the year 1800, of seven
millions four hundred and twenty-nine thousand-three hundred and ninety-eight dollars mnety-mne cents. And
from the year 1801 to the year 1809, inclusive, a revenue of eight millions five hundred and seventy-seven thousand
ninety-four dollars^fifty cents.
i ,
,i,
^
T
It is a further consequence of the foregoing data, that,,though a revenue upon this last scale would be more than
sufficient to discharge the whole public debt, on or before the year 1824, yet that the absolute engagements of the
United States will not require, after the year 1809, more than seven millions three hundred and nineteen thousand six
hundred and sixty-eight dollars thirty-six cents; which last sum is less than the annual expenditure required by
existing contracts and arrangements.

1796.]

DIRECT

TAXES.

417

Having thus presented a view of th$ probable expenditures of the United States, it remains to shew how far the
revenues, already established, afford an adequate resource; the particulars and amount of these revenues rre as
follows:
Duties arising on imports and tonnage, calculated upon the,actual receipts during the ye^ir 1795, $5,588^961 26
Duties on domestic distilled spirits and on stills, on refined sugar, sales at auction, licences to
retail spirits and wines, and on carriages for the conveyance of persons, calculated upon the
«
receipts of 1795,
« - ' v
337,255 36
Revenue from the post office,
- - 35,000
Dividends on bank stock, calculated with reference to certain sales, the proceeds of which will
be applied to the payment of part of the debt due to the Bank of the United States,
150,000
Interest on stook purchased and redeemed, and vested in the sinking fund,
88,636 65
Duties on patents and contingent receipts, (uncertain)
- « 746 73

.

0

Estimated annual current revenue,
1.

*

$61200,600 00
/

= = = = = =

The revenue from imports and tonnage was, in the beginning of the year 1795, calculated at five millions sii
hundred and seventy-nine thousand fourhundred and eighteen dollars fitty-eight cents; being about ninety thousand dollars more than the present estimate. Fluctuations,in the amount of this revenue are to be expected; what
the product of the present year will be, cannot be yet known; although it is certain that it will exceed, considerably
that of the year 1795.
^
As the present design is to ascerfoin, asaccuratelyas possible, the extent in which confidence may be reposed
in the existing revenues, it becomes interesting to consider what effects a termination of the present war in Europe
is likely to produce. A consideration of all the causes which may contract or extend the future commerce of the
United States, would be evidently premature and unprofitable; it may, however, be safely affirmed, that the unexampled prices which the exports of the United States have lately borne, must have stimulated the demand for, and
consumption of, foreign manufactures and productions. A certain proportion of this demand will cease, when the
temporary causes, by winch it has been produced, are removed. Whatever'* cause diminishes the consumption of
imported articles, will produce a corresponding decrease of the revenue from foreign commerce. There is ground,
however, to hope that the unfavorable effects m .regard to revenue, which are to be expected from a depression of
the presentences of some of our articles of export, will be counterbalanced by an increase in their quantities; by
the superior value which others of them are daily acquiring, in consequence of improvements in their manufacture;
by the extension of our commerce to new markets, and by the increasing demand ror imported articles, which must
result frOm progressive wealth and population.
The sum stated as the product of the internal revenues, will also be considerably exceeded by the receipts of the
present year, and is believed to be much beknvwhat might b& obtained under a different modification of the act
imposing duties on distilled spirits and stills, aided by provisions for ensuring a more energetic and punctual collection in some districts. It may also be remarked, that some of the causes which may diminish the revenue from
importations, will tend to increase that derived from internal objects. It appears, therefore, to be safe to calculate,
ermanently, upon the collective amount of the sums which have been'stated, as the probable future product of both
ranches.
.
.
"
The revenue from the post office is likely to increase, ifthe expenses of that institution are not greatly enhanced
by the establishment of new post roads. *
In respect to the income from bank stock held by the United States, it is proper to observe, that dividends have
been, for some time, declared, at the rate of eight per centum per annum; on the supposition that the stock would
not be alienated, it has been customary to estimate this item of revenue'at one hundred and sixty thousand-dollars.
In consequence of the authority contained in an act of the last session, sales have, however, been commenced, for
the purpose of reimbursing a part of the debt due to the bank.
To extinguish an annuity due to the bank, equivalent to that received from the dividends, it would have been
necessary to sell the bank stock at an advance ofthirty-three and one-third per centum upon the original capital.
This, however, was not practicable; the best terms which could be obtained, were twenty-five per centum. With*
reference to the effect which sales, at this rate, will have upon fthe statement of revenue and expenditure, now presented, the proceeds of the bank dividends are calculated at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
The funa arising from stock purchased or redeemed, -will be increased by the interest on such sums of stock as may
hereafter accrue to the# sinking fund, but will, in Kno event, be diminished. Though this income is vested in the
commissioners of the sinking fund, it has been thought proper to present it as an object of public revenue, beinff
with other funds, appropriated for the redemption -of the public debt
u
It results, from what has been stated, that the following sums must be provided by the United States, in addition to the revenue already established.
1st. From the present time until and during the year 1S00, one jnillion two hundred and twenty-eight thousand
seven hundred ana ninety-eight dollars ninety-nine cents.
2d. From the year 1801 to the year 1809, inclusive, two millions three hundred and seventy-six thousand four
hundred and ninety-four dollars fitty cents.
3d. From and after the year 1809, until the time when the present debt may be extinguished, which will be
before the year 1824, one.million one hundred and nineteen thousand sixty-eight dollars thirty-six cents.

E

To provide the'sums annually required until the year 1801, without imposing an inconvenient burden on the
people, is evidently within the power of the United States; to reimburse the whole of the foreign debt before the
year 1809. by direct payments from the proceeds of revenue, may be practicable. It is, however, most probable that
occasional loans, with a view of postponing thefinalreimbursement of the whole or some part of the said debt, until
after the year 1818, will be judged advisable.
From a general view of the operation of the systems of taxation, established in the several States, it appears
that, in apportioning a direct tax, to be collected under the authority of the United States, an allowance ought to be
made for a defalcation of fifteen per centum, on account of abatements to indigent ana unfortunate persons f o r
erroneous assessments or calculations, and for charges and expenses of collection!
'
Assuming these data, it is proposed that there be laid upon the United States a direct tax of one million four
hundred ana eighty-four thousand dollars; and that the same be apportioned to the several States* in the following
manner:
To the State of Vermont,.
$28,000
To the State of New Hampshire,
* „
56,000
To the State of Massachusetts,
- " - * 196,000
To the State of Rhode Island,
28,000
To the State of Connecticut,
98,000
To the State of New York,
140,000
To the State of New Jersey,
70,000
To the State of Pennsylvania,
182,000
To the State jof Delaware,
14,000
To the State of Maryland, 112,000
To the State of Virginia,
266,000
To the State of Kentucky, 38,000
To the State of North Carolina,
140,000

FINANCE.

418

£1796.
P

T o the St&te of Tennessee, To the State of South Carolina,
T o the State of Georgia,
-

-

-

, -

- „
-

-

•
-

W

14,000
84,000
28,000
1

' «

Amounting to
From which, there being deducted for abatements, erroneous assessments,
and, charges of collection, fifteen per cent., or, -

$1,484,000

There will remain the estimated nett proceeds of the proposed tax, being

$1,261,400

222,600

,

An account of the systems of taxation at present prevailing in the several States, and infermation on various
points, connected, \vith the subject under consideration, is next proposed.
OF YERMONT.

The taxes imposed in this State, whether for the use of the State, or of counties, towns, societies, or other subordinate communities, are levied by one rule, that is, in proportion to a general list of ratable-objects, composed of
the following particulars: *
Polls, of male persons from twenty-one to sixty years of age, are rated at six pounds each.v
Lands, after being improved »two years, either for pasture, ploughing, or mowings or stocked with grass, and
within enclosure, at ten shillings per acre: ?
Oxen, four years old and upwards* at three pounds each.
«
Other neat cattle, three years old* and upwards, at two pounds.
Neat cattle of two years old, at one pound ten shillings.
Neat cattle of one year old, fifteen shillings.
All horse kind, except stud horses of three years old and upwards, at four pounds.
Horse kind, or two years old, at two pounds.
Horse kind, of one year old, at twenty shillings.
Stud horses^ of two years old and upwards, at twenty pounds,
Money, on hand or due, or obligations for goods or produce over and above all debts due by the individual creditors, at twenty per centum of the amount, to be exhibited on oath, if required; to which may be added,
Assessments proportioned to the profits of all lawyers, traders, "and owners of mills, according to the judgment
and discretion of the listers or assessors.
Exemptions from the assessment on polls are allowed in favor of settled ministers of the Christian religion, the
president and tutors of colleges, constant schoolmasters, students of colleges, until three years after x receiving their
first academical degrees; as, also, in favor of persons disabled by sickness or infirmity. The ratable estates of
settled ministers, and the president of the college, lying in the towns where they live, and not exceeding five hundred pounds in value, are also exempted, together with all lands sequestered and improved for schools and other
public, pious, and charitable uses. An exemption from taxation, for ten years,^ is, moreover, allowed for lands
properly cleared and tilled for orchards, and planted with apple trees, and containing not less than forty' trees upon
an acre.
*
Lists of the ratable estates of individuals, are collected in the following manner: At the annual town meetings
in March, the inhabitants of "each town elect a number of officers, styled listers,who are sworn to a faithful discharge
of their, office. In the month of May, annually, the inhabitants are warned to exhibit, before the 10th day of July
following, lists, orwritten accounts, of the ratable polls and estates of which they are respectively possessed, on
the twentieth day of June: To these lists, as exhibited hy individuals, the listers add such sums as they judge
reasonable, in cases where the law requires assessments to be imposed on professions and occupations.
Lands are, in all cases, rated in the towns whSre the lands lie; but cattle on farms, not under the management of
a tenant, are rated in the towns where the owners live. N o \yarning by the listers is required beyond the limits. of a
The sums 4otal of the ratable property, in each town, are returned by the listers to the General Assembly, in
October, with certificates that they have been sworn to a faithful discharge of their trust; in case of omission or
neglect, the listers become liable to a penalty, and the town, in respect to which the omission happens, becomes
subject to be assessed at the discretion of the General Assembly.
The possession of ratable articles, on the 20th of June, is, by law, declared to be presumptive evidence of property, and, if not included in the list of the possessor, he becomes liable to a two-fold assessment; on proof being
made to tlie listers, at any time before the 25th of September, that the articles omitted to be returned, were, on tlie
20th of June, the property of some other person than the possessor or occupant, relief may, however, be obtained.
The compensation allowed for the services of listers, arises from the taxes on two-fold assessments, one half of
which accrue to their benefit
^
,
When individuals are aggrieved by; the decisions of listers, either ill respect to two-fold assessments, or by assessments on tlie profits of certain professions and occupations, an appeal is allowed to a justice of the peace, and two
selectmen of tne town, \vho, after notifying two or more of the listers, may proceed to make a final decision.
The first constables are collectors of taxes, and are chosen by the^ inhabitants of the respective towns, which are
responsible for their conduct; when a "tax is granted by the State, a warrant is issued by the treasurer, directed to
the collector, declaring the rate or proportion of the t?p:? the sum due by the town, and the time prescribed for payment into tlie treasury. It then becomes tlie duty of the selectmen to apportion the said tax among the inhabitants
of the town, according to their respective lists, and to deliver a statement thereof to the collector, by which to
regulate his demands upon individuals; a time and place is then appointed by the collector for receiving the tax,
which the inhabitants are bound to observe; on failure of payment at the time and place appointed, the collector
may, afterwards, distrain the goods and chattels of delinquents for the amount of the tax, with an addition thereto
of one twelfth part, for extra trouble and expenses. Where no goods or chattels can be found or are tendered, the
person of the delinquent m^y be committed to prison. If the delinquent abscond, and no goods or chattels can be
found, the lands of the delinquent become liable, of which a sufficient quantity for the payment of the tax. and necessary charges, may be sold at public auction. Prior to the sale of lands, notice of the proposed sale must, however,
be given for three weeks in tlie town in which the land lies, and in two adjoining towns; as, also, in one or more of
the newspapers printed in the State. Lauds sold for the payment of taxes, may, however, be redeemed at any time
within one year after the sale, by the payment or tender ot tlie sum advanced by the purchaser, with interest at the
rate of twelve per centum per annum.
w
#
When a collector is delinquent in collecting and paying over a tax entrusted to his management, it becomes the
duty of the treasurer to issue a warrant, directed to the sheriff of the county, commanding liim to collect the sum
unpaid, by distraining the goods, chattels, and estate, of such collector. In case a sheriff omits to execute the warrant of the treasurer, against a delinquent collector, the treasurer is empowered to issue a like warrant against the
sheriff, directed to a constable of the town in which the sheriff lives; and if a constable, in such case, should omit to
collect the tax from the sheriff, ,he, in turn, becomes liable, and the treasurer may commit the collection of the sum
unpaid to any other person, at his discretion.
When a collector of a tax becomes insolvent, the treasurer may issue his warrant against the selectmen of tlie
town, directed to the sheriff of the countyt who, in this case, become liable for tlie arrearages due by the insolvent
" collector. The selectmen may, however, indemnify and reimburse themselves, by assessing a sufficient tax upon
the town, for collecting which, the warrant of any one justice of the peace is a sufficient authority.

1796.]

DIRECT

231

TAXES.

Though the office of collector is, by law, attached to that offirst constable, which depends upon an annual election
by the people, yet, in respect to-unpaid taxes, the powers of the collector continue until a final collection and settlement can be effected j and, in case of the death or a collector, his powers and responsibility, while living, descend
to his executors or administrators. If, however, a collector remove out of the State,-or die, &nd his estate is found
to be insolvent, the people of the town may proceed to the choice of a new collector. ^
/
*
All persons employee! in the collection of taxes possess the usual power and authority of sheriffs, and may^ command any assistance necessary to ttte performance* of their cluty.^
.0

•
«
OF NEW HAMPSHIRE*

0

•
fl

a

0

t)

J

•

The constitution of this State directs, that a valuation of 'all estates shall be made, at least, once in five years,
under regulations to be prescribed by the General Court or Legislature. The ..last valuation was made by the
selectmen of the^several towns, in 1793, and confirmed by lawt in February, 1794.^ In taking said valuation, the
proportions of the different articles of ratable property were estimated in the following ratio:
Polls of male persons, from eighteen to-seventy years of age, at eight shillings each. ,
Orchard land, accounting for an acre, a sufficient quantity to produce, bn anaverage tff severaljyears, ten barrels
of cider or peryy, at one shilling and six-pence per acre.
Arable 4 and, accounting for an acre, a sufficient quantity to produce,, on an average of'several years, twenty-five
•bushels of Indian corn, or other grain equivalent, at one shilling per acr§.
Mowing lanjl, accounting for an acre, a sufficient quantity to produce, on an average of several years, one ton of
English hay, or other hay equivalent, at one shilling per acre.
Pasture land, accounting for four acres, a sufficient quantity to support, on an average of several years, one cow,
at five pence each acre.
.
Unimproved lands, and all buildings, whether owned by inhabitants or non-residents, at qjiehalf of one per cent,
of the real value.
.'
*,
Stud horses, two years old and upwards, at one pound ten shillings.
Other horse kind, four years old and upwards, at three shillings.
^
Oxen, four years old and upwards, at,three shillings.
*
Cows, four years old and upwards, at two shillings.
«
0
Other neat cattle, three yiears old and upwards, at one shilling and six pence.
Other neat cattle, two years old, at one shilling.
Other neat cattle, one year old, at six pence.
All stock or property of tanners, curriers, blacksmiths, or other tradesmen, employed in the business of their
trades, at one half of one per centum.
AH stock in trade of merchants, shopkeepers, or other traders, reckoning the same at the average value thereof
for a year, at one half of one per centum.
%
Alt money on hand, or at interest, more than the owner pays interest for, and all property in public funds, estimated at its real value, at three-fourths of one per centum.
* .
*
Mills, wharves, and ferries, at one-twelfth part of their yearly nett income, after deductmgrepairs.
The polls and ratable property returned from the different towns, with the assessments upon such towns as did
not comply with the act prescribing a valuation, amounted, in 1794, to forty-two thousand and ninety-nine pounds
six shillings and four pence? on one hundred and forty" thousand .three hundred and thirty-one dollars and five cents.
In proportion as the lists ot the several towns? contributed to this amount, their quotas were established by law, to
continue until a new valuation may be made. The quantities of the different kinds of ratable property, of which
the list was composed, will be seen by reference to an annexed document, A*
When a tax is granted by the State, the quotas of the several towns are5 calculated according to the rule above
mentioned; warrants are then issued by the treasurer of the State, directed to the selectmen, requiring them to
assess the said quotas upon the inhabitants. The assessments upon individuals are governed by tne principles of
the rule by which the ouotas of towns are determined. The selectmen are, therefore* empowered to require, annually,
inventories of the polls and t ratable property of the inhabitants. The time for taking these inventories^ is the first
day of April in eacn year. Those who omit to exhibit inventories, or refuse to verify the same on oath, when required, may be doomed or assessed by the selectmen, as they judge equitable. 'In cases where it is discovered that there
has been a fraudulent concealment of ratable property, by an individual, the selectmen are empowered to increase
the assessment to four times the amount at which the concealed property would otherwise have been rated.
The selectmen are empowered to abate taxes, and to correct erroneous assessments. Individuals who are
aggrieved, may, within nine months after notice of an assessment, apply by petitionto the court of sessions ofthe
peace for the county, whose judgment is conclusive.
4
To prevent trouble and expense from repeated collections during the saihe year, $ie selectmen may include, in
one tax bill, the taxes granted by the State, the county- and the town, with an addition of five per centum to cover
defalcations arising from abatements or other causes; the surplus/of which, if any is found to remain, accrues to the
treasury of the town.
Collectors of taxe"s are either chosen by the inhabitants, or they may be appointed or employed by the selectmen,
from whom they receive tax bills, with warrants to collect the sums therein expressed. The selectmen are directed
to cause their proceedings, in assessing taxes, to be recorded by the town clerks, and to make returns to the treasurers ofthe Stat**, county, and town, of the sums assessed to be paid to them respectively, with the names ofthe collectors, the dates of their warrants, and the time therein prescribed for the settlement ofthe taxes entrusted to them
for collection.
In cases where the selectmen neglect to assess a tax pursuant to a warrant from the treasurer, their persons and
estates become liable to the payment of the tax, which may be taken an£ distrained for the same. When the name of
the collector is not returned to the treasurer, pursuant to warrant, the selectmen also become liable, and are, moreover, precluded from any remedy against the town for any costs'and expenses attending the collection,Exceeding the
quotas mentioned in the treasury warrant. I f the estates of the selectmen are found to be insufficient, or their persons cannot be taken and imprisoned, the treasurer may issue his warrant against the inhabitants of the town generally, who, in this case, become, jointly and severally, responsible.
The collectors of taxes are required to give fourteen days' notice of the sums assessed upon individuals, before
they proceed to collect the same by distress; and in no case is it lawful to take by distress the tools or implement^
necessary to the trade or occupation of any person, noriiis arms; or the necessary household furniture of a family.
For want of goods or chattels whereon to make distress, the person of the individual indebted may be taken and
committed to prison.
When no personal estate can be found whereon to levy by distress, and the person of the delinquent cannot be
taken, real estate may be taken and soldfor the payment of taxes, under certain prescribed regulations, calculated to
give publicity to the sale. On the sale of real estate, according to law, the collectors may execute conveyances,
defeasible within one year, by the payment or tender of the sum advanced, with interest and costs.
The powers of collectors continue until the taxes committed to their management are finally adjusted. Their
compensations are various, and depend upon agreements with the selectmen ofthe several towns; on a medium* calculation, they are estimated from four to five per centum on the amount of, the taxes. It is customary to require
bonds, to secure the towns against their delinquencies.
The time commonly prescribed for collecting and paying a tax into the treasury, is one year. In what degree
the requirements of law*, in this respect, have been fullilled? is not ascertained. It is to be inferred, from the intor-

S420

FINANCE.

[1796.

mation received, that delays beyond the prescribed term frequently occur, and that, when heaVy tances have been
imposed, arrears have remained uncollected for several years, which have been afterwards entirely remitted. The
principles of the system of taxation, now established, have been generally approved by the people of the State.
- The existing debt of the State is inconsiderable, and is like!Iy to be entirely discharged in a short time. The
whole expetise of supporting civil government, paid by the State, is estimated at about twenty-eight thousand six
hundred dollars per annum. The aggregate amount of county, town, and parochial taxes, is known to be more considerable, though not ascertained.
*
»
t
OF ; MASSACHUSETTS.

a
o
*
The constitu tion of this State provides, th^t, while the public charges of Government, or any part thereof, shall
be assessed on polls and estates, in the manner practised prior to the establishment of the said constitution, there
shall be a valuation of estates taken, once in ten years, and as much oftener as the General Court or Legislature
shall direct.
The valuation under which taxes are, at this time, assessed, was taken in pursuance of an act pasted on the 22d of
February, 1792.
,
*
By this act, the assessors ofthe different towns, districts, and plantations, (officers always existing) were directed to take and lodge in the office of the Secretary of State, on or before.the 10th day of October, 1792, true and perfect lists of all male polls, including negroes and mrflattoes, sixteen years old and upwards, whether at home or
abroad; distinguishing the polls of persons from sixteen years to twenty-one years of age, from those of persons
twenty-one years of age and upwards, and also distinguishing the .polls of persons exempted from taxation. Also,
particularly mentioning dwelling-houses, with shops within the same, or adjoining thereto, shops separate from dwelling-houses. tan houses, slaughterhouses, sugar houses, pot and pearlash works, ware houses, wharves, grist mills,,
fulling mills, saw mills, ironworks and furnaces, bake houses, and all other buildings and edifices of the value of
five pounds and upwards; the number of tons of vessels, and small craft of every kind, upwards of five tons burthen,
whether athomeor abroad; the amount of each person's wholest^k in trade, including all goods, wares,and merchandise, at home or abroad, paid for or not paid; also, those in their hands by factorage; government securities^ all
kinds, distinguishing those qf the United States; all moneys placed out at interest, exceeding the sums due on interestby the individual creditors; moneys ,©n hand, including moneys deposited with an agent, or in any bank; stock
owned by stockholders in any bank; ounces of platq of all kinds; horses and neat cattle, of three years old and upwards; and swine of six months old and upwards.
In rendering lists of lands, the assessors were directed to distinguish the improvements thereon by the following
criteria: The number of acres of pasture land, with th£ number ofcows which the grass of each entire farm would
support, together with the number of barrels of cider produced, on an average of several years, upon each farm; the
number of acres of tillage land, with the number of bushels of grain or corn, ot all sorts, usually produced; the number
of acres of salt marsh, with tne tons oT hay usually produced; the number of acres of English upland and fresh
meadow, mowing land, with the tons of I^y of each sort usually produced; the number of cows, let out, according to
a custom, by which a proportion of their increase is reserved to the owners; the number of enclosed acres of woodland; alsopt'lands unimproved, owned by individuals and by towns;* of lands unimprovable, or used for roads, or
covered'with water; distinguishing each by estimate.
In making up the returns above mentioned, provision was made for exempting from valuation thfc polls of the
president, fellows, professors, tutors, librarian, and students of Harvard college; of settled ministers, of grammar
school-masters, and masters of the several incorporated academies, with their estates, under their own actual occupation and improvement, and also all the estates belonging to Harvard College, and the said academies. f
The object of this minute detail of the different species of property possesed by the inhabitants, was to obtain
information ofthe sources ofthe revenue or income ofthe whole State, and thereby to establish an equitable ratio of
contribution for the several counties and towns. It was specially declared in the act, that the'enumeration of the
articles ofthe produce ofthe lands should not be taken into consideration in forming the valuation, for any other
purpose than for ascertaining the relative, value, of lands in different districts. In collecting and making up the returns, the assessors were under oath faithfully to execute their trust; and they had power to require of individuals, a
verification, on oath, ofthe lists of property by them respectively exhibited. In cases of neglect to exhibit written
liste of property subject to valuation, or of refusal to attest the same on oath or, affirmation, the assessors were authorized to doom or assess the individuals so neglected or refusing, according, to a conjectural estimate of their
property.
The result of the returns taken, according to the act before mentioned, is annexed, (B.) In determining the
quotas of towns, all property, except unimproved lands, was estimated at six per centum of its supposed real value;
and unimproved lands at two per centum of the real value. A t these rates, the wealth of tjie^vhole State was found
to be nine hundred and thirty-seven thousand six hundred and ninety-eight pounds, four shillings and two-pence
half-penny, lawful money; uppn which sum, in combination with an assessment on polls, hereafter mentioned, the
quotas of the several counties, towns, and plantations, in a tax of one thousand pounds upon the State, were established, and by these quotas, taxes are now imposed. The number of taxable polls returned, was one hundred and
six thousand one hundred and sixty-seven; which were assessed one half-penny each, or two-ninth parts of a tax of
one thousand pounds upon the State.
The proportions of taxes payable by counties and towns, being thus settled by a rule which may continue for ten
years, unless changed in consequence of a new valuation, they are assessed upon individuals, and collected under the
following regulations:
In the month of March or April, annually, when other town officers are chosen, the inhabitants of the respective
towns, severally, elect three, five, seven.pr nine assessors, who are Sworn to a faithful discharge of their duty. A
person chosen to.be an assessor, and refusing.to take the oath, becomes liable to a fine of five pounds; which may,
however, be remitted by the court of the general sessions of the peace, at their discretion.
I f a town omits to choose assessors, or they refuse to serve, the selectmen become assessors, of course. If a town
omits to choosfe either assessors or selectmen, or if they omit to do their duty, assessor^ may be appointed by the
court ofthe general sessions of the peace for the county; who, in addition to their other duties, may be authorized to
assess a fine upon the town, not exceeding one hundred pounds, nor less than thirty pounds, as may l)e determined
by the court. The compensation allowed to assessors chosen by the towns, is four shillings per diem, while employed in service; and to assessors appointed by the court of general sessions, ten shillings per diem, payable, m both
qases, out of the, town treasuries.
When a tax is granted by the State, the treasurer issues* his warrant, directed to the assessors, commanding
them to assess the proportion or quota of the town; the sum to be assessed on each poll is always expressed in the
treasurer's warrant, and is, as nearly as may be, one half-penny for each thousand pounds of the tax laid upon the
State. The tax on polls being uniform, is assigned to each individual; a sufficient sum to secure a collection ol the remainder of the town quota, is then apportioned uponestates. In this apportionment the assessors are directed by
the treasurer's warrant, in which reference is had to^the objects of taxation, and rules of estimating the same, which
governed in fixing the last valuation, fn making out the assessments upon individuals, the assessors are required to
distinguish the proportions assessed for polls, for real estates, and for personal estate and income; also the number ot
acres of unimproved land for which a tax is assigned to a non-resident proprietor, and the value at which the same
is estimated; also the tax assessed to any person upon property held in trust for others. The warrant moreover directs, that, when the list is completed ana signed by a majority of assessors, it shall be delivered to the collector ot
the town, with a warrant and direction for collecting the sums therein expressed, and paying the quota ol the town

DIRECT

1796.]

TAXES.

421

over to the treasurer, by a certain day. It also prescribes a day for rendering a return to the treasurer, of the
name of the collector.
If, for any reason, there be no assessors to execute the treasurer's warrant before mentioned, or if they neglect to
perform the duties enjoined on them, for the space of five months, it becomes the duty of the treasurer to issue a
warrant, directed to the sheriff of the county, commanding him to collect the amount ot the tax by distress and sale
of the estates, real and personal, of any of the inhabitants of the delinquent town. On receiving this warrant, it
becomes the duty of the sheriff forthwith to transmit an attested copy thereof to the selectmen or town clerk of the
delinquent town; if, however, within sixty days, the sheriff receive a certificate, that the taxes required by the warrant have been assessed, he may return the same unsatisfied, to the treasurer.
The process pursued in executing the treasurer's warrant to assessors, is similar to that before described for taking
a valuation; that is, a time is prescribed by notification to the inhabitants, for exhibiting lists of their polls and ratable property; such as omit a compliance, or as refuse to verify their lists on oath, when required, are liable to be
doomed or assessed, at discretion.
Persons aggrieved by erroneous or excessive assessments, may obtain relief by application to the court of general
sessions of the peace for the county.
It is a general*rule to make a list for every tax which is granted; but, when county or town taxes are so small as
to render a separate assessment inconvenient, they may be combined with other taxes, and collected together. To
cover defalcations arising from abatements, and for the purpose of avoiding inconvenient fractional divisions, the
assessors may apportion, beyond the sums proposed to be raised, a surplus or addition of five per centum; provided,
that such addition does not exceed forty pounds in the whole, for any town. When the assessors have completed
an assessment, copies of their proceedings are lodged in the office of the clerk or register of the t o w .
The collectors of taxes are chosen by the inhabitants of towns, at their annual meetings, and are sworn to a
faithful and diligent discharge of their trust; if no collectors are chosen, the constables are collectors, of course; in
towns where no constables are chosen, the taxes arexollected by the sheriff of the county, or his deputies.
The towns agree with the collectors, upon the sums which they are to receive for collecting taxes, and their
compensations are paid by the towns respectively; these compensations vary from three to five per centum on the
sums collected; when the collections are made by the sheriffs or their t deputies (in consequence of omissions to
choose collectors or constables) they are allowed to take a commission of five per centum, of such persons as voluntarily pay the sums assessed upon them, within thirty days after a public and general notification and demand; those
individuals who neglect to pay their proportions for a longer term, become liable to the charges incident to a levy
and collection by distress.
The powers of collectors are derived from warrants granted by the assessors or selectmen: these warrants.accompany the lists of assessments upon individuals, and specify the quota payable by a town, the time when it is to be
settled with the treasurer, and the duties of the collectors.
Unless there is reason to suspect that a person from whom a tax is due, is about to abscond, no collection by
distress can be made until twelve days after a demand; after twelve days, goods and chattels, sufficient to satisfy
the tax, may be taken. The goods and chattels, so taken, must, however, be kept four days at the risk and charge
of the owner, after which, ana a public notification of the proposed sale, during two days, they may be sold at public
auction. If goods and chattels, sufficient to satisfy the tax, are notpresented by the debtor? his person may be taken
and committed to prison, there to remain until discharged according to the usual course ot law; or, in consequence
of an abatement ot the tax, by the assessors. It is not lawful to make distress of the tools or implements of a trade
or occupation, beasts of the plough necessary for the cultivation of improved lands, arms, or the household utensils,
or apparel, necessary for a family. When a person removes from a town, leaving a tax unpaid, the collector may
pursue him and take his goods by distress, or his person, in any part of the State where he may be found.
When no person appears to pay the taxes on unimproved lands of non-resident proprietors, or improved lands of
proprietors living out of the State, the collectors are to advertise the same for three weeks successively, in the
newspaper printed by the printer to the State; as also, in the town where the lands lie, and in three adjacent towns;
describing particularly the said lands, and mentioning the taxes remaining unpaid, and thetimeproposed for a sale.
If the taxes be not paid in consequence of such advertisement, a quantity of the lands, sufficient to pay the taxes and
incidental charges, may be sold by the collectors, who may grant conveyances therefor, defeasible in two years, by
the payment of the sums for which the sale was made, and intervening charges, with interest at the rate of ten per
centum per annum. The purchaser is, in the meantime, however, restrained from committing any waste or destruction of the timber on the lands so purchased. When the owners of improved lands, or other real estates, remove
from the towns where they resided when taxes were assessed, leaving the same unpaid, and no personal property to
satisfy the said taxes, can be found, the collectors may, after three months, proceed to sell the same, under the provisions and conditions before mentioned. To prevent the sale of lands without due notice, it is, however, provided,
that, w h e n non-resident proprietors shall have authorized, in writing, agents or attorneys, dwelling in the towns
where the lands lie, to pay the taxes, accruing thereon, and shall have caused their written authorities, for this purpose, to be recorded in the offices of the town clerks, the collectors shall not proceed to advertise for sale the lands
of such non-resident proprietors, until the expiration of two months after a personal or written demand of such
agents or attorneys, and a failure of payment.
When taxes are made payable at two different periods, and a person assessed is about to remove from the town,
the whole of the tax, although the same may not have become due, may be demanded at one time, and, if necessary,
be collected by distress. The powers of collectors continue until the taxes committed to them are fully settled,
although the time for which they were elected be expired; and if they are hindered, or obstructed, in the execution
of their duty, they may, both within and without the limits of their respective towns, command assistance, under
a penalty of fine or imprisonment, if such assistance be not afforded. Personal property of a tenant, found on lands,
at any time within nine months after a tax bill is committed to a collector, is liable to be distrained for the taxes
assessed on the lands in his occupancy: the proprietor of the land is, however, in this case, answerable for the value
of the property distrained. If the collector forbears to levy the tax, during nine months, he may not afterwards
proceed, except against the person of the proprietor, or by sale of the lands in the manner before described. When
persons indebted tor taxes abscond, or conceal their property, collectors of taxes are allowed the same remedies
against their agents, factors, or trustees, as other creditors have for the recovery of their debts.
When a collector is delinquent in collecting or paying oyer the sums expressed in his rate bills, it becomes the
duty of the treasurer to issue a warrant, directed to the sheriff of the county, returnable in ninety days, command0,
in him to levy the sums in arrear, by distress and sale of the real or personal estate of the delinquent collector;
an&, for want of estate, to commit his body to prison. If the sheriff fail to execute the warrant, or to pay the sums
.collected, a like warrant, directed to the coroner of the county, may be issued against the real and personal estate
When no estate of a delinquent collector can be found by the sheriff, or his estate is insufficient, or when the
person of the collector cannot be taken, or, being taken and committed to prison, the tax remains unsatisfied, for the
term of three months, the town becomes responsible, and liable to a new assesment lor the deficiency. It then be
comes the duty of die treasurer to notify the assessors of the townj of the failure and delinquency of their collector, and to require them to reassess the deficiency, and to commit the collection thereof to a new collector. On
failure of compliance for more than three months, the assessors become liable to be proceeded against, in the same
manner as against delinquent collectors. The property of delinquent collector^ at any time acquired, is held responsible for sums reassessed upon towns, in consequence of their neglect, and for all damages occurring thereby.
When collectors die, their executors and administrators are responsible tor all sums actually collected, to the full
amount of all assetts in their hands; and if they fail, for more than two months after the decease of the collector,
to make up and settle their accounts with the assessors, they become, in like manner, responsible for any sums remaining uncollected.
54

F

S422

FINANCE.

[1796.

When a warrant of distress is directed by the treasurer, against a delinquent sheriff, deputy; sheriff, or collector,
and lands or real estate are taken, fourteen days' notice of a proposed time of sale must be given, in at least two
public places in the town where the estate lies, and also in two adjoining towns; after which, the officer executing
the warrant may proceed to make sale of the estate at public auction, and may execute a valid conveyance therefor.
If the estate taken is insufficient to satisfy the warrant and the charges of sale, the treasurer may issue an alas
warrant or execution, which may be levied on the person of the delinquent deputy sheriff, or collector.
When a collector has been taken by a warrant from the treasurer, or is supposed to be about to remove out of
the State, the assessors or selectmen may require a surrender of the tax bill in his hands, with the evidences of the
sums by him collected; and may convene the inhabitants of the town, for the purpose of electing a new collector.
If a collector abscond or secrete himself, for one month, the selectmen or assessors may proceed, by a declaration,
filed in the supreme judicial court, to obtain judgment of outlawry: if, however, tlie collector afterwards surrender
himself, and pay the taxes by him due, and all costs of the process against him, and cause the settlement thereof to
be recorded in the supreme judicial court, such record will operate, and be a full reversal of tlie judgment of outlawry.
When the estate of an inhabitant, not being an assessor, is taken by a warrant of the treasurer, issued against
the inhabitants of a town generally, tne inhabitant whose estate is so taken, is entitled to an action against the town,
to recover the full value ot the estate taken, with costs and interest, at the rate of twelve per centum per annum.
There are, at present, in Massachusetts, seventeen counties, and about three hundred and eighty towns or districts, liable to be assessed for the payment of taxes. Some towns elect but one collector, others three or four, as
is judged most economical or convenient. In the treasurer's books one account is opened with each town or collection district, for tlie whole amount of the tax; if there be more than one collector, the sums which each is to pay are
separately detailed. All payments are passed to the credit of the town' generally, expressing, however, by whom
made.
The regulations and provisions before mentioned, have been'found sufficient to ensure the final payment into the
treasury of the taxes hitherto imposed by the State. The degrees of punctuality with which settlements have
been effected, are understood to have been various* according as the taxes have been more or less burdensome. Of
a tax of about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, granted in June, 1794, and directed to be paid into the treasury by the 1st day of April, 1795, about eleven thousand dollars were paid by; the time prescribed; seventy-one
thousand dollars, including tlie payment first mentioned^ within three months; eighty-eight thousand dollars within
six months; one hundred and nine thousand dollars within nine months: one hundred and thirty-one thousand dollars within twelve months; and one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars' within fifteen months, after the time
limited. As this was a tax of ordinary magnitude, and one of the last which has been imposed, it is supposed to
afford a fair illustration of the operation of the revenue system, under which it was collected.
The debt of the State is estimated at two millions three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, bearing an interest of
five per centum, per annum, or
$117,500
The funds out of which this interest is paid, are the dividends on stock of the Union Bank, held by the
State, estimated at
- .
$34,300
Interest on the debt due by the United States, on the settlement made by commissioners,
57,518
Amounting to

-

-

-

91,818

The deficiency, being
$25,682
is supplied by an annual tax on polls and estates.
The annual expenses of supporting the government of the State are estimated at about onehundred and twenty
thousand dollars; consequently, the annual taxes cannot be less than one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars. (C.)
The proceeds of certain lands are by law apppropriated, in the hands of commissioners, to the purchase of the
debt due by the State, with the interest of debt so purchased; by the operation of this fund, about three hundred
thousand dollars have been already redeemed.
It is understood that the county and corporation taxes very considerably exceed those imposed by the State.

OF RHODE

ISLAND.

The mode of assessing^ and collecting taxes in this State, is understood to have been essentially the same as at
present, from an early period of its settlement: for, though various alterations have been made, none of them have
been of a nature to affect the principles of the system.
At present, taxes are assessed on polls and on the collective mass of property, owned by tlie inhabitants of tlie
State, both real and personal. The only exceptions which appear, in an act passed i J June, 1795, for taking a general estimate of ratable property, are household furniture, excepting >plate, farming utensils, the tools of mechanics,
and one quarter part of all property at sea. The last exception is understood to have been made merely in consideration of therisksincident to commerce.
The towns are tlie only collection districts; they are responsible to the State treasury for the proportions of
taxes assigned to them by the Legislature. These proportions are ascertained by general valuations, which are from
time to time directed to be taken, when an increased population, advanced improvements, or accumulations of
wealth from commercial business, or other causes, arefound to have changed the relations of wealth which subsisted
at tlie time of takinga former valuation; the three last valuations were taken in the years 1767? 1778, and 1795. (D.)
The estimate according to which the quotas of the different towns are at present determined, was taken in tlie
following manner:
An act was passed by the Legislature, in June, 1795, directingthe towns to elect committees in the month of August following, to consist of not less than three, or more than five persons; which committees were directed to call
upon the inhabitants of their respective towns, and to require them to render, on oath or affirmation, true and perfect
accounts of all their property, real and personal, with the exceptions before mentioned.
The committees were directed, in the next place? from the lists of property exhibited by individuals, the former
valuation lists of the towns, and such other information as they might be able to obtain, to make out just estimates of
the whole property of their respective towns; in performing which duty they were to be under oath.
By the act of the Legislature above mentioned, a committee of ten persons was appointed, who were directed td
visit all the towns in the State, and after requiring the committees of towns to appear before them, with their estimates, and the lists exhibited by individuals, they were empowered, on the best information which they could obtain,
to fix the quotas of the several towns, and to report a general estimate of the ratable property of the State.
It was provided that, if* any person should refuse to exhibit a list of his property to the committee of the town, it
should be m the power of tlie committee of the State to fix such a valuation as they should judge proper; according to
which, the delinquent individual should be liable to two-fold taxation; a like provision was also made for assessing
and taxing a town, in case of an omission to elect a town committee, or of a general omission of the inhabitants to
exhibit lists of their property.
By the valuation taken in the year 1767, the ratable property of the State was found to be seven millions three
hundred and seventy one thousand one hundred and eighty-six dollars seventy-seven cents. By the valuation taken
in 1778, including that of the insular towns in Newport county, which was not taken till 1783, ten millions nine
hundred and seventy-seven thousand nine hundred and nine dollars sixteen cents. And by tlie valuation taken in

1796.]

DIRECT

TAXES.

423

1795, fifteen millions five hundred thousand dollars.' Of the valuation taken in 1767, about three fourths of the
aggregate estimate appears to have arisen upon real, and one fourth part on personal property. Of the valuation
taken in 1778, but little more than one sixth part was estimated for personal property. N o certain data have been
obtained for ascertaining the proportion in which personal property contributed to the valuation in 1795. It however
appears that the increase in the estimate has been principally owing to real or supposed accumulations in the commercial towns of the State, some of which have complained of undue assessments.
According to a principle established by long usage, the poll tax is uniformly six-pence on each poll, for every
thousand pounds of a tax upon the State. Assuming as data, which cannot be materially erroneous, that there are
twelve thousand ratable polls in the State, and that one fourth part of the general valuation taken, in 1795, was
founded on personal property, it will follow that taxes are assessed on real ana personal property and on polls, in the
following proportions:
On polls, by an uniform rate,
- - - $300
On personal property, ad valorem,
175
On real estates, ad valorem,
525
"Whole amount of a supposed tax,
Si,000
But, notwithstanding the general rule is supposed to be nearly as is above stated, it is understood that the individual towns are not necessarily confined thereto. By a vote of the freemen of Providence, the poll tax has been
abolished, in respect to that town, where it has been resolved that all taxes shall be raised by an assessment on estates only.
The exemptions from taxation are in favor of the-estates belonging to Rhode Island college, houses dedicated to
public worship, and the polls of settled ministers of the Christian religion.
The apportionment of taxes upon individuals is performed by assessors, who are annually chosen by the inhabitants of the respective towns. When a town omits to choose assessors, it becomes liable to a fine of fifty pounds,
recoverable by the treasurer of the State, by an action of debt against the treasurer "of the delinquent town. Notwithstanding the obligation upon towns to choose assessors annually, it has. however, been usual to authorize new
appointments, whenever a tax is granted by the State.
Prior to the assessment of a tax, the inhabitants are required to exhibit, on oath or affirmation, lists or accounts of
their estates. Those who omit or refuse, are assessed at the4discretion of the assessors, and are, moreover, precluded
from any remedy by abatement. The value ofthe property exhibited in the lists of individuals, is determined by
the judgment ot the assessors. The court of general sessions of the peace of the county may, however, relieve
against excessive valuations, and may award the payment of costs out of the town treasury.
When the valuations of property are ascertained, the sum to be raised by the uniform poll tax, before described,
is apportioned, and the remainder of the tax is then distributed by a poundage rate, in proportion to the lists of property possessed by individuals. The completed tax bills are then delivered to the town-clerk, by whom a copy is
made and certified to the treasurer of the State, with the name of the collector for the town.
Collectors are chosen by the inhabitants of towns, which are responsible for their conduct; they are authorized
to proceed, in collecting taxes, by warrants from the treasurer ofthe State, affixed to the copies of tax bills, transmitted to him by the town clerks. As a security against the delinquincies of colllectors, it has become an universal practice for the towns to require sureties for their fidelity.
The collectors may distrain goods or chattels for the payment of taxes, and for want thereof may commit delinquents to prison. When goods and chattels are not to be found, the lands of persons living out of the limits of the
State may be sold and conveyed by a collector; due notice being previously given by advertisement in the newspapers printed within the State.
When collectors were delinquent, it was formerly the practice, authorized by law, for the treasurer ofthe
State to issue warrants of distress against their goods and chattels, and for want thereof, to commit their bodies to
prison. Of late, a different rule has obtained; when the quota of a town is not paid into tne treasury, by the day prescribed, a warrant is issued by the treasurer of the State, against the treasurer of the delinquent town, who may
proceed in a summary manner against the delinquent collector and his sureties. All charges incident to a warrant
against a town treasurer, may, in addition to the original tax, be collected of the individuals who remained delinquent
at the time of issuing the said warrant. b The towns are responsible for interest on the sums not paid into the State
treasury by the time prescribed, which interest may be collected of the individuals in arrear.
All expenses of assessing and collecting taxes, are paid by the towns respectively; when the rule of compensation is not varied by special agreement, the assessors are entitled to one and three quarters per centum, for apportioning, and the collectors to five per centum, for collecting a tax. The actual expense of collection is various, but, in
consequence of competitions for tne office of collector, which have been encouraged by the towns, this expense has
been reduced to three and three quarters per centum, and, in some instances, as low as two and an half per centum.
The taxes lately imposed have been moderate, ana have been wrell collected. Of a tax for twenty thousand dollars, granted in October, 1794, payable on the first of February, 1795, two thirds were paid in three months, and
the wiiole in nine months after it became due.
The expenses of the State Government are annually about five thousand dollars, exclusive of the expenses attending the erection of state houses and prisons, which, for several years past, have averaged about eight thousand
three hundred dollars more. The amount of country and town taxes cannot be ascertained.
The State is indebted about ninety-eight thousand dollars, for discharging which, no resource is known to exist
except revenue from taxation.
OF CONNECTICUT.
Taxes are imposed in this State according to a system which has obtained from an early period, without any radical change or alteration.
The objects specifically enumerated in the law now in force, are polls, lands, and the stock of farms, with certain
exemptions; houses, carriages for the conveyance of persons, plate, clocks and watches, credits on interest, exceeding the debts due on interest by the individual creditors^ excepting loans to the State and the United States; to
which may be added assessments proportioned to the estimated gains or profits arising from any, and all, lucrative
professions, trades, and occupations, excepting compensations to public offices, the profits of husbandry, and common labor tor hire. The proportions in which taxes were imposed on the several ratable objects, in the year 1795
will appear from the annexed document (E.)
The distribution, assessment, and collection, of taxes upon these objects, are performed in the following manner:
In the month of December, annually* the inhabitants ofthe respective towns are convened, pursuant to a permanent law, for the choice of town officers.
description of officers is then chosen, denominated listers; the number of these officers, in each town3 is determined by the inhabitants; previously to entering on their duties, the listers are sworn to a faithful and diligent execution of their trust. In the month of July, annually, the listers, by notification at some public place, in each society of their respective towns, require the inhabitants to exhibit, on, or before the tenth day of September, following, lists or inventories, of the ratable property by them respectively owned,
on the twentieth day of August, which day is assigned by law for taking the lists of ratable property throughout
the State.
Immediately after the tenth day of September, the lists or inventories of ratable property, returned by the inhabitants, are, by the listers, collected and arranged; of these, an aggregate list or statement is formed, exhibiting the
quantities and ratable value of the differet taxable objects, as, also, the particular sums assessed upon trades and
professions. From the list of polls, the listers then, in conjunction with the civil authority and selectmen, abate or
deduct the polls of persons disabled by sickness or other infirmity; it is, however, provided, that such abatements

\

S424

FINANCE.

[1796.

or deductions may not exceed one tenth of the number of polls borne on the list of the town; the aggregate list of
the town, after the abatement of polls is made, is then returned to the General Assembly, at their annual session in
October.
After the return of the aggregate list to the General Assembly, the listers meet, and enter upon a scrutiny of the
lists exhibited by the individual inhabitants, which continues from time to time, as circumstances require, until the
close of the year. During this period, inquiries are made respecting ratable property, which may have been omitted,
and such as is discovered to have been omitted through fraud or neglect, is assessed four-fold. The additions to
the list, in consequence of accidental omissions, and the amounts subjected to four-fold taxation, are then arranged
and reduced to a new aggregate* which is returned to the General Assembly, in May following. In case of an
omission to make up andtransmit to the General Assembly the aggregate list, m October, or the additions and fourfold assessments in May, together with a certificate that the listers have taken the oath prescribed by law, they
become subject to a fine, and the town in which the omission happens, is, moreover, liable to be doomed or assessed
J
at the discretion of the General Assembly.
The amounts or ratable property, in each town, and the proportions in which it is possessed by individuals, being
definitively settled for the year, by the result of the scrutiny ending on the last day of December, the listers are
required by law, some time in the month of January, to make out lists or statements, containing, in aphabetical
order, the names of the inhabitants, their ratable property, and the amount of the lists of each individual. In these
list* or statements, the inhabitants are classed according to the societies or religious corporations to which they
respectively belong. When the lists are completed, they are delivered to the town clerk, or register, and form a
part of the records of the town.
By means of the aggregate lists returned to the General Assembly, a general statement of the ratable property
possessed in the State, and in each county and t o w , is annually framed; and by a reference to the offices of the
town clerks, the list of any society, or individual, may at any time be known.
According to these annual lists of ratable property, all taxes are imposed, whether for the use of the State, or
for the use ot any county, town, or society i When a sum of money is required, a calculation is made of the rate or
proportion necessary to be imposed, on the aggregate list, and by knowing the rate or proportion of the tax granted
on the aggregate list, every individual can readily ascertain the sum with which he is charged.
Errors in the aggregate lists, which affect the proportions of towns, are rectified by the treasurer, on receiving
satisfactory certificates from the listers, pointing out the causes of such errors. When individuals are affected by
errors or over charges, they may receive redress by applying to the listers; but, if the listers refuse relief, an appeal
is allowed to a tribunal, consisting of two justices of the peace, and three selectmen of the town, who, after notifying two or more of the listers, may proceed to a final decision. All applications, by individuals, for relief against
errors or overcharges, must, however, be made on, or before, the twentieth of April next, after the error or overcharge occurred.
The property of non-residents is taxed in the same manner as that of inhabitants. The exemptions from taxation are in favor of settled ministers of the Christian religion, and the president of Yale college, whose polls and
their estates, lying in the society or town in which they dwell, together with all lands or buildings sequestered for
schools, or other public or pious uses, are exempted.
The listers are, by law, entitled to receive, from the town treasuries, a compensation of thirteen cents upon every
thousand pounds of the sums included in the lists of the respective towns; besides which, one half of all the taxes
collected upon four-fold assessments accrue to their benefit.
The collectors of taxes are chosen by the towns, respectively, which are responsible for their delinquencies* in
some cases bonds, with sufficient sureties, are required, as a condition of appointment; in all cases, the selectmen
have a controlling power over the conduct of collectors.
When a tax is granted by the State, the treasurer, without special direction, but as a matter of course, issues his
warrants directed to the collectors, requiring each of them to collect a certain sum* which is always a poundage rate
upon the lists of the several towns; of the sums expressed in the warrants, the civil authority and selectmen are
however, authorized to abate one eighth part, which is never collected, but applied to the relief of indigent or unfortunate persons; by means of this provision, the operation of a general rule ot taxation is reconciled with equity in
9
particular cases.
There is, also, allowed annually, out of the taxes granted by the State, the sum of two dollars upon every thousand dollars of the aggregate lists of the several towns, as a partial support for public schools; this allowance in a
?
fiscal view, is equivalent to an additional abatement or deduction from the annual taxes.
The collectors have the usual powers of sheriffs, and may execute their warrants, by distress and sale of *oods
and chattels; when these are not to be found, they may attach real estate, or* for want thereof, they may commit
delinquents to prison. They are required, however, to warn the inhabitants to pay their proportions, and may not
proceed to make distress until after such warning, and a consequent non-compliance, nor until two months before
the day assigned for paying the tax into the treasury.
When the person of a delinquent is committed to prison, the town beoomes liable to the collector for the amount
of the tax, which if necessary, may be recovered of the selectmen, by a warrant from the treasurer, in favor of the collector; to charge the town, it is, however, necessary, that the commitment be made within eight months after the tax
became payable. The warrants of collectors run throughout the State, and may be levied wherever persons indebted for taxes can be found. If a collector die, after the year for which he was appointed be expired, his powers while
living, survive to his executors or administrators; but if the collector die during the year, it Becomes the duty of the
town to proceed to make a new appointment. When real estate is taken, it is necessary that the proposed time of
sale should be advertised for three weeks, in a public newspaper, at least six weeks prior to the sale. Lands sold
for taxes may, during twelve months after the sale, be redeemed, on payment of the purchase money, and costs
with interest, at the rate of twelve per centum per annum. Creditors of persons whose lands have been sold mav
avail themselves of therightof redemption; in which case, the lands remain pledged, in nature of amort^e'until
the sums advanced are refunded, with twelve per cent, interest. All taxes due by an individual, remain as a lien
upbn his real estate, for one year after they become payable.
The powers of collectors terminate at the expiration of three years from the dates of their respective warrants
except in respect to persons who may have removed from the State, with their property* The powers of executors and administrators of collectors continue for two years after being capacitatedassuch, in respect to taxes which
were demandable by the collector while living.
When a collector is delinquent for more than four months after the time limited for a settlement with the treasurer, a warrant of distress is issued against his person and estate, returnable in sixty days. If the collector or
sufficient estate, are not to be found, or if he be committed to prison, and the tax remain unpaid, a second warrant
is issued against the estates of the selectmen; if no, or insufficient, estates,- of the selectmen can be found and a
return is accordingly made, a third warrant is issued, against the goods and chattels of the inhabitants of the delinquent town, indiscriminately.
The issuing of the two warrants first described, is frequently found, in practice, to be attended with no coercive effect, except that arising from a sense of the accumulated expenses, which must be finally borne by the town
on issuing the third warrant. Ihis circuitous process was, therefore, inefficacious, when, as durin^and for some time
subsequent to the late war, taxes were really burdensome. ^
°
When the goods and chattels, of selectmen or inhabitants, are taken by distress, a warrant is issued by a
justice of the peace, directing an appraisement, for which, with reasonable costs and damages, the town is made responsible, and for the reimbursement of which, a tax may be assessed by the selectmen.
The compensations of collectors are a commission of two and one half per centum on the sums collected and paid
over, besides travelling fees when they settle their accounts. These allowances are paid by the State* when taxes
7
are collected by distress, extra fees are allowed, which are paid by the delinquents.

1796.]

DIRECT

TAXES.

425

The moderate taxes lately imposed by the State, have been well collected. Of a tax of one penny on the pound,
or about twenty-three thousand dollars, made payable on the first day of December, 1795, nearly one half was paid
into the treasury in three months, and almost the whole of the remainder in six months after it became due. The
taxes granted by the people themselves, as members of legal corporations, such as cities, towns, ecclesiastical and
school societies, are supposed to exceed, on an average, ten times the sums lately granted by the State.
The ordinary expense of supporting Government has been about forty thousand dollars per annum; but, in consequence of a temporary addition to the compensations and fees, heretofore established, the present expense may be
estimated at about fifty thousand dollars per annum.
After liquidating the debt incurred, during the late war, there will belong to the State about three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars, of the balance which was found due on the settlements of the accounts of the late war.
OF NEW YORK.
No general or direct tax has been levied by this State, since the year 1788; no objects of taxation are defined in
the laws, nor any principles of valuation prescribed. The amount of a tax upon the State being declared, the Legislature determines the quotas to be paid by counties, the supervisors of counties determine^the quotas of towns,
which last are apportioned to individuals by assessors; no provision has been made for requiring a disclosure of the
property owned by individuals; of course, all assessments by the Legislature, by supervisors, and assessors, are determined by a discretionary estimate of the collective and relative wealth of corporations and individuals.
The process by which taxes are assessed and collected, and the manner in which the responsibility of officers and
collection districts are secured, are, however, to be explained.
In the month of April, annually, the freeholders, and inhabitants of the several towns elect one supervisor, not
less than three, nor more than seven, assessors, and one or more collectors of taxes. Vacancies occasioned by
deaths, removals, or any other cause, may be filled by new elections, to continue during the remainder of the year;
when towns neglect to elect, and continue in office, supervisors and assessors, they may be appointed by three justices of peace of the county. Persons refusing to serve in the offices to which they may have been elected or
appointed, are subject to a fine. When the assessors have been qualified by taking an oath faithfully to discharge
their trusts, it becomes their duty to meet for the purpose of estimating the value of all real and personal estates m
their respective towns; in the first place a list is made of the names of all resident freeholders and inhabitants, and
of all persons living elsewhere, possessed of any property lying in the town: against the name of each person, the
assessors place such sums as they j udge to be the true value ot* real and personal estates owned by individuals, distinguishing the value of real from that of personal estates; these lists, with the assessments to each person, signed by
a majority ofthe assessors, are then delivered to the supervisors of the county, or their clerk, on or before the last
Tuesday of May, annually. If the assessors omit to perform their duty, they become severally liable to a fine of
twenty-five pounds, recoverable for the use of the county.
On the day last mentioned, the supervisors of the respective counties meet at the court house ot each county, and
afterwards at such times and places as they can agree. When a tax has been granted by the State, the quota, ofthe
county is by them apportioned to the several towns, according to their best discretion: to which is added a sum
sufficient to defray the expenses ofthe county during the year; and a further sum for the maintenance of the poor
of each town. The sums thus assigned to each town, are then apportioned by a poundage rate, to individuals,
according to their proportions, as exhibited in the lists transmitted by the assessors.
The lists, with die sums payable by individuals, are then transmitted to the collectors of the several towns, with
the warrants ofthe supervisors of the county annexed. Of the sums first collected, the amount of the assessments
for the maintenance ot the poor are paid to the overseers of the poor in each town; the remainder, including the sum
assessed for the use ofthe State, is made payable to the treasurer of the county.
.
b
The treasurers of counties are appointed by the supervisors, and are required to give bonds, with sufficient sureties, for the faithful discharge of their trusts. The collectors of towns are responsible to the county treasurers, which
last are responsible to the supervisors and to the treasurer of the State.
The warrants of the supervisors to collectors authorize them to proceed by distress and sale of the goods and
chattels of the persons indebted for taxes; when goods and chattels are notto be found, the taxes accruing upon real
estates may be collected by a sale at public auction of a sufficient quantity of the timber, wood, or grass, growing
thereon; a notice of such intended sale, for six weeks, and an advertisement, for six days, at two or more public
places in the town where the estate lies, are, however, required.
.
When a collector is delinquent, the county treasurer is required to issue his warrant, returnable in thirty days,
directed to the sheriff of the proper county, commanding him to l e w the sum in arrear ofthe lands and tenements,
or goods and chattels, of the collector, and for want thereof, to confine his person in prison. Of the sums assigned
to collectors, they may, however, discharge themselves, in all cases where no goods or chattels of individuals are to
be found whereon to levy, by rendering an account of deficiencies to the county treasurer, on path, prior to the time
assigned for the settlement ofthe tax. If the collector omits to exonerate himself by rendering an account of deficiencies by the time prescribed, he becomes liable for the whole sum assigned to him for collection; such accounts
of deficiencies as are rendered by the collectors, are, by the county treasurers, laid before the supervisors, at their
next meeting.
When taxes have been granted by the State, the county treasurers are required, annually, before the month of
March, to pay the sums by them received, to the treasurer of the State, at the same time exhibiting accounts on oath
of all warrants issued against delinquent collectors, expressing the amount of each; where a county treasurer has
omitted to pay over the sums by him received, within the time prescribed, or to exhibit, on oath, an account as above
mentioned, or has neglected to issue his warrants against delinquent collectors, it becomes the duty ofthe treasurer
ofthe State to proceed against the county treasurer, in the manner before described, with respect to delinquent
collectors.
. .
.
It is the duty of the supervisors of counties, at their annual meetings, previously to ascertaining and assessing the
county tax for the year, to examine the accounts of deficiencies exhibited by the collectors to the county treasurers,
during the former year; when, in the judgment of the supervisors, the taxes are collectible, notwithstanding the
return of the collectors, they are authorized to issue new warrants for collecting the same, under the same formalities
and conditions as though a new tax had been assessed; when the deficiencies are found to proceed from insolvencies,
or want of goods, or other property, whereon a levy might have been made, or from the. insolvency of a collector,
the deficiencies are added to tne quota of the town in which they arose, to be collected with the new tax. In cases
where towns are charged with deficiencies, the first payments thereafter made are applied by the county treasurers
on account thereof.
The compensations of the supervisors and their clerks, as. also of assessors, are determined by the supervisors,
and included with the annual taxes upon the county.
The collectors are allowed to retain, from the sums collected, by them, a commission of five per centum; the fees
of sheriffs for levying moneys of delinquent collectors are two and one half per centum; the compensation of the
county treasurers is a commission of one and three quarters per centum upon the sums received and paid over; the
whole expense of assessing and collecting a tax has been estimated at from fifteen to twenty per centum ofthe sums
collected from the people.
The last State tax, granted in 1788, was for sixty thousand dollars, of which three-fourths was paid into the treasury in one year, the residue was not entirely paid in two years. The expenses of supporting civil government are
annually about seventy-five thousand dollars; the annual grants to the university, college, schools, hospital, and for
contingencies, somewhat exceed this amount The outstanding debts of the State are about two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, a principal part of which consists of bills of credit issued since the late war. The credits

S426

FINANCE.

[1796.

and funds of the State are ample, and their product sufficient to supersede the necessity of taxation except for county
and other local purposes.
OF N E W

JERSEY.

• 7ile
taxation enumerated in the laws of this State, are lands, whether improved or unimproved; houses,
with lots adjoining, not exceeeding ten acres; horses and neat cattle, furnaces, forges and mills of several kinds;
tan-yards, ferries,fisheries,vessels, carriages for the conveyance' of persons, including sleighs; personal taxes on
shop-keepers, single men who keep horses, single men who do not keep horses, and on slaves.
Each of tlie taxable objects before enumerated, is, by the Legislature, assessed, from time to time, at a certain
valued the assessments on lands, and on houses and lots, are graduated according to an equitable scale, with reference to the relative fertility and local advantages or disadvantages of the several counties. The quantities of taxable property, the rates at which they were assessed in the year 1794, and the quotas of the seyeral counties in a tax of
thirty thousand pounds, appear in an annexed document (F.)
It appears that the quotas of counties are determined by their lists of ratable property, according to the valuations from time to time made by the Legislature; the quotas of townships and individuals are assessed pursuant to
the following regulations:
A t the annual town meetings, there are chosen, within each township, ward, and precinct, two freeholders, three
commissioners of appeals, one assessor, and one collector of taxes. In case of neglect in any township to make
elections of assessors and collectors, or of the disability of the persons chosen, two justices of the peace of the
county may appoint a town meeting, at which elections may be made by a plurality of the voices present; in case of
a refusal or neglect to make elections in this mode, two justices of the peace may make the necessary appointments.
The assessors, after being qualified, by taking an roath or affirmation faithfully to discharge their trusts, are required, between the twentieth day of July and the twentieth day of August in each vear, to apply to the inhabitants
of their several townships for an account of all their property, real and personal, then ratable by law; of the property disclosed, correct and particular lists are taken in writing by the assessors*
Such of the inhabitants as refuse to disclose a true state of their taxable estates, are liable to be assessed, at the
discretion of the assessors, double the amount of the sums for which they would otherwise be liable in the opinion
of the assessors.
In nuking assessments, lands, houses, and lots, are estimated ad valorem, not exceeding certain rates, which are
prescribed by law; horses and neat cattle are assessed uniformly throughout the State; the assessments on all other
objects of taxation are specific, not exceeding certain prescribed rates; the objects of specific taxation are styled
certainties, of which particular and distinct accounts are taken.
months before a tax is made payable into the treasury, the assessors of the several townships meet at the
court-house of the county, with the lists of ratable property collected in the several townships. After the lists have
been arranged? and tlie quantities of each description of taxable objects have been ascertained, a calculation is made
ot the proportion of the tax which can be raised on the certainties or objects of specific taxation; the remainder is
then apportioned to the several townships, at the discretion of a majority of the assessors present; so. however, that
the rates.of-valuation, prescribed by law, be not exceeded in assessing,the quota of any township: when the quotas
or the townships have been ascertained, an abstract is formed of all the certainties and other property subject to
taxation in the county, distinguishing the amount in each township, which, being signed by the assessors, is delivered
to the collector of the county.
, Within ten days after the quotas of the townships are settled, the assessors are required to make out duplicates of
the assessments upon individuals, containing an account of the certainties, the sums estimated for other property,
with the taxes ^assigned to each person, one of which duplicates is delivered to the collector of the proper township,
ward, or precinct, and the other to the collector of the county, who is required to lay the duplicates, being the assessments on townships and persons, with the abstract thereof for the county, before the General Assembly, in October? annually.
in assigning the proportions of individuals, the assessors appear to be confined to the objects of taxation
prescribed by law, and are not allowed to exceed certain rates of valuation, of which the limits are designated, yet,
as within these limits a wide latitude of discretion may be exercised, provision has been made for an appeal where
the assessments are deemed excessive. With a view to this subject, the constitution has prescribed that the townships
shall annually elect three or more judicious freeholders to hear and finally determine ail appeals relative to unjust
^ssessments, who are directed to sit at suitable times, to be by them appointed, and made known to the people by
. In conformity with this provision, the law directs that, within four days after the duplicate assessment, or tax bill,
is received by the township collector, he shall, by advertisement, give public notice that a tax has become payable,
a r e t u vn of delinquents will be made in manner hereafter mentioned, and the time
k r e i lV m e n t l 0 ? l n g r
when the meeting of the commissioners of appeals is to be holden. In case the commissioners of appeals see fit to
allow a deduction from any assessment, a transcript of their decision becomes a voucher in favor of the collector to
whom it is directed.
The township collectors are responsible to the collectors of counties, who are appointed by the justices and freeholders ol the counties, respectively. The county collectors are responsible to the treasurer of the State.
Within twenty-five days after receiving the duplicate assessments, the collectors of townships are required to
demand the taxes due by individuals, either by personal application, or by notice at their respective dwellings, menS^S? a t j s a m e time, the session of the commissioners' appeal. In case of non-pyament, until within one month
and fifteen days before the time prescribed for payment into the treasury, it becomes the duty of the collector to
make a return, on oath, to some justice of the peace of the county, therein specifying the names of the delinquents
and the sutas due from them, respectively, for which return, the justice of the peace may be required to grant his
receipt or acknowledgment. Prior to the time prescribed for settlement with the county collector, the collectors
ot townships must pay over the sums by them collected; in which case, they cease to be chargeable for such assesments as have been returned to a justice of the peace, in manner before mentioned. When a township collector
omits to make a return of delinquents, or pay over the sums by him collected, he becomes liable to a fine of twelve
pounds, collectible by the county collector, for the use of the State.
Within three days after a return of delinquents to a justice of peace, it becomes his duty to issue warrants,
directed to some constable of the county, requiring him to levy the sums in arrear, with costs, by distress and sale
of the goods and chattels of the delinquents, or for want thereof, to commit them to prison: thelwarrants, moreover,
require the constable to pay the taxes so collected by distress, to the township collector, within thirty days, and to
make a special return to the justice of the peace of the sums collected, of the sums not collectible, and, generally, of
the manner m which the warrants have been executed. If a justice of the peace refuse to perform the duties before
mentioned, he becomes subject to a fine of twelve pounds, recoverable, with costs, for the use of the State, by the
county collector. I f a constable omit to execute the warrants of the justice of the peace, he becomes liable to a
like fine, for the use of the county and the township collector, jointly; as also, for all the taxes entrusted to him for
collection, recoverable by distress, on a summaiy process, before any one of the judges of the court of common pleas
for the county.
On the receipt of moneys from any constable, the township collector is required to pay the same to the countycollector, and to account for all outstanding deficiencies. If the township collector omits his duty in this respect,
tor ten days, it becomes the duty of the county collector to apply to one of the judges of the court of common
pleas tor the county, who is required to issue a summons to the township collector, and thereupon to hear and determ i £? i 1 6 ^ ? - 5
a s u m r n a i y manner.
In such case, the township collector is held responsible for all the taxes
entrusted to him for collection, except such as may appear uncollected by the return of the constable, on the war-

17-96.]

DIRECT

TAXES.

427

rant of distress, issued by a justice of the peace. For the remainder, with any fines received, and interest thereon, from the time payment ought to have been made, judgment may be given, recoverable, with costs, by a warrant of distress, directed to the sheriff of the county.
The collectors of counties are required to pay over to the treasurer ot the btate, all assessments and forfeitures
by them received from township collectors, for which, the receipts ofthe treasurer operate as a discharge, after having been entered in the office of the State auditor. When a county collector omits or refuses to pay over such
assessments and forfeitures, and to account for the deficiencies remaining uncollected, for twenty days after the time
prescribed for a settlement of the tax, it becomes the duty of the treasurer to report the defaulter to a judge of the
supreme court, who is required to institute a summary inquiry. The county collectors, in this case, are held
responsible for the quotas assessed upon the counties, except so far as they can exonorate themselves by shewing
that the sums remain uncollected, in the hands of township collectors or constables, m respect to whom, the
requirements of law, before mentioned, have been enforced. For such sums as the county collectors are found
delinquent, on the principles aboVe stated, the judge of the superior court may issue a warrant of-distress, directed
to any sheriff of the State. In addition to the unpaid taxes before mentioned, a delinquent county collector is
liable to pay a fine of ten pounds, for the use of the State.
.
If a sheriff, to whom a warrant of distress, against a county collector, is directed, neglect or refuse to execute
the same, or omit to pay to the treasurer the sums collected, within thirty days after receiving the warrant, he
becomes
liable
to forfeit
double thecounty
sum therein
expressed, collectible
by the „treasurer,
agreeably
prescribed
in respect
to delinquent
collectors.
.
,
,
, to the process
The counties are responsible to the State for all delinquencies of county collectors; and the townships are, m
like manner, responsible to the counties, for the delinquencies of their collectors and constables, respectively.
When a county collector is found to be delinquent, the sum due by him is, by the treasurer, added to the quota of
the county, in the next tax. I f the assessors omit or refuse to assess the deficiency, or any tax granted by the
State, they severally forfeit twelve pounds, recoverable by the overseers^for the use ot the poor.
The county collectors are required to attend the meetings of the assessors m the several counties, and to lay before
them accurate accounts of the deficiencies, in the several townships, precincts, and wards; the amount of which are
required to be re-assessed with the future taxes of the townships, precincts, and wards, m which such deficiencies
^ T e n a n t s or persons residing on, or having the care of lands or tenements, are responsible for the taxes assessed
thereon, as also, their "goods and chattels. The amount of such taxes may, Iwwever, be deducted out of future,
rent or recovered of the landlord; but in such manner, as not to affect any subsisting contract or agreement.
In default of payment of the taxes assessed on unimproved or untenanted lands, the owners of which do not
reside in the townships where such lands are situated, warrants may be issued by a justice of the peace of the
county, authorizing a distress and sale of timber, wood, herbage, or other saleable property, found on-the premises.
Township collectors and constables are responsible to the chosen freeholders of their respective townships for
all moneys received by them, or for which they may be accountable, above the sums paid to the county collectors.
The general rule of compensation for assessors, has been a commission of one and three quarters per centum,
upon the sums assessed, with a like commission to the collectors of townships, both of which compensations were
included in the assessment of taxes. By an act, passed in the year 1794, for raising fifteen thousand pounds, the
assessors were allowed four pence for assessing the tax of each person, and the collectors, a like sum for each collection. It is not known whether this has operated as an increase or reduction of the compensation before established". The commissioners of appeals are allowed one dollar per diem for their services. In addition to each tax,
constables are allowed to collect two shillings and six-pence for each distress, and six-pence for each name mentioned
in the warrant of a justice of the peace, both of which sums are payable by the delinquents. County collectors
are allowed one penny in the pound, of the sums received of township collectors and paid over to the treasurer,
besides six-pence per mile, for travelling to settle their accounts.
.
Of a tax of fifteen thousand pounds, granted m December, 1794, payable into the treasury on the last day of
December, 1795, the whole, except a trifling balance from one county, was paid before and during the month of
^Theoutstanding debt of the State amounted, in April last, to forty-five thousand pounds, or one hundred and
twenty thousand dollars, for the discharge of which, in four equal annual payments, appropriations have been made;
the payment of the first instalment is supposed to have been, before this time, completed. The arrears of certain
taxes funds belonging to the treasury, and the proceeds of an annual tax of forty thousand dollars, are represented
as sufficient to liberate the State from debt, within the time proposed.
„
The expenses of supporting the State government and contingent charges, are annually about twenty-seven
thousand dollars; the amount of county and other taxes, is not known.
OF PENNSYLVANIA.
In the year 1785, an act was passed, providing a revenue for funding and paying the interest of debts of the
State, and also, the State quota of the interestVcrumg on the debts of the United States. In aid of other revenues
whicli were then appropriated, an annual tax of seventy-six thousand nine hundred and forty-five pounds seventeen
shillings and <ix pence was directed to be assessed and collected on persons and real and personal estate. This tax
was continued from 1785 to 1789, inclusively, since which time, no general tax has been imposed.
The tax above mentioned was apportioned to the several counties by the Legislature; the quotas of townships
were determined by county commissioners, and assessed upon individuals by township assessors.
The obiects of taxation were, the time of servitude of all bound servants above fourteen years of age; negro and
mulatto slaves, above the age of twelve years; horses and horned cattle, above three years old; nought plate; travelling or pleasure carriages; lands generally, houses, ground rents, mills of all kinds, furnaces, fomes, bloomenes,
distilleries; suear houses, malt houses, breweries, tan yards, and ferries; all of which were made taxable ad valorem,.
Personal toes,not exceeding thirty shillings, nor less than ten shillmgs^were assessed upon single ireemenabove
twenty-one years of age, who had been free from apprenticeship nine months; all offices and posts of profit, trades,
occuDations, and professions, (ministers of the gospel, mechanics, manufacturers, and school masters excepted)
were rated at the discretion ofthe assessors, with reference to their respective profits.
By a proviso to the act, which still remains in force, the lands granted to any officers or soldiers of the line of the
Stati for their services, were declared to be exempted from taxation, during the lives of thegrantees, respectively,
unless the same should be transferred or alienated.
.
It would be difficult to ascertain the precise degree of punctuality with which these toes have been collected;
the de?ays are, however, known to havelbeen consfderable; on account of arrearage* of taxes, it appears that fourteen
thousand five hundred and sixty-five dollars were received in the year 1795.
a t p r e s e n t in force is contained in an act passed m Aptil, 179o, to regulate the mode of
a n ( *townshipassessors; three commissioners are elected
The officers°fo^
by the peoplejln each county, for three years;'their offices are annually vacated m succession, one commissioner

f v f ^
commencing with October, 1795, the freemen of every ward, township, or district, in the city
or county of Philadelphia, and in tfie other counties, respectively, elect one assessor, and two assistant assessors, for
£ e ™ s e of making triennial assessments of taxable property; m years other than those m which the triennial
assessments are made, only one assessor is elected.
b 6 i

i

S428

FINANCE.

[1796.

The assessors and assistant assessors are required, eveiy three years, to state and return to the commissioners of
their ^respective counties, withm six weeks from the day of their election, a list, setting forth the names and places
of residence, if known, ot the owners of all the lands occupied and inhabited; of all unseated lands, and of all the
houses and lots of ground, m the wards, townships, or districts, to which they belong; with a description of all the
buildings, erections,and improvements, appertaining to the same; the amount of all ground rents charged thereon*
and also, a list of the mechanics or tradesmen, tavern keepers, shop keepers, persons retailing goods, wares, or merchandise, brokers, bankers, merchants, lawyers, and physicians, freemen who do not follow any profession, occupation, or calling, and persons of professions or occupations not above described; persons held as slaves, under fortvfive years of age; horses and horned cattle, above tour years old, with a just and faithful valuation ofthe estate and
interest of each ot the owners respectively, m the real and personal taxable property before mentioned
In every year in which the triennial assessments of property are made, the county commissioners are required to
meet on the first Tuesday m January, to examine and compare the returns made to them by the assessors and assistant
assessors, with full power to revise, alter, and adjust, the valuations in such returns; provided they do not change or
vary the relative valuations of property in the same township, ward, or district. The proportional assesments upon
individuals, thus equalized by the commissioners, m respect to counties, constitute a general rule or criterion bv
which taxes on property are regulated for three years ensuing.
The amount of each county tax is determined by the county commissioners, under the limitation, however that
not more than one per centum can, at any time, be raised on the valuation of lands. When the commissioners deem
it necessary to levy a tax equal to one per centum, upon the value of property, as by them adjusted, they are
directed to order the following taxes on persons and professions, to be collected. From every freeman of no profession or calling, not more than ten dollars, nor less than fifty cents; from every mechanic or tradesman, not more
than two dollars, nor less than thirty cents; from every tavern keeper, shop keeper, or other person, retailing *oods,
wares, or merchandise, not more than five dollars,nor less than fifty cents; from every broker, banker, merchant
lawyer, or physician, not more than ten dollars, nor less than one dollar; from persons of professions or occupations!
not b6fore descnbed, not more than eight dollars, nor less than twenty-five cents; and from the holder of any person
held as a slave, one dollar for every such slave. Whenever the tax on real property is below one per centum of
the valuation, the taxes on occupations, professions, and personal property, are directed to be proportionally reduced9
no article of property can be assessed, which is not enumerated in the law.
When the commissioners have declared the amount of a tax, and the proportions to be assessed on real estates
and on persons and occupations, they issue warrants to the assessors, requiring them to take an account of all persons and effects subject to the tax, and to make returns, in thirty days, ofthe names and sums, with which, in their
judgment, each person ought to be charged, distinguishing the sums assessed for real property from those assessed
for personal estates, professions; or occupations; the assessors are, moreover, required to notify each individual of the
amount wherewith he is charged, and of the time and, place, when and where, the county commissioners will meet
to hear and decide on appeals.
'
The county commissioners are authorized, on the appeals of individuals, to alter the assessments on persons or
professions, or to abate them entirely, in cases where they judge the appellants unable to discharge the same; it is
declared, however, that the commissioners shall not vary the assessmerits on real property, except where lands have
been divided, or where houses or buildings, valued in the triennial assessments, have been destroyed or damaged by
accidents; in which cases alone, the commissioners may apportion the assessments between the owners ofthe property so divided, or may pake abatements in proportion to the damages sustained.
The tenant in possession of lands or tenements, belonging to an owner residing in a township, ward, or district
other than that in which the lands or tenements are situated, is, jointly with the owner, liable for the taxes thereon'
and his goods or chattels may be distrained therefor; but the tenant may retain the sums paid, out of the rents due
or to become due, or may recover the same, with costs, by action of debt against his landlord, unless prevented bv
J
the conditions of some prior contract.
The deputy surveyors of counties or districts are required, on the application of the county commissioners to
make returns of all lands surveyed, and of all warrants or orders of survey, to them directed and not executed
therein describing the number of acres in each survey, the names of the original warrantees, the waters on which
situated, the lands contiguous thereto, and the townships where the same lie; all unseated lands are directed to be
taxed, returned, advertised, or sold, in the name of the original warrantee, until notice has been given to the commissioners that the said lands have been alienated to some other person.
Within three months after a tax has been laid on unseated lands, the commissioners are directed to transmit a
transcript of the assessor's return, and of the tax imposed, to the sheriff of the county, in case the owner resides
therein; or if the owner do not reside in the county, but has previously filed with the commissioners, an account of
his abode and occupation, then to the sheriff of the county in which such owner is resident; in either of which cases
it is made the duty of the sheriff to serve a copy of such transcript on the owner, or to leave a copy thereof at his
usual place of abode.
When the owner of unseated lands cannot be found, and any tax has remained unpaid for three years after the
assessment thereof, the county commissioners havingfirstadvertised the same in seven different public places, within
the county, are directed to proceed, on the first Tuesday of August next, after the expiration of the three years to
sell so much ofthe said lands as may be necessary to satisfy the taxes remaining unpaid, with interest, at the rate
of twelve per centum per annum, from the time the taxes became due. Persons who occupy lands which were
unseated previously to such occupancy, are liable for taxes in the same manner as though they were original ownersas also purchasers of unseated lands, who shall have recorded their deeds, or in any other manner acquired titles
to the same, and may be proceeded against in like manner as though they were original owners.
The county treasurers, and collectors for townships, are appointed by the county commissioners; the collectors
are accountable to the county treasurers for the taxes entrusted to them for collection, except for taxes on unseated
lands, and may distrain and sell the property of delinquent individuals. When collectors are delinquent their
goods and property may be distrained and sold by the county treasurers.
'
The county commissioners, assessors, assistant assessors, and county treasurers, are severally required, before
entering on the duties of their offices, to take and subscribe an oath or affirmation, faithfully] and impartially to
J
execute the duties of their respective offices.
When townships omit to elect assessors or assistant assessors, or when vacancies happen from any cause the
county commissioners may proceed to make the necessary appointments.
*
The compensation allowed to county commissioners, is one dollar and one third for each day they are employed
and to the assessors, one dollar. Upon an average, the expense of assessing county taxes through the State, may be
estimated at ten thousand dollars per annum. The commission allowed to collectors, is generally about five per
centum on the amount of the taxes; the county treasurers are allowed one dollar upon each hundred pounds received
and paid by them, respectively..
The townships are responsible to the counties, and the counties are, in like manner, responsible to the State, for
the amount of all assessments. Ko State tax having been laid for several years, it has been found impossible to
collect an account ot the value ot taxable property in the several counties.
The annual expenses of maintaining government may be estimated at one hundred and thirty thousand dollars:
the revenues ofthe State exceed this amount; of course, there is a probability that the State will continue to be
exempted from the necessity ot taxation, except for county purposes.

1796.]

DIRECT

•

•

• .

429

TAXES.

OP PFLAWARE.

Taxes have been hitherto collected on the estimated.annual income of the inhabitants of this State, without refer:
ence to specific objects.
,
(
, ^ For about twenty years past, the quotas of* the counties, in a general tax; have been uniform; every, tax has been
divided into twenty-one parts, of which eight parts have* been assigned to the county of New Castle, seven to the
county of Kent, and six to the county of Sussex.
The*counties are divided into hundreds, in each of which, an assessor is annually chosen, on the 15th of September. After their election, they are furnished with lists of all taxable persons, by the constables of the hundreds;
to these lists, the assessors, in a general meeting for the county/affix estimates ofthe supposed income of each inhabitant, according to their best discretion, subject only to the following restrictions: 1st. That unsettled tracts of
lar\d, persons under twenty-one years ot age, and persons who have not been six months free from servitude or
apprenticeship, are to be exempted. 2d. That assessments upon poor persons, having a charge of children, are to be
assessed with reference to this expense", but in no case, less than eight pounds. 3d. That single men, having* no
visible property, are to be assessed not less than twelve nor moije than-twenty-four pounds.
It appears to haye been a rule established by the assessors, and confirmed by long usage, to assess-all persons at
ope-fifth part of their annual income; no account of the general amount ofincome, upon which taxes have, at any
time been imposed,"has been obtained.
When the assessors have completed their assessments, lists of their proceedings are published in the several
hundreds, with notice of the time appointed for holding 'the levy court and court of appeals for the county.
The commissioners of the levy court and court of appeals are. elected for three years, by the people of the respective counties; one third part of the # court is renewed annually; they are empowered to hear and decide on all
appeals respecting erroneous or excessive assessments, for which purpose, they may require the attendance of all
necessary witnesses.
*
Of late years, the collectors of State ta^es have been appointed by the treasurer, who is responsible.for all losses
occasioned by their delinquencies,.or the insufficiency of their»sureties; with the bonds of collectors, powers of
attorney, for obtaining judgment, are requited.
The collectors of taxes are allowed a commission of sevep. and one-half per centum on their collections; the
commissioners of the levy court and* court of appeals and assessors receive one dollar and one third per diem, during
the time they are employed.
>
. **
It does not appear that the State is bifrthened with debt; the expenditures from the treasury, during the year
1795, amounted nearly to seventeen thousand dollar; the'receipts of the treasury exceeded twenty thousand dollars, including the proceeds of certain sales of vacant lands, and ta^es granted before and during the year 1794.
No certain information has been obtained respecting the ordinary expense of supporting Government, or the degree
of energy with which collections have been enforced.
To remedy the inconveniences and inequality which have been experienced from arbitrary assessments, an act
has been passed during the present .year, providing for the valuation or real and personal estates. Though the new
system has not yet been reduced to practice, an exposition of its principles has been deemed necessary. I t has befen declared that all real and personal property shall be 'taxed, except property belonging.to the United
States, to the State, or to atiy county, religious society, college, county school, or .corporation for charitable purposes,
provisions for a family, tools and implements of a trade or profession,* household furniture (plate excepted) the produce of land, apparel, money, bonds, and securities, imported merchandise, and such carriages aS are already taxed;
provision is, however,.made for ascertaining the stock of merchants, traders, mechanics, and manufacturers, for the
purpose of regulating assessments upon sucn persons, proportioned to their gains and profits.
The Governor is empowered to constitute a board of commissioners in each, county, to consist of six persons, who
are to remain in office for three"years. One third part of the commissioners are to be appointed annually; no person
may receive two successive appointments.
,
Assessors appointed as formerly, are required to take an accurate account of the lands in their respective hundreds, specifying the names of the'owners, what part is improved or unimproved, with the buildings and improvements thereon, and the value of each tract*, in ready money. The assessors are also to ascertain the number of lots
and houses in cities, boroughs, and villages, their value, and the rents annually paid,
Real property, and rents arising therefronj, are to be estimated in the following manner:
Ground rents, at one hundred pounds for every eight pounds of rent. Lands subject to ground rent, according
ta the actual value, after deducting one hundred pounds for every eight pounds rent; rents of houses aijd lots in
cities, towns, and villages, at one hundred pounds for every twelve pounds of rent reserved: houses and lots of the
above description, at the true value, after deducting at the rate of one hundred pounds for every twelve pounds of
the rent annually secured.
»
Certain articles of personal property are to be valued as follows:
Male and female slaves, from eight to fourteen yeats of age, not less that ten, nor more than forty pounds.
Male slaves from fourteen to forty-fivfe years of a£e, any sum above twenty and not exceeding seventy pounds;
female slaves, over fourteen and not exceeding thirty-six years ofage, any sum above fifteen and not exceeding thirtyfive pounds; male and female slaves, under eight years of.aget.male slaves above the age of forty-five years, and
female slaves above the age of thirty-six years, at rates proportioned to those before mentioned. Male slaves who
are tradesmen are to be assessed according to the value of their labor. Plate is to be assessed at eight shillings and
four pence per ounce; all other articles of personal property, not specially exempted, are to be estimated according to
tlieis value m ready money, at the discretion of the assessors.
Every free man, above twenty-one years of age, in addition to the assessment upon his property, is chargeable with
a personal assessment, not exceeding two hundred not less than fifty pounds, subject to abatement-in* whole or in
part, at the discretion of the levy court and court of appeals. Provision is made for requiring a disclosure of {he
taxable property possessed by individuals; persons who omit to-make returns when required, are subject to a penalty. and may be assessed at discretion.
The assessors, ifi performing the duties before mentioned, are subject to the control and direction of the county
commissioners; when the valuations or assessments have been completed /they are to be published in each hundred;
after which, the commissioners are to hear and'determine the complaintsof individuals, subject, however, to the final
decision of the levy court and court of appeals for the county.
It will be seen that, by the new sysem, taxes are to be imposed upon the* mass of property, real and persona]; and
that certain limits are assigned to the pawer§ of assessors, although a wide field will still remain for the exercise
of discretion.

*

*

OF* MARYLAND.
*

*

All property is, in this State, subject to taxation, except property belonging to the State or the United States; houses
for public worship, burying grounds, or property belonging to any county, college, or county schopl; the crop and
produce of lands in the hands of the person whose lands produced the same; provisions necessary for the use and
consumption of persons and families for the year; plantation utensils^ the working tools of mechanics and manufacture!^ actually and constantly employed in their respective occupations; wearing apparel; goods, wares, and merchandise, imported; home made manufactures in the hands of manufacturers^ stills, and ready money.
Taxes are, therefore, imposed on the mass of property in general, in conformity to .an article in the declaration of
rights, agreed to by the State convention in November, 1776, which asserts, ' 6 That the levying of taxes by the poll is
grievous and oppressive, and ought to be abolished; that paupers ought not to be assessed tor the support of Govern55
f

430

FINANCE.

Eir96.

ment, but that every other person ought to contribute his proportion of the public taxes for the support of Government, according to his actual worth in. real or personal property."
. ' * •
Tne following specific taxes are collected, viz: Of every attorney ctt law* for admission to the bar of each county
court, three pounds, and &like sum, annually, during his continuance to practise. On licences to retail spirituous
liquors, six pounds; on licences tp keep taverns, three pounds; on licences for marriage, twelve shillings and six
pence. There are, moreover certain taxes collected on process issuing from the county courts; on orders issued
by tlie judge of the land office;- or final adjudications,*on caveats,.and on proceedings and seals in the court of
chancery.
.
• The produce of these taxes, with the incidental revenue accruing from fines and forfeitures, and from amercements on persons failing in their suits at law, aYid the interest accruing on funds belonging to the State,"have been
found sufficient to supersede the necessity of any general State tax, since the year 1786. ^ County taxes are assessed
and collected pursuant to twp acts passed in 1785 and 1792, prescribing rnles for ascertaining the value of property;
from the last mentioned acts, and tne act by which the tax was granted in 1786, the following is inferred jto be.tne
mode of assessment and collection in this State.
"
'
•The lands in each county have received an average valuation by the Legislature, at various rates, chiefly between
thirty-three shillings and nine pence, and twenty-two shillings and three pence, but in one instance ag low as fdur
shillings by the acre. Slaves, from eight tq fourteen years ot age, are valued at fifteen pounds^ male slaves, from
fourteen to' forty-five years of age, at forty-five pounds; female slaves, from fourteen to thirty-six years of age, at
thirty pounds; male and female slaves, under eight years of age, male slaves abdve forty-five ^ears of age, female
slaves above thirty-six years of age,.and slaves who .are tradesmen, are directed to* be valued by assessors^ in
proportion to the rates above mentioned"; when slaves are ihfirm,.the assessors may allow a reasonable abatement.
Silver plate is valued by law at eight shillings and four pence per ounce.
In estimating the value of ground rents in towns, eight pounds rent is considered as an equivalent to a capital of
one hundred pounds; of the rents of houses in towns, sixteen pounds are estimated as equivalent to one hundred
pounds; in respect to limited estates carved out of estates in fee simple, if is prescribed-as a general rule, that a right
of possession for fifteen years, without paynlent of rent, is equivalent to one half of the value of the fee simple. In
sill cases, estates and property are estimated at their full value in money, m the first instance; after which, a computation is made of ,the value of any particular estates or interest, arising'ther-efrom, in order to a just apportionment
between the parties: where the law nas not prescribed a rule of valuation, assessments are made at discretion.
When a tax is'to be granted, five persons, in each county, and in Baltimore town, are natoeji by the Legislature,
in the supply bill, as commissioners of the tax; the commissioners are sworn to a faithful and ^impartial discharge of
their duty; tney meet on afixed day, at the usual place for holding the' county courts, and, after appointing their clerks,
they proceed to divide their counties into convenient.districts; to appoint an assessor for each, who must be a per-*
son worth two hundred pounds; to instruct the assessors in their duty, and to prescribe a time when they are to ap4
pear with written returns of their several valuations of property.
*
.
>
The assessors are directed to inform themselves, by all lawful ways and means? of all real and personal property
in their districts, and for this purpose'they may require of all persons owning or having the^ care of slaves, an account
of them, "under the penalty of paying a double tax for every slave omitted, or whose age is wilfully*misrepresented
in the account Every person is also.bound to give, upon the assessors' requisition, a true accoUnt of all other property, real and personal, belonging to him, or under his care and management, or simply in his possession. Under
the ^penalty of paying a double assessment, in the case of refusal to give in such account, or where a partial one is
rendered, of forfeiting the value of the pt-operty omitted.' In respecjt to property concealed or omitted in the accounts of individuals, the assessors affix a discretionary valuation.
In ascertaining the quantities of lands, the commissioners*, and, under them, the assessors, are governed by former
valuation lists, list's of alienations rieceived from the clerks of courts, and by information which may be required of
the proprietors on oath; this last security is? however, rarely resorted to, in any instance, When the quantity of land
in a county.has been ascertained, its value isfirstcomputed according to the average' prescribed by law; the aggregate
amount is then apportioned to individuals, according to the relative value of their respective portions of lands and
their interests therein,' on the principles beforementioned. The mode of recovering penalties or forfeitures incurred
by concealment or fraud, in the disclosure of property, js by presentments a court* of justice; the occasions forthis,
4
are, however, represented to have but rarely occurred.
_
.
^Erroneous or excessive assessments maybe corrected by application to the commissioners of, the tax for the
countv, who may examine the parties or other persons on oath, and finally determine as'shall appear equitable.
^ When the assessments upon individuals have been completed,, the assessors are required.to report to the commissioners for the county, alphabetical lists of all persons whose prop^rty^has been valued, with a specification*of
the number and value of slaves of each description, the weight of plate, withthe value thereof; also the particulars
of real and personal estates as designated by law, and the value of each description. When the owner of any property is not known, it is directed to be so returned.
Owing to the long time since any general tax has been laid, it has been found dificult, to ascertain the quantities
of taxable property now existing in the State. The annexed. document G on this subject, so Jar as it is founded
on returns, is entitled to full confidence; the estimate of certain objects is derived from an intelligent source, and is
believed to be free from material error.
•
The collectors of taxes are appointed by the commissioners of counties, and give bond with sureties for thesums
intrusted to them for collection; they account with one of the State treasurers? of which one is appointed for the
counties eastward, and the other for the counties westward, of the Chesapeake^
•
Persons who were appointed under the last act, to the^office of collector, and who refused to accept the office or
to give bond, were subject toa fine of fifty pounds.
It has been a general usage to appoint the sheriffs , of counties to be collectors of taxes,, who, with the consent* of the commissioners, have been allowed to appoint- deputies for, one or more* hundreds in said counties; for the
conduct of their deputies, the collectors or sheriffs nave been held responsible.
The collectors under the last act, were subject'to the general control and'superintendence of the commissioners
of the tax, and might be compelled to disclose the sums actually collected, for the purpose of being required to pay
the*same to the State treasurer.
_
Ail goods and chattels found on land's chargeable with taxes, were liable to be taken by distress; if no goods
or chattels were to be found, the lands remain chargeable with the tax and interest thereon, at six per centum per
annum.
.
.
.
b
When it was discovered by a collector that a person charged with a tax resided in some other county, it became
his duty, under a penalty of twenty pounds, to transmit an account of said tax to the commissioners of such other
county, to be collected under their direction.
About two months after the time prescribed for the payment of the last tax, the collectors were required, under
a penalty of-two hundred pounds, to present their accounts for adjustment, to tlie commissioners of their counties.
In this adjustment the commissioners were authorized to allow the collectors a commission of four per centum,, and
to pass to their credit such sums as appeared to be uncollectible; it appears to have been the object of these settlements, to define and fix th'e sums for which the collectors were to be finally responsible; two copies of each settlement were made, one of'which was transmitted to the clerk of the houseof delegates, and the other to the proper treasurer, by whioh to hold the collectors acc^ntable. _
Delinquent collectors and their sureties were liable to be proceeded against by a summary process; delinquent
deputy collectors might be compelled to account, by warrants from the commissioners, authorizing the, sheriffs to
levy the sums due, on the lands, goods, chattels, or persons, of the delinquents. #
The commissioners and their clerks were allowed, each, fen shillings per diem, during the time their services
were required; the assessors a sum at the discretion of the commissioners, not exceeding twenty-five pounds each;

DIRECT

1796.]

TAXES.

431

and the collectors asbeforementioned^ a commission of four per centum/ the expense of collecting the last tax, exclusive of loss, occasioned by delay and other incidents,* amounted to twelve ana one half per centum.
The State tax assessed in 1786 amounted to twenty^ shillings upon each'hundred pounds of property, according to
the valuation; the collection was several times partially- or wholly suspended by the Legislature,on applications from
s
the collectors.
•
In the year 1786, there was paid
Irt the year 1787,
r
In the year 1788,
In the year 1789,,
In .the year 1790,
In the yeat 1791,
- .
#

.£5,037 4 0
37,610 6 2
22,898 2 11
33,478 7 7
5,060 7 3
2,084 14 4

Amount of the tax,1

£106,169

2 3

A small part of the above statement is founded on estimate.
A principal part of the delay whichattended the settlement Of this tax, arose irom tne indulgences granted by
the Legislature, and it may be doubted, on reverting to the state of the'country at the time, whether the tax was not
in some degree excessive; it will not, tnenefore, be proper to coiisider the proceedings under this act as affording a
correct exhibition of the general operation of the State system! Itis understood, however, that,, on other occasions
the collection of State taxes has been inefficient and defective, owing to the want of a more energetic control than
has been afforded by the boards of county commissioners, and to'the practice of entrusting the collection of taxes to
sheriffs and their deputies.
«
,
The ordinary expenses of maintaining the State Government, are estimated at about twenty-live thousand pounds
per annum; a small debt remains unliquidated; but the mfcans already possessed by the State are supposed to be
more than competent to its discharge.
'
b
#
Taxes are collected in Baltimore town for town purposes, on riding carriages, wagons, carts, riding horses,
tavern keepers, sales, at auction, billiard tables, and on the play house; besides a general tax on property. All these
faxes may amount, during the present year, to thirty shillings on e$ch hundred pounds of property, according to the
usual mode of valuation. The annual county taxes are estimated, on an average,at eight shillings upon a hundred
pounds of property. The proceeds are applied to the maintenance of county police, the byilcling and repairing of
<;ourt houses, tobacco warehouses, bridges, repairs of roads, the support of the poor, and other local objects.
*

Off VIRGINIA.
Lands in this State have received a permanentvaluation, agreeably to which all taxes are imposed.
In pursuance of an act passed in November, 1781, the justices of each county'appointed three commissioners
who'were sworn to make an impartial Valuation of lands in their respective counties. These commissioners had
power to require of all proprietors an account of their lands lying within the county, distinguishing lots lying in any
town. In forming their estimates, the commissioners were required ^ to ascertain, according to their best judgment
the average price, per acre, for which each tract or parcel, of land might be sold, for immediate payment in specie^
excluding from valuation all reference to buildings or other improvements. Lands under a lease for years, were
directed to be valued, in thefirstinstance, without regard to the rent; butwhere such valuation exceeded twenty years'
purchase, computed upon the rent reserved, the landlord was assessed for the amount of twenty years' purchase,
and the remainder was'apportioned to the tenant; the returns of the valuations, werfe made to the auditors of public
accounts.
»
As was to have been foreseen, the valuations made by the commissioners of counties, though they mHit be, and
doubtless were, just and accurate in respect to the relative value of different tracts of land within the same county*
were found to be exceedingly unequal when compared with the valuations of other cotmties. This inequality, the
unavoidable consequence of assessments by cpmmissioners, whose proceedings were independent of each other, and
uncontrolled by apy common standard of opinion, rendered a revision indispensable. To effect a general equalization of the assessments, an act was passed jn October, 1782, by which the different counties of the State were
arranged into four districts; in fhis classification of counties, reference wtfs had to their soil and situation, with the
view of obtaining a general and-equitable standard of value for the lands of the several counties. This standard or
average value was declared by the Legislature to b*e, for lands lying in the first district, ten shillings per acre; in
the second district, seven shillings and six pence per acre; in the*third district, five shillings and six pence per
acre; and in the fourth district, three shillings per acre. To give effect to this declaration, two commissioners were
appointed, who, were directed to examine the county returns, and after ascertaining the Average value of the lands in
each county, agreeably to the assessments made pursuant to the act of November,'1781, and after comparing the
same with the standard or average value for the district, to apply the'difference by adding or deducting the 'same
?
pro rata, to the assessment of each individual.
Upon the assessments thus made, pursuant to the act of November, 1781, equalized according to the act passed
in October, 1782, all taxes on lands, except on Iots'in towns, have been since apportioned by a poundage rate; this
rate has, of late years, been five shillings on each hundred pounds, or one-fourth of one per centum, ad valorem.
'The tax on lots and houses in tdwns, is annually assessed by the commissioner^ of the revenue, Who are authorized to require of every tenant or proprietor; to disclose, on oath or affirmation, the amount of rent paid or received
by them respectively; in cases where houses or lots are in the occupation of the proprietors, the yearly rent is ascertained on a comparison of their value with other houses or lots actually rented; the tax lately assessed has been sixteen shillings and eight pence, orfive-sixthsof one per ceiitum ofthe ascertained or estimated yearly rent or income
arising from this species of property.
'
'9
The other revenues of the State arise from specific taxes'on the following objects:,
On every slave, above twelve years of age, except-such as are exempted by the county or corporation courts, on
account of age or infirmity, at one shilling and eight pence each.
On stud horses and jack asses, at various rates; on other horses, and on mules, at four pence each.
On every ordinary licence, two pounds.
On every billiard table, fifteen pounds.
On every four wheel riding carriage, except phaetons, and stage wagons, six shillings per wheel.
• On every phaeton and stage wagon, four shillings per wheel.
On every riding carriage with two wheels, two shillings per wheel.
Certain taxes ares, moreover, imposed on legal proceedings in the superior courts; on transfers of surveyors' certificates for lands; on the instruments and attestations jssued and tak.en by public notaries; on certificates issued by
the county and corporation courts; and on certificates issued under the seal of the State. 1
An occasional revenue sometimes accrues, from the; duties collected.at the public warehouses on the inspection
of tobacco, exceeding the expenses incident to those establishments.
All property belonging to the State, or to any county, town, college, or seminary of learning, and" houses dedicated to public worship, are exempted from taxation. Persons may be exempted^ for age or infirmity, by judgments
ofthe county or corporation courts. Artizans, mechanics, and tradesmen, who migrate into the State, are exempted
from all taxes except on lands, for five years after their migration, if, during that time, they continue to exercise
their occupations.

m

[1796.

F RNANCE.

The tax on lands, and on houses, and" lots in towns, taken collectively for the year 1794,
amounted to - .
'"
~
"
The tax on slaves io
.
• The tax on horses and mules is estimated to have produced
- •
The taxes on carriages, ordinary licences and billiard tables, by estimate •
-

^ , 6 3 6 58
47,007 78
15,154 95
9,954 73

Total amount of the taxes of 1794, collected by sheriffs, under the apportionments^ county?.
^
755
commissioners of the revenue, H.
5
From the foregoing gross amount of revenue, there ought to be deducted the following defalcations and expenses,
incident*to the assessment and collection
.
• .*
«
Compensations of commissioners of the revenue paid m 1794
- •
- 811,93160
Commissions to sheriffs for collection, five per cent.
6,487 75
Allowances for insolvencies and errors, five per cent.- - *
6,487 75
Total charges of assessment and collection

-

$24,907 10

In addition to the commission of five per centum*, which is the ordinary allowance for collection, a premium of
'two and one half per centum is" allowed to sheriffs, who settle their accounts with strict punctuality.
'The taxes on law process and official papers are collected by the clerks of courts, and by the officers by whom
the papers are issued: the general taxes are assessed and collected pursuant to the following regulations:
Every county and corporation court in the State is required annually, in the months of September or October,
to appoint one or more discreet and reputable persons to be commissioners of the revenue: in some counties, the
law requires the Appointment of three commissioners, in others two, and in others one. Sheriffs, deputy sheriffs,
and collectors of taxes, who have-not finally settled their accounts, as also certain other officers, are declared incable of serving as commissioners: incases where the law requires the appointment (ff more than one commissioner to
a county, the limits of their several districts are defined by the court having the right of appointment.
The commissioners, after being qualified, hy taking an oath faithfully and impartially to execute their trusts,
receive from the commissioners of the preceding year? the books containing the permanent valuations of lands in
their respective counties. In these books, all alterations,'alienations,.divisions, and additions, which occur in the
county or district of a commissioner, are, from time to time, noted and recorded.
:
That the commissioners may- be informed of the changes of individual property, the .clerks of the general, district, county, and corporation courts, and the .register.ot the"land office, are required to furnish statements of all
alienations, partitions, and grants, during the preceding year; in respect to alienations of entire tracts, the commissioners debit the purchaser and credit the seller for the tax^ transferred; in respect to lands which have been divided,
the former tax is equitably apportioned between the proprietor^. Lands recently granted are assessed at a price
equal to other lands in the same district, similar in soil and situation.
In respect to taxable property, other than land, the commissioners ar£ directed to commence a scrutiny on the
10th of March annually, to continue^intil the service is completed.
Each person, on the requisition of a commissioner, must furnish a written list oftheit taxable property, possessed
on the 9tn of March, and verify the same on oath or affirmation. Persons who omit or refuse to exhibit verified
lists, or who are guilty of concealments of taxable property, are subject to a fine and triple tax, pn conviction before
the next county court.
*
'
. '
When the-lists of taxable property have been taken, they are reduced to an abstract, according to a form prescribed by law, exhibiting the dates of receiving the lists, the names of the persons chargeable, and the articles subject
to specific taxation. Of this abstract four copies are made, one for, the use of the commissioner, and to be transmitted to his successor; one for the clerk of the county, by which to regulate county taxes and poor rates; one for
the sheriff or collector of the tax; and a fourth for the auditor of the State, by which to hold the sheriff accountable.
At the time of rendering the abstracts before mentioned, which is directed to be on or before the last day of
JVlay annually* the commissioners are required to deliver to the clerksx)f their counties, and to the auditor of the
State, correct copies of the state of the land tax, adjusted according to such alterations, alienations, and partitions,
as are found to have occurred during the preceding year: by these returns, the accounts of the State, and of the
counties, are, from year to year, regulated. The commissioners, moreover, deliver to the sheriffs lists of the sums
for which each person is*charge$ble on account of the land-tax, by which to proceed in their collections.
Each commissioner is entitled to receive from the public treasury, one dollar per diem; for such a period as is
judged requisite for the performance of his duties, by the county court; besides a fee of forty-two-cents, for recording every alteration in'the land tax, payable by the party claiming an exoneration.
The counties are collection districts, of which there are eighty-eight in the State; the sheriffs are,fcex-officio,col
lectors of taxes; they are appointed* annually by the Governor, with the advice of his council, from a list of three
justices of the county, nominated by the county courts; they cannot be appointed more than two years successively.
' It has been the usual practice for the county courts to nominate the justices in rotation, and for the Governor
&nd council to commission the first in nomination. I f all the justices of the county refuse to accept the office^ the
county courts may nominate three freeholders, from whom an appointment may be made. In case of the disability,
or refusal, of a sheriff, to collect the public taxes, the Executive may appoint a collector.
Sheriffs and collectors^ before entering on the duties^ of their offices, are required to enter into bonds, with sufficient sureties, before the justices of the county courts, in the sum of thirty thousand dollars, *to secure a due collecting, and accounting, for the taxes imposed on their respective Counties.
* Persons who pay taxes, may require a fair and distinct account of the articles upon .which the same accrue, and
also receipts from the sheriffs or collectors for the sums paid; if payment be not made on or before the first day of
May, of all taxes due on the 31st day of December preceding, the sheriff or collector may distrain any slaves, goods,
o r c h a t t e l s , found on the lands or in the possession of the person indebted, notwithstanding such slaves/goods, or
chattels, are comprised in a deed or mortgage. AU goods, taken -by distress, must be kept five daysr after which
time they may be sold for ready money, sufficient to discharge the, taxes and incidental charges. Slaves cannot be
distrained, except for want of goods or chattels; no distress can be made after two years from the time when taxes
become due.
In cases where effects sufficient to satisfy a tax are not to be found, pn the lands charged therewith, or where
the persons indebted are insolvent, a list ot such lands and insolvent persons may be rendered by the sheriff or
collector to the county or corporation court, and if the court be satisfied with the truth thereof, they may admit the
sheriff to make oath to such list, which, beirig certified, to the auditor of public accounts^ will entitle the sheriff or
c o l l e c t o r to a credit on settlement. Where it appears to the auditor that the persons indebted,"possess slaves-or
personal property in some other county, 'the taxes returned as uncollectible must be transmitted to the sheriff
of such county, for collection, with the taxes of the ensuing year. Incase the said taxes are not collected during
the ensuing year, it becomes the duty of the treasurer to publish, for three weeks successively, in the newspaper of
the printer to the State, the names of the delinquents, with the quantity of land, the situation thereof; and the taxes
due thereon; in case the taxes, on any tracts of land, not belonging to infants, insane persons, or married women,
are not paid in three years, the T i g h t to such land becomes'forleited to, and vested in, the- State; in favor-of the
persons above describedj an exemption from liability to forfeiture is allowed, until the expiration of three years
after their legal disabilities are. removed. ^
The principles of the system of taxation, before described, have been, generally, approved. Some objections
h a v e been made against the supposed inequality qf the land tax, and against the mode of assessing houses and lots
in towns. The duties of the county and corporation courts, have, generally, been well executed; the successive pretensions of justices to the primary office of sheriff, have, however, not unfrequently occasioned defalcations, which

1796.]

DIRECT

TAXES.

433

might have been avoided, by appointments with a sole reference to the qualifications proper for collectors of the revenue. The precise degree of punctuality with which taxes have been lately collected, is not known; of the tax for
the year. 1793, ten thousand dollars, and, ofthe tax for the year-1794, eleven thousand dollars, remained unpaid,
in August, 1796.
^
*
*
The expenses of supporting the State Government, and for contingencies and grants, in the year 1793, amounted
to one'hundred and twenty-seven thousand four hundred and forty dollars thirty*cents.
' *
The same expenses, in 1794, were, one hundred arid,fifty-seventhousand two hundred and one dollars seventeen cents.*
, \The whole revenue of the year 1793 was one hundred and thirty-two thousand nine hundred, and seventyeight dollars thirty-one cents. And that of the year 1794, pne hundred andfifty^nine-thousandtwo; hundred and sixty-nine dollars-thirty"
cents.j*
'
It is supposed that the statement for tiie year 1793 exhibits the most correct view of the usual- annual expenditures. *
The debt ofthe State is inconsiderable, and the arrearages of old taxes, are considered as sufficient, when collected, for its extinguishment. #
.
The amounts ofthe several articles, which were subject to specific taxes,-in the years 1786 and 1795, will appear'
in an annexed statement.!
'
.
\
OF-KENTUCKY.
The objects of taxation are as follow:
Lands, except town lots, which are divided-into three classes, by entire tracts.' The first class is taxed <%t half
a dollar per hundred acres, the second class at one fourth of a dollar, and the third class at one eighth of a dollar,
per hundred acres. Horses, other than stud horses, at one twelfth of a dollar, which last are taxed at various
rates. Neat cattle, at one forty-eighth part of a dollar. .Slaves, at one fourth part of a dollar. Ordinary licences,
at ten dollars, each. Coaches and chariots, at one dollar per wheel j other four wheel carriages, except those used
forpurposes of agriculture, two thirds of a dollar per wheel: riding two wheel carriages, at one dollar per wheel.
Billiard tables, and retail stores, at thirty-three and one third-dollars, each. Taxes are, moreover, imposed on
each original writ or subpoena, m the court of appeals, at one dollar; on'like wits or subpoenas, in other courts, half
a dollar; on each appeal to the court of appeals, two dollars; on each writ of error, subpoena, or certiorari, from
the court of appeals, one dollar. On each reccfrd of a deed for land, half a dollar* On every paper issued under
the seal of the State, one dollar; and, under the seal, of any court, half a dollar.
In addition to the specific taxes before enumerated, town lots are taxed, ad valorem, at the rate of half a dollar
upon every three hundred and thirty-three dollars'and one third; the value to.be ascertained without regard to improvements*
For the assessment and collection of these taxes, the following regulations have been provided:
The county courts divide the counties into districts, 'for each of which a commissioner of taxes is* appointed,
whose duty it is to collect lists or returns Qf the taxables belonging to individuals; these returns are taken on the
oath ofthe party, between the 10th of March and 1st of July, in eyery year. The commissioners, severally, determine to what class, lands in .their respective districts,shall be referred, on the following principles. Where the
greater part of a tract is superior, in quality, to second rate land, it is placed in the first class; where the greater
part of a tract is inferior to first rate, and superior to third rate, it is classed as second rate; where the greater part
of a tract is inferior to second rate,. it is placed as third rate; and, where the commissioner has no knowledge of the
quality, he may take information, on oath', of the owner of the land, or of any other person; if no information can be
obtained,, the land is assessed as second rate.
When the returns of individuals are collected, they are digested, in alphabetical order, by the commissioners,
and returned to the county courts; of the general list for the county, three copies are made, of which, one, certified by the clerk of the county court, is transmitted to the*auditor pi public accounts; a second is delivered to the
sheriff of the county; the third is retained for the use ofthe commissioners.
The county courts have pow^r to correct mistakes in the lists, and to relieye persons aggrieved by erroneous or
excessive assessments.
'
Persons who omit to include the whole of their taxable property in their lists, are subject to a fine, and to the
payment of treble taxes; if lands are omitted, theparty forfeits hi.s right and title thereto; non-resident proprietors
may return their lands directly to the auditor, and pay the taxes thereon to the treasurer.
The sheriffs are, generally, pcdlectors of taxes; they are elected every three years, .by the people of the respective counties; they are required to give bonds, with sufficient sureties, for the faithful discharge of their trusts. I f
a sheriff, in any case, cannot give bond to the satisfaction of the county court for the county, or, if he decline to
collect the public taxes, the court*may appoint a special collector, with the same powers, and like responsibility, in
respect to the revenue, as are provided in the case of sheriffs.
The sheriffs may proceed to make collections, by personal demand, of individuals, from the first day of December to the first day ofApril. After the first day of April they may distrain goods and chattels, and.Tor want thereof,
may sell lands for the payment of taxes; they are enjoined to settle their accounts by the first day of August in
each year. In cases where there are interfering claims, and two .or more persons pay the taxes for the same land,
the person evicted is entitled to compensation from the treasury.
In cases where persons indebted are deemed insolvent, they may be reported to the county courts, and, being so
adjudged, their taxes are certified to the auditor, and passed to the credit ofthe sheriff or collector. I f either a
sheriff or collector be delinquent, judgment against them may be obtained, on motion, .with a penalty of twenty per
centum, in addition to the sums remaining in arrear.
' .
The compensation allowed to sheriffs, is, a commission of five per centum; that of commissioners, is one dollar
per day, for the time they are actually employed, which last allowance is paid on the certificates of the county
courts.
tr,
b
The debt of the State is inconsiderable. The expense of supporting Government piay be estimated at thirty
thousand dollars per annum. The amount of each species of taxable property, agreeably to the returns made by the
commissioners of the several counties, in the year 1795, appears in a statemeht hereto annexed.^
OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The revenues of this State are derived from taxes on the following objects:
On all patented lands, except lots in to^yns, without regard to quality or situation, and on all entries of land,
whether disputed or not, eight pence per hundred acres.
On every hundred pounds value of town lots, with their improvements, two shillings.
On all white men of twenty-one years of age, and .upwards, whether frjee, of bound to service; and on all slaves
and indented servants 9f color, between twelve and fifty years of age? two shillings.
On stud horses, various rates, which may be averaged at ten slnllihgs each.
On licenced ordinaries, and houses for retailing spirituous liquors in small quantities, forty shillings per annum.
* Appendix, H.

f Appendix I.

* Appendix, K.

FINANCE.

S434

[1796.

On every original writ, or leading process in equity, twenty shillings; in the superior courtsy ten shillings; in
the inferior courts, five shillings; and, on appeals from the,inferior courts, eight shillings. On billiard tables,"twenty pounds, each,
*' .
The ta£es above mentioned are collected under the following regulations:
The county courts divide the counties into convenient districts, and appoint a justice of peace to re6eiye the
returns of taxablesin each district. To facilitate the performance of this duty, it is usualTor the captains of militia
to advertise musters; to these musters the people repair, with,written lists of tfieir whole property subject to taxation, which are exhibited to the justices, on oath or affirmation. The period to which the lists refer, is the first day
of April, annually. It is required, that each list should contain a specification of the particular tracts of land; the
number of town lots, the counties and tpwns in which the same lie, and the number b of white polls and .taxable
"slaves: appertaining to the family of the person exhibiting the same. Persons who omit to disdose true statements
of their taxable property, are liable to an amercement, and to the payment of a double tax.
The valuation of town property is effected by freeholders, three of whom are appointed, annually, in each town,
for this purpose, by the county co'urte; they are sworn to estimate the true value of all lots, with their improvements.
*
*
The returns of individuals are, by the justices, exhibited to the county courts, with tlie names of the individuals
* who refused to comply with the law. Three transcripts of the returns, digested, in alphabetical order, are then prepared; one is exposed publicly in the.court-house, for the inspection and information of .the people; another is delivered to the sheriff of the county, which constitutes a rule of collection; a third is transmitted to the comptroller of
the accounts of the State, by whom the sheriff and his. sureties are held accountable.
The sheriffs of counties are, ex officio, collectors of public taxes; they are appointed by the county courts, who are
judges of the sufficiency of their sureties.
•
,
The sheriffs are authorized to collect Jiot only the sums appearing on their lists, but also taxes from persons who
omitted to make returns; frOm the latter they may collect a double tax, one half of which accrues to their own benefit. To secure an account for such collections us atre not borne, on tlie, lists furbished by the county courts, each
sheriff is chargeable, in addition to the amount of his list, with one hundred pounds, {unless he exonerate himself
from the whole, or some part thereof, by rendering #on oath a particular account of all* two-fold collections. This
provision is, by experience, found sufficient to secure returns of all extra receipts;*
The sheriffs are authorized to commence their collections after the first of January; they rrtay not distrain until
after the first of April, but they, are required to'settle their accounts, and pay tlie moneys into the State treasury, by
the first day of October, annually.
'
"
'
.
* '
The sheriffs obtain credit for such taxes as appear to- the county courts to be due from insolvents, on being
certified as such, to tlie comptroller. All taxes remain a lien upon lands, until discharged, and where goods and
chattels cannot-be found, may be sold for payment of taxes.
"
The compensation allowed to sheriffs Is six per centum on the-amount of their collections, and an allowance of
six-pence per mile for travelling to and from the'treasury, to settle their accounts. These compensatipns are both
forfeited, if the sheriffs do not settle their accounts by thefirst,day of October, in <*ach year.
When sheriffs are delinquent, the treasurer is required to obtain the certificates of the- comptroller of the sums
due, including the extra charge, of one hundred pounds, and thereupon to apply" for judgment and execution against
the delinquents. These judgments are granted of course, on motion by jthe treasurer, without notice to. the sheriff,
or any evidence other than the comptroller's certificates.
The clerks of courts account with the treasurer for all collections made by them, .of taxes on law process, and
fines on amercements;
.
.
The annual product of all the taxes, before-mentioned, may be computed? at this time, to be between fifteen and
sixteen thousand pounds,-the charges of collection, and defalcations for insolvents, are estimated at fifteen per
On account of the tax for the year 1794, the returns of lands amounted to fourteen millions three ,hundred and
fifty nine thousand six hundred and seventy acres; and the number of free persons, servants, .and slaves, subject to
taxation, to one hundred and one thousand Six hundred and five. The taxes on law process, houses for retailing
spirits, gaming tables, and stud horses, are supposed not to have produced, at any time, more than one thousand
pounds per annum. The land tax has greatly increased since the year 1794, owing to the many new entries since
^ K e following estimate of the proportions in which each class of taxable objects contributes to a nett tax, of
between fifteen and sixteen thousand pounds upon thetState, being founded on the foregoing data, cannot be materially erroneous.
, * , •1 , J
Tax on lands2 other than town lots, computed on fourteen millions three hundred and ntty nine
thousand six hundred and seventy acres, at eight pence per hundred acres, ' .
;
- <£1,786 10' 0
Tax on white males, of twenty one years and upwards* ana on all slaves and indented 'servants of
color of both sexes, from twelve to fifty years of age, computed on one hundred and one thousand
six hundred and five persons, at two shillings, each,
- ,
1O,16OV10 0
Estimated product of taxes on law process, houses for retailing spirits, gaming tables, and stud
horses, 1*000 0 o
Estimated product of the tax on town lots and improvement^ at two shillings in each hundred
pounds,
. - '
.
~
1,000 0 0
Estimated increase of the tax on lands, since 1794, occasioned by new entries and grants,
1,500 0 O
Gross product of all taxes,
,Expenses of collection and defalcations,- occasioned by insolvents, estimated at fifteen per centum,
Estimated nett receipts,

^18,447 0 0
.2,767 0 0
^15,680 0 ( . 0

-

There are fifty-eight counties, or collection districts, in the State;, the whole revenue is collected by fifty-eight
sheriffs, and seventy-four clerks of courts and masters in chancery. ,
The expenses of suppprting government ^nd contingent grants, vary from fifteen to twenty thousand pounds per
annum; the deficiency of the State tax has been, hitherto, supplied'from the proceeds of'vacant lands; the debt of
the State consists principally of paper bills of credit-of which about one hundred and fifty thousand pounds are
estimated to be in the treasury ana in circulation. The amount of the county taxes is supposed to be nearly the
same, on an average, as the 'annual State tax.
OF TENNESSEE.

It is not known whether any law, for collecting a revenue, has been yet passed in this State.
OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
All the lands in this State are divided into districts, which are particularly described by law; within most of
the districts, the lands are classed by general 4escriptions, indicative of their value, as resulting from natural fertility or situation; to each class a specific value is assigned, according to which all lands falling within a given class,
are uniformly taxed: For instance, all tide swamps, not generally affected by the salts or freshes, of the first quality, are rated at six pounds per acre; of the second quality, at four pounds per acre; of the third quality, at two
pounds per acre; all pine-barren land, adjoining such swamps, or contiguous thereto, with respect to the benefit of

1796.]

DIRECT

TAXES.

435

water carriage, at ten shillings per ;&cre; all prime inland swamp, cultivated and uncultivated, at an average of
three pounds per acre; second quality, at two pounds per acre; third quality, at one pound per acre; pine-barren
land, adjoining or contiguous thereto? at five snilHhgs per acre; ""salt marsh, or inland swamp, proved to be incapable
r
of immediate cultivation, at five shillings per acre.
In like manner, all the lands in the State are-valued by districts or classes. The quantities of lands subject to
taxation at each rate, and of all other articles of ratable property, as returned in consequence of the tax granted in
the year 1794, are hereto subjoined.*
From the foregoing general rule of valuation, lands lying within the parishes of .St. Philip and St. Michael, near
Charleston, are excepted; these last, with lands, lots, and buildings, lying within any city, village, or borough, are
assessed in detail, with reference to. the local advantages and value of,each separate lot or building, and in a relative
proportion to lands in the country.
*
*
The tax on lands, lots, and buildings, has lately been ten shillings on eveiy hundred pounds, <5r one half of one
per centum ad valorem; a like tax has been imposed on. every hundred pounds of stock in trade, factorage* employments, faculties, and professions; clergymen,, mechanics, schoolmasters, and schoolmistresses, excepted.
All
slaves are taxed at four shillings and eight-pence per head; and free negroes, mulattoes, and mestizoes, at nine shillings and four-pence, per head; a tax is collected on sales at auction, but the rate imposed is not certainly ascertained.
The assessors and collectors of taxes are the same persons; they are appointed by the Legislature; vacancies,
which happen from deaths or resignations, are supplied by the Governor; the collectors hold their offices during the
pleasure of the Legislature.
/
•
*
Tne collectors for the parishes of StPhilip and St. Michael sere required to give bonds in the sum of ten thousand
pounds; the other collectors'are bound in the sum ofone thousand pounds; before entering upon the execution of
their offices, they are sworn to a faithful and impartial discharge of their trusts; in case of omission to take the said
oath, before entering upon their offices, they forfeit the sum ot fifty pounds.
Three-weeks prior to the first Monday in September, annually, the collectors notify the inhabitants to prepare
returns of their taxable,properfy; in thejiarishes of St. PhiKp and St. Michael,.the collectors are required to call
once at the dwellings of the inhabitants; in other parishes, fixed places may be appointed for receiving the said
returns; no person can, however, be compelled to attend at a greater distance than fifteen miles from his residence,
either for the purpose of delivering a return, or making payment of a tax. "
Eveiy person possessed of any taxable property, either in his own right, or iri the rightof any other person, as guarddian, executor, attorney, agent, or trustee^ is reguired to exhibit, on oath, an account, containing an enumeration of
each lot of land lying in any city, boroflgh, or village, with the dimensions thereof, and improvements thereon; also
of his lands in the country, with ^particular account of the situation, quantity, and quality, of the same, and the
number of his slaves,-and all other" objects of taxable, property; these accounts are taken with reference to the first
day of October, annually. Persons who conceal any part* of their taxable property, are subject to quintuple taxation on such part as has been concealed; persons who neglect or refuse to exhibit their accounts, are declared to be
defaulters,»&nd may be doubly taxed, according to the best information which the collectors can obtain, of their
taxable property.
*
•
~e
When the accounts of taxable property have been collected, the collectors determine the class to which any'lands
shall belong; and in respect to other objects of taxable property, they annex such valuations as they judge equitable.
The assessments on stock in trade, faculties, and professions, are founded on conjectural estimates, according to the
best judgment of the collectors. These assessments are^understood to be generally very moderate; in Charleston,
they are graduated according to the circumstances of individuals, from five thousand to one hundred dollars.
When individuals judge themselves to be over rated, they are Allowed to fix-the quantum of their assessments,
by declaring, on oath, the value of their property; their declarations, so made, become, in this case, a rule for the
government of the collectors.,
There are two treasurers in South Carolina, one residing in'the upper and the other in the lower country. T o
these officers, the collectors of taxes account, by delivering two lists; the first containing a specification of all taxable property returned to them, -with the names of the persons who returned the same, and the sums paid by individuals, respectively; ,the second containing an account of all taxable property which has come to the knowledge of
the collectors, ana which has not been returned. Collectors who refuse to render accounts, on oath, in the manner
before mentioned, maybe committed to prison, by warrants from the commissioners of the treasuiy.
Lists, containing the names and sums assessed upon individuals, are publicly exposed at the exchange in Charleston^ or at some public place in the parishes .where they reside, for ten days; after which time, if the taxes are not
paid, warrants are issued by the collectors, directed to the nearest constable, or to the sheriff ofthe city of Charleston, commanding them to levy the taxes by distress and sale, of real and personal estate: if the defaulter neglect or
refuse to point out lands, or to produce goods or effects, whereon the warrants may be levied, his person may be
taken ana committed to prison. Taxes are preferred to all securities, and must be paid out of the assets in the
hands of executors, prior to any judgments, mortgages, or debts, whatsoever.
Lands and property, of persons residing out ot the State, upon which the taxes are not paid, with interest thereon. within one year after public notice ih the gazettes of .the State^are forfeited to the use of the State, saving the
riglits of infants and married women, until two years after the removal of their legal disabilities.
The property'of persons residipg without the limits of the United States, except persons in the employment of
the Stated or of the United States, and young men sent abroad for their education, until they attain the age of
twenty-threp years, is subject to double taxation. Property belonging to religious or charitable societies, cities, or
free schools, is altogether exempted. Individuals may elect in what parish to p^y their taxes; the taxes paid in
Charleston, of course, include assessments on property lying in all parts ofthe State. The collectors are allowed a commission of five per centum on tne sums- accounted for by them, except those for
the parishes of St. Philip and St -Michael, who are allowed only two and one-half per centum.
The balance found due from the United States, on the-finalsettlement of the accounts ofthe late war, is understood to be nearly equal to the domestic debt of the State; a sum of about twoiiundred and ten thousand dollars
remains due to certain foreign creditors, for the interest and reimbursement of which, an annual tax of one-fourth of
a dollar per head, on slaves, is pledged and appropriated. The expenses of maintaining the State Government and
contingent grants, are estimated, on an average, at one hundred and twenty thousand dollars.. The expenses of
the city of Charleston are defrayed by local taxes; from September, 1795,-to September, 1796, these expenses
amounted to nearly fifty thousand dollars; the amount of parochial and other taxes in the country is not known.
The period during which a State tax has been usually in collection is not ascertained. It is inferred, however,
from information which has been obtained, that the practice of combining the appointments of assessors and collectors in the same persons; the want of an efficient control over the accounts of the collectors, of which this association of duties lias been a consequence; and the permission to individuals of electing the parish or, county where
their taxes shall be paid, have been causes of defalcation^ and delays, which would not otherwise have been experienced.
^
'
.
OF GEORGIA.
Lands in this State, as in South Carolina, are laid into districts or classes, to each of which a value is assigned
by law. In the act granting a tax for the support of Government, for the year 1796, tide swamps of the first quality
are rated at ten dollars and thirty-nine cents per acre, and pine-barren lands at twenty-one^cents^per acre. Lands
of intermediate qualities are rated at various rates, according to their advantages either of soil or situation.
•Appendix, L andM.

S436

FINANCE.

[1796.

On the value of lands, agreeably to the classification above mentioned, and on the value of all lots, wharves, and
buildings,- within the limits of any town, village, or borough, as ascertained by a particular assessment,, a tax has
been imposed of forty cents upon each hundreddollars.
On every hundred dollars' value, at prime cost, of the,stock in trade of shop keepers, twenty cents.
On eVery hundred dollars' value of foreign wares, liquors, and merchandise, sold, bargained, or trafficked for,
by factors and brokers, eighteen and three-quarter cents.
4
On every hundred dollars of the funded debt of the United States,* fifty cents.
On all free white male persons, of the.age of twenty-one years and upwards, and on all slaves under the age of sixty
years, thirty-seven and a half cents.
On all male free negroes, mulattoes, and mustizoes, from the age of twenty-one years and upwards, over and
above the taxable property they may be possessed of, fifty cents.
•
On all negroes brought into the State by sea, for settlement or sale, except such as 'are brought in by emigrants
from any part of the United-States, ten dollars.
On all professors of law or physic, and on all factors and brokers, four dollars.
>.
On all billiard tables, fifty dollars.
The county courts haye power to remit the poll tax in favor of indigent and infimr persons.
In every county there isappointed a receiver of tax returns, who js sworn to a faithful discharge of his duty. The
receivers are required to give notice to each captain's district in their counties, by previous advertisements, for ten
days, of thetimesand places where they will attend to receive returns of taxable property. They are required to
attend three days in each district, .which days must not be within seven days of each other.. The commanding officer of each company must furnish the receivers with lists, on oath, of all persons in their districts liable to the payment of taxes.
,
a
» All persons possessed of taxable property are required to exhibit, on oath,,particular accounts thereof, to the receivers of tax returns, under a penalty of ten dollars tor every hundred dollars value omitted or concealed, and a liability to the payment of double taxes, to be ascertained by thfee freeholders of the county..
.
when the returns of inhabitants have been collected, they are by the receivers digested into a general return,
• of which three copies .are made, one for the use of the collector of the county, a second for the treasurer of the State,
and a third for the county court of the county. .Within one month after the returns are made, the receivers are
required to publish, in the State gazette; the names of all .defaulters.
The counties are collection districts. The collectors are required to give bond, with surety, according to the
magnitude of the sums entrusted to them for collection* from twenty thousand, to three .thousand dollars; they* are
sworn to a faithful discharge of their offices; the sufficiency of their sureties is determined *by the justices of the
county courts. Receivers of taxreturns and collectors are appointed by the Legislature; vacancies are supplied by
the Governor.
The act granting the tax for the present year, was passed in the month of February. Individuals are allowed till
the first of December to make their respective payments, after* which their goods and chattels may be distrained
and sold; if goods and chattels are not to be found, lands may be taken,'solcL and conveyed by the collectors, notice
for twenty days, being previously given in the public gazettes of the State. The collectors' accounts must be, settled
with the treasurer before thefirstday of February, 1797. CI aims'of collectors on account of taxes due by insolvents,
are to be presented on oath, to thegrand jurors of the respective counties, who are empowered to decide finally
thereon.
The receivers of tax returns are allowed two and one half per centum on the taxes ^arising upon the "property
reported by tliem, beside six cents and one quarter on each return of a poll without property. The collectors are
allowed five per centum on the sums accounted for by them, and certain fees in cases of distress, which are paid by
the delinquents.
No information has been obtained of the quantities of taxable property in this State, of the amount of its debt,
the usual expenses of maintaining Government, or the manner in which the revenue laws have been executed.

As an apology for the minutenessof the foregoing .detail, the Secretary respectfully observes, that,fully conscious
of the importance and difficulty of the subject under consideration, he has been anxious to prevent the consequences
of any misapprehensions on his part, by a full exhibition of the data upon which his opinions have been formed.
Owing to the great variety of acts and documents, which it has been necessary to consult, it is not to be presumed
that the foregoing recital is perfectly accurate. ^ It is hoped, however,- that no errors will be discovered, which can
embarrass or delay the deliberations of the Legislature.
,
•
In the expression? pf opinions respecting the best rnode of imposing, the proposed tax, the three following have
been suggested.
1st. That an act of Congress should be passed, declaring the quotas of the different States; assigning atimefor
payment into the treasury, and prescribing, in cases of delinquency, that the said quotas shonld be assessed and
collected by authority of the United States, upon the same objects of taxation, and pursuant to the same rules, by
which the last taxes were assessed and Collected by the respective States*
2d. That the £ct of Congress should direct that the proposed tax should be assessed and collected under authority
of the United States, upon the same objects of taxation, and pursuant to the rules of collection by which taxes are
collected in the States, respectively. .
3d. That the act of Congress should define certain objects of taxation, and principles of assessment according
to which the proposed tax should fie assessed in all the States, to be collected pursuant to uniform regulations.
The first of these propositions deserves but amomentary consideration. Jn the first place, it is obviously liable
to every objection which can attend a reliance upon State contributions in any other and less exceptionable form.
Secondly, it partakes of the system of requisitions upon theStartes, which utterly failed under the late confederation,
and to remedy which, was one great object of establishing the present Governmentb Thirdly, it presupposes a possible necessity of recourse to the national authority, under circumstances of unavoidable collision with the State
Governments.
It may, therefore, be safely affirmed, that, if this mode should be adopted, all certain expectation of a revenue
from direct taxes will be destroyed; that discontents and jealousies between the different members of the Union will
be excited; and that the constitutional power of the Government of the United States will be required io be exerted
under unfavorable circumstances.
.
The second proposition is recommended by plausible, if not solid considerations; and as the resolution of the
House countenances an expectation that a plan of this nature may be realized, its advantages and disadvantages have
been maturely considered.
It appears, from the account already given qf thefiscalsystems of the several States, that, in many instates, they
have been long established; that, in general, they are well approved by the people; that habit has rendered an acquiescence under the rules they impose, familiar. A presumption in favor ot their intrinsic merit, arises from their
having been enacted by Legislatures possessed of a minute and particular knowledge of the circumstances and interests of the respective States; and it may be conceded that, so far as the principles qf the State systems can, with
propriety, be adopted by Congress, the hazards of new experiments, and the delays incident to the organization of a
new plan, will be avoided.
It is believed that the foregoing observations comprize the substance of all the arguments which can be urged
in favor of the proposition to be considered. They are acknowledged to be of weight -According to first impressions on most minds, they will be pronounced almost irrefragable. It is, however, presumed, that a particular knowledge of the State systems, and attention to their operation, will produce a conviction, "that the plan is liable to
great, if not insuperable objections.

DIRECT TAXES.

1796.]

437

1, The systems of the States are, in many instances, utterly different from each other, in respect to objects and
principles of taxation.

The truth of this proposition is demonstrated by the preceding part of this report, and by the documents which
are hereunto annexed: it may be proper, however, to contrast some of the most important features of difference:
1st. Uniform capitation taxes, or taxes on persons, without respect to property, professions, or occupations, are
imposed in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Georgia.
The proportion of taxes raised in this manner, in Vermont and Georgia, is not ascertained; in the other States above
mentioned, the capitation taxes produce between two-ninth parts and somewhat more than one-third part of all the
sums collected. In the other States, this .tax is unknown, vie taxes, on professions, and certain classes of persons,
and on slaves, not being considered as of this description.
2d. Taxes on horses and cattle, with certain exceptions, are imposed in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Horses only, are faxed in Virginia. The whole
stock of farms is included in the general valuations of property in Rhode Island, New York,-Delaware, and Maryland. In all the other States, no part ofthe stock of farms is subject to taxation.
3d. Taxes are imposed on the mass of property, real and personal, with certain exceptions, in the Statest)f Rhode
Island, New York, Delaware, and Maryland. In the other btates, specific objects are designated. *
4tli. Lands, including those unenclosed and uncultivated, are subject to taxation in all the States* except Vermont and Delaware. In the latter State, they will be hereafter taxed. # Lands are uniformly taxed by the quantity,
without reference to soil or situation, in N9rth Carolina. They are divided into three classes,, with reference to
wtcdUy, in Kentucky, each of which is uniformly taxed.- They are taxed uniformly, by districts^ in South Carolina and Georgia, whether cultivated or uncultivated. They are taxed according to apermanent valuation, in Virinia. The relative value of lands in different counties or districts, isdetermined by law, in Maryland and New
ersey; within which districts* they are taxed ad valorem, not exceeding certain average rates. In Pennsylvania,
lands are taxed ad valorern, according to triennial assessments. In Connecticut, except certain lands in two counties, they are taxed according to the mode of cultivation or condition, by a uniform rule, without reference to value.
In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, they are taxed according to their produce or supposed annual rent or profit
In Vermont, enclosed and cultivated lands, with certain exceptions, are uniformly taxed, without reference either
to value or profit.
5th. Stock employed in trade or manufactures, and moneys loaned on interest, are taxed on different principles,
in different States. In some States, these objects are wholly exempted.
6th. Assessments at discretion, on the supposed property or income of individuals, are permitted in various
degrees, and under different modifications, in some States. In other-States, all taxes attach to certain defined
objects, at prescribed rates.
Other circumstances of discrimination might be noticed; those which have been mentioned, are, however* sufficient to shew that the State systems are utterly discordant and irreconcileable, in their original principles. It now
remains to deduce the objections arising from this diversity of system.
It is assumed as a principle, that all the objects of income^ whether consisting of skill, labor, or capital, bear
certain relations to each other, which may be defined to be their natural value.
When a consumable article is taxed, the relations by which value was before determined, are immediately
affected; the tax being an unavoidable expense attached to the article, enhances its value,. But though the value of
the article in this sense is enhanced, by being rendered the subject of taxation, it is well known that its price in
money may still remain as before, or may be enhanced, or may even be depressed. Value, therefore, is determined
by the degrees of labor, skill, and expense, necessarily bestowed on a subject; while price is determined by the correlative demand for money, and the articles for which money is exchanged.^
Various causes may influence price, independent of, and unconnected with, taxes. The most useful of these, are
the occasional plenty and scarcity of money, or its substitutes; or a redundant or deficient supply of exchangeable
commodities. The vibrations of price, produced by these causes, are, however, always^ temporary; it being the constant tendency of free commerce, to restore that equilibrium which results from a coincidence between price and

f

value.

.

.

.

.

.

Unless taxes are laid with a view to encourage certain objects, by giving a new direction to the public industry,
it is proper that the natural relations of value should be regarded. When, notwithstanding anew tax, the price and
value continue to be coincident; when no business or profession is either encouraged or discouraged, taxes may be
said to be laid with perfect equity, and in exact proportion to the relative ability of individuals.
Various have been the devices of nations to attain this object; the regulations of the United States have been,
hitherto, governed by the following maxims:
1st. To tax the same subject, in all cases, by an uniform rule. #
2d. To protect every taxed article by a proportional tax upon its competitor.
3d. To prevent disadvantageous competitions in foreign markets, by bounties or drawbacks, proportioned to the
amount of tne tax.
There appears to be no good reason, why these principles, so far as circumstances will permit, should not be
respected in a system of direct itaxation for the United States; their application to the subject, and the objections
which they form against the State systems, are obvious.
.
If an article is taxed in one State, and is entirely exempted or differently taxed in another State, the action of
the tax upon the same subject must be different in these different situations; in the State in which the article is
taxed, it must suffer, not only from the new and disadvantageous relation in which it will be placed in respect to
other branches of industry, but it must also suffer from competitions of industry, similarly employed in other States.
From diefirstmentioned disadvantage, relief will intimebe obtained, by the operation of those causes which
invariably conform all supplies to the state of demand; from the last, it can never be relieved, except by a change
of situation. The tendency of opposite systems of taxation, in the same country, if the foregoing positions are true,
must, therefore, be, to dislocate property, and to divert industry from those situations in which it might naturally

have found employment.
_
•
.. , »
a
a
The Secretary feels no disposition to magnify the force of this objection, and therefore he observes, that the
influence of such a tax as is now proposed to be laid, may not be so considerable as to be immediately visible. A n
-effect can only be proportioned to its cause; if, therefore, the theory should be admitted to be tine, yet, i f its application to practical purposes is only to be justified by speculative reasoning, and shall appear to be unfounded in
probability, it may, with propriety, be discarded.
•
^
^ ^

In speaking ofthe probable effects of collecting a general revenue, by diverse modes of taxation, it is, however,
proper to notice, that the peculiar circumstances ofthe United States will justify an opinion, that even slight causes
may produce great effects." Enterprise, in pursuit of wealth, is a characteristic of Americans: a part of our countryis wholly unexplored, and the residue, susceptible of great meliorations; a free circulation of industry and wealth
is patronized by our laws; capital is very equally divided; .attachments and habits, favorable to particular employments, are but imperfectly formed; expensive manufacturing establishments exist but in few instances, and rarely
accompanied with any peculiar local advantages.
.%

I t is believed that most of these circumstances favorably discriminate the United States irom every other country;
they are all of a nature to render the effects of any general system of taxation inoppressive, by facilitating a restoration of that proportional level between price and value, supply and demand, winch taxes have a tendency to disturb; but, at the same time, they powerfully dissuade from systems of a local bias and operation.

It is no refutation of this objection to say, that the existing relations of property and industry have conformed
to the State systems, and would be disturbed by a change. It is known .that the State taxes have generally been
very inconsiderable; that the most partial taxes,, when very moderate, produce no sensible effects; that when, as
56

f

S438

FINANCE.

[1796.

during the confederation, attempts were made to draw'a considerable revenue from requisitions, insuperable difficulties were found to attend the collection of direct taxes, in every State; it will also be recollected, that these difficulties were, in a great measure, ascribed to the discordance and^ counteraction of opposite systems; experience,
therefore* instead of refuting, affords a proof of the principles herein maintained.
I l l Ji second objection against adopting the laws of the States, arises from the diversity of the principles by
which taxes are apportioned and collected.
It appears from tlie preceding part Of this report, that, in the States south of Delaware, including Kentucky, all
taxes attach to persons or to individual property, and that the assessing and collecting officers aye appointed Jby the
Legislatures, State Executives, or by certain courts. In the States north of Delaware? taxfes attached to corporations or
districts, as townships or counties, in which the assessing and collecting officers are chosen by tlie people, who are
ultimately responsible for their conduct. In the State ot Delaware, taxes are apportioned to counties, but, as the
collectors are appointed by the treasurer, the counties are not responsible.
It is of tlie utmost importance, that a strict responsibility should be maintained in every grade of the fiscal
department; without real responsibility,'the characters of those entrusted with the public revenues can never be
protected against unjust suspicious, nor can abuses be long prevented.
T o secure responsibility in the collection of a direct tax* it appears to be essential that the persons who assess
the tax should be different from those who collect moneys from the people; in other words* no man ought to be
allowed to prescribe the rule by which individuals are to contribute, and Jby which his own accounts are to be
adjusted. I f it shall be determined to impose a direct tax, in the mode prescribed by the laws of the several States,
it is not perceived how the principle of rendering districts responsible for fixed quotas,\ can, in respect to certain
States, be renounced.
Nothing is more certain, than that a new assessment will be necessary for every tax imposed on objects of a
'transitory nature; and that, in proportion to the variety of objects,.will the details of assessment be. rendered complicated, and^ susceptible of error.
"
^
^
T o establish officers in every district, possessed of skill competent to institute and maintain a check on the collectors, would be attended with enormous expense; to allow the people,to elect assessors in the manner now practised, and, at the same time, to renounce the idea* of local responsibility, would be manifestly unsafe. Under such a
system, there could be no security that local partiality would not lead to connivances for the suppression and concealment of property justly subject to taxation. Notwithstanding the temptation to practices of this kind is greatly
diminished, ^establishing quotas, yet the returns of taxable property, hereto annexed, exhibit, in some instances,
most decisive indications of imperfection.,
^
There is reason to believe, that an experience of the difficulty of obtaining accurate and impartial assessments,
has dictated many of the late changes in the State systems; it being observable that, where the principle of local responsibility has not been;adopted, the systems of taxation have been simplified, and more and more confined to
visible and permanent objects.
But, though the principle of local responsibility appears to be a natural consequence of assessments, requiring
a minute and frequent specification of taxable objects, yet it is to be observed, that a system of this nature is frequently dilatory? and sometimes may be found impracticable, owing to the intrinsic difficulties which must ever
attend the coercion of communities.
In the States south of" Pennsylvania, where taxes attach to persons or to individual property, the State regulations are more coincident with those by wliich the internal revenues of the United States have been hitherto governed,
than in the northern section. The taxes are more specific, and are confined to fewer objects. Nevertheless, in
some of these States, the assessment of a tax would necessarily require specifications of considerable extent and
intricacy, in order to secure a due responsibility to the public.
If it should be determined that the rules by which taxes are collected in the several States shall form the basis
of an act of the United States, still provisions would be necessary, in cases where tlie State laws are defective; in
the States of New York and Pennsylvania^ no taxes have for several years been imposed, except for county purposes; the quotas of the several counties, m respect to the last tax, would evidently4be unsuitable at present; and
even if the valuations by which county taxes are now assessed, were known, they would not afford a just criterion
for apportionments; being designed merely to regulate the quotas of townships, and the proportions of individuals*
no judgment of the relations of the several counties to each other, could be deduced from them.
In some of the States, all officers, "in others, officers of certain descriptions, are disqualified by law from accepting appointments under the General Government; serious inconveniences have been experienced in the collection
ofthe internal revenues already established, from this cause; they would be .increased by an adoption of the State
systems, to a decree which it is not easy to foresee or calculate.
T o the objections which have been stated, and which relate to local and subordinate administration, it is proper
to add those which would affect the treasury department, under the operation of a system predicated on the proposition now considered.
N o extensive business can'be conducted with security, except it be susceptible of plain, distinct, and invariable
regulations. Cases will, indeed, arise, relative to which somedegree of discretion mustbe exercised. Under a well
organized plan, these cases may always be identified, to be judged of according to their particular circumstances
t and merits. In proportion to the complexity of any system, willbe the number-of doubtful or anomalous cases, and
in the same proportion will the number of general rules, and the volume of details, be increased.
All causes which complicate business tend to produce error, to lessen responsibility, and to encourage and foster
suspicions to the disadvantage of the Executive administration. It is believed that the laws relating tp the fiscal
-department have been hitherto framed according to principles, and executed in a manner, which will admit of a
satisfactory elucidation of every material transaction. Though the business of the treasury insists of several
branches, yet each branch is governed by uniform rules; there nas, therefore, as yet, been introduced, no other
complexity than what unavoidably results from a variety of duties. T o enforce one simple'and uniform system of
taxation throughout this extensive country, would considerably add to the labors of that department; the considerations which have been mentioned, oppose strongly tliat accumulation of duties which would resqlt from a system
founded on a diversity of principles.
The Secretary presumes that it has been evinced that there are weighty, if not insuperable objections, against an
adoption of the State systems by the United States; the more difficult task of proposing a plan, not attended with
difficulties of equal or greater magnitude, remains to be attempted. T o this end, a review ofthe principal taxes
collected in the several States, appears to be necessary.
1st. Uniform capitation taxes, or taxes on persons, without reference to property.
This species of tax is liable to fewer objections in the United States than in any other country; such is, and must
be, the demand for labor, while lands are so easily attainable as at present, that there can be no danger of depressing
the condition of laborers. A tax of this nature could, moreover, be easily adjusted, both to the rule of uniformity
and to the rule of apportionment, by one of which, the constitution requires that all contributions shall be regulatea.
But it cannot be doubted that capitation taxes tend to increase the price of labor, and of course to discourage
manufactures, contrary to the policy of the United States. Moreover, by multiplying the objects of taxation, an
undue proportion of the public burdens is thrown upon the class of middlingfarmers, whose interests appear to be
disadvantageous^ affected by the operation of most of the State systems. This species of tax is decidedly opposed
by public opinion in some States. A new assessment would be necessary, for every tax, the expenses of which,
and of maintaining a due check upon the collection, would be disproportioned to the revenue; and owing to migrations, a considerable part of every assessment would fail of being collected- On these grounds, capitation taxes are
deemed inexpedient.

DIRECT TAXES.

1796.]

439

2d. Taxes on the stock and produce of farms.

Taxes of this kind are unequal, even when imposed according to uniform rates, as is the practice in most of the
States. When they are not imposed according to uniform rates, they are necessarily arbitrary, and still more unequal. The same article, in different situations, being of very different value, aunitorm tax on the stock of farms
could not fail of producing various results in respect to the income of individuals. Taxes of this nature discourage
improvements. .Beasts employed in agriculture and common transportation, are, in no respect, more eligible objects
of taxation than the tools and implements!* of a farm, or those of a trade or profession. A great proportion ofthe
stock of middling farmers is of this description, upon whom a tax on the stpclc of farms would fall with undue weight.
Such a tax would require minute^specifications, and'repeated assessments; the effects of which, towards increasing
the expenses of collection, and diminishing the responsibility of the revenue officers* have been already noticed.*
3d. Taxes on stock employed in trade and manufactures, and on moneys loaned on interest.

It is believed that direct taxes on these objects, except in- extraordinary and temporary emergencies, are
impolitic, unequal, and delusive.^ When taxes of thisfciudare so levied as not to be, in some form, reimbursed to
the contributors, they tend to drive capital, commerce, and industry, from a country; in other cases, they operate
as taxes on consumable commodities. They are either arbitrary, or they require ah inquisition into the circum-*
stances of individuals, to which free governments are incompetent. As it is practicable, in most cases, to arrive at
the object proposed by taxes of this description, by means of uniform duties on consumable commodities, and on
visible signs of expense, there appears to be no reason for recurring to a mode which constant experience has shown
to be unequal and unproductive, and which is in its nature arbitrary.
4th. Taxes on the profits resulting from certain employments,

This head will comprise a variety of taxes collected in certain of the 'States, upon lawyers* physicians, and other
professions, upon merchants, traders, and mechanics, and upon mills, furnaces, and other manufactories. In some
States, these taxes are attempted to be proportioned to the gains and profits of individuals, in which cases they are
both arbitrary and unequal; m other States, the taxes are uniform; in which cases they are only unequal.^
It is presumed, that taxes of this nature cannot be considered as of that description which the constitution re-*
quires to be apportioned among the States; moderate taxes of this kind have been resorted to in most countries. It
is impossible to render them exactly equal; that they are easy of collection^ that their operation is indirect, and that
they are capable of being rendered perfectly certain, are recommendations in their favor.
5th. Taxes on lands.

A direct tax, in the sense of the constitution, must necessarily include a tax on landsj it, therefore, only remains
to determine on a mode of assessment, of which Ihe principles snail be, as nearly as possible, certain, uniform, and
equal.
,
The general principles, according to which lands are now taxed in the several States, have been already, mentioned. Taxes on the quantity of lands, without respect to Quality, situation, or improvements, are both certain and
uniform; but they are so manifestly unequal, as to be altogether improper,.except in countries very recently settled,
and where the taxes are very moderate.
Uniform taxes on lands, with reference merely to districts or local situation, are certain; but when imposed on
districts partially and unequally improved, they are exceedingly inequitable. If any considerable taxes should be
imposed, according to this rule, on lands so circumstanced, itis believed that it would be perceived to be their tendency to accumulate landed property into few hands, and to discourage improvements.
Uniform taxes, with reference to the quality of lands, determined by a classification, are somewhat less certain^
though more equal, than either of the modes beforementioned. During a certain period after thefirstsettlement ot
a country? this mode of raising a moderate revenue appears to be liable to no considerable objection.
A uniform tax on all improved lands, would be sufficiently certain, though very unequal, except in a country^
the lands of which were nearly similar in quality, productions, and advantages, in respect to markets: this mode of
taxation is, therefore, but illy adapted to the condition of any other than a small State and recent settlements.
A uniform tax on lands, with reference to their condition or mode of cultivation, would evidently be unsuitable,
except in a small State, where the quality of the lands, and circumstances of the people, were nearly similar; the
frequency of assessment which this mode of taxation requires, is of itself an insuperable objection against its adoption
as a general rule.
Taxes proportioned to the value of improved lands, and taxes proportioned to their produce, or annual income,
or rent, are nearly, if not entirely, alike in principle. In countries were lands are generally leased and cultivated
by tenants, the annual rent affords a certain criterion of value; but in this country, where lands are generally held
and cultivated under allodial tenures, the? sums of money for which lands are commonlysold afford a more correct
standard. As unimproved lands afford no rent, their value can be no otherwise determined than by the rule last
mentioned.
.
.
The value of lands being assumed as the most eligible criterion of assessment, a question arises, how often will
new assessments be necessary?
.
In a country generally peopled and cultivated, or, in other words, where the relative Value of lands has been adjusted by settlements in every part, there appears to be no necessity for frequent valuations. ' On the contrary, taxation,by a permanent and invariable rule, would be most convenient for both the public and for the proprietors,
until some cause had operated an essential change in the relative value of landed property:
Our countiy is, however, far removed from that fixed state which alone could justify an attemptto establish a permanent standard of taxation. It may be expected, that in some parts the value of lands will decline, in others, jtf
will certainly increase. As no tax on lands, occupied for purposes of agriculture, can exceed the value ot a certain
proportion of its produce, it might follow, that the resources'of the government would be unreasonably and improperly restricted by the establishment of a permanent rule.. On the contrary, frequent valuations are discouraging to
improvements, and necessarily occasion tne expenses, incident to the assessment and collection of a revenue, to be
excessive; such a mean between a permanent rule and annual valuations, therefore, appears to be advisable, as
would, on the one hand, produce an apportionment, in a great measure corresponding with the actual value of lands,
and, on the other, not discourage improvements, or inconveniently enhance tne expenses of assessment. A period
of not less than ten years, nor more thanfifteenyears, is suggested as a proper medium.
t ^
Temporary and perishable improvements, including buildings, do not appear to be proper objects of valuation in
the assessment of a tax on lands.
.
.
The expediency of a tax on unimproved lands is at least doubtful; being absolutely unproductive, the capital advanced by the proprietors can only be considered as a species of loan, to be reimbursed at a future period; or as an
•expenditure for the purpose of commencing settlements. Large tracts of land are held by persons, whose only object,
in making purchases, was the investment of capital with a view to security, and to the profit expected from future
sales; perhaps equal quantities in the aggregate are held in small portions, which were purchased with a view to actual improvements.
It has been sometimes supposed, that taxes on new lands tend to encourage settlements, and to promote an equal
division of landed property: this opinion has probably been founded on anv observation, that wherever considerable
taxes have been imposed, extensive alienations have followed. The vibrations of price, and consequent'speculations
and frauds which have been thereby occasioned, have been serious evils. Considering the immense quantities of
new lands in this country, there is no hazard in affirming that monopolies, for any considerabletime!,are utterly
impracticable; though, in particular places, proprietors of extensive tracts may counteract settlements, yet it will
more frequently happen, that the competitions between sellers of lands will be decidedly favorable to purchasers;
in general, proprietors will, from views of private interest, be active encouragers of new settlements.
The greatest obstacles to the vigorous and successful prosecution of new settlements, arise from the general

FINANCE.

S440

[1796.

poverty of thefirstcultivators, and the hardships which they are obliged to encounter- It is the policy of individuals,
who are desirous of promoting settlements* and who are able to command capital, to diminish these mconveniencies
as much as possible. Not unfrequently, thefirstimprovements are made at the expense of proprietors, other than
actual settlers. ' When this is not done, the necessity of an advance, which would diminish the stock of the cultivator, is obviated by sales of land on credit for a term of years. Taxes on new settlements create a demand for capital; their tendency must be disadvantageous to the poor, and favorable to the wealthy; they may, indeed, operate to
the benefit of one description of capital ists, and to the injury of another, but it is believed that an impartial appeal to
experience will demonstrate, that, wherever taxes have been imposed for other than local purposes, immediately
beneficial to new settlements, they have produced an accumulation* not a division of landed property.
But, though it appears to be inexpedient to extend the proposed tax to unimproved lands generally, it will not be
possible to exempt them, in all situations, without relinquishing that criterion for regulating the accounts of the revenue, which would result from an ascertainment of the quantities of lands within the districts to which the tax may
be extended. As being a medium most consistent \vith equity, and the security of the revenue, it is proposed that
the law should define the limits to which the sphere of taxation shall be extended, and that it should prescribe a
maximum of value, above which unimproved and uninclosed lands shall not be valued, in certain districts, to be
It appears to be proper, that all lands belonging to corporations or individuals, which are, or shall be, permanently exempted from taxation by the laws of the States, respectively, should also be exempted by the United States.
6th. Taxes on houses.

In a scientific view, a tax on houses can only be considered as a tax on expense, and in no sense as a "tax on capital or revenue; whether a tax of this nature be imposed on the landlord, builder, or tenant, it must, under the operation of a permanent system,finallyfall entirely upon the tenant. Permanency and immobility are the only properties
which distinguish houses from those objects of taxation .which are universally considered as manufactures and consumable commodities. It is, indeed, the tendency of these properties to protract a readjustment of the natural
relations between price and value, supply and demand, whenever they happen to be varied by taxation,.or any other
cause; they are, however, deemed insufficient to change the definition and nature of the subject. ^
Houses, therefore, being, in respect to their occupants, unproductive objects, and,, in afiscalview,, mere indices
of expense, the expediency of subjecting them to direct taxation is somewhat questionable.
It is conceived that the houses and other buildings of the great body of farmers and laborers ot a country ought
to be regarded as objects of necessary expense, which are supported out of the profits t>f labor, or some other productive fund. Houses of this description are not, therefore, the most eligible objects of public revenue. If the tax
were imposed by an uniform rule, its operation would not be materially different from an equal capitation: if imposed according to the value of the building, it would,be very,unequal, in respect to the revenue of individuals, and
would, moreover, tend to discourage durable improvements.
^
Such houses, however,as exceed in value the averageof those occupied by farmers ana laborers, may be regarded as among the most suitable objects of taxation. Perhaps there is no single criterion by which the comparative
expenses of individuals can be so fairly estimated as by their dwellings. The assessment of a tax upon certain descriptions of houses only, unless restrained by legal provisions, might, however, be attended with difficulties arising
from the danger~of prejudice and partiality on a subject where no sense of a common interest would operate to
prevent abuses.
As a security against oppression, it is proposed thatthe law should declare, that houses, with the lots upon which
they are erected, not exceeding two acres ih any case, and not exceeding a certain value, to be defined in respect to
each State, shall be wholly exempted.
.
, .
,
It is further proposed, that all houses and lots, exceeding in value the description to be exempted, should be distributed into three classes, with reference to their value, to. be taxed uniformly in each class, at specific rates, to be
prescribed by law.
.
By this mode, all uncertainty-in the assesment, except that of determining the class in which* a house ought to be
placed, would be obviated, and this, in respect to so small a number as four classes, would not be very considerThe Secretary is not possessed of sufficient information to be enabled to suggest limitations of value, by which
it may be proper to define the proposed classes. This defect, it is presumed, can be readily supplied by the representatives of the respective States.
7th. Taxes on slaves.

It has been remarked that taxes on slaves are of a nature essentially different from capitation taxes qn freemen,
with which they are sometimes confounded. Among the strong circumstances of discrinnnation which confirm this
position, it is barely necessary to mention that slaves are generally incapable of performing any other than the most
simple operations of agricultural labor; that they exercise no volition or choice respecting the nature of their employments; and that their condition is neither depressed nor ameliorated by the operation of taxes, which fall invariably
on their proprietors, in the same manner as taxes on the stock and produce of farms.
The circumstances alluded to, considered in connexion with the uncertainty and expense which repeated assessments would occasion, afford sufficient arguments to justify an exemption of slaves from taxation, were it not that
they contribute very considerably to increase the quotas of several of the States. To exempt a species of property
which enhances the proportions of several States, and thus to relieve one class of landed proprietors at the immediate expense of another, does*not appear to be equitable. On this ground, such a tax on slaves as may be sufficient
to correct what would otherwise be an inequality, appears to be advisable.
The Secretary is not sufficiently informed, to be able to express an opinion respecting a suitable rule of assesment; it is important, however, that the rule should be Uniform, even though it should, on that account, be rendered
somewhat unequal.
It does not appear expedient that the proposed direct tax should be extended to any other objects than have been
mentioned. These are as follow:
1st. Lands, which it is proposed should be taxed ad valorem^ but under limitations, to be prescribed by law, in
respect to the estimated value of uninclosed and unimproved lands, in districts to be defined.
2d* Houses exceeding in value those most generally occupied by farmers and laborers; which are proposed to
be distributed, in each of the States, into three classes, with reference to their valuer to be taxed uniformly in each
class, at specific rates, to be prescribed by law.
3d. Slaves in general, or of such descriptions as shall be determined by law, to be taxed at one uniform rate.
The particular exposition which has been given of the laws of the respective States, will, it is presumed, supersede the necessity ot detailing, at length, a plan of assesment and collection. If it shall be determined to adopt
the systems of the States, in respect to objects of taxation, there can remain but little doubt of the expediency of
adopting their modes of collection. In this case, nothing more can, with safety, be attempted, than to re-enact the
State laws, with suitable provisions for the appointment of officers, for defining their powers and duties, and securing their responsiblity to the United States. To this general observation the following exceptions, however, occur:
1st. It will be necessary, either to apportion the quotas of counties, in the States of New York'and Pennsylvania, by a conjectural estimate, or to provide for new valuations or assesments, by which to ascertain the said quotas.
2d. Instead of prescribing by law the specific rates at which different articles shall be taxed, as has been usual
in the States southward of Pennsylvania and Delaware, it will, in respect to the said States, be necessary to vest a
power for determining the proportional rates of each description of taxable articles, as soon as the quantities thereof
shall have been ascertained, by assessing officers. The necessity of vesting such a power, arises from the impossi-

1796.]

DIRECT TAXES.

441

bility of otherwise determining what rates of taxation would be-necessary, in order to produce the sums which may
be apportioned.
3d. If it shall not be seasonably ascertained that the State of Tennessee has [established some general rule of
taxation, it will be necessary that suitable provision be made for assessing and collecting the sum which may be apportioned to that State.
If, on the other hand, it shall be determined to establish a uniform mode qf taxation for the United States, it is
conceived that an eligible plan of assessment can be easily extracted from the acts of New Hampshire,, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, of which a.summary has already been given.
The principal objects to be attained are,
1st An impartial estijnate of the relative value of the different tracts of land in each. State.
2d. A correct register of the quantities of taxable lands in each collection district

The result being an ascertainment of quantities and value, would afford all the data necessary to ensure a faithful collection.
It is in respect to the value of lands only, that any real difficulties could arise; disputes with respect to the
quantity being susceptible of certain adjustment.
No more eligible mode occurs, for obtaining a correct valuation and register of taxable lands, than by the appointment of commissioners for each State, with the power of appointing a suitable number of assessors, and of requiring
a disclosure of the guantities of lands possessed by individuals.
t
As the constitution Jias established a rule of apportionment, there appears to be no necessity that the principles of
valuation should be uniform in aH the States. It is certain that the records and documents wrhich are known to be
attainable, would exceedingly facilitate the adoption of principles, for determining the relative value of lands in
different districts of the same State. A provision for. correcting errors in individual assessments, by some tribunal
superior to the assessors, will be necessary.
The assessments on houses and on slaves, may, in like manner, be under the direction of commissioners in the
first instance; but, as these objects are of a temporary and variable nature, it will be proper that the accounts should
be kept distinct from those of lands.
The assessment of the proposed tax will ^necessarily be attended, in thefirstinstance, with considerable difficulty and expense; the experience of the States proves, however, that the measure is by no means impracticable.
It is certain that a rule of taxation for lands, at once uniform, and at least as equitable as the systems of the several
States, may be established. If the necessity of repeated assessments for every tax can be avoided, the expenses of
collection, after thefirstyear, may probably be reduced to one-half of the sum estimated as the average deialcations
incident to the State revenues.
The superintendence of the proposed tax, after the first valuations and assessments have been made, may be
committed to the supervisors and inspectors of the existing internal revenues, under the direction of the treasury.
The collection districts may be of the same extent as those already established in the respective States.
It is proposed that competent salaries should be established for the supervisors and inspectors, with suitable
allowances for the hire of clerks. The compensations of collectors may be a certain per centage on the sums
which they receive, except that, when moneys are collected by distress, it will be advisable to authorize the collection of fees and mileage from delinquents. An authority to demand a suitable fee for recording transfers and distributions ofassesments on lands, appears to be a proper modepf compensating the persons entrusted with that service.
The power of appointing collectors, under suitable conditions for securing their accountability, may be committed to the supervisors; that of controlling the accounts ot assessment, and regulating the distribution of taxes, in consequence of the alienation of property, may be entrusted to the inspectors of surveys and their deputies
All which is respectfully submitted.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, December 13,1796,

O L I V E R W O L C O T T , Jr, Secretary of the Treasury.

FINANCE.

442

L1796,

[DOCUMENTS REFERRED.TO IN THE PRECEDING REPORT.],

A.,
A return of the taxable property in the State of New Hampshire.
•

Counties.

Rockingham,
Strafford,
Hillsborough,
Cheshire,
Grafton Location ?
and Gores,
5

HOUSES XSB CATTLE.

XAJTT).
Polls
from
18 to 70
years of Acres of Acres of Acres of
mowing.
orchard. tillage.
age.

8626 1935|
4904 399|
6659 1032
6004
76
2620
28813 3443

33174£
19663$
21046|
18804£
8277

67782£
31354
38878
3393l£
8633£

3621
1980
2612
2586
1096

32829£ 1009665

180579£

11895

11345|
53271
6438£
6470
3247|

Oxen.

Acres of Horses.
pasture.

3 years 2 years 1 year
old.
old.
old.

Cows.

6205 12349
3729 6836
5269 9729
3663 8062
1764 3083

7159
5283
5527
4210
1610

6240
3460
5096
4060
1571

6544
3567
5843
5987
2039

20630 40059 23789 20427 23980

A.—Continued.

Counties.

Rockingham
Strafford, Hillsborough,
Cheshire,
Grafton Location and Gores,

Yearly rent of
mills, wharves,
and ferries, repairs, &c. deducted.

£.

Sum total of the
value of all real
estate not owned
by inhabitants.

Sum total of the
value of all buildings and real estate
owned by inhabitants.

s. d.

£.

£.

s. d.

0
0
6
0
0

" 275684 5 1
94833 13 0
146329 5 10
153301 1 0
47574 0 0

4280 18 6

717722 15 11

1281 7
357 0
1011 16
1435 18
194 17

42286
38191
24647
32145
38345

8.

2
0
0
14
3

Sum total of.
the value of
stockin trade.

d.

£.

1
9
0
9
4.

42512
3699
6068
7403
2028

175605 0 11

Sum total of money on hand or
,at interest

S. d.

0
0
14
0
14

5
0
0
6
6

22770
1513
5070
5735
895

61711 9 5

s. d.

9
614
15
0

4
8
6
0
0

35985 5 6

A.—Continued.
Amount of the
inventory.

Doomages.

Sum total of all ratable estate, after
the deductions and
doomages made by
the General Court.

Deductions.

Counties.

Rockingham,
Strafford, Hillsborough,
Cheshire,
Grafton Location and Gores,

£.

13216
6920
9039
8036
3309

s. d.

1
7
3
11
3

1
11
2
11
0

40521 7 1

£.

s. d.

112 2
263 15
423 5
127 16
1147 3

11
4
9
10
2

£.

2074 4 0

s. d.

100 5
75 13
177 11
92 17
49 18

2
2
0
2
3

496 4 9

£.

13227
7108
9284
8071
4406

Proportion of

s. d.

18
9
17
11
8

£1000 tax

payable in each
county.

10
11
11
7
1

42099 6 4

£.

s. d.

314 4
168 17
220 11
191 13
104 13

3
2
2
10
7

1000

RECAPITULATION.

Rated at
28813 Polls
1 s. 6d. is
258 4 6 '
f 3443 acres of orchard,
Is.
1641
J 32829
"
tillage,
LAND.
< 100966I
Is.
5048
"
mowing,
5d.
3762
U80579£
"
pasture,
11895 Horses,
2063Q Oxen,
4005p Cows,
at
("23789 three years old,
at
< 20427 two years old,
at
HORSES AND CATTLE.
C 23980 one year old,
at
,£4280 18 6
Renti of mills, wharves, and ferdes, being
at
at
Value of buildings and real estate, ownea by inhabitants, 717722 15 11
at
not owned by do.
175615 0 11
do.
do.
do.
at
- 61711 9 5
Value of stock in trade, at
- 35985 5 6
Money on hand, or at interest,

each, is £11525 4 0
is
each,is
each, is
25, each, is
each, is
Is. each, is

6d.

£ per cent,
s per cent.
h per cent.
i per cent.
? per cent

Amount of the inventory or lists,
Add doomages, Deductions made by the General Court,
Sum total of all ratable estate, after the deductions and doomages made by the General Court,

10710 1 81
2379
3094
4005
1784

0 0
10 0
18

0

3 6
1021 7 0
599 10 0
356 14 10£
3588 12 3£
877 16 10
308 11 u
269 17 9|

£40521 7 1
2074 4 0
42595 11 1
496 4 9
£42099 6 4

1796.]

DIRECT TAXES.

443

B.
Ji General List of the polls and of the estates, real and personal, of the several proprietors and inhabitants of the
State of Massachusetts, pursuant to an act of the General Court of said State, passed in the year 1792.

COUNTIES.

SUFFOLK.

OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Number or
amount.

Rated annual
income.

£

Polls,
Dwelling houses, Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto,
Tan? slaughter, and other work houses,
Distil and sugar houses, Rope walks,
- Iron works, including furnaces, Pot and pearl ash works,
-Barns,
- .
Small buildings, value £5 and upwards, Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
- *
Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
.
.
.
Fulling and all other mills, Acres of tillage land,
English mowing, salt marsh,
fresh meadow,
pasturage, - ^
wood and unimproved land,
owned by the towns,
owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights, Barrels of cider, Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards, Swine, six months old and upwards,
7
Superficial feet of wharf, - • Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
Funded security, -6 per cent.
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto,
not on interest, All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank, Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage, Property, real and personal, doomed.

ESSEX.

s. d.

9,884
49,268 18
5,353
1,874 18
728
478 10
98
1,281 0
36
153 09
16 0
6
22 0
10
3^698 12
3,315
160 18
768
3,848 15
275
137 10
28
341 12
103
41
104 10
10,895
5,768 2
21,292
13,192 9
5,030
1,994 17
15,772
4,231 0
61,607
12,190 11
84,036
4,177 9
344
132 6
3,922
685 9
180
100 2
12,669
105 15
2,860
858 0
3,858
1,028 6
12,352
2,212 1
5,013
188 2
614,027 * 1,054 12
3,581
642 1
3,534
77 12

£
29,228
17,096
14,854
14,056
29,941
6,184
10,513
31,136
856
954,313

Add for short returns and for errors in the original list, Deduct for over charges and for ditto,
Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,
Proportion of the counties in a tax of one thousand
pounds, -

6
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
6
0
3
0
0

lli

4
Of
0

Si

0
11
0
0
0
6
0
11
6f

£

8. d.

12,376
6,019
774
209
22
13
2
5
4,353
- 509
161
30
138
27
15,662
22,923
13,757
18,320
88,066
44,937

28,487
1,041
641
603
123
6
12
4,193
96
951
98
461
59
7,452
12,606
3,921
4,588
13,395
2,235

1,212
666
11,293
3,177
4,935
16,281
6,373
221,561
39,845
12,448

175
353
94
953
1,319
2,916
222
325
7,138
249

175,557

3

3

1,304

9

5

13 10

162 12

0

j

12
3
5
0
5
0
0
17
18
12
10
14
2
0
16
15
7
0
16

3
6
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
7
0
9
3
11
1
4
2

6 0
16 0
0 7
2 0
0 7
19 10
10 6
17 11
15 7
3 7i

s. d.

1,753 14 2
36,5021 1
11 1G
26,761 8
13 4
^
957 17 1
IS,119 3
17 10
843 8 8
16,273 6
4 3
1,796 19 l i 33,115 11
3 8
370 18 1
31,826 8
0 0
630 15 7
15,980 0
2 0
1,868 3. 8 172,614 16
18 6
51 7 6
30 0
5 4
57,258 15 11 309,551 14
5 6

(174,255

S. d.

£

-

-

Bated annual
income.

Number or
amount.

11
2,190 2 5
0
11 ^ 1,347 8 6
2
} 2,963 4 11
8
3
1,909 11 0
0
958 16 0
6
10,356 17 6f
0
1 16 0
3
18,573 2 6
133,035

7

81

839

7

8|

133,874 15

5

133 19

7

S444

FINANCE.

[1796.

B.—Continued.
COUNTIES.

MIDDLESEX.

OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Number or
amount.

HAMPSHIRE.

Rated annual
income.

£

Polls,
Dwelling houses, Shops, separatefromor adjoining thereto,
Tan, slaughter, and other work houses,
Distil and sugar houses, Rope walks,
Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works, Barns,
Small buildings, value £5 and upwards, Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
Fulling and all other mills,
Acres of tillage land,
English mowing, salt marsh.
fresh meadow,
pasturage,
wood and unimproved land, * owned by the towns,
owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights,
Barrels of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf, Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
-

10,109
5,349
*
444
99
7

21

4,789
607

6

7
158
30
26,892
27,699

2,081
36,534
87,337
174,538
647
3,050

-

Funded security, 6 per cent.
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto,
not on interest, All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank, Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage, Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for short returns and for errors in the original list, Deduct for over charges and for ditto,
Total rated annual income, as stated in the ori-.
ginal,
Proportion of the counties in a tax of one thousand
pounds,
-

37,281
4,144
7,647
21,130
9,534
3,115
926
6,780

£

5.

8,607
4,426
6,707
15,873
24,316
8,028
4,817
28,646
305
55,421

2
12
4
17
6
15
15
0
15
0

Number or
amount.

s. d.

£

7
'
0
0

13,913
6,471
441
77
3

8 10 0

6

16,539 6
475 5
373 10
235 0

55
4.607
141
18
10
511
93
11,938
15,105
827
9,544
14,001
7,398
148
309

10

1

0

61*

5,537
943

3 10
4 4

10

0

10
10

0
0

16
4
4
14
19

9

6

0 0

2
2

3
8

14

332 12
2,374

6
7i

5

481
289

2 11
1 3

IS

6 11

1,681 10 6|
3,325

5

2

99,391 13

0£

361 13

hi

3,376
2,085
887
3,908
13,216
4,861
730
25,793
150
898

12,517 17
304 9
171 17
41 10

1 0

17 7
157 0
4,339 14

188 12
10 10
787 17
113 7
20,278 1
20,511 3

3£
6
6
0

22,820
80,861

7,069 2
11,057 4
6,992 12
274 18
2,058 14

3

2,185

£
9

8. d.

309
53
52,676
42,856

498,984
29,084
81,278
39
18,892
6,207
10,115
22,650
19,530

310
1,243
2,039
3,746
357
31 13
165 17
135 12

517

11
0
7
0

Hated annual
income.

8.

10
167

2,160

H
3

3f
3

0
1
0
1

2,573
4,091
725 15

10

43

7

8

9

d.

7 9
11 3
15 3
18 5
0 0
15 6
0 0
16 0
0 0
6 0

194 14
74 10
1,017

IS

8 3

243 19
43 16
1,545 6
9 0
53 18
99,846 17

5

0

4

0
Of
2

186 8 2
99,753

6

104 13

6

U

99,660

9

O

111 18

Of

1796.]

DIRECT TAXES.

445

B—Continued.

COUNTIES.
, PLYMOUTH.

OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Number or
amount.

Rated annual
income.
&

Polls.

-

-

*

6,912
3,774

-

Dwelling houses,
Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto,

m

97
1

Tan, slaughter, and other work houses,

Distil and sugar houses,
Rope walks,
-

, -

i

Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works, -

Barns,
Small buildings, value £5 and upwards,
Warehouses,

21
3
2,734
612
49
4

-

Bakehouses,
• Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
Fulling ana all other mills, Acres of tillage land,
English mowing salt marsh,
fresh meadow,
pasturage,
wood and unimproved landy
owned by the towns, ^ owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights, Barrels of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf, - '
Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
- * -

160

12
17,963
14,880
5,762
. 10,367
47,942
132,624
582
3,334
5,073
2,147
4,347.
11,328
5,941
11,300
6,358
3,307
£

Funded security, 6 per cent
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto,
_ ^ not on interest, - # All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank, Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage, Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for shortreturnsand for errors in the original list,
Deduct for over charges and for ditto,

Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,
-

S.

d.

14,082 11 9
8,616 3 1
7,491 9 5
15,024 3 2
34,911 12 0
4,919 12' 0
300 0 .0
15,155 6 8
325 "0 0
3,967 7 0

BRISTOL.
Number or
amount

d.

8.

£

6,547
3,614
163
35

9,665
123
- 103
20
6
• 521
* 7
2,336 17
122 8
*79 0
5 O
424 19
21 0
6,315 5
7,177 19
1,846 n
2,592 0*0
6,631 12 1
4,961 19 11
33 12 9
83 16 8
42
,643
1,159
1,957
223
11

15
5
1,795
768
25
*1
137
16

13,693

21,086

3,328
10,575
50,532
135,943
3,531

5
12
3
7
13

7,319
2,025
3,540
9,922
5,573
40,440
4,509
1,504

6

1,074 2
76 11
843 2
484 4
901 8
1,736 16
304 16
18 0
894 2
19 10
138 0

£

S.

3,194 10
1,458 13
8
1,232 13
6
2,179 10
0
7,369 0
„4 2,911 0
0
1,729 16
5 20,810 17
0
170 0
9 14,555 0
II

53,137 4 9

Rated annual
^income.

9,461
18
76
10

s. d.

1
3
8
0

6
0
0
0

45 10
13 0
1,507 19
147 0
58 10
1 10
369 18
30 18
5,458 16
9,580 15
765 5
2,595 0
6,193 4
4,319 16

10

0
0
0
0
0

9
9
7
6
6
0
7
9

108 6 7f
60 19
607 10
944 0
1,777 14
209 7
40 8
807 17
32 9

10
0
0
2
0
7
2
7

191 15 10
80 14 2
130 14 6
547 14 5
171 12 II
103 15 8
1,254 13 5
10 4 0
873 6 0
48,605 12 7?

970 13 2
199 15 11|
54,107 17 11

48,405 16 8

$«

Proportion of the counties in a tax of one thousand
pounds*, - *

ST

f

59' 9 9|

53 19 6|

FINANCE.

S446

[1796.

B—Continued.
COUNTIES,

BARNSTABLE •

OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Number or
amount.

DUKES.

Rated annual
income.

£
Polls,
Dwelling houses,

-

-

-

* -

Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto, -

Tan? slaughter, and other work nouses,

Distil and sugar houses,^
Rope walks,^
-

-

Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works, Barns,
.
Small buildings, value
and upwards, Warehouses,
«Bakehouses,
« Grist, saw, and slitting mills.
Fulling ana all other mills, *
Acres oftillageland,
English mowing, salt marsh,
fresh meadow,
*pasturage, wood and unimproved land,
owned by the towns, ^ owned by other proprietors,
Cowrights,Barrels of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf, Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
-=

1

2 10 0

1

60

5
5,444
1,706
6,481
1,371
26,018
.37,450

621 5
20 4
15 17
1 0
115 7
10

0

£

>763
396
14
3

0
0
0
Q
6

112 14 0
3 16 0
2 15 0

14

30 5
4 0
587 5
403 6
170 12
112 15 0
1,749 8 8

2

1,534 13 6
631 7 0
1,866 9 3
345 0,10
2,179 1 9
606 10 8

634 13 0
7 0 0
8 0 0

160

19
3

0

s. d.

1,688
838
505
451
16,598
11,697

'232

6

6

706
17

39 7 7
4 10
11
1 10
724
217 4 0
i,903
507 9 4
4,101
734 15 3
2,300
85 10 0
2,400
2 8 0
7,386 * 1,324 5 5
1,615
'32 5 2

Funded security, 6 per cent.
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto,
not on interest, All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest,
Money on hand, Stock held by stockholders in any bank, Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage* Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for short returns and for errors in the original list, T
Deduct for over charged and for ditto,
Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,
Proportion^ the counties in a tax of one
pounds,
-

3,238 19 0
25 % 0
39 0 0

101
16

Rated annual
income.

5. d.

3,759
1,86839
16

914

Number or
amount.

thousand:
-

£

s. d.

686 19' 0
337 8 0
379 l4 0
1,225 11 0
10,159 5 0
2,123 O 0

41 3 4
21 9 ll£
7$ 8 11
609 10 9
127 7 6

5,685 10 0

377 14 0

4,167 0 0

250 0 0

201

325
986
463
361
282
£

60 6
86 13
170 13
18 2

0
4
2
3

64 17 2
5 12 9

s. d.

203 0 0

12 3 7

2,090 0 0

125 8 0
73 13 7

1,228 0 0

15,700 ft 6g
238 15 Ti
15,461 13 11
20 15 11|

10 0 7
4,672

6

2

5 9 8|

DIRECT TAXES.
i

1796.]

447

• B—Continued.
COUNTIES.

Hated annual
income.

Number or
amount.

£

Polls,
, Dwelling houses.
Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto, Tan? slaughter, and other work houses,
Distil and sugar houses, * Rope walks,
Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works, Barns,
Small buildings, value £5 and upwards,
Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
Fulling, and all other mills, Acres of tillage land,
English mowing, salt marsh,
fresh meadow,
pasturage, wood and unimproved land,
owned by the towns,
owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights, Barrels of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, tour years old and upwards, Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf,
Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
Funded security, 6 per cent.
Ditto,
3 per cent.
,
•Ditto,
^ not on interest, All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank,
Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage, Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for short returns and for errors in the original list, Deduct for over charges and for ditto,
Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,
- * Proportion of the counties in a tax of one thousand
pounds,
-

XQBK.

NANTUCKET.

OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

1,121
50 4

13

s. <L

1,134 0 0
24 0 0
12 0 Q
25 O 0

. 1£5
* 80

21
1

4

1
1,350
550
134
66

14,581
• 3,360

260

64
670
60

2,918
5,787
2,084
£

S.

862 16
487 16
303 18
655 11
5,010 15
8,572 9 4
218 14 0

Rated annual
income.

Number or
amount.

136 1Q 0
16 0 0
47 * 5 0
10 0
8 0 0
2 0 0
472 10 0
261 5 0
50 5 0
16 10 0
4729 1 0
16 16 0

* 73 0
17 1
120 0
2 5
2 18
1,036 18
41 13

0
4
0
0
3
9
9

£

6,484
,2,796
101
38
3
7
2,357
281
35
2

162
3
10,621

24,582
2,626
8,691
36,727
205,569
3,570
55,694*
3,867
1,951
6,049
11,328
6,895
47,296
5,785
1,385

£ 8, a.
896 9 0
529 15 3
•626 14 6 }
1,807 18 7
2,678 0 0
8,592 4) 0
525 0 0
514 6 9£ 16,044 0 0
210 0 0
13. 2 6
45 0 0

8. d.

65 15 0
50 0 0
9 7 6
40 10 0
1,830 18 0
46 4 0
52 18 0
2 5 0
489 17 2
4 16 8
4,033 4 7
9,802 0 3
854 4 7i
2,152 5 6
5,089 2 10
2,986 16 3
101 15 6k
647 5 lli
32
585
1,549
2,029
258
49
1,144
31

3
6
1
8
19
6
1
1

51 15 5
23 14 11
39 6
300 13

53 15 8
34 13 10
108 9 5
160 13 6
515 10 10
31 10 0
962 12 a
12 12 0
2 14 0

5,193 18 4£

42,041 5 3£

10

1,906 5 3£

5,193 19 2£

43,947 10 7

6 13 3,

50 1 9

448

urn.

FINANCE.
B—Continued.,
COUNTIES.

WASHINGTON.

OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Number or
amount

HANCOCK.

Rated annual
income.

Rated annual
income.

Number or
amount

£. s. d.

8. d.

Polls,
Dwelling houses,
Shops, separate from, or adjoining thereto,
Tan, slaughter, and other work houses,
Distil and sugar houses,
Rope walks,
Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works,
•
Barns,
Small buildings, value £5 and upwards, Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
' Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
Fulling ana all other mills,
Acres of tillage land,
English mowing,
salt marsh.
fresh meaaow,
pasturage,
wood and unimproved land,
owned by the towns,
owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights^ Barrels of cider, Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf, Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
Funded security, 6 per cent
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto, not on interest, All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank, Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage, Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for short returns, and for errors in the original list, Deduct for over charges and for ditto,
- '

493

286
9
4

377

O

0

6 10

0

4

8

0

105 17

0

1,967
985
38
7

885 17

0

18 16

0

12 10

0

552
75

3 0
323 17
15 0

0
6
0

20

1 / 6

6

I
173

10
6

•

31

601
1,035
692
417
1,511
43,542

59
472
844
361

1,200
235
190

£

141 12
190
408
207
104
187
144

17
125
151
13
1
30
3

0

8
0

81
1

6

17
17
12
5
12
10

2,097
6,134
685
721
4,760
171,435
14,570
124,773

82

14
17
4
10
4
'2
13 7£

1,715
3,380

1,686

* 2

0

4

24 12

0

2.259 12

7

182 2 10

263 2
1 10
670 8
2,290 2
210 3
180 5

621 1 10
1,323
-1,092

6 ll£
5

24 12
457 6
607 6
63 5

9k

0
8
4
3

6 18 6
2,287
434

' J

s. d.

33 12
410

2 0 0
8 12 Q

-

5. d.

408 12

8£

8 12

Hi

298 10

0

122 11
222 0

0
0

552

8

0

17 18 2£
3 13 6f
8 3 2i
33 2 10j

584 13

3

35 i

ei

2,329 18

3

139 16

4

1,530

0

91 16

4

9,834 19

6

0

229

8

0

Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,

2,441 15

5

10,064

7

6

Proportion of the counties* in a tax of one thousand
pounds, -

3

1

12

9

7i

a

1

DIRECT TAXES.

1796.]

449

B—Continued.
COUNTIES.

LINCOLN.

BERKSHIRE.
OBJECTS OF TAXATION.
Number or
amount.

Hated annual
income.

£

Polls,.
Dwelling houses,

-

-

-

Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto, Tan ; slaughter, and other work houses,

Distil ana sugar houses,
Rope walks,

-

-

-

-

-

-

Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works, JBarns
Small 'buildings, value £5 and upwards, Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
Fulling and all other mills,
Acres oftillageland,
English mowing, salt marsh. fresh meadow,
pasturage, wood and unimproved land,
owned by the towns, ^
owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights, Barrels of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf, - #
Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
-

-

-

Funded security, 6 per cent
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto,
not on interest,
All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank, Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage,
Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for short returns and for errors in the original list,
**
"
Deduct for over charges and for ditto,
Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,
Proportion of the counties in a tax of one thousand
pounds,
-

Number or
amount.

s. d.

6,265
2,880
179
17

5,356 12 0
96 18 0
49 10 0

13
31
2,282
215

42 0 0
78 10 0
1,801 18 8
42 18 0

£

6,349
2,969
101
47
1
13
2,092
- 179
17
3
77
5
7,841
21,260
2,566
2,394
22,310
409,091
968
220,620

390 10 0
139
48 5 0
29
25,154 10,276 12 0
22,745 10,529 18 ' H
8,072
48,402
202,795
1,875
42,281

2,726 11 0
6,366 4 4|
2,228 4 0
95 7 0
435 14 2£

'3,591
4,761
3,624
11,722
11,598

29 18 6
1,519 6 0
966 8 0

1,605
£

s.

981 5
<665 15
384 10
602 3

6,298 10
1,558 18
103 0
11,050 12
907 16. 8

2,100

0 11

32

2 2

Rated annual
income.

r

6

1,386
5,660
11,058
6,679
10,430
10,035
1,130

440 4 3

£

58 17 6 1,877
1,391
32 0 1% 2,743
36 2 Gh 1,367
378 8 H 3,686
93 10
5,047
6 3 7|
664 13 M 16,<057
5
54 9 4f 1,119

$.

0
6
10
7
10
15

d.
2
6
2
6
0
4

s. d.

5,938 8
69 10
90 15
15 0

3
0
0
0

39
,1,559
35
39
4
573
10
2,933
9,998
866
598
3,142
6,011
15
3,207
1 0
415 16 0
1,509 6 10
1,979 1 8
250 9 3
13 7 8£
1,797 18 9
24 12 4£
150 0 II
123 17 3£
82 0 9f
221

8

963
0
67

4 6i
6 10
3 4|

46,977 17 6|

43,052

5 l£

29 6 9|

540

3 li

47,007 4 4
52

3 3f

0 0
14 0
10 0

4i

302 18 2f

43,592 8 3
49 11 4i

FINANCE.

S450

[1796.

3—Continued.
COUNTIES.

CUMBERLAND-

OBJECTS OF TAXATION,

Number or
amount.

WORCESTER.

Number or
amount.

Bated annual
income.

Rated annual
income.

S. d.

s. d.

5,723
2,328
113
44
2
1
1
20
1,951
113
13
6
105
5
8,012
21,940
2,750
1,979
27,264
215,037
5,070
109,459 }
5

Polls,
Dwelling houses,
Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto,
Tan, slaughter, and other work houses,
Distil and sugar houses,
Rope walks,
Irpn works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works,
Barns,
- „
Small buildings, value £5 and upwards.
Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
Grist, saw, and slitting mills,
Fulling and all other mills,
• Acres of tillage land,
English mowing,
salt marsh,
fresh meadow,
pasturage,
wood and unimproved land, -;
owned by the towns, _
owned by other proprietors,
Cow rights,
Ban-els of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards,
Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards,
Superficial feet of wharf,
Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate,
Funded security, 6 per cent Do.
3 per cent. Do.
not on interest,
> All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest, Money on hand,
Stock held by stockholders in any bank,
Stock in trade, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage,
Property, real and personal, doomed,
Add for short returns, and for errors in the original
list,
Deduct for overcharges, and for ditto, -

s. d.

0
3
4
0
10
0

493 4 0
1,222 13 4
1,627 18 2
173 5 0
58 13' 0
1,627 12 3
22 18 0

0
5 ^
10
0
0
0

34,063 0 0
4,336 18 4

6
77
6,282
1,078
1
3
347
48
28,977
45,021

1,247 19 6£
2 0 0

1,644
'4,585
9,095
4,620
39,900
9,078
1,153
302
936
190
260
401
3,727

13,762
7,138 17,410 2 9
218 * 208 14 0
96
240 16 0

4*771 1 0
104 0 0
75 4 0
60 0 0
6 0 0
1 10 0
51 3 4
1,562 11 0
22 12 0
49 0 0
16 0 0
344 16 6
10 5 0
2,865 3 0
9,023 8 6
843 16 6
494 15 0
3,85019 9
2,630 17 91

17 0 0
193 10 0
4,385 5 6
315 12 0
14 0
"3 10 0
897 15 6
98 15 0
12,620 7 3£
21,070 14

42,026
129,108
440,944
515
6,220

20,'695 0
18,646 19
10,672 5
7 3
186 16

• 41,369
6,722
10,714
32,130
"15,833

344 15
2,227 12
2,857 1
5,764 10
593 13

9
11
5
11|
0*
8
0
0
5
11

*

3,027

60 10 8|

s. d.

18 2
33 15
15 12
24 1
223 7

5 12,924 15 8
775 0 1
19 1 ^ 450 0 10
10 8,184
5,736 4 3
0 10,903 19 8
659 5 0
9£ 25,594 0 0
1,535 9 41
li 12,985 14 5
779 15 2
2,807 5 0
169 12 8
485 15 Si 24,558 6 0
1,472 13 llf
260 6 4

3,832 0 G

34,320 8 4
-

2,560 14 8

Total rated annual income, as stated in the original, -

-

36,881 3 0

Proportion of 'the counties in a tax of one thousand
pounds,
-

-

43 6 51

229 18 4f
125,491 1 9
7,113 5 3

-

118,377 16 6

-

*

127 5 0i

1796.]

DIRECT TAXES.

451

B—Continued.
OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Totalnumber, or amount Total of the rated an*
of taxable objects*
nual income.

£

Polls,
„
Dwelling houses,
Shops, separate from or adjoining thereto,
Tan, slaughter, and other wrork nouses,
Distil and sugar houses,
Rope walks,#
Iron works, including furnaces,
Pot and pearl ash works,
Barns,
Small buildings, value $5 and upwards,
Warehouses,
Bakehouses,
Grist, saw, and slitting mills, Fulling and all other nulls,
Acres of tillage land, ^ English mowing,
salt marsh,
fresh meadow,
pasturage,
wood and unimproved land, owned by the towns,
owned by other proprietors, Cow rights^ Barrels of cider,
Horses, three years old and upwards, Oxen, four years old and upwards,
Steers and cows, three years old and upwards,
Swine, six months old and upwards, Superficial feet of wharf,
Tons of vessels,
Ounces of plate, -

.

.

.

-

-

.

-

-

•

"-

*-

Funded security, 6 per cent.
Ditto,
3 per cent.
Ditto,
not on interest, •
All other securities of the State or United States,
Money at interest,
Money on hand, Stock held by stockholders in any bank,
Stock in traae, paid for or not,
Commission on factorage,
Property, real and personal, doomed, -

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total rated annual income, as stated in the original,

-

-

-

-

-

-

Add for short returns and for errors in the original list,
Deduct for over charges and for ditto, - «

£

8. d.

113,821 1 1
73,100 15* 4
59,872 13 1 ^
94,893 19 4
196,698 4 6 }
95,474 4 5
28,733 18 11
412,928 11 *0
• 2,271 8 11
1,354,644 17 9
^Balance deducted. ^

* -

Proportion of the counties in a tax of one thousand pounds,
NOTE.—Waldo's claims,
Plymouth Company lands,

106,427"
52,730
3,545
900
73
31
77
254
39^481
6,358
654
86
2,025
» 278
229,566
296,547
45,397
180,576
742,624
* 2,811,982
57,225
656,070 |
907 •
141,371
* 38,550
69,553
178,977
102,459
1,001,512
96,173 ,
42,663

-

<L

171,876 9 2
4,463 6 3
2,467 1 '0
12,265 10 0
316 15 0
215 5 10
673 3 4
33,124 13 11
1,277 2 4
5,200 4 6
280 5 0
6,152 13
611 19 11
93,396 1 8
142,593 18 1
14,425 12 111
58,046 3 10l •
106,032 2 Oi
56,938 14 5?
11,087 9 3f
470 0 0
1,187 16 1
12,104 10 0
18,361 19 8
31,992 4 3
3,825 17 4
1,598-14 4*
17,263 2
878 9 3l
6,857 2 0
4,008 16 8
16,601 17
5,687 0
2,325 4
23,206 3
136 5
81,178 16

lj
7
4|
2|
9
dj

939,128 3 Si
1,429 19 l j

-

937,698 4 2

-

1,000 0 0

[1796.

FINANCE.

S452

C.
Estimate ofthe annual expense ofthe Commonwealth of Massachusetts, made May, 1796.
Civil List.
Governor's salary, ,Lieutenant Governor's salary,
Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court,
Attorney General's salary, $1000,- additional allowance, $550,
Members of council, for their travel and attendance,
*Do. of the Senate
do.
do.
Do. ofthe House of Representatives,
Secretary's salary,
Treasurer's salarv
—
—
—
—
"*
—
Three clerk's in Secretary's office, $1850; two do. in Treasurer's, $1300. ^ Extra gay ofthe President of Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives,
Chaplain to the General Court,
.

-

—

$2,666 66
533 33
7,566 67
1,550 00
2,362 00
5,334 00
25,700 00
1,333 33
1,500 00
3,150 00
200 00
80 00

Clerks of Senate and House, $766 and 66-100ths$ assistant clerk to the Senate, $130, Messenger to the Council, $550; do. to Senate and House, $500, -

896 66
1,050 00

Military Establishment.
Pay of the garrison on Castle island,
, Provision and clothing for do. and for the convicts,
Expense of Quartermaster General's department,

6,600 00
8,600 00

-

8,745 00

Incidental and contingent expenses.
Accounts allowed by the committee of acounts, Committee of account's salary,
Expenses of criminal prosecutions in the several counties, and for the support of prisoners, more than lines recovered, Expenses for fuel for General Court, Council chamber, and Secretary's office,
Contingent expenses,
-

26,216 00

110 00

3,000 00
250 00
6,000 00

Annuities and grants.
State pensioners,
Allowance to the town of Charlestown,
Colonel Ansart's annuity, Allowance to the trustees of Williams' College,

to the i

-

-

-

-

-

700 00
1,422 20
666 66
1,000 00

i among the Indians,

500 00
222 23

Bounties.
On glass,
On wolves' heads,

AnnuaHnterest of the public debt, at 5 per cent.
Funds possessed by the Commonwealth, other than taxes,

300 00

117,500 00
91,818 00

Deficiency, to be supplied by annual taxes, Total of the annual expense of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

$145,530 98

D.

to
o>

Rhode Island.

oo

Estimate or valuation of the ratable estates in the several towns on the main,
in the State of Rhode Island, taken in
pursuance of an act passed in October,
1778, and established as a rule of taxation in November, 1780; also, of the
ratable estates in the insular towns of
Newport county, establishedin October,
1783* '

Estimate or valuation of tlie ratable estates in Rhode Island, taken in conformity to an act passed in June, 1767, and reported to the
General Assembly in 1769, and then established as the rule for apportioning taxes in the several towns.

COUNTIES AND TOWNS.

Polls.

1,114
"Newport,
233
Portsmouth,
100
New Shoreham,
101
Jamestown,
Newport,
160
Middletown,
258
Tiverton,
228
.Little Compton,
453
'""Providence,
458
Smitlifield,
564
Scituate,
_488
Gloucester?
'287
Cumberland,
Providence, < Cranston,
313
152
Johnston,
123
North Providence,
Foster, (erected
I
since 1783,) "Westerly,
369
.North Kingstown,
481
428
Kings County, South Kingstown,
204
now called Charlestown,
Richmond,
«
•
208
Washington,
HopkintOwn,
209
J3xeter,
339
180
(^Bristol,
*
J Barrington, (crcctBristol,
i
ed since 1769,)
226
LWarren,
355
("Warwick,
262
J East Greenwich,
Kent,
250
j West Greenwich,
320
(.Coventry,
8,952

Whole amount of
each town*

Whole amount Whole amount
Sum total of
Number Value of wood Sum total of
of acres of land in each rents at 20 and rotables of each of each town. of each county.
15 years.
town.
wood land town.

£
257$

1,375

824

495
273
11,789
2,252
486
18,840
18,301
16,366
5,147
11,044
6,607
3,191

s. d.

£
172,906
80,302

11
7

9,400 17
5,7174
17,544 18
8,098
13,198
28,783 7
7,767
10,793 15
12,989
7,325 2
15,301A 11,847 14
21,182* 12,370 1
279
1,008 8

44,115
66,861
136,259
31,792
24,778
30,975
33,062
37,370

5,782
6,100i

5,787;]
2,438

3

22,200

34,227
52,281
42,252
52,963
60,913
63,771
44,165
38,963
27,123
41,222
17,947
16,765

54*
7,305
807
136
17,148 J
34,688J
29,317

s. d.

7
18
18
17
16
6
16

£

156,276
15,854
3,747
7,809
16,324
21,169
10,781
64,104
20,174
13,394
9,725
5,721
17,540
4,314
5,055

2

6

5
16
5
18 7
13 11
3 11
2 4

d.
£
£
. £
("257,200
329,176 5 7
97,531 6 3
£ >R> R—< 110,207
33,472
R
25,947 5
45,599
42,531 16 6 >-707,255 4 4
M
55,747
68,878 15^ 6
-111,272
75,211 5 7
88,082
65,998 9 11
229,375
125,524 16 11
207,809
102,785 19 4
189,543
75,861 3
167,024
65,055 13
o
90,823
37,992 11
GO
125,249
69,806 10 1 >530,908 10 4 R-T
64,204
28,869 5 9
48,864
25,012 10 7
<L>

s, d.
9
2
18
16
18.

Whole amount
of each county.

£

a > d.

701,582.19

9

16

13
1
14
14
3
11
7
19

•1,119,895 .3 <

>
8
5
12
10
14
12

4,969
15,247
31,413
5,651
4,938
6,690
5,927

1
0
14
17
6
11
6

18,880 16 10

58,485
99,653
196,456
48,237
37,041
49,513
51,359
57,259

6
3
14
12
18
19
19
4

99,834
016
7,261
2,695
13,680
22,979

1,680

15,352
6,214
7,873

4
3

10,081 11

33,196
63,574
35,346
21,573
29,899

10
15
10
15
15

241,685j SM,046 15 6 1,356,830 10

42,576 2
100,326 12
50,603 10
35,970 5
47,788 17

7,798 12
21,399 13
8,943
6,523 7
7,207 11
517,578

9

1

6

>•540,748 14

7

4)

1

>•234,589

4 10

Total, 2,111,356

0 7

£

97,843
148,124
312,172
80,627
71,278
86,348
103,875
64,529

5
19
4
18
8
2
16 10

29,915
39,051
176,961
60,325
75,860
101,980

13
12
10
11
10
1

Total,

>• 900,270 14 10

Estimate or valuation of the ratable estates in the several towns in the State
of Rhode Island, taken in pursuance of
an act passed in June, 1795, and reported by the committee often, to the
General Assembly, in June, 1796, and
then established as the rule to ascertain
the quotas of the said towns,respectively, in the assessment of taxes.

£

d.

435,000
135,000
39,000
67,345 4
97,200
156,000
97,500
885,000
227,556 18
143,862 18
216,497' 2
105,000
147,000
99,000
114*000
96,000
111,000
147,000
216,000
84,000
63,000
105,000
108,000
180,000
33,000
93,537 18
181,500
84,000
84,000
99,000

3,290,372 15

Whole amount of
each county.

Whole amount of
each town,

Total,

£

s.

> 1,027,045 4

>- 2,033,916 18

>• 834,000

306,537 18

}

448,500

4,650,000

FINANCE.

S454

[1796.

E.
A list of the taxable property qf the State of Connecticut, on the 20th qf August, 1795, as relumed to the General
Assembly in October, 1 7 9 5 , and May, 1 7 9 6 .
COUNTIES.
THE OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Hartford. New Haven, New London
Polls.
6,192
4,749
4,287
From 21 to 7 0 years old,
679
830
527
From 18 to 21 years old,
Neat Cattle.
5,013
4,910
5,804
Oxen, four years old,
13,042
12,953
12,634
Cows and steers, three years,
5,202
4,488
4,540
Steers and heifers, two years,
Horse kind, mules,
4,264
4a296
5,4b 1
Horses, three years old, 799
662
805
Horses, two years old, 803
460
625
Horses, one year old,
18
Mules, three years old, 87
5
Mules* two years old,
150
3
Mules, one year old,
5t
42
27
Stud horses, 29
9
1
Stud Jacks, - , Acres of Land*
53,554;
30,S62J
23,364
Plow,
- .•
Meadow, in Hartford and Middlesex,
6,147£
Meadow, in all the other coun15,815!
ties, 3,836!
Upland, mowing, and clear pas54,962
57,750!
69,732
ture, 6,376?
6,142s
5,718!
Boggy meadow, mowed,
677
1,549|
3,590j
Boggy meadow, not mowed,
66,912f
71,919
97,238
Busnpasture,
31,495|
9,946
7,522
Uninclosed,firstrate,
49,204£
20,930f
22,778!
Uninclosed, second rate,
33,340i
16,087!
25,669!
Uninclosed, third rate, Sliding Carnages.
2
Coaches,
1
Chariots,
1
Coachees,
2
2
Phaetons,
3
2
Curricles,
2
1
Chaises,
232
92
104
Open top chairs and sulkies, 247
206
15
Watches.—Gold, 32
32
25
Silver, 467
576
482
Clocks.—Steel ana brass,
198
182
196
Wood,
>
216
156
99
Mre Places.—First rate,
1,363
1,618
1,036
Second rate,
1,795
1,149
1,030
Third rate,
4,998
4,845
3,976
Fourth rate,
3,190
3,075
3,315
Ounces of silver plate,
3,284
5,070
5,494
Ground and store rent, 14 15 0 £
128 10 0 £
£
68 2 6
Amount of money at interest,
5,390 0 0 11,107 11 9 8 , 7 9 0 3 0
1
One-half of the four-folds,
481 16 0
185 9 0
776 10 5i
Assessments on lawyers, shopkeepers, surgeons,physicians,merchants, &c. 12,133.10 0
6,906 10 0 9 , 4 0 3
0 0
jA&atements made by the listers
between September, 1 7 9 5 , and
April 2 0 , 1 7 9 6 ,
-

62

6 Ol

3

0 0

196

1 6

Fairfield.

Windham.

Litchfield.

5,566
72

3,917
582

5,629

6,712
15,011

5,038
14,070
14,949

6,657
17,596
7,475

6,461
391
637
17
30
40
42
4

4,689
1,171

7,484
1,325
1,256

53,160!

27,663J

47,173!

17,685J

10,287

10,633

45,036!
8,444!
4,066
64,473
10,585|
20,883!
19,114

58,4215
9,148£
439
92,222
6,980
45,332|
57,196

75,629!
4,848J
691
80,521
14,947!
62, J 96
97,276

1,012
13
34
44

21

800

42
29
74

8

1
34

58

68
10

6

4
298
165

328
179

18
211

86

142
771
641
5,071
3,717
4,300
2,799
1,415
1,154£
£
3 3 0 0
£ 14,685 20 11,854 13 4
140 18 6
226 13 0

10,157

00

62 0 0

5,482

0 0

8

15

18
308
91
143
125

688

4,234
4,647
"566

^7,463 0 0

226 8 0
10,§27 4 0

196 0 0

DIRECT TAXES.

1796.]

455

E—Continued,
COUNTIES.
THE OBJECTS OF TAXATION.

Middlesex.

Polls.

Number or
value.

Rates.

Total amount of
the lists on which
taxes are imposed.

Tolland.

From 21 to 70 years old,
From 18 to 21 years old,

2,967
374

2,093384

35,400
4,897

£18 0 0
9 0 0

£637,200 0 0
44,073 0 0

Oxen, four years old,
Cows and steers, three years,
Steers and heifers, two years,

3,162
7,526
3,268

2,421
6,624
2,461

39,717
99,456
38,705

3 0 0
* 2

0

0

119,151 0 0
198,912 0 0
38,705 0 0

2,315
365
303
28
36
21
3

36,942
6,456
5,324
37
216
303
309
79

3 0
2 0
10
3 0
2 0
1 0
20 0
10 0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

15,994

265,963£

0 10 0

132,981 17 6

6,730£

0 15 0

5,048 1 3

0 7 6

23,466 16 10£

Neat Cattle.

Horse kind, mules, fyc.

Horses, three years old, Horses, two years old,
Horses, one year old,
Mules, three years old, Mules, two years old,
Mules, one year old,
Stud horses, Stud Jacks, -

338
228
2
11

11
8
4

Acres of Land.

14,19l£

Plow,
- . Meadow, in Hartford and Middlesex,
Meadow7, in all the other counties, Upland, mowing, and clearpasture, Boggy meadow, mowed,
Boggy meadow, not mowed, Busn pasture,
Uninclosed,firstrate,
Uninclosed, second rate,
Uninclosed, third rate, -

583
2,428

1,894

62,578£

35,828
4,839
5,547
40,465
5,431
I5,433|
20,197

34,821;|
5,928
117
44,671
5,943|
17,938
40,452

432,180|
51,445£
16,677
558,421?
, 9$,850l
254,697?
309,332

Riding Carriages.

Coaches,
Chariots,
Coachees,
Phaetons,
Curricles,
Chaises,
Open top chairs and sulkies, Watches.—Gold, Silver, ~
Clocks.—Steel ana brass,
Wood,
Fire Places.—First rate, * Second rate,
Third rate,
Fourth rate,
Ounces of silver plate,
Ground and store rent, Amount of money at interest,
One-half of the four-folds,
Assessments on lawyers, shopkeepers, surgeons, physicians,
merchants, &c. Abatements made by the listers
between September, 1795, and
April 20, 1796,

4
1

8
7<

67
90
10

£

221
67
72
269
640
2,267
2,055
1,425
50 0 0
50 0 0
36 0 0
3,866 0 0

17
5
141
31
123
119
210
1,316
1,949
4,005 O 0
219 4 6

1 0 0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
20
5
15
10
5
3
5
0
3
1

8

0

5 0
2 0
1
0

0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
3 0
0 0
0 0
15 0
11 3~

3
612
652
131
2,821
1,109
913
4,883
6,924
30,424
7 6
25,330
3 9
£ 6 ;136 3 4 at 6 per cent.
63,348 10 1 at 6 per cent.

2,958 O 0

110,826
12,912
5,324
111
432
303
6,180

0
0
0
0
0
0

0

Total amount on which taxes are apportioned,

0

790 0 0

172,873
12,861
1,667
55,842
9,285
12,734
7,733

6
7
14
3
1
17
6

100 0 0
20 0 0
40 0 0
105 0 0
30 0 0
3,060 0 0
1,956 0 0
655 0 0
4,231 10 0
3,327 0 0
913 0 0
3,662 5 0
3,894 15 0
11,409 0 0
4,749 7 6
368 3 4
294 7 6
3,800 18 2
2,292 4 5|
61,733 4 0
£1,716,054 5 10

19 1 0

0
0
0
0
0
0

538 8 6
£1,715,515 17 4

FINANCE.

S456

[1796.

F.
Statement of the quantities of taxable Property in the State of New Jersey, in the year 1794, with the quotas of
the several counties in a tax of thirty thousand pounds.

COUNTIES.

OBJECTS OP TAXATION.
Essex.

Bergen.

Improved land.

First rate,
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
Seventh do.
Eighth do.
Ninth do.
Tenth do.

114,536

-

-

-

-

-

_

-

_

-

-

-

126,5X0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

199,721

173,740

210,091

-

167,818

_
_

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

_

4,499

-

-

-

-

-

5,420

-

-

-

w

-

-

10,818
-

-

-

42,760
-

372

-

232

490

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,225
8,573
28
16

3,384
9,508
X31
14

3,607
967
45
14

4,050
12,483
45
40

3,974
7,135
29
23

13
138
6

12
146
6

22
226
14

28
375
15

53
175
19

2

2

12

8
1

-

-

2

_

-

-

339
171
349

26
32 >
830
-

39
68
3
1
6
17
4
484

305

-

-

-

-

37
6
234

_
154

-

-

279
-

-

-

-

4,265
10,947
49
28

3,118
8,727
37

2,952
6,687
22
11

53
525
11

32
368
13

29
272

2

-

7
3

27
37
6
2
*

-

366

ltt

-

-

8
—

151
93
633

-

290

-

-

-

-

27,030

-

138,767

-

-

13
33|

-

-

52
58
5
-

-

-

80
250
358

17
42
3

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

211
188
413

18
32
4
26|
2
194

14

-

678

-

-

_

-

268

-

«

70 34

-

-

Riding Carriages.

--

-

-

-

Houses and lots.

Grist,
Fulling, Furnaces, Forges,
Vessels,
Ferries,
Slaves,
-

-

_

-

-

Mills, Saw,

-

-

30,901

Coaches, chariots, &c. Phsetons, ychair or wagon, steel springs, &c.
Chair curricles, &c. Covered wagons, wooden springs,
Ditto,
Sleighs,
Fisheries, -

126,862

_

-

Salem.

-

Unimproved land.

First'rate,
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Horses,
Neat cattle,
Shopkeepers,
Tan yards,
Single men keeping horsesy
Do. without horses, Stud horses.

Burlington. Gloucester.

-

-

172,128.

Somerset.

-

-

First rate,
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.

Middlesex. Monmouth,

3

110
599
371
14
41
40
7
5
12
35
7
38

s
4

-

141
378
246
16
47
34
3
-

-

265
2
27

38
243
138
3
7
32
3
1
1
61^
5
38

proportion of a tax of
^30,000 to be paid by
each county, t &12,000 3 4 2,146 4 8 2,471 0 1 2,997 12 C> 2,429 19 C) 3,378 0 1() 2,057 6 9 3,420 11 6

DIRECT TAXES.

3 rac.]

457

F—Continued.

COUNTIES.
OBJECTS OF TAXATION.
3ape M a y . Hunterdon.

1 nproved land.
First rate,
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Sixth do.
Seventh do.
Eighth do.
Ninth do.
Tenth do.
Unimproved land.
First rate,
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Houses and lots.
First rate,
Second do.
Third do.
Fourth do.
Fifth do.
Horses,
JSTeat cattle,
Shopkeepers,
Tan yards,
Single men keepinghorses,
Ditto, without horses, Stud horses.
Riding Carnages.
Coaches, Chariots, &c.
Phaetons, chair or wagon, steel springs, &c.
Chair curricles, &c. Covered wagons, wooden springs,
Ditto,
Sleighs,
Fisheries, Mills, Saw,
Grist,
Fulling, Furnaces, Forges,
Vessels,
Ferries,
Slaves,
-

Morris.

Cumberland.

Sussex.

Number
and value.

277,225
165,690
89,044

35,488

25,1X2

14,162

34,284
76,799

217,560

42,187

407
26
467
2,301
9
1
4
72 '
1

200

160

6,687
10,322
45
30

3,699
10,335
28
22

l,7i3
5,681
19
5

52
353
32

9
164
3

16
192

3

3

a

150
5,500
11,332
30
18
30
127
9

39
1
7
11

9
19

237
79
655
10
44
72
6

6
249

114,536
126,862
199,721
277,225
173,740
676,547
165,690
217,560
89,044
35,488

£55
53
47
46
45
40
36
35
33

4,499
50,483
97,244
155,681
215,566

8
5
4
3
2

8 each.
1,691
91Q
7
6
279
5
691
3
150
47,642 a 20s each
10s
113,708
75
412
40
232
353
3,133
143
13

7

51
10
172
24
418
43|
53
7
2
54
148

1
167
53
63
18
16
1
27
1
13

28
24
418
1
42
74
5
2
31
5
86

Rates,
Total value of
at £6 per property subject
100 acres. to taxation.

15
10
25
50
15
8

2
1,734
1
2,139
4,893
6S.
44
50
4023
40
569
60
50
40
11 250
119
75
273^
15
38 200
2,156
10

Proportion of a tax of
£30,000, to be paid by
405 15 9 3,923 2 10i 2,206 5 0I1,049 0 7' 2,514 17 C>
each county,
Add for eerrors in CEtlculations, &c.
Amount of ra.tables, agi-eeably to tlle list received from the State,
1IVal tax a bove, adding for errors,, 8 A

£
s. (L
68,721 12 0
69,774 2 0
105,788 4 0
130,295 15 0
79,920 0 0
304,446 0 0
66,276 0 0
78,321 12 0
31,165 8 0
11,711 0 0
359
2,524
3,889
4,670
4,311

18 0
20
15 0
11 0
50

13,528
6,370
1,674
3,455
450
47,642
56,854
30,900
9,280

00
00
0 0
00
0 0
00
00
00
00

5,295 0 0
31,330 0 0
3,575 0 0
650 0 0
765 0 0
80 0 0
3,468
2,139
1,467
2,200
16,090
34,140
2,120
2,750
8,925
4,098
7,600
21,560

00
0 0
18 0
00
00
00
00
00
00
15 0
00
00

1,280,581 17 0

306 13 0
1,280,888 10 0
£30,000 0 0

FINANCE.

S458

[1796.

A

Summary account of real and personal property, subject to taxation, in the State of Maryland, according to the
valuation and assessment made in the year 1793, founded partly on estimate and partly on returns.
Value of each object of taxation.

Bed property.—5,931,508 acres of granted land,
Lots in fee,
Lots on ground rent; amount of rents, £1,169, valued at ^100
for every £S of said rent, House rent; amount of rents, ^44,080, valued at ^100 for
every ^>16 of said rent,
Personal property.—17,332 male and female slaves, from 8 to 14 years of
age, value,
^27,050
53,131 male and female slaves, from 14 to
45 years of age,
1,022,092
18,957 female and male slaves, from 14 to
36 years of age,
579,384
14,930 males, above 45, and females,
above 36 years of age, 81,707
30,449 males and females, under 8 years
of age,
185,446
111,543 ounces of plate: value, Other personal property, sulyect to taxation,

£
s. d.
8,074,226 0 0
314,233 10 0
96,999 0 0
275,505 0 0

1,895,680 0 0
65,021 0 0
1,644,825 0 0

Total value of property, in the State of Maryland, on which the taxes
were assessed, m tne year 1793,
-

8,812,995 10 0

3,605,526 0 0
^12,418,521 10 0

H.
A state of the Taxes arising on Land, Negroes, and other property, in the State of Virginia, for the year 1794.
Amount of tax on
land and lots.

Amount of tax on
slaves.

COUNTIES.

Amelia,
Albermarle, Accomac,
Amherst,
Augusta,
Bedford,
Berkeley, (from '92)
Botetourt,
Buckingham,
Brunswick, .
Bath,
Campbell,
Caroline,
Charlotte,

$976 91
1,149 18
938 60
1,235 88
630 17
932 65
1,032 74
417 42
924 65
1,362 99
168 53
808 28
1,342 72
861 85
436 83

1,261 12

Cumberland,
Culpeper,
Dinwiddle, .
Elizabeth City,
Essex,
Fairfax, (from >92)
Fauquier,
Fluvanna,
Franklinj
Frederick, .
Gloucester, .
Goochland, .
Greenbrier* .
Greensville,
Halifax,
Hampshire, (from ?92)
Hanover,
Henry, (from >93)
Harrison,
Hardy,
Henrico,
Isle of Wight,
James City, .
King and Queen,
King George,
King William,

825 55
1,017 33
1,479 94
177 10
665 78
957 76
1,063 88
477 21
485 56
1,442 42
467 05
706 19
284 03
645 03
1,323 56
456 51
1,162 58
386 98
289 07*
1,100 03
727 10
381 06
758 67
435 00
621 07

$1,020 56
949 16
608 33
912 22
244 16
645 06
449 40
164 16
714 45
1,038 88
197 62
455 56
1,491 39
802 22
463 90
1,239 16
784 16
933 33
1,125 55
302 50
799 72
668 05
1,015 28
248 06
190 00
609 12
718 06
717 22
48 62
594 72
1,003 06
76 11
1,263 90
153 62
15 84
63 33
1,034 72
553 88
380 28
781 94
566 94
821 67

Amount of tax on
property,
exclusive of land,
lots, and slaves.

$295 72
462 78
420 69
355 33
517 08
67 50
622 06
338 28
230 12
353 66
24 66
226 22
601 39
326 96
172 94
548 45
280 40
430 66
566 139
164 72
252 16
447 53
492 28
86 84
169 25
744 45
419 00
348 84269 03
182 62
398 46
255 66
520 72
128 70
102 00
164 90
1,167 46
166 34
116 12
277 56
232 84
216 12

Total amount of
tax for each
county.

$2,295 19
2,561
1,967 62
2,503 43
1,391 41
1,645 21
2,104 20
919 86
1,869 22
2,755 53
390 81
1,490 06
'3,435 51
1,991 03
1,073 67
3,048 73
1,890 11
2,381 32
3,172 38
644 32
1,717 66
2,073 34
2,571 44
812 11
844 81
2,795 99
1,604 11
1,772 25
601 68
1,422 37
2,725 08
788 28
2,947 20
669 30
117 84
517 30
3,272 21
1*447 32
877 46
1,818 17
1,234 78
1,658 86

DIRECT TAXES.

1796.]

459

H^Continued*

COUNTIES.

Kenhawa, (from ?93)
Lancaster, .
Loudoun,
.
Lunenburg, •
Louisa,
.
Lee,
Mecklenburg,
.
Middlesex, .
M o n o n g a l i a , . . . . .
Montgomery,
.
.
.
.
Mathews,
.
.
.
.
.
Madison,
.
.
.
.
.
Nansemond,
.
N e w Kent,
.
.
.
.
.
Norfolk,
.
.
.
.
.
Norfolk Borough,
.
.
.
.
Nottoway,
.
.
.
.
.
?
Northampton, (from 93) .
Northumberland,
.
.
.
.
Ohio,
Orange,
.
.
,
.
.
Pittsylvania,
.
.
.
.
Patrick.
.
.
.
.
Prince Edward,
.
.
.
.
Prince George,
.
.
.
.
Princess Anne,
.
.
.
.
Prince William,
.
Powhatan,
.
.
.
.
.
Pendleton,
.
.
.
.
.
Richmond, .
.
.
.
.
Rockbridge,
.
.
.
.
.
Rockingham, (from '92)
Russel, (from ?93)
.
.
.
»
Randolph,
.
.
.
.
.
S h e n a n d o a h , . . . . .
Southampton,
.
.
.
.
Spottsylvania,
.
.
.
.
Stafford,
Surry,
Sussex,
.
Warwick,
.
.
.
.
.
Westmoreland,
.
.
.
.
Wythe,
.
.
.
.
.
Washington, (from ?93)
Williamsburg
.
.
.
.
York,

Amount of tax oiI
land and lots.

Amount of tax oii
slaves.

Amount of tax
on property, exclusive of land,
lots, and slaves.

$602 52
316 67
1,190 80
776 81
905 41
12 68
1,110 35
333 82

$5 84
505 84
- 747 50
791 40
316 12
12 28
1,065 28
416 12
,
#
25 56
110 28
204 84
332 52
290 19
436 40
476 33 *
872 36
527 46
579 72
481 41
679 72
787 .68
524 72
277 22
669 39
846 66
412 32
539 17
642 73
481 07
118 79
37 10
679 16
790 00
525 00
1,116 97
90 00
256 16
f
736 12
729 50
719 72
435 56
539 72
587 07
915 80
758 33
632 62
695 56
7 79
101 55
453 92
571 95
426 31
> 145 84
430 99
117 22
29 73
84 62
9 44
662 03
84 45
1,315 19
922 22
1,159 21
874 42
601 66
657 26
515 84
627 90
840 56
1,075 66
180 00
186 66
508 50
697 50
217 76
100 84
75 28
268 53
115 84
44 32
289 84
420 56
$57,636 58

$47,007 78

Total amount of
tax for each
county.

$6 71
154 62
663 22
289 12
292 89
68 84
414 94
96 90
112 40
291 19
141 28
155 56
174 16
211 66
257 06
357 12
224 06
301 33
204 50
124 22
263 16
260 06
120 16
244 50
274 56
267 16
422 00
216 46
116 53
150 16
31J 06
267 06
155 78
42 22
413 45
339 88
494 50
309 71
196 16
284 88
45 28
221 50
297 22
283 94
254 50
151 62
$25,110 68

$615 07
977 13
2,601 52
1,857 33
2,014 42
93 80
2,590 57
846 84
137 96
606 31
763 69
1,068 29
1,573 98
1,272 79
1,724 46
1,159 06
1,740 11
1,252 82
1,328 30
280 11
1,732 32
1,902 03
466 32
1,710 12
1,429 84
1,393 95
2,096 13
1,544 64
225 87
1,176 03
883 21
815 27
270 13
51 66
1,159 93
2,577 29
2,528 13
1,568 63
1,339 90
2,201 10
411 94
1,427 50
615 82
627 75
414 66
862 02
$129,7$5 04

The foregoing statement shews the gross amount of the tax, for the year 1794, to be $129,755 04$ and the proportions of the several objects of taxation are as follow, viz:
On lands and lots,
$57,736 58

On slaves,

On horses, asses, and mules, On carriages, ordinary licences, and billiard tables,

47,007 78
15,154 95
9,955 73

Deductions for compensations to commissioners, . - $11,931 60
commissions offive per cent, to sheriffs, for collection,
6,487 75
allowance offive per cent, for insolvencies and errors,
6,487 75

$129,755 04 as above.

Nett tax, for the year 1794,

$104,847 94

24,907 10

•U
Oi
O

I.
Statement oj the Expenditures and Revenue of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the years 1793 and 1794.
For the year For the year
1794.
1793.

EXPENDITURES.

"Wages to members and officers of the General Assembly,
Officers of Government,
~ x r ~x
Ten Judges of the District Courts, upon account, tor travelling expenses,
Contingent,
Criminal charges,
Slaves executed,
Expenses of guards,
. ;
General account of revenue paid commissioners,
Pensions paid by warrants,
paid by the sheriffs,
-

1793.

1,666 66

1,666 60

6,269 84 20,611 70
12,604 96 13,586 78
3,233 89
2,816 64
2,873 44
1,238 92
9,397 06 11,931 60
1,084 94
7,444 69 £ 7,592 16
2,525 00
1,891 87
6,535 4£
7,505 24
546 67
188 75
3,332 82
3,333 34
2,222 22
5,333 34
1,250 00
3,100 00
995 18
3,047 15
2,586 56
2,999 99
4,300 00
1,891 51
756 78

Do.
Do.

1794.

$113,987 11 $116,780 54
15,942 25
9,923 78
1,473 04
5,997 10
3,070 32 25,073 47

$21,383 58 $19,490 62 Nett amount of tax on land, lots, and other property,
Do.
of surplus on tobacco exported, 45,896 41
39,239 17

Expenses of public warehouses,
;
The arsenal at Point of Fork,
Representatives to Congress,
James river Canal Company,
PotomacriverCompany, Dismal Swamp Company, Officers of the militia,
The lunatic hospital,
/
."
For the relief of the French emigrants from St. Domingo,
Public Buildings—capitol, $1,217 99, Governor's house, $672 52,
Tobacco burnt at Rocky Ridge,
Surplus,

For the year For tile year

REVENUE.

on law process, &c.
from Registers' fees,

HH
i>
o

127,440 30 157,201 17
2,068 13
5,538 01

-

$132,978 31 $159,269 30

$132,978 31 $159,269 30

A Statement showing the amount of the several articles subject to specific taxes in the years 1786 and 1795.

Years.

1786
1795

Whites
above 21
years.

58.169

Slaves
Slaves above Slaved under
between 12 f
16 years.
16 years.
and 16 years.

120,993
143,599

123,667

28,696

Horses.

Wheels.

Ordinary
licence.

Billiard

tables*

Studs.

Amount of
tax.

Wheels.

Cattle.

Coach, chariot, Other 4 wheel
carriage.
postchaise.

178,320
221,703

5,696

219
529

13
67

526
942

1 M94 1 6
i 801 8 7
i

478,169

2,174

1,820

Chair
wheels.

4,874

CO

Gi

D I R E C T TAXES.

1796.]

461

K.
Summary account of real and personal property subject to taxation in the State of Kentucky, agreeably to the returns made by the commissioners of the several counties, in the year 1795, together zvith ther ate of taxation.

REAL PROPERTY.

LANDS

920,231 acreslstrate,taxedat3s. for every lOO acres, £1,380 6 11
4,676 14 4$
6,!235,634 do. 2d do. at Is. 6d. do.
do.
5r173 9 5
C13,1,795,923 do. 3d do. at 95.

Value of town lots £5,112 at 3s. for every £100,

-

-

£. s. d.

11,230 10 8|
7 13 3

PERSONAL PROPERTY".

19,886 slaves, taxed at Is. 6d. each,
54,369 horses, taxed at 6s.
287 stud horses, taxed at various rates,
171,812 head of cattle, taxed at Is. each,
102 retail stores, taxed at £10, each,
90 ordinary licences, taxed at £3,
8 billiard tables, taxed at £10,
19ridingcarriages, with four wheels, taxed at 4s. per wheel,
The amount ot tax arising on law process, &c. estimated from the sum collected in 1794,
Total amount of the tax for the year 1795,

59

f

-

1,491
1,359
234
1,074
1,020
270
80

9
4
3
4
0
0

£.

s.

d.

11,238 3 llf

6
4|
0
0

0 0

3 16 0

£300 0 0

5,832 16 10£
£17,071 00 lOj-

L.
Jin Abstract

COUNTIES AND PARISHES, OB
ELECTION DISTRICTS.

II
^O
§C

Stock in
Lots in
trade, facul- towns and
ties, &c
villages.

At J per
At At 4s. 8d. At £ per
cent, ad.val. cent, ad.val
95 Ad

Charleston, city and county, 122
5
Georgetown, *
8
Edisto Island,
Kingstown, .
John's Island and Wadmelaw, 3
13
Liberty county,
7
St. John's, Berkeley,
St. Peter's, .
Williamsburg county,
Prince William's,
St. Stephen's,
All Saints,
St. James, Santee, .
St. Paul's, .
St. Luke's, .
St. Andrews,
St. George, Dorchester,
St. Thomas and St. Dennis
St. Paul's, .
St. Bartholomew,
St. Helena, Port Royal,
Christ Church,
St. James, Goose Creek,

the year 1794, as settled at the treasury at Charleston.

VALUE OF

fa
I I
8-1
fiS

of the General Tax for the State of South Carolina, for

21,336
6,040
2,009
376
2,129
1,933
3,748
1,476
3,519
1,185
2,461
1,320
2,413
790
3.531
2.532
1,439
2,063
1,910
2,037
3,612
1,759
872

194 70,490

109,800
8,066
300
200
100

900
885
450
35Q
295
80
1,271
950
100

25

1,220

2,245
100

127,337

TOTAL
ACRES OF
LAND.

VALUE PER ACRE, AS FIXED BY L A W .

120
60
49
20
15
8
80
10
Shil- Shillings, Shil- Shillings Shillings, Shillings, Shillings, Shillings.
lings.
lings.

549,909 1,276,838 Avera ged at 9s,
33,953
4,611
230,633 4,203
39,187
115
100,550
1,240
5,230
51,356
170
300,580
392
10,970
136,016 339
589
147,099 700
800
871
272,482
1,285
48,492
3,950
100,455
2,187
50,376 1,841
688
7,000
96,741 .737
500
28,673
123,258
1,932
750
76,568 425
8,856
974
106,547
2,217
72,865
6,650
334
54,566 430
2,950
617
85,022
1,807
105
659
98,848
10,881
44,624
1,850
150
48,356
2,900
355
656,272 3,590,132 8,780

per acre,
840
9,804

Ud.

200

60

75
194

300
950
350
100

85
415
990
885
170
190
200
60

12,070 5,864

430
2,402
4,557
1,275
900
269
4,528
1,648
3,274
1,539
2,404
3,363
1,522
2,657
4,206
2,309
585
1,234
1,116

9,516
26,188
285
32,640
1,370
6,292
8,184
3,798
8,134
14,649
4,858
6,649
2,206
25,484
24,772
6,172
20,668
3,508
3,532
34,832
22,019
9,796

50,222 275,552

940

42,847

500

45
1,269
4,443
14,894
4,983
3,495
310
3,600

220
900

200

1,886
870
6,265
3,849
7,035
2,640
5,678
6,091
2,316
1,300
3,135
75,044

12,113
197
1,232
5,257
3,000 1,000
3,193
1,973
875
2,289
533
763
589 2,600
2,166

550

3
6
5
Shil- Shillings, Shillings.
lings.

2

Shillings.

56,477 500
8,370
3,868
1,006
3,823
640
26,220
22,055
150 19,140
20,681
1,100
18,150
11,624
17,133
3,606
8,854
144
25,729 3,903 2,000
7,380 278
51,305 250 1,776
26,190
5,000
9,088 500
28,983
2,078
32,063 1,200
29,436
4,100
3,782
15,621 400
200
500
18,390
1,642
500

Shilling.

AMOUNT OF
EACH COLLECTOR'S
TAX (AS
RETURNED.)

£ s. d,
11,196 2
99,895 2,206 12
4,629
617 0
95,932
121 5
7,354
734
266,070
610 6
55,889 1,235 6
109,179
510 11 10
246,139
955 4
28,155
349 4 7
55,407
774 14 10
32,343
450
45,856
778 2 11
12,050
638 2 9
31,731 1,113 0 3
9,915
883 13 8
80,939
469 2 3
12,226
725
4,683
691 8
35,430
632 0
57,143 1,119 18
3,000
611 6
11,146
286

77,614 5,383 1,340 445,222 7,181 42,086 1,305,111
Amount of Tax as returned,

£ 27,708 6 6

N
CO

DIRECT TAXES.

1796.]

Abstract of the articles enumerated in the foregoing

463
table, viz.

Brought forward—Amount of tax as returned,
194 Free negroes, mulattoes, &c. at 9s. 4d. each, .
70,490 Slaves, at 4s. 8d. each,
£

s. d.

Total value of stock in trade, faculties, &c. 127,337
Total value of lots in towns and villages,
656,272
1,276,838 Acres of land, at 9s. 1 \d.
8,780
do
120
12,070
do
80
5,864
do
60
50,222
do
40
275,552
do
20
75,044
do
15
77,614
do
10
5,383
do
8
1,340
do
6
445,222
do
5
7,181
do
3
42,086
do
2
1,305,111
do
1
3,588,307

£

s. d.

£

s. d.

£
s. d.
27,708 6 6

90 10 8
16,447 13 4

783,609
580,562 5 6
52.680
48,280
17,592
100,444
275,552
56,283
38,807
2,153 4
402
111,305 10
1,077 3
4,208 12
65,255 11
-1,354,602 5 6
2,138,211 5 6, at £ per cent. 10,691 1 1

1,825, short extensions.

27,229 5 1

3,590,132, total acres, as before.
The difference between the sum total returned and the amount made by calculations on the aggregate of each particular article of taxation,
.
.
.
.
.
.
The cause of which is not at present known.

t

479 1 5

M.
An Abstract of the General Tax of the State of South CarolinaJor the year 1794, as settled at the treasury, at Columbia.

VALUE or
COUNTIES, OR
ELECTION DISTRICTS.

£g
a rt
fis
at

Kershaw,
Lancaster,
Claremont,
Richland,
Salem,
Fairfield,
Chester,
Spartanburgh,
Union,

York,
Abbeville,
Edgefield,
Laurens,
Newberry,
Marlborough, Chesterfield, Darlington, Pendleton,
Greenville. ••
Lewisburgh, Orange,
Lexington,
"Winton,
Clarendon,

VALUE FEtl ACHE, AS HXED BT LAW.

Number
Total acres
of Slaves. Stock in trade, Lots in towns of land.
faculties, &c
and villages.

4f?t

at 4a 8 d.

3
7

1,644
717

4
15

2

19
16

3
1
15
4
6

14

30

137

1,110

2,334,
788
1,196
"863
912
1,066
897
1,903
3.026
1,039
1.027
772
777
1,620
1,122

791
1,736
1,693
763
1,047
1,209

30,052

A t £ per
cent. ad. val.
£

710

S»

1,450
2,700
1,260
550
1,075
290
5,567 10
4,390
2,950
1,000

310
100

50
400
725

5
shillings,

3
shillings.

2

shillings.

1

shilling.

A t $ per
cent. ad. val.

£

3,234
40

s.

3,856 3
50
535

150
156

1,130
1,000

60
40
20
15
10
8
t 6
shillings. shillings. shillings. shillings. shillings. shillings. shillings.

Amount of each
collector's tax,
first deducting
five per cent,
commission.

805 10
722
20

630
1,134 10
1,625
4
552

199,820
138.493
95,092
178,446
78,445
206,558
209,429
243,030
215,680
148,508
364.494
390,795
240,510
213,555
114,674
120,220

245,699
380,434
230,366
159,479
351,441
181,531
305,289
111,912

25,657 10 13,514 3 9 5,123,900

2,310
70
2,667

3,545
310
5,792

406
10,665

68

450

1,550
570
5,711
3,641
2,623
2,388
1,735

1,525
1,435
156

1,019
950
1,138

2,045
3,425
1,605
2,994
150
1,187

2,750
3,764
2,726
5,355

2,352
2,036
2,531
3,770
25
1,345
4,893
3,122
2,483
4,401

50

985
3,059
1,054

3,175
4,052
2,229
1,368
3,268

10,453
3,269
1,507
4,362
4,300

9,278

25,792

43,763

71,078

774

906
3,930
4,016
5,078
6,025
3,678
4,582
6,000
440
6,149

2,011

300

-

427

_
-

989
750

_
-

1,165
100
-

60
-

-

_
4,731
4,760

100

68
1,640
1,000

256

46,899

12,555

11,163
25,452

150

16,154

2,968

200

33,296
38,281
53,131
47,568
48,886
103,007
85,780
65,446
75,500
6,835
10,037
10,483
771
1,435
4,733
8,815
10,521
14,944
7,824

680,262

75
2,177
180
9,549
3,513

42,582
73,243
990
4,801
146,975
164,897
169,364
158,940
93,908
220,350
217,250
155,552
109,424
10,627

58,120
43,836

2,160

225

3,299
583
565
15,126
3,205

120,793

1,593,841

134,037
37,643
86,606
129,946
75,622
19,376
500
10,104
515
-

24,415
72,900
15,534
21,137
94,738
90,726
223,246
310,251
176,886
139,348
334,572
148,749
277,126
95,416

2,519,383

£
537 16
339 13
301 8
763 3
202 8
413 9
329 0
371 15
396 17
317 16
7lS 13
977 1
404 4
402 3
291 8
272 0
512 12
391 11
261 2
490 12
504 0
275 5
376 17
344 2

d.

0
4
4
9
9
8
6
10
7
7
1
0
8
8
3
5
9
11
8
10
7
11
10
9

10,090 8 8

SINKING FUND.

1796.]

465

Abstract of the articles enumerated in the foregoing table, viz:

137 free negroes, mulattoes, &c. at 9s. 4d. each,
30,052 slaves, at 4s, 8d. each,
£

-

at 60s.
at 405.
at 20$.
at 15s.
at 10s.
at 8s.
at 6s.
at 5s.
at 3s.
at 2s.
at Is.

-

- -

-

-

£

-

27,834 0
51,584 0
43,763 0
53,308 10
128 0
18,759 12
3,766 10
170,065 10
18,118 19
159,384 2
125,969 3

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

s. d.

63 18 8
7,012 2 8

s. d.

Total value of stock in trade, faculties, &c. 25,657 10 0
Do.
of lots in towns and villages,
13,514 3 9
9,278 acres of land,
25,792
do.
43,763
do.
71,078
do.
256
do.
46,899
do.
12,555
do.
680,262
do.
120,793
do.
1,593,841
do.
2,519,383
do.

-

£
s. d.
39,171 13 9

672,681
60
3
711,852 19 k at i per cent.
£

s. d.

3,559 5 6
10,635 6 10

Deduct commissions 5 per cent, for collection, 531 15 4
For errors,
13 2 10
South Carolina currency, dollars, 4s, 8d.

4th CONGRESS.]

NO.

544 18 2
10,090 8 8 as before.

101.

SINKING

[2d SESSION.

FUND.

COMMUNICATED TO THE SENATE, DECEMBER 16, 1796, AND JANUARY 26, 1797.

The Commissioners ofthe Sinking Fund respectfully report to Congress as follow:
That the purchases of the debt of the United States, as stated in their report of the eighteenth of December,
1795, amount to two millions three hundred and seven thousand six hundred sixty-one dollars and seventy-one
cents, for which there have been paid in specie, one million six hundred eighteen thousand nine hundred thirty-six
dollars and four cents, as will more particularly appear from the document marked A.
That, subsequent to their said report ofthe eighteenth of December, 1795, and in pursuance of the act, entitled
"An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption of the public debt," the
commissioners of the sinking fund have caused the sum offivehundred forty-four thousand ana sixty-six dollars
andfifty-fourcents to be applied towards the redemption of the six per cent, stock bearing a present interest, as
will appear from the document marked B.
That there is, at thistime,in the hands of the Treasurer of the United States, as their agent, the sum ot sixtyseven thousand and twenty-five dollars and sixty-three cents, arising from dividends since thefirstof April last,
on stock heretofore purchased and redeemed, and the sum of ten thousand two hundred and seventy-four dollars
and thirty-eight cents, arising from payments into the treasury on account of debts due to the United States prior
to their present constitution; which sums, with the dividends to be made at the close of the present year, and other
funds appropriated by law, will be applied, on thefirstday of January ensuing,toa further reimbursement of the
six per cent, stock, bearing a present interest, agreeably to the directions of the act in that case made and provided.
In pursuance of thefirstsection of the act, entitled "An act making further provision for the support of public
credit, and for the redemption of the public debt," a loan offivehundred thousand dollars was authorized by a
resolution of the Board, passed on the twenty-eighth of December, 1795, approved by the President of the United
States, which has been obtained of the Bank of the United States.
The measures adopted in pursuance of the act, entitled 6 6An act making provision for the payment of certain
debts of the United States," passed in the last session of Congress, being in a train for execution, and not completed, will be communicated in a future report.
On behalf of the Board.
JOHN ADAMS.
December Wh, 1796.

A.
Statement of the Purchases of Public Stock by the Agents to the Trustees named in the Met for the Eeduction of the Public

Six per cent stock.

Proper.

Assumed.

Total amount of stock purchased by the agents to the trustees, as per report to the House$684,349 11 $223,467 53 $415,415 66
of Representatives, dated 21st November, 1795,

Amount of the Moneys expendseveral species ed in purchasing
debt.
of stock.

Deferred stock.

Three per cent, stock.

Proper.

Debt.

Assumed.

Proper.

Assumed.

$1,618,936 04
3,444 97 $766,409 65 $121,574 79 $2,307,661 71

I do hereby certify, that the trustees named in the acts for the eduction of ^ mblic
debt, have credit on the books of the several stocks at the Treasury
in the sums above stated, in the several columns of
deferred stock, proper and assumed; and the amount thereof, being m h h e ^ ^ e ^ a r
Wished bv their purchases, is two millions three hundred and seven thousand six hunl?ed S S ^ ^ - X S r e and seventy-one cents, for which the sum of one million six
hundred a ^ eighteen thousand n i n e W l r e d ^ d th rty.-six dolla^ and four cents, m
specie, was paid from the public treasury, from the following funds, viz:

112,515 99 348,498 40 52,574
Qnrnlnq dutfps to the end of the year 1790, $957,770 65: amount purchased therewith,326,500 13
3,888
78,050 59 27,843 47
T o ^ of $2 000 000
- 434,901 89: amount purchased therewith, 275,554 36 32,900 95 39,073 79 39,982
Intent on stock purchased and redeemed, 226,263 50: amount purchased therewith, 82,294 62
$1,618,936 04
$684,349 11 $223,467 53 $415,415 66 $96,444
TRBASURY DEPARTMENT, REGISTER'S OFFICE, November

50 588,791 54
47 98,474 72
00 79,143 39

42,995 32
39,113 94
39,465 53

97 $766,409 65 $131,574 79
30, 1796.

1,471,875 88
522,925 55
312,860 28
3,307,661 71

JOSEPH N O U R S E ,

Register.

SINKING FUND.

1796.]

467

B.
Statement of the application of moneys drawn from the appropriations made by the acts of the 8th May, 1792, and
3d March, 1795, for the reduction of the 6 per cent stocky bearing a present interest

Moneys drawn by the agent to the trustees for the redemption of the public debt, pursuant to the act of the 8th
May, 1792, for interest on the stock transferred to the United States, according to Auditor's statement,
No. 7847, dated 21st April, 1796, $94,261 93
Moneys drawn from the proceeds of duties on imports and tonnage, and on stills, and spirits distilled in the United States, pursuant to act of 3d March, 1795, 449,804 61
Total amount applied in the payment ofthefirstyear's reimbursement of the 6 per cent stock, 7
r,
bearing a present interest,
3 »044,ubt> a*
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, JRegister's Office, November 30, 1796.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.

The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund respectfully report to Congress as follows:
That, in pursuance ofthe powers committed to them by the act, entitled u An act making provision for the payment of certain debts of the United States," passed in the last session of Congress, they have authorized sales of a
part of the capital stock of the Bank of the United States, belonging to the United States, the proceeds of which
have been applied to discharge certain debts, according to law.
The particulars and amount of the said sales, and the measures authorized by the Board, for the execution of their
trust, so far as the same have been completed, are represented in the report or the Secretary of the Treasury, dated
the 24th instant, and in the proceedings of the^ accounting officers therein referred to, which are herewith transmitted, and prayed to be received as part of this report.
JOHN ADAMS, on behalf of the Board•
January 25th, 1797.

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund:
That, in pursuance of the act, entitled " An act making provision for the payment of certain debts of the United
States," passed on the 31st day of May, 1796, and a resolution of the Board, passed on the 5th day of August last,
he has caused two thousand one hundred and sixty shares of the capital stock of the Bank of the United States, belonging to the United States, to be sold, on a credit of sixty days, without interest, at the rate offivehundred dollars, or twenty-five per centum advance on the original capital.
The proceeds of the said sales, amounting to one million and eighty thousand dollars, have been received and
placed in the treasury of the United States, as appears by the. accounting officers of the treasury, herewith transmitted, shewing the dates and particulars of the said sales.
As the proceeds ofthe said sales were destined to reimburse a part ofthe debt due to the Bank of the United
States, it was agreed with the bank that the moneys should be applied to the credit of the United States from the
dates of the^ respective payments.
In addition to the proceeds of the said bank stock, the Secretaiy has obtained the sum of one hundred and
twenty thousand dollars, on the credit of the six per cent, stock, authorized to be constituted by the act before
mentioned, and has, moreover, taken eventual measures for reimbursing the debt due to the Bank of New York,
When these measures shall have been executed and adjusted, they will be reported to the Board.
The fund of twelve hundred thousand dollars, obtained as above mentioned, has been applied to discharge
the following debts due to the Bank ofthe United States, viz:
To the payment of the instalments due on a loan of 400,000 dollars, obtained pursuant to the act,
entitled " An act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the frontiers, and for
other purposes," passed on the 2d day of May, 1792,
$300,000 00
To the payment of part of an instalment of a loan, obtained pursuant to an act authorizing a
loan of two millions, passed on the 18th of December, 1794, 300,000 00
To the payment of two instalments of the subscription loan for bank stock due on the last days of
December, 1795, and 1796,
- 400,000 00
To the payment of thefirstinstalment ofthe loan of 800,000 dollars, obtained pursuant to an act
passed on the 21st of February, 1795,
200,000 00
Amounting, as above mentioned, to
All which is respectfully submitted by

OLIVER WOLCOTT, Jr. Secretary of the Treasury.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, January 24th, 1797.

No. 8,513.

$1,200,000 00

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

Auditor's Office, January 5, 1797.

I have examined an account between the United States and the President, Directors, and Company, of the
Bank ofthe United States, agents for the sale of bank stock, andfindthat they stand chargeable on said account as
follows, viz:
To proceeds of two thousand one hundred and sixty shares of the capital stock of said bank, belonging to the United
States, sold pursuant to instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury, founded on "An act making provision
for the payments of certain debts of the United States," passed on the 31st May, 1796, amounting, per statement
and account sales herewith, to
$1,080,000
I also find that the said President, Directors, and Company, are entitled to the following credit on said
account:
By warrants, in favor of the Treasurer, for amount, of warrant No. 206, on them, dated December 31, 1796,
for
$1,080,000
The statement and vouchers, on which this report is founded, are herewith transmitted, for the decision of the
Comptroller of the Treasury thereon.
To JOHN STEELE, Esq. Comptroller qf the Treasury.

IL H A R R I S O N ,

Auditor,.

FINANCE.

463

[1796.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Comptroller's Office, January 7, 1797.

Admitted and certified.

JNO. S T E E L E ,

Comptroller.

T o the REGISTER,.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Register's Office, January 13, 1797.

I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original onfilein this office.
JOSEPH NOURSE,

n

Register.

C The President, Directors,and Company, ofthe Bank of the United States, agents for the sale
i
bank stock, in account with the United States.

ofTc,
5 *

For this sum, being the nett proceeds of two thousand
one hundred and sixty shares of the capital stock of By Treasury warrants for amount of the following,
drawn on them in favor ofthe Treasurer, viz:
the said bank, belonging to the United States, sold
pursuant to instructions from the Secretary of the
Treasury, at five hundred dollars a share, per ac-$1,080,000
count of sales herewith,
$1,080,000 No. 206, dated December 31, 1796, for
AUDITOR'S OFFICE, January

4, 1797.

P. FERRALL.

COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, January

Examined.

6, 1797.

ANDREW ROSS.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Register's Office, January 13, 1797.

I certify that the above is a true copy of the original onfilein this office.
JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.
No. 1.
JL particular account of the sales of two thousand one hundred and sixty shares in the Bank of the United States,
(being apart of five thousand shares subscribed to the said bank by^ the United States, under the act of incorporation, dated the 25fh February, 1791,) and which the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund sold under the
authorities contained in the act making provision for the payments of certain debts of the United States, passed
on the 31 st May, 1796.
Date of
sale.

T o whom sold.

1796

Aug. 16 Willings & Francis,
Do.
Do.
u
Do.
a,
Do.
Do.
John Yaughan,

Drawer of Note.

Harrison & Sterett,
Do.
<
Clarkson & Forest,
Henry @lymer,
Samuel Clarkson,
William Cramond,
John Yaughan,

Willings & Francis, Jos. Anthony,
Do.
Willings & Francis,
18. John Travis,
John Travis,
John Vaughan,
John Miller, J.&Co
19, John Miller, J.&Co
Do.
Do.
Do.
Henry Clymer,
Thomas W . Francis,
Sharp Delany,
Sharp Delany,
James S. Cox,
James S. Cox,
Do.
Do.
u
Willings & Francis, Willings & Francis,
66
Do.
Do.
66
Do.
Do.
a
.Do.
Do.
6<
John Sitgreaves,
John Sitgreaves,
Do.
Do.
66
Do.*
Bickham & Reese,
66
Garret Cottringer, Bickham & Reese,
66
B. Bohlen,
Garret Cottringer,
20. John Ashley,
Cash, Philips, C. & Co.
John Ashley,
Benjamin Chew, jr. Philips C. & Co.
Do.
Benjamin Chew, jr.
P. Nicklin & Co.
Do.
Do.
P. Nicklin & Co.
Fr's& John West,
Do.
Fr's& John West,

Endorser.

When
due.

Amount.

No. o f
shares.

Place of
residence.

1796.

Willings & Francis, Oct. 14. $10,000
G. Cottringer, and
10,000
14 Willings & Francis, 1
5,000
Willings & Francis,
14.
Do.
5,000
14.
Do.
14. 10,000
Do.
15. 10,000
5,000
Robert Smith,
15.
James Yard,
5,000
15.
Odier, B. & B.
5,000
15.
William Bell,
15.
5,000
Fr's & John West,
5,000
15.
Willings & Francis,
4,000
7.
Harrison & Sterrett,
15. 21,000
Philips, C. & Co.
17. 10,000
John Miller, J.&Co.
18. 10,000
John E. Stocker,
18. 12,500
John Phillips,
18. 12,500
N. & J. Frazier,
7,500
18.
Odier, B. & B.
7,500
18.
Henry Clymer,
18. 10,000
John Donaldson,
18. 15,000
John Sitgreaves,
5,000
18.
William Sitgreaves,
5,000
18.
Tench Francis,
7,500
1'8.
George McCall,
18. 10,000
i
R<ss & Simpson,
18. 15,000
Th's McEuen & Co.
18. 10,000
William Sitgreaves,
1,500
18.
Do.
1,000
18.
2,500
James S. Cox,
18.
William Bell,
18. 10,000
Thomas McEuen,
18.
3,000
-

Philips, C. & Co.
John Ashley,
P. Nicklin, & Co.,
Do.

Benjamin Chew, jr.
Do.
I
Conyngham & Co. I

-

-

19.
19.
19.
19.
19.
19.
19.

>100 Philadelp'a

50

50

66

20

66

J>100

30

20
85

10
20
6
3
50
50

1,500
25,000
25,000
5,000
5,000
7,500
7,500
12,500

• 20

Shares,

689

- 30
25

6i
<6

S I N K I N G FUND.

1796.]

469

No. 2.
A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT, &c.—Continued.
Bate of
sale.

T o whom sold.

1796.

Drawer of note.

William Spooner,
Aug. 22. William Spooner,
John Welles,
John Welles,
a
Arnold Welles,
Arnold Welles,
23. Henry Clymer,
Do.
George McCall.
66 Jos. Anthony & Co. Jos. Anthony, jr.
Do.
Clark & Nightengale,
a
Clement Biddle,
Clement Biddle,
<«
Thomas Combe,
John Shields,
a
T. McEuen & Co. T. McEuen & Co
u
William Russell,
William Russell,
Do.
Do.
u
James &. W. Miller, James & W . Miller,
Conyngham, N. &C. Gonyngham,N. &C.
F. & J. West,
John Latimer & Son,
Do.
Conyngham, N. &C.
Do.
John Donaldson,
a
Andrew Service,
Peter Blighty
Do.
Andrew Service,
Do.
Do.
William Nichols,
Henry Poland,
John Lawrence,
John Lawrence,
46 Louis Simond &Co. L. Simond & Co.
John Sullivan,
Cash, -

When
due.

Endorser.

John Carnes,
Arnold Welles,
John Welles,

1796.

Oct. 21.

21.
21.
22.
22.
21.
20.
21.
21.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
21.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.;
21.
22.
22.

w

Jos. Anthony & Co.
Do.
Reed & Ford,
Henry Howell,
T. W . Francis,
George Roberts,
S. M. Fox,
John Donaldson,
F. &J. West,
Do.
Do.
J . & W . Miller,
Andrew Service,
EJ. Walker,
J. G. Roch,
William Nichols,
Robert Troup,
Samuel Carp,

_

-

M. Clarkson,
LeRoy,B.&McE>s, LeRoy,B.&McE's. S. & L. Clarkson,
Van Horne & Co.
A. Hammond,
Jon. Burrall,
Jon. Burrall,
Ten Broek & Co.
Henry Ten Broek, John Turner,
James C. & C.
Jacob Downing,
Waddington & H. Waddington & H.
Pragers & Co.
Peter Blight,
John Skynn,
J. Ilazlehurst&Son, W. W . Burrous,
Do.
Joseph Clark,
W . W . Burrous,
Do.
Peter Blight,
Philips, C. &Co.
John Traves,
John Traves,
Willings & Francis, Willings & Francis, George Willing,
Harrison & Sterrett, Harrison & Sterett, Ketlands & Wests,
Do.
Do.
James Yard,

sy

Amount.

§5,000
5,000
10,000
10,000
^
5,000
5,000
2,000
6,000
500
7,500
12,500
^
12,500
5,000
2,500
2,500
5,000
£
5,000
5
865 14
2,000
i
2,134 86 5
1,000
5,000
5,000
1,000

60

F

10
10
20
30

}»

}

Boston.
a
66

Philadelp'a.
46

12
1
15

46
46
4(

50

a

10
5

46

25
,
10
2
10
10

2

66
66

New York.
a

66
it

22.

130,000

260

a

22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
21.
21.
21.
22.
22.
22.
^2.

4,000
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
2,500
2,500
5,000
5,000
7,500
12,500
12,500

8
10

a
a

Shares,

>

No. of
Place of
shares. residence.

1

yioo Philadelp'a.

jf

£ 20

^

41

10
15

66
66.

50

66

709

*

S470

[1796.

FINANCE.

No. 3,
A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT, &c.—Continued.
*

Date of
sale.

When
due.

Endorser.

Drawer of note.

T o whom sold.

Amount.

Place of
No. of
shares. residence.

\

1796.
Aug. S3,
tt
66

tt
tt
tt

25.

Wilson Hunt,
Do.
A. Summers, jr.
James Yard,
Do.
Henry Phillips,
Do.
Simon Walker,.
R. & A. Dawes,
Do.
Pragers & Co.
Do.

Wilson Hunt,
\ Do.
A. Sutmners, jr.
James Yard,
Do.
Henry Phillips*
Do.
Simon Walker,
Thomas Greeves,
Isaac Harvey, jr.
Pragers & Co.
Do.

John Vaughan,

John Yaughan,

66

Oct. 19.
John Field & Son,
19.
A. Summers & P. H.
19.
Wilson Hunt,
21.
Henry Phillips,
21.
Simon Walker,
19.
P. Nicklin & Co.
19.
Simon Walker,
19.
Henry Phillips,
23.
R. & A. Dawes,
23.
Do.
24.
Peter Blight,
24.
Waddington & H.
24.
C R. Gernon,
24.
< P. Nicklin & Co.
24.
Conyngham, N.&Co.
24.
Peter R. Dalton,
24.
John Parker,
-

John Parker,
John Parker**
P. R. Dalton,
Peter R. Dalton,
C6
Cash, Arnold Welles,
66
Cash, Samuel A. Otis,
66
S. A. Otis,
Do.
66
Thomas Perkins,
Thomas Perkins,
ft
Jos. Coolidge,
Jos. Coolidge,
Jos. Anthony,
26. ' Jos. Anthony,
66
Mason & T.
Do.
6t
WilliamMcPherson, William McPherson,
66
B. Holland,
B. Holland,
Do.
Do.
66
A. Butler,
A. Butler,
Jon. Meredith,
Do.
27.
M. Mackey,
29. Mungo Mackey,
66
S. Higginson & Co. James Swan,
T. McEuen & Co.
30.. T. McEuen & Co.
66
B. Hart,
Renard Hart,
31,. J.Hazlehurst&Son, Jacob Baker,
66
William Bell,
Do.
66
L. Hollingsworth &
Do.
Son,
66
66

.

-

-

-

Harrison G* Otis,
John Welles,
Samuel Parkman,
Jos. Anthony, jr.
Jos. Anthony,
S. Delany,
T. & P. Mackee,
A. Service,
John Ross,
A. Butler,
P. R. Dalton,
S. Higginson & Co.
Harrison & Sterett,
Isaac Moses,
J. Hazlehurst&Son,
Do.
Do.

24.
24.
24.
25.
22.
22.
24.
24.
25.
26.
28.
28.
29.
29.
30,
30.

$4,000
2,000
6,000
12;500
12,500
15,000
10,000
10,000
1,450
50
6,500
6,000
2,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
12,500
2,000
8,000
5,000
10,000
2,000
6,000
500
3,000
2,000
4,500
3,500
6,000
20,000
2,500
5,000
2,000
2,000

30,

2,000

-

Shares,

}»

Philadelp'a.

12

66

^

50

66

|

50

66
66

20
1

3

*

^

25

66

3

;)£ 25

J

66

Boston.

10
10
25
4
16
10
20

66
66

66

<»
66
66

Philadelp'a.

I »

&c

1

}»

66
66

9
7
12
40
5
10

66
66

tt

New York.
66

Philadelp'a.
414

No. 4.
A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT, &c.—Continued.
Date of
sale.

T o whom sold.

1796.

Henry Poland,
Meeker, C. & Co.
B. Winthrope,
W . Laight,
John Lawrence,
R. Harrison,
W . McPherson,
Samuel Blodget,
Nicholas Low,
Samuel Ward,
N. & J. Frazier,

W . McPherson,
Hamilton & Son,
Meeker, C.& Co.
B. Winthrope,
W . Laight,
J. Lawrence,
R, Harrison,
W . McPherson,
Samuel'Blodget,
N. Lpw,
Saipdel Ward,
N. & J. Frazier,

George Willing,
John Savage,
John Yaughan,
A. Markoe,
J. Whiteside & Co.
Thomas Willing,

George Willing,
JtyinSavage,
John Yaughan,
For cash,
P. & H. Miercken,
Thomas Willing,

Sep. % Wm. McPherson,

6.

a

u
13.
tc

u

20

>6

22.
30
<t
u
tc
a

tt

Drawer of note.

Endorser.

When
due.

Amount.

James Crawford,
Oct. 28. $1,000
1,000
31.
Henry Poland,
5,000
Nov. 1.
A. Dubois,
7,500
5.
H. &S. Johnson,
5. 12,500
Thomas Ludlow,
5,000
5.
Th. Levingston,
7,500
12,
A. Hammond,
1,000
18,
Sharp Delany,
5,000
18.
E. C. Hazard,
19 10,000
John Shaw,
19 52,500
W . Constable&Co.
J. Miller, J. & Co. &
21.
5,000
McClure & Co.
29.
4,500
R. Blackwell,
29.
4,000
JohnAUen?
29,
1,000
William Bingham,
50,000
1,000
29.
J. Whiteside & Co.
500
29.
WillLiam Bingham,
689
709
414
348

No. 1, amount of shares,
2,
ditto,
3,
ditto,
4,
ditto,
Shares,

Shares,

No. of
shares.

Place of
residence.

2 Philadelp'a.
2
10
15 New York,
tt
25
10

66
15
2 Philadelp'a.

10

20 New York.
u
105
10 Philadelp'a.
9
8
tt
2
tt>
100
tt
2
1
348

2160 at $500, $1,080,000
E. E.

G. SIMPSON,

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, REGISTER'S OFFICE, January

Cashier.

13, 1797.

I certify that the foregoing particular account of sales, &c. is a true copy of the original onfilein tins office.
JOSEPH NOURSE,

Register.

DRAWBACKS,

1796.]

4th CONGRESS.]

N

0

.

102.

471

[ 2 d SESSION.

D R A W B A C K S .
COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DECEMBER 16, 1796.

SIR:

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, December
B

16, 1796.
5

In obedience to a resolution of the House of Representatives, passed on the 1st day of June, 1796,1 have the
honor to transmit a statement exhibiting the amount of drawbacks paid upon the dutiable articles exported from the
United States, in the years 1793, 1794, and 1795, compared with the receipts of duties on similar articles during the
same period.
I Rave the honor to be, with perfect respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
O L I V E R W O L C O T T , Jr. Secretary of the Treasury,
The Honorable the SPEAKER of the House of Representatives*

[1796.

finance;.

472

d statement exhibiting the amount of Drawbacks paid on the sundry dutiable articles exported from the United
States, in the years 1793,1794, and 1795, compared with the amount of Duties collected on the same9 respectively.
IX THE xxAH 1793.
Amount of
Duties
received-

Amount of
Drawbacks
paid.

IK THE YEATl 1794.
Arpount ot
Duties
received.

Amount of
Drawbacks
paid.

IB" THE TEAB 1795.
Amount of
Duties
received.

Dolls. Cts,
Dolls. Cts. Dolls. Cts,
Dolls. Cts.
Dolls. Cts.
On Merchandise—
453 99
508,361 01
11,902 33
7,353 49
1,122,450 38
Paying a duty of 7£ per cent.
17,625 32
2,240 72
15 28
28,735 26
8
do
Do
3,372 12
403 25
32 68
15,261 83
Do
8£ do
2,844 59 1,781,787 40
1,437 53 1,092,812 55
4?5,448 50
10
do
Do
8 20
2,473 89
108 16
25 01
8,573 67
10£
do
Do
92
1,921 85
68 19
9 12
6,139 28
103
do
Do
107,538 89
51,715 45
936 23
29 20
15,279 88
do
ii'
Do
662,291 62
241,753 80
643 13
74 87
83,089' 60
do
Do
12§
230 82
18 62
do
13£
Do
19,308 01
4,841 16
do
Do
13*
891,248 12
362,990 12
346 42
83,098 16
43 66
do
15
Do
36 11
430 27
1.403 201 29
154
do
Do
220 19
2,343 24
'752 88
3 29
do
Do
16
301 84
9,299 65
13 45
3,109 93
do
Do
16J
53,613 12
16,353 96
16J
do
Do
100 25
do
Do
43,660 40
21,376 23
do
20
Do
48 32
1,634 49
do
Do
21£
2,693 35
do
22
Do
174,591 79
237,042 "35
26,313 13
3,192 47
104,770 80
do
Wines, at
40
28,402 22
do
44
Do
196,842 76
166,263 43
14,258 50
4,692 98
121,752 15
Madeira Wine, ,
2,369 22
Burgundy and Champaigne,
99,955 61
82,501 98
631 15
405 80
52,092 33
Sherry,
—
—
12,432 18
5,286 31
337 39
3,472 28
St. Lucar,
65,784 17
115,980 85
231 17
45 30
50,543 05
Lisbon,
44,899 89
66,337 54
138 75
231 78
14,944 51
Oporto,
95,773 03
63,353 89
1,615 68
2,217 35
114,261 56
Tenerlffe and Fayal,
51,976 94'
Malaga,
94,370 29
1,376 50
15,890 66
1,403 04
7,998 22
All other Wines,
38,848 89
15,954 88
103,202 22
5,323 33
102,338 56
Foreign distilled Spirits from grain,
22,162 62 1,453,643 28
924j302 36
26,056 71 1.515.162 11
Do. from other materials,
257 69
140 79
Spirits distilled in the U. S.from Molasses,
2 87
8 07
Do. from domestic produce,
127,759
05
104,735 03
140 08
228 25
148,229 95
Molasses,
29,375 76
25,961 96
165 20
22,572 45
Beer, Ale, and Porter,
227,884 56
228,380 62
2,319 01
164,577 68
1,071 36
Bohea Tea,
28,877 96
62,306 31
2,313 73
78,041 66
1,441 15
Souchong,
35,703 50
32,877 19
21,436 77
43,151 62
8,405 70
Hyson,
9,822 48
10,410 47
2,859 79
28,713 78
2,898 28
Other Green,
1,396,652 14
169,928 17 1.680.163 46 1,141,523 96 2,694,902 0J
Coffee,
21 73
15 78
23 46
Chocolate^
73,575 35
29,182 35
9,246 46
54,442 78
6,201 13
Cocoa,,
902,801 40
660,350 36
666,677 62 155,760 46
13,634 55
Brown Sugar,
68,086 85
60,655 26
Clayed,
99
Lump,
3,892 19
3,529 52
3 27
3,883 71
Loa£
, 26 32
87,792 54
85,483 94
2,793 83
104,672 17
Other,
6,967 69
2,518 42
311 28
1 74
1,100 63
Tallow Candles, 557 14
152 68
245 21
627 99
Wax and Spermaceti,
19,138 80
14,849 95
63 06
4,863 02
20 20
Cheese,
15,536 77
2,496 81
2,086 10
4,970 46
137 84
Soap,
22,072 24
38,735 60
346 41
21,390 57
77 46
Pepper,
48,168 52 30,032 62
5,015 85
11,350 18
3,736 62
Pimento,
1,890 16
4,255 04
272 59
1,898 26
444 49
Tobacco manufactured,
142 21
5,187 09
148 09
763 15
28 32
Snuff,
137,131 43
221,192 24
76,291 87
.51,644 58
13,847 19
Indigo,
75,605 44
146,466 79
80,264 79
26,700 21
1,104 12
Cotton,
38,001 74
48,195 22
42,^43 48
432 87
84 44
Nails,
747 75
810 66
752 22
27 00
Spikes,
19,7S6 89
35,109 $3
15,324 25
452 03
180 27
Bar and other Lead,
7,684 61
4,226 63
7,166 33
87 59
28 63
Steel unwrought,
95,503 55
52,182 73
68,130 72
Hemp,
2,159 64
698 35
1,142 62
106 26
81 49
Cables,
11,403^76
5,082 98
10,2ll 16
462 23
293 47
Tarred Cordage, 631 26
1,392 16
1,915 37
TJntarred do. and Yarn,
3,253 46
3,537 7 4
6,029 50
Twine and Pack-thread,
1,381 34
779 OS
869 £1
Glauber Salts,
361,127 88
247,622 48
345,770 35
574 40
21 38
Salt,
338 82
239 85
695 62
26 55
99
Boots,
.
"
.
~
331 90
1,432 64
478 55
100 39
34 06
Shoes and Slippers of Silk, 5,577
56
6,284 32
11,667 05
587 22
18 00
AU other Shoes, 51 47
42 42
24 50
W o o l arid Cotton Cards,
4,289
52
3,179 00
3,889 45
64 86
Playing Cards, 6,401
97
6,302 09
8,338 59
164 67
Coal,

Totals*

6,598,445 31

279,809 83 8,588,382 98 1,615,574 44 11,163,370 23

THE M I N T ,

1796.]

473

NOTE TO THE PRECEDING TABLE.
T o the amount of drawbacks paid in the year 1795, per tins statement,
•
$2,890,334 40
Must be added this sum, being* drawbacks paid in Newburyport, by the present collector, on merchandise exported previous to his appointment, the particulars of which have not been received at the treasuiy,
8,731 39
Amount of drawbacks and debentures paid in the year 1795, per printed statement,

-

2,898,765 79

It is also to be observed, that, in some instances, the amount of duties received on particular articles, appear less than the
drawbacks paid within the same period: this arises from exportations of merchandiser imported in preceding years.
Stated and examined by

JOS. D A W S O N , Clerk.

TBKASURT DEPARTMENT, Register's Office, December, 1796.

4th CONGRESS.]

NO.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.

[2d SESSION.

103.

AUNT.
COMMUNIPATED TO THE SENATE, DECEMBER 20, 1796.
DEPARTMENT or STATE, December
SIR:

^

^

19th, 1796.

,

By the direction of the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose a report of the Director of
the mint, suggesting the expediency of some alterations in its establishment, to render it less expensive to the public, and more accommodating to depositors. The report is accompanied with statements of the gold, silver, and
copper coins issued from the mint from its commencement to the 24th of the last months accounts of the gold and
silver bullion which has been deposited; and an account of wastage and a deficit in the silver coinage, which require
an appropriation of two thousand eight hundred and twenty dollars and seventy-one cents, to reimburse depositors.
I am, with great respect, &c.
TIMOTHY PICKERING.
T h e PRESIDENT of the Senate of the United

States.

M I N T OF THE UNITED STATES, November

29, 1796.

SIR:

I have the honor of enclosing, for the President of the United States, my annual report on the state of the
mint, with the abstracts referred to therein.
With sentiments of esteem and respect, &c.
ELIAS BOUDINOT.
To the Secretary

of

State.

The Director of the mint of the United States respectfully reports to the President of the United States, on the
state of the mint—
That, during the experience of twelve months, he has turned his attention (as far as has been in his power) to
the institution under his care. He has seen, with regret, an opinion generally prevailing, that the establishment is
unnecessarily expensive, and less productive than was rationally expected by its advocates and friends.
The Director,findingsome foundation for the charge, has endeavored to discover the cause, as nothing appears,
in the general nature of the^ institution, to warrant the idea.
The issue of the inquiry is, that the extraordinary expenses attending the mint are, in a great measure, owing to
its original plan, and the principles on which it was established. Among others, the whole coinage, including the
refinement of the precious metals, was directed by law to be executed at the public expense, the depositor being
fully indemnified from all charges whatever. On this principle, not only the original cost of the works, and the
salaries of the stated officers, fall on the public, but also the whole amount of the workmanship, with the alloy, wastage, and contingent losses.
The want ot experimental knowledge in the business of thefirstestablishment of the mint, prevented any tolerably precise estimate of the expenses necessarily attending the process; but. soon after the commencement of the
business, it was found impracticable to proceed with propriety, unless an addition was made to the establishment,
by the appointment of a melter and refiner.
This important and necessary officer is not known in foreign mints, as the precious metals are there generally
deposited of die proper standard, or above it; or they are purchased by tne mint, and become public property; there
being professional refiners^ independent of the mints, whose business it is to purify metals under standard; but there
being no such artists in this city, who follow the business, it became indispensably necessary to execute this service
in the mint.
*
This circumstance was notforeseen, or, if foreseen, was considered as included in the duties ofthe assayer; but
the necessity of so essential a check on that officer forbade this measure, had it been otherwise practicable. This
added, considerably, to the annual expenses ofthe mint.
Formerly, the Director could not make any charge for this process against depositors; the whole expense, therefore, fell on the public. Thus, on assaying one deposite of about ^96,000 oz. of silver bullion, it turned out near
24^000 oz. under standard; to refine which, it cost the United States upwards of £500; so that the depositor really
gained that sum, by bringing his bullion to the mint. This operated very unequally* among depositors. The citizen
who brought bullion in this debased state to the mint, received as much coin lor the standard silver therein, as he
whose bullion was previously refined equal to the standard, and ready for coining at a very trifling expense.
Again, the institution ofthe mint, without any appropriation of capital, either to purchase the precious metals in
bullion, anticipate payments due on deposites, or to coin for the public, Jias been another cause of very considerable expense. Depending upon depositors alone for the precious metals, it became necessary, for their encouragement
and satisfaction, to coin every deposite, as soon as possible after it came inte the treasury of the mint, to prevent its
remaining unproductive to the depositor, by which means the clippings and grains were obliged to be melted and
coined as they arose, often three or four times for one deposite.

FINANCE.

S474

[1796.

Thus, the melting, refining, and coining a deposite of 200 oz. of silver, or 20 oz. of gold, would cost the public
nearly as much as 1,000 oz. of either, and a much greater proportional wastage; whereas, could the bullion be
purchased for the public at the market price, and kept in the vaults till a large quantity might be coined at once3 or
a capital of about ten thousand dollars be allowed to the mint, so as to anticipate the payments to depositors, without being obliged to an immediate coinage on every occasion, a very great public saving would take place, not
only as to the wastage, but in the expenditure of the materials and labor used in the process, and no injury done to
the United States, but in the loan of the money for a short time. In a word, the difference would be much the
same as between the wholesale merchant and the huckster.
This measure would also have a tendency to fix the price of bullion, and indemnify the public for some part of
the expense of coinage. The only question that would arise, is, whether, on the principles of political economy, it
would be a prudent measure on the part of Government? Suppose the expenses of coinage, including wastage, to
befixedat three per centum to the depositor, while in foreign countries it costs nothing; the consequence^ would
be, that bullion, in America, might vary its price three per cent, according to the balance of trade, while bullion, in those
countries, must be supposed invariable in its price, let the balance of trade stand as it will. Bullion, then, in those
countries, will always be at the highest price it ever can be at in America, since it is the price of coin; but in America it may be three per cent, lower. If, therefore, the United States, by coining free of all expense, contribute to
keep the price of bullion higher than it is in countries where the coinage is paid for, a voluntary expense is created,
of which there can be no just reason to complain.
A representation of some of these difficulties, with the dangerous situation of the mint, for want of protecting
laws to secure the instruments of coinage, the,metals, and the coin, as also to prevent counterfeits, has been heretofore made by the officers of the mint, with but little other success, than a resolution of Congress, enabling the Director to retain the expense of refining the precious metals under standard; but the'wastage, alloy, and coinage, are
still dead charges on the public treasury.
While, therefore, this policy, on the whole, is considered as beneficial to the United States, the complaints against
the mint, for its heavy expenses to the public, are without solid foundation; as it is impossible to carry on an institution of this nature, under these circumstances, and which requires fromfifteento twenty workmen and laborers to
attend it, without great expense. Add to this, that the alloy of silver and copper, with the loss by necessary wastage, must unavoidablyriseto a considerable annual amount.
But, notwithstanding these and other difficulties attending an infant institution, especially the late great advance
in the prices of materials and labor, the aggregate expenses ol theriiintare greatly reduced, either from the superior
knowledge of the persons employed, gained by experience, or from new arrangements, found, to be more advantageous than those made on the spur of the occasion. This will appear more evident, by a review of the progressive
deduction of the contingent expenses in the quarterly accounts rendered into the Treasury Department, and it is
hoped that there will be a further progress in this desirable economy.
When the present Director entered upon the administration of the mint, there was no appropriation of money for
the purchase of copper for the coinage of cents. This, he clearly foresaw, would prove a source of further expense,
by often leaving the workmen without employ. He made application to Congress? by their committee, on this subject, but all that was obtained was thirteen thousand dollars, which was coined into cents, and returned into the
public treasury, or remitted fojr the purchase of copper, before therisingof Congress, the last spring. No further
appropriation was made,tillit was too late to procure the necessary importation of copper for the summer's coinage,
whereby much time has been lost, and some considerable expense of workmen has been added to the summer's
account.
It is now hoped, from the present arrangement, no such inconvenience will arise hereafter, but a continual and
ample supply of copper coinage be produced, adequate to the public wants.
As the laws relative to the mint now stand, the^ officers are obliged to pay to each depositor the coins arising from
his deposite, in strict order, and to reserve three pieces, of coin from each mass; yet no appropriation has been made
to replace the reserves, or to make good the wastage. It is, therefore^ impossible for the officers of the mint to comply with the law, and the depositors complain of being kept out of their property till provision is made by Congress
for their relief.
By a number of new half johannes brought to the mint for assaying, said to have been coined in the United
States, it appears that a coinage for that purpose is carried on in some State in the Union. Some of these are found
to be under standard in-their quality, and between two and three pennyweights less than their true weight. These
are facts which the Director thinks it his duty to communicate to the President.
From the various experiments made since the establishment of the mint, itis found unnecessary to make use of
silver in alloying of gold, unless it is for the purpose of beautifying the coin, in which case it should be composed
at the proportion of one third silver to two thirds copper.
By the following abstracts of the bullion and coin received and issued from the mint, since itsfirstestablishment,
may be seen, as well the nature of the deposites made, as the coins returned to the treasury, and the dates of the
receipts and issues to this day, with the amount ofthe copper coinage.
From this, it appears that there is due for wastage, during that period, the quantity offifteenhundred and ninetynine ounces, sixteen pennyweights, andfifteengrains of silver, equal to eighteen hundred and forty-five dollars
ninety-five cents and five mills. Besides a deficit of eight hundred and forty-four ounces, seventeen pennyweights,
andfivegrains of silver, equal to nine hundred and seventy-four dollars seventy-five cents andfivemills; making,
in the whole, two thousand eight hundred and twenty dollars and seventy-one cents, for which an appropriation
ought to be made by Iaw3 to satisfy a deficient deposite.
The Director thinks it necessary to mention, in exculpation of the former officers of the mint, that, by a report
made on this subject, it appears that there is yet a considerable quantity of old pots and test bottoms, from which it
is expected that nearly the amount of the deficient silver, as stated above, will he extracted.
ELIAS BOUDINOT.
M I N T OF THE U N I T E D STATES, 29/7* November,

1796.

THE MINT.

1796.]

475

ABSTRACT A ,

A statement of the denomination and value of Gold^Coins issued from the Mint cf the United States, from the
commencement of the establishment to the date hereof

Denomination.
Period when issued.

From 31st July, to
" 1st Oct to
" 1st Jan. to
" 1st April, to
" 1st July, to

30th September, 1795, inclusive,
3lst December, "
"
31st March,
1796,
"
30th June,
"
"
30th September, "
"

Total,

Eagles.

Half Eagles.

1,&97
1,498
2,788
3,292

8,707

8,875

12,106

Value.

Quarter
Eagles.

780
2,619

$56,505
14,980
27,880
36,820
13,260

66
•

66

00
00
00
00
00

$149,445 00

M I N T OF THE UNITED STATES,

Treasurers Officef November 24, 1796.
NICHOLAS

1

WAY.

ABSTRACT B .

A statement of the denomination and value of Silver Coins, issued from the Mint of the United States, from
commencement of the establishment to the date hereof
v

the

Denomination.
Period when issued.

From 1st Oct.
« 1st Oct
"

"
"
"

Dollars. Half Dol- Quarter
lars.
Dollars.

1794, to 30th Sept.
1795, to 31st Dec.

1795, inclusive, 126,553 323,144
"
"
78,238
1st Jan. 1796, to 31st March, 1796,
"
7,717
1st April, "
to 30th June,
"
"
20,404
1st July, "
to 30th Sept
"
"
31,926
1st Oct.
"
to this day, 8,103
Total,

272,941

323,144

Dimes.

Half
Dimes.

5,894

17,950
4,185

25,856
60,560
6,840
3,390

5,894

22,135

96,646

M I N T OF THE UNITED STATES,

Treasurer's Office, November 24, 1796.
NICHOLAS

WAY,

ABSTRACT C .

Jl statement of the denomination and value of Comer Coin issued from the Mint of the United States from the
commencement of the establishment to the date hereof
.

Denomination.
Period when issued.

Value.
Cents.

From March
" Jan.
" April
" July

1, 1793, to December 31, 1795, inclusive,
1, 1796, to March
31, 1796,
"
1, "
to June
30,
«
1, "
to this day,
-

.

a

Total,

Half Cents.

1*066,533
501,500
109,825
363,375

142,534
109,000
5,090
1,390

8lls373 00
5,560 00
1,123 70
3,640 70

2,040,733

258,014

$21,697 40

M I N T OF THE UNITED STATES,

Treasurer's Office, November 24, 1796.
NICHOLAS

WAY.

FINANCE.

S476

[1796.

ABSTRACT D.
Ji statement of the gross and standard weight of Gold Bullion deposited at the Mint of the United States for coinage, from the commencement of the establishment to the date hereof

When deposited.

Description of Bullion*

Gross weight*

Standard weight.

ounces. dwts. grs.
ounces, dwts. grs.

1795. Feb. 12
Mar. 24
May 18
«

22

" 25
July 23
6<

31

Aug. 5
<r
6
u
13

:

ff'
Chain,
Ingots,
Dust,
Do
Do

:
-

I n

:
V

:

25
5
6
7

-

"
June
"
July

31
11
25
5

66

"

66

11

66

66

"

12

«
"

14
21

Sept. 8
Oct. 11
" 19
"

28
Nov. 10
66

16

"

12

"

24

Do

Dust,
Do
"Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
.Do
Do
Dust,
Ingots,
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do

-

:-

-

9

55

2

12

723
877

82

Spanish Coins,
Ingots, -

:-

4

21 13 12
27 00 00
21

British and Portugal Coin, British Coins,
25 British and Portugal Coin, Sept. 10 Dust,
" 17 Portuguese and British Coin,
66
Dust,
"
18 Portuguese Coins, Oct.
1 Ingots, «
Do
66
Do
Nov. 5
Do
46
14 Dust,
t<
66
Ingots,
"
16
Dust,
tc u
Do
"
18
Ingots,
Dec. 1 Clippings,
"
11 Ingots, 66
61
Do
"
12
Do
1796. Jan. 22
Do
" 25
Do
" 28
Do
Do
Feb. 6
Do
" 15
" 19
Do
Mar. 1 Dust,
"
5 Medal, snuffbox, &c.
"
26 Ingots, April 16 Dust,
-

"
May
"
"

130

:

:

63,
281
29
275
214
225
27
450
215
54
35
27
227
78
168
240
27
24
34
80
348
54
-27
19
56
54
32
667
27
47
315
27

20
20

294
905
583
156
70
34

20

343
84
50
32
86
973
151
34
20
49
291
49

5 00
9 00
6 00

1 00
17

00

00 00

12
8 00
17 16
8

00 00
8

00

00 00

00 12

8
00
IS
00

17
7
8
11
17
10

10
00
00
12
00
9

11
5

12
6

11

12

5
00

12
12

8

12

00
12
00 00
IT 00

10 00
1 6

9
10
3
8

00

00

00
00

11 00

14 00
11 12

17 00
13 00

1

8

8 00
4 8
11 18

00 00
19 6
12 00
4 20

10,670 10 10

128
21
26
53
17
600
727
81
63
281
29
274
214
225
27
450
215
54
35
27
190
78
141
201
26
25
33
80
348
54
27
20
56
47
32
619

00 18
8 12
13 00
11

2

12 15
5 00
18 07

18 20

17 00

00 00
8 12
12 18
17 16

00 00
8

00

00
17
14
4
7
14
19
6

12
8
00
12
12
12

14
00
16
14
14
7
6
17
18

15
21
6
3
12
00
12
6
18

4
47 00
278 14
27 1
20 8
19 19
250 19
838
477
142
71
34 11
18
3
373 10
84 3
39 5
32 13
86 00
830 15
128 11
34 11
16 15
48 17
314 15
50 2

14
12
00

26

00 00

00 11

6

12
00
16
12
12
10

22

12
6
22
00
20
00
18
10

00

18
5
3
21
00

9,837 00 14

MINT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Treasurer's Office, November 24, 1796.
N I C H O L A S W A T , Treasurer.

THE MINT,

1796.]

477

ABSTRACT E .

Ji statement of the gross and standard weight of silver bullion,, deposited at the mint of the United States for coinage, from the commencement ofthe establishment to the date hereof
Gross w e i g h t

Description o f bullion.

W h e n deposited.

oz.
dwts. grs.
94,179 00 00
1,479 5 00
255 5 00
1,132 10 00
40 13 00
19,271 15 00
93,298 5 00
15,744 00 00
4,177 00 00
7,039 5 00

1794. July 18. Coins of France,
Aug. 22. Ingots,
a
Do.
Do.
23. Coins of Spain,
1795. Jan'y- 1. Ingots,
Do.
May 9.
Do.
18.
Do.
30.
Do.
June 10.
12. Coins of France,
July

13.

9.

tt
tt

Sept. 21.
Oct 10.
24.

1795.
1796.

Nov. 21.
Dec. 21.
Feb. 3.
Mar. 14.
28.
April 25.
May 23
30.

June 23.
July 20
Aug. 11
23
29,

Sept 15,
24,

Nov. 12,

11,170 10 00
527
14,546
1,981
12,085
11,719
12,027
11,644
16,961
16,795
16,099
299
1,029
710

Infif'

.
:
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Coins of France,
Do.
Ingots,
Ingots,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
-

10
10
00
5
5
15
15
5
00
10
5
00
3

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

1,016 00 00
216
357
1,275
4,495
8,454
341
8,048
185
8,225
2,326
6,748
218

4
10
15
18
5
10
10
00
5
10
10
15

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

6,010 00 00
3,859 10 00

Total,

416,892 18 00

Standard weight.

02. dvrts. gTS.
69,692 8 00
1,479 5 00
255 5 00
1,132 10 00
40 13 00
19,271 15 00
95,791 5 00
16,106 19 00
4,287 10 00
7,206 0 00
11.399 13 00
395 0 00
14,782 7 00
1,966 14 00
12.400 6 00

12,060 6 00
12,407 12 00

12,002 18 00
17,360
17,114
17,426
217
748
719
1,037
223
352
1,286
4,980
9,243
331
8,758
204
8,995
2,378
7,409
229
6,596
4,208

61

Office, Nov.

24, 1796.

00
00
00
00
00

0 00

4 00
7 00

2 00
7
13
18
11
17
10
5
9
18
13
5
18

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

402,502 16 00

NICHOLAS
M I N T OF THE U N I T E D STATES, Treasurer's

17
12
18
18
8

WAY.

ABSTRACT

Chief Coiner, his account of Silver, in account current with the Treasurer of the Mint.

DR.

Standard weight.
1795.
September 30

F.

Value.

Ounces. dwts, grs.
Dolls.
V

iJUtVl

MU1-11A/14,

V i ^ H V ^JL t u .

I l l ill.

Standard weight,

Cts. Ms.

lux

from the. commencement of the mint establishment to this day,
December 31 To silver bullion, delivered him in the quarter
ending this day,
1796.
31 Do.
March
do.
do.
June
30 Do.
do,
do.
September 30 Do.
do,
do.
3 Do,
October
do,
do.

November 24, To balance due Treasurer of the Mint,

320,170 3 0

360,427 5 5

12,407 12 *0

14,316 46 0

4,584
14,556
34,572
365

5,289 56
16,795 49
39,891 73
421 44

6
2
17
5

0
0
0
0

CR.

0
0
5
0

386,656 5 0

•446,141 74 0

844 17 5

974 75 5

Yalue.

1795.
Ounces* dwts, grs.Dolls. Cts.
September 30 By silver coins, received from him from commencement of the mint establishment to this
.day,
250,828 15 4
289,417 80
December 31 Silver coin, received from him in the quarter
ending this day,
70,430 10 16
81,266 0
1796.
March
31
Do.
do.
do.
8,540 2 16
9,854 0
June
30
Do.
do.
do.
19,470 2 0
22,465 50
September 30
Do.
do.
do.
27,669 4 0
31,926 0
October 17
Do,
do.
do.
7,022 12 0
8,103 0
November 19 Allowance for wastage, at the rate of 2 grains
per ounce, (in pursuance of a warrant of the
Director, dated this day) for melting, refining, and coining 383,961 oz. 6 dwts. 12
grs., being the weight returned by him in
# coin, as above,
1,599 16 15
1,845 95
19 Silver coins, received .from him from 16th May,
1795, to this day, retained by me. for the inspection of commissioners, appointed by law
to make assays of reserved pieces at the
mint, ^
95 6 16
110 0
19 Silver million, received from him this day, in
pursuance of a warrant ofthe Director,
154 18 0
178 73
24 Balance due treasurer of the mint,
844 17 5
974 75
386,656 5 0

Ms.

0
0
0
0
0
0

5

0
0
5

446,141 74 0

M I N T OF THE U N I T E D STATES, TREASURER'S OFFICE, NOVEMBER 24, 1796.
NICHOLAS

WAY-.

1796.]

DEBTS DUE FROM STATES.

4th CONGRESS,]

479

104.

DEBTS

DUE FROM

[2d SESSION.

STATES.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DECEMBER 26, 1796.

Mr. WILLIAM SMITH, from the Committee of Ways and Means, to whom was referred to report whether any, and,
if any, what, measures ought to be taken relative to the balances found b^ commissioners for settling accounts
between the United States and the individual States, to be due from certain States to the United States, made
the following report:
That no application having yet been made to the several debtor States for the payment of the said balances, it
appears proper that such application should be forthwith made, accompanied with a statement of interest on the sums
respectively due from the said States, calculated oh the same principles by which interest has been allowed and
paid by the United States, on the correspondent sums by said commissioners found due to] certain States, to the
intent that the said debtor States may make provision for paying the sums so found due from them, with interest,
respectively, into the treasuiy of the United States, as soon as may be.
And that, as the United States have paid and allowed the said correspondent sums, with interest from the last
day of December, 1789, to the 1st day of January, 1795, at four per cent, per annum, in certain proportions of six,
three per cent;., and deferred stock, provision ought to be maae for allowing payment of the said balances, with
interest to the 1st day of January, 1795, from the said last day of December, 1789, in like proportions of the said
stocky the Committee, therefore, submit the following resolutions:
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United^ States of America in Congress assembled.
That the President of the United States be requested to give information to the several States who were, by the
commissioners appointed to settle accounts between the XFnited States and the individual States, found indebted
to the United States, of the several sums in which they "were so found indebted* accompanying such information
with a statement of interest from the last day of December, 1789, to the 1st day of January, 1797, calculated on the
same principles on which interest has been allowed and paid on the correspondent sums for which the United
States were found, by the said commissioners, indebted to certain States; ana with an earnest request that they
will cause provision to be made, as speedily as may be, for paying the said sums, respectively, for which they were
found indebted by the said commissioners, with interest, into the treasury of the United States.
Resolved, That payment of the said sums, respectively, found due fromjthe said States, may be received in any
of tlie six, three per cent, stock, or deferred stock of the United States, in the same proportions as the United
States have paid and allowed for the correspondent sums in which they were found indebted to certain States, by
the report of the said commissioners. .

The Debts due from the debtor States, by the report of Commissioners, with interest at four per cent, per annum,
from the 1st January3 1790, to the 1st January, 1797, are as follow:
Principal due Interest to 1st
by debtor
January, 1797.
States.

STATES.

New York,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
Virginia,
North Carolina,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

..

-

_
-

-

-

-

-

-

§2,074,846
76,709
612,428
151,640
100,879
501,082

8580,956
21,478
171,479
42,459
28,246
140,302

83,517,584

8984,923 52

88
52
84
20
12
96

Total.

82,655,802
98,187
783,907
194,099
129,125
641,384

88
52
£4
20
12
96

84,502,507 52

Apportionment of the foregoing sum of 84,502,507 52, on the principles proposed by Mr. Goodhue of the Senate.

STATES.

First apportion- Second apportion- Third apporment of the whole « ment of the
tionment of
capital.
capital,* ( a . )
the capital,

Total.

Sums deducted
from the total in
the preceding
column.

ih)

8180,873 50.
837,942 94
N . Hampshire,
606,211 02
127,180 43
Massachusetts,
87,292 99
18,313 49
Rhode Island,
302,056 53
63,369 44
Connecticut,.
( a . ) 422,895 21 (&.)88,720 60
New York,
'
229,014 35
48,045 68.75
New Jersey,
552,074 72
115,821 06.16
Pennsylvania,
( a . ) 7 0 , 8 3 3 25 (&.)14,860 34.60
Delaware,
355,204 43
74,519 52.51
Maryland,
891,811 63
187,096 14.53
Virginia,
North Carolina, ( « . >450*867 58 (&.)94,589 01 .
263,022 99
55,180 47.31
South Carolina,
90,348 75
18,954 56
Georgia,'
$4,502,506 95

$944,595 70.86

87,960 -83
8226,777 27
26,681 31
760,074 76
3,842 04
109,448 52
13,294 4 9 '
378,720 46
18,612 99
530,228 80
10,079 66 . 287,139 69.75
24,298 60
692,194 38.16
3,117 59 ..
88,811 '18.60
15,633 70
445,357 65,51
39,251 53
1,118,159 30.53
19,844 15
565,300 74
11,576 49
329,779 95.31»
3,976 54
113,279 85
$198,16992 85,645,272 57.86

Ultimate credits
proposed.

8226,777
760,074
109,448
378,720

27
76
52
46

530,228 80

4

98,187
88,811
194,099
129,125
. 565,300

52
18.60
20
12
74

287,139 69,75
594,006 86.16
•251,258 45.51
989,034 18,53
329,779 95.31
113,279 85

$1, £05,752 56.60 84,039,520 1.26

urn.

FINANCE.

480

Amount of the debtor States marked (a*)
N e w York,
Delaware,
North Carolina,

-

-

-

-

-

-

- *
-

-

-

-

-

$422,895 21
70,833 25
450,867 58

.

(flf.)$944,596 04

Amount of the debtor States marked (fi.)
N e w York,
Delaware,
North Carolina,

-

-

-

-

-

-

>

$88,720 60
14,860 34
94,589 01
(&.)$198,169 95

4th CONGRESSJ

N O . 105.

REMISSION

OF

"

'[2D SESSION,

FORFEITURES.

COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DECEMBER 27, 1796.

M r . SWANWICK, from the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, to whom were referred the petitions of
Charles White, of David Scudder, of Eleazer Scudder, of Aaron Sheffield, of Legare, Theus and Prioleau,

and of Samuel Berrien, made the following report:

Charles White states, that he was owner of the schooner Neptune, commanded by Joseph Hughes, who arrived
in this port about the twenty-ninth of May last, from Miraguane in Hispaniola; that the captain of the said vessel
embezzled a part of the cargo, and run the same, with intent to defraud the revenue of the duties thereon: in consequence whereof, the said schooner was seized and condemned for a breach of the revenue laws. The said
Charles White alleges, that he was ignorant of the fraud intended by the captain; that he gave intelligence of it
to the revenue officers; and prays for relief in the premises.
Your committee observe, that, independently of the danger of any encroachment on the principle, which makes
owners responsible for the conduct of their captains, it appears that Peter Ozeas, one of the revenue officers, had
received some information of the running of the goods in question, before any intelligence thereof was received
from M r . White, in consequence whereof, the said Ozeas claims a part in the forfeiture aforesaid.
The committee are, therefore, of opinion, that no relief could, in this case, be granted, without establishing a principle highly dangerous to the faithful collection of the revenues in future; and, therefore, recommend to the House
the following resolution:
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition of Charles White cannot be granted.
David Scudder states, that he was owner of the schooner Polly, employed out of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the fishing business; that, before her sailing, it was agreed between the owner, master, and fishermen,
for their several shares in the said voyage; but that, it not having been expressed in the agreement that each man
should receive his share of the nett proceeds of the said voyage, in proportion to the number of fish he might obtain,
the collector of the port of Barnstable refused allowing the bounty granted in such cases; he further states, that
he hath paid the crew, notwithstanding, for the voyage and fish caught, as intended by the act, and prays relief in
the premises.
Your committee are of opinion that, in all cases where bounties are allowed by law, the parties claiming the
same ought strictly; to comply with the forms required by the act; any omission whereof may lead to serious inconveniences and injurious precedents; wherefore, your committee recommend to the House the following resolution:
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition, of David Scudder cannot be granted.
Eleazer Scudder, stating a similar case, with respect to the schooner Dolphin, your committee equally recommend the following resolution.
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition of Eleazer Scudder cannot be granted.
Aaron Sheffield states, that he was owner and master of the brig Rising Sun, with which he sailed from Newport, in Rhode Island, for Teneriffe, on the eighth day of February, 1795; that, being at that island, he sold to Mr.
Sarmento, who is stated to have been a citizen of the United States, and a partnter in the house of Messieurs Sarmento, Silva, and Wardlow, of N e w York, the whole of the said brig; that he did not recollect the condition of the
bond he had signed, on his return, to deliver up the register to the custom house of the district; in consequence
whereof, he hath been sued on the said bond* and execution is now issuable against him, tor twelve hundred dollars
penalty. H e states that the brig has always been held by citizens of the Umted States, and hath since returned,
with the register in question, to N e w York. On all which considerations, he prays relief from the penalty ana
Your committee are of opinion that, as the sale of the register with thevessel, at Teneriffe, probably influenced
considerably on her value; and it would be an alarming precedent to encourage captains, in foreign ports, to dispose
of their registers, on pretext that they did not recollect the bond they had sighed, in case of the sale of the vessel,
to return it, your committee, therefore, recommend to the House to adopt the following resolution:
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition of Aaron Sheffield cannot be granted.
Legare, Theus and Prioleau, of Charleston, South Carolina, state that they'were owners of the ship General
Washington* whereof Isaac Bigland was 'master^ that,- on her voyage from Ostend to Charleston, in the yea'r P791?
some X)f the crew, without the Knowledge of the captain, concealed and secreted, among the ballast, a few kegs of
gin, some of which were landed, Contrary to the laws of the revenue of the United* States, without being reported by
the master, who was, in consequence, sued for the penalty of five hundred dollars; in that case provided, for which
the petitioners became bail or sureties. That application was made to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United
States for relief in the premises, who refused to grant it; that the said Bigland is since removed from the State,
and not expected soon to return, wherefore the petitioners claim the interference of Congress.

1796.]

PUBLIC DEBT.

431

Your committee are of opinion that it is of great importance to the revenue that the masters of ships should be
held to be vigilant over any shipments made by their crews, and to prevent the revenue being, thence, defrauded;
and that the House^ ought not to interfere, where a decision nath been already against the remission of tne forfeiture,
except in very particular cases, which this does not appear to*be; therefore, your committee recommend the following resolution:
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition of Messrs. Legare, Theus, andPrioleau, cannot be granted.
Samuel Berrien and others, masters of certain coasting vessels, in the State of New York?> state that they obtained licences as coasters, from the collector of the district of New York, which they were obliged, by law, to sur render, within three days after the expiration of the time for which they were granted, or to forfeit the sum qf fifty
dollars, and their vessel subject to alien duties, &c. That their licences being expired at a time when an epidemic
fever raged at New York, which made it dangerous for them to apply, or at a season of the year when it was inconvenient or impossible, they request relief m the premises.
Your committee being of opinion that sufficient power is vested, in this case, by the act of mitigations, to afford
the prayed for relief, it is not necessary for this House to interfere; wherefore, they recommend the following resolution to be adopted by the House.
Resolved. That the prayer of the petition of Samuel Berrien and others, masters of coasting vessels in the State*
of New York, cannot be granted.

N Q . 106.

4th CONGRESS.]

'

[ 2 d SESSION.

P U B L I C DEBT.
COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF -REPRESENTATIVES, DECEMBER 29, 1796.

The Secretary [of. the Treasury, in obedience to a resolution of the House of Representatives, passed on thefirstday
of June, 1796, respectfully reports:
1st. That the foreign and domestic debts of the United.States, including the assumed debt, and the balances due
to creditor States, as adjusted and funded, exclusive ofthe specie debts of the late Government,-paid at the treasury, under the present Government, amounted, on the 1st day of January, 1790, as will more particularly appear
from the statement A, 'to $75,414,427 97.
•
2d. That the same debts ^mounted, on the 1st of January, 1791, as will appear from the statement marked B,
to $77,361,428 70.
.
3d. That the debts incurred by the late Government, and jpaid at the treasury, under the present Government,
prior to the 1st day of January, 1796, amounted, as per. statement C,"to $502,465* 32.
4th. That the moneys paid in the treasury from the commencement of the present Government to December 31st,
1795, for balances found due on accounts which originated under the late Government, amounted, as per statement
D, to $30,163 98.
5th. And, therefore, that the entire debt of the United.States, on the 1st day of January, 1791, including the
assumed debt and the balances due to creditor States, as.the same have been settled and funded, exclusive of the
sum last mentioned, amounted to $77,833^730 04.
6th. That the anticipations, or temporary loans, obtained by the present Government, including the proceeds of
foreign loans transferred to the treasury, or applied to the payment 91 interest in Europe, and a 'loan had of the Bank
ofthe United States, for an equal sum of the capital stock of the said bank, at the close of each year, from the year
1791 to the year 1795, inclusive, amounted, as will appear from the statement E, to the following sums, viz:
Balances remaining to be applied to replace the foreign fund.

At the close of the year 1791,
# At the close of the year 1792,
At the close ofthe year 1793,
At the close of the year 1794,
At the close of the year 1795,

-

.

- *
_
_

_

-

_

-

_

- ,
_

-

_

$886,709- 98
- - 1,675,308 65
1,257,503 58
844,167 60
192,879 32

Balances of domestic loans remaining unpaid*

At the close ofthe year 1792,
2,556,595 56
At the close of the year 1793,
2,400,000
At the dose of the year 1794,
4,500,000
At the close of the* year 1795,
6,200,000
7th. That the funded and unfunded debts of the United States, including the sums purchased, redeemed, and
vested in the sinking fund, the instalment of six per cent, stock reimbursed on the last.day of December, 1795, and
the domestic loans.above mentioned, amounted, on the 1st day of January, 1796, as* will appear from the statementmarked R to $85,065,423 22.
8th. That the following sums of debt were extinguished by the operation of' the sinking fund, at the close of the
year 1795, as will appear trom the statement G:
By the appropriation of the surplus duties to the end of the year 1790v $1,471,875 88
By the appropriation of moneys borrowed in Europe, pursuant to the act of August 12,1790,
522,925 55
By the appropriation of the interest fund, constituted by the act of May 8th, 1792,
312,860 28
By payments into the treasury and transfers to the United States, under the act ofthe 8th May, 1792, 402*507 18
Amounting, in the whole, to

-

$2,7i0,168 89

9th. That the instalment of six per cent, stock reimbursed on the last day of December, 1795. amounted in
$544,066 55.
'
* u,uullu:u w
10th. That the stock of the Bank of the United States, held by the United States, on the last day of December
1795, valued atpar, amounted to $2,0Q0,000.
'
*
11th. That there remained to be received, on account of bonds for duties on imports, which had accrued and were
uncollected on the last day of December, 1795, after deducting drawbacks and expenses of collection, calculated on
a moderate estimate, as wdl appear from the statement H, the sum of $4,000,000.
12th. That the debts purchased, redeemed, and reimbursed, including the stock of the Bank ofthe United States
held by the United States, and bonds remaining uncollected on the last day of December, 1795. amounted in
V
$9,254,235 43.
*
'

FINANCE.

S482

[1796.

The amount of the foreign debt is stated, in the documents herewith transmitted, at one hundred and thirtynine thousand dollars more than in a report made by the Secretary on the 13th day of December instant; this is occasioned by certain premiums being herein considered as part of the capital debt, which, in the report alluded to, are
considered as a part ofthe annual charge; the different views taken of the same subject, do not, however, vary the
results which have been'given.
All which is respectfully submitted.
_
OLIVER WOLCOTT, Jr. Secretary of the Treasury,
December 28th, 1706.

A Statement 6f ihe foreign and domestic debts of the United States, including the assumed debt, on the 1st January, 1790.

FOREIGN DEBT.

Debt due to France, contracted by the late Government

•

Livres.

s. d.

Dolls. cts.

Loan of 18,000,000 of livres, bearing an interest offiveper cent, per annum, from
the 3d September, 1783, - - - - 18,000,000
Loan of 10,000,000 of livres, bearing interest at four per cent, per annum, from the
10,000,000
5th November, 1781,
Loan1 of 6,000,000 of livres, bearing interest atfiveper cent, per annum, from the
6,000,000
1st January^ 1784, 154,065 7 6
Balance of an account for supplies furnished,
Debt due to the Farmers General of France,
1,000,000
From which deduct remittances to the Farmers General
by the late Government, 153,229 5 7
And balance of supplies furnished John Holker, late
consul,
448,471 14 8
. 601,701 0 3
398,298 19 9
Interest which fell due before and in the year 1789, on the several
loans above recited,
. - 8,800,000
Interest on the balance of the above mentioned account for supplies
furnished,
- 41,895 8 7
Interest on tne above stated balance due to the Farmers General of France, from 3d September, 1783,
267,908 5 ,2
Deduct interest for same period on the balance of sup141,890 9 10
plies furnished John Holker, late consul,
7
126,017 i5 4
8,967,915 3 11
At 18 jn&ths cents per livre, is

Livres, - 43,500,277 11 2

7,895,300 38

Debt contracted in Holland, by the late Government.

Loan of 5,000,00a, per five contracts, dated" June 11; 1782, atfive per cent., per
annum,
5,000,000
Loan of 2,000^000 Df guilders, per contract dated March 9, 1784, at four per cent.
per annum, . . 2,000,000
Premiums to-the lenders and gratifications on the said loan,
837,500
Deduct this amount, paid out of the funds obtained by the late
Government,
180,000
657,500
2,657,500
Loan of one million of guilders, per contract, dated June 1st, 1787, atfiveper cent.
per annum,
- - - 1,000,000
Loan of one million of guilders^ per contract dated 13th March, 1788, atfiveper
1,000,000
cent, per annum, 9,657,500

. At 40 cents per guilder, is

3,863.000 00

Debt contracted in.Spain, by the late Government

Amount due to the Government of Spain on the 21st March, 1782, bearing interest
atfiveper cent, per annum,
$174,011
67,679 95
diii * fell due before and in the year 1789,
Interest which
'186,988 23.
11,219 29

The debt due-to foreign officers,
Interest from the 1st January, 1789, to Jafmarylst, 1790,
Amount of the foreign debt on the 1st January, 1790,

-

DOMESTIC DEBT.—Principal*

The total amount of Loan Office certificates, in old-emissions, reduced to an esti11,463,802
mated value in specie, by the table,
128,959 54
Amount of certificates issued from the Loan Office, in specie value,
The total amount of army certificates issued by the commissioner'appointed for that
10,967,145 52
purpose,
3,723,624 50
The total amount Of certificates issued by the several State commissioners,

241,681 95
198,207 52
12,198,189 85

PUBLIC DEBT.

1796.]

485

The total amount of certificates issued by the several commissioners appointed to
settletheaccountsofthestafFdepartmentof the army, The total amount of certificates issued by the Register ot the Treasury,
From which is deducted the amount in certificates paid into the treasury on account
of lands and other property sold by .the late Government, which certificates were
cancelled, -

$1,159,169 65
715,704 01
28,158,405 42
969,015 44
27,197,489 88

Interest

The total amount of interest on the above stated debt of 27,197,489 fjths, from the
several periods at which interest commences on the various certificates of which
it was formed, was estimated at the treasury to the 31st December, 1790, to
be, - 17,974,296
Deduct payments on account thereof, made by the late
Government,
- .
4,944,127 80
And one year's interest on 27,197,489 |-§tfis, - 1,631,849 39
6,575,977 29
Unliquidated claims on the Government for services and supplies or otherwise, during the late war, including the amount of continental outstanding emissions,

11,398,318 61
2,127,513 89

ASSUMED J)EBT.

- 12, l<81,254 07
- 6,090,560 67

Principal,
Interest,
Balances of creditor. States.

- 3,517,584
703,517

Principal,
Interest,

18,271,814 74

4,221,101

Total amount of the" foreign and domestic debt of the United States, on-the 1st'January, 1790,
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

[63,216,238 12

Dollars,. 75,414,427 97

Register's Office, 30th September, 1796.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.
B.

A Statement of the foreign and domestic debts of the United States, including the assumed debt, on the 1st of
January, 1791.

FOREIGN DSBT.

Debt due to France, contracted by th$ Ictte Government.

Livres.

s. d,

Dolls. cts.

Loan of eighteen million of livres, bearing an interest offiveper cent, per annum, *
18,000,000
from the 3d September, '1783, Loan of ten million of livres, bearing-interest at four per cent, per annum, from
10-,000,000*
the 5til November, 1783,
# Loan of six million of livres, bearing interest at five per cent, per annum, from
1st January, 1784,
- •
6,000,000
Balance of an account for supplies furnished,
134,065 7 6
Debt due to the Farmers General of France,
1,000,000
From which deduct remittances made by the late Government*
- , 153,229 5 7
And the balance of an account of supplies furnished
John Holker, late consul,
448,471 4 8 '
601,701 0 3
398,298 19 9
Interest which fell due before and in the year 1790, on the several
loans above recited,
10,400,000
Interest on the balance of the'above mentioned account for supplies furnished, 48,598 13 11
Interest on the above stated balance due the Farmers
General of France, from the 3d September. 1783, 310,246 15 10
Deduct interest for same period, on the balance of
supplies furnished John Holker, late consul,
. 164,314 1 6
-145,932 1*4 4
10,594,531 8 3
The, amount, principal and interest, of the French debt, on the 1st January, 1791,
was
- 45,126,895 15 6
At 18 -nnyths per livre, is

8,190,531 58

Debt contracted in Holland, by the late Government

Loan offivemillion, perfivecontracts, dated June 11, 1782, atfiveper cent per
annum.
-

5,000,000

FINANCE.-

484

[1796.

Loan of two million of guilders, per contract dated March 9, 1784, at four per
cent., per annum,
2,000,000
Premiums to the lenders and gratifications on the said loans,. 837,500
Deduct this amount paid out of the funds obtained by the late
Government,
180,000
657,5001
Loan of one million of guilders, per contract dated June 1, 1787, atfiveper cent,
per annum,
Loan of one million of guilders, per contract dated 13th March, 1788, atfiveper
cent, per annum,
- - - -

2,657,500
1,000,000
1,000,000
9,657,580,

At ,40 cents per guilder,

$3,863,000

jDebt contracted in Spain, by the late Government.

Amount due to the Government of Spain on the 21st of March, 1782, bearing.interesi atfiveper cent per annum, ,
$174,011
Interest which fell due before and in the year 1790,
76,371 50

250,582 50

Debt due to foreign officers.

Principal,
Interest,

186,988 23
21,438 32

209,426 8

Amount of the foreign debt'on 1st January, 1791, -

$12,513,340 89

DOMESTIC DEBT.—PHNCIPAL

The total amount of Loan Office certificates in old emissions, reduced to an estimated value in.specie, by the table,
$11,463,802
Amount of certificates issued from the Loan offices, in specie value,
128,959 54
:
The total amount of army certificates issued by the commissioners appointed for
that purpose,
10,967,145" 52
The total amount of certificates issued by the several State commissioners,
3,723,624 50
The total amount of certificates issued by the several commissioners appointed to
settle the accounts ofthe staff department of the army,
.1,159,169 65
The total amount of certificates issued by the Register ofthe Treasury, 715,704 01
From which is deducted the amount in certificates paid into the treasury on account of lands and other property sold by the late Government, which certificates were cancelled, -

28,158^405 42
960,915 44
27,197,489 ff

Interest.

The total amount of interest on the above stated debt of $27,197,489 ffths, from
the several periods at which interest commences on the various certificates of
which it was formed, was estimated at the treasury to the 31st December,
1790, to be, .
' - 17,974,296
Deduct payments on account thereof made by the Government, " 4,944,127 80
Unliquidated claims on the Government for services and supplies, or otherwise,
during the late war, including the amount of out standing continental emissions,
_
-

13,030,168 20
2,127,513 89

ASSUMED DEBT.

- 1^,181,254 07
^ - 6,090,560 67

Principal,
Interest,

18,271,814 74

Balances of creditor States.

Principal,
Interest,

3,517,584
703,517

4,221,101
64,848,087 81

Total amount of the foreign and domestic debt ofthe United States, on the firstf;
January, 1791, -

$77,361,428 70

TREASURY DEPARTMENT^ Register's Office, SO th September, 1796.

JOSEPH NOURSE,

Register.

1796.]

PUBLIC DEBT.

485

Ji General Statement of the payments which have been made from the funds qf the present Government, from its
commencement to the 3ls£ December, 1795, inpayment of claims or balances of accounts which were contracted
by the late Government.

In the printed accounts stated from the records of the treasury, commencing with
the present Government and ending the 31st December, 1791, the following
expenditures appear, viz:
For discharging warrants issued by the late Board'of Treasury, pages 11,12,
For sundry expenditures of the late civil list, particularized in pages 13 to 16, .
Towards discharging debts contracted by Abraham Skinner, late commissary of
prisoners, pages 46 to 49, .
Towards discharging certain debts contracted by Colonel Timothy Pickering,
late Quartermaster General, page 49,
.
.
In payment of interest due on Loan Office certificates, per bills of exchange drawn
on the late commissioners at Paris, page 52^
.
.
.
.
.
In part payment to the French Government tor supplies furnished in the West
Indies by the Navy Department, to sundry ships of war of the United States,
from 1781 to 1783,

Dolls, cts.

157,789 94
37,311 20
38,683 13
1,454 08
3>533
20,000

For satisfying miscellaneous claims in relation to the late Government.

The printed accounts, pages 55, 56, include, under this head, payments both of
the late and present Government, and amount to, (exclusive of the payment
ofthe French Government of $20,000 above stated) .
.
35,118 60
If the following items (which appear to belong to the present Government only) are deducted, the residue will show tne payments for
the old Government—
1790, Nov. 22. Warrant No. 748,
.
.
. 249
178 73
920,
1791, March 1,
Ditto,
60
" 19.
Ditto, * 941,
30 92
1117,
Ditto,
June 24.
81 35
1226,
Ditto,
Aug. 19.
256
Ditto,
1377,
Dec. 26.
856
Distribution of the prizes captured by the squadron under the command of John
Paul Jones, page 57,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In the printed accounts for theyear 1793, stated from the records ofthe treasury,
the following expenditures appear, viz:
For discharging warrants issued by the late Board of Treasury, page 15,
Towards discharging certain debts contracted by Colonel Timothy Pickering,
late Quartermaster General, page 44,
.
For paying bills of exchange drawn on the late commissioners at Paris, in discharge of interest due on loan office certificates, page 49,
For discharging a claim of Oliver Pollock^ late commercial agent at New Orleans,
for supplies of clothing, arms, and military stores, during the late war, pa. 55,
Payment to Robert King and Richard Feilds, by their agent, David Allison, for
going express to the chiefs of the Cherokee nation, in October, 1788, page 55,
To the French Government, in payment of the balance of an account for supplies
furnished in the West Indies by the Navy Department, to sundry ships of
war, from 1781 to 1783, page 55, .
.
.
.
To Benjamin Hopkins, and other commissioners for treating with the Southern
Indians, for a balance due to them under an act of Congress of 15th March,
1785. page 56,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
To William Perry, one of the said commissioners, for his salary under the said
act of the 15th Marchj 1785, page 56,
.
.
.
.
.
To Richard Howes, administrator to Elisha Caesar, deceased, late a boy on board
the frigate Alliance, for said boy's proportion of prizes captured by the squadron under the command of John Paul Jpnes, page 56, .
.
.
%
Arnold Wells, for a balance due on a bill of exchange in his favor, drawn by
William Thompson, William Irvine, Christian Greene, and others, dated
Quebec, August 5th, 1776, on Meredith & Clymer,
.
.
.
Thomas Harwood, agent for the late Maryland line, for the^purpose of enabling
him to discharge a balance of pay due to the non-commissioned officers and
privates of saidline,
.
»
The following payments were made in the year 1793, and appear in the annual
accounts rendered for that year:
Towards discharging debts contracted by Colonel Timothy Pickering, late Quarmaster General, page 46,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
For satisfying a debt contracted by Abraham Skinner, late Commissary General
of prisoners,
.
.
.
•
•
In discharging of a claim of Robert Fenner, agent for settling the accounts of
North Carolina line, being the amount of his commission on sundry payments
made by him to the officers of the late North Carolina line, in the years 1782
and 1783, page 58,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In discharge of a claim of Christopher Green, by his legal representatives, for principal and interest on moneys advanced to certain citizens ofthe United States,
prisoners of war at Quebec, in the year 1776. page 59, .
Paid the trustees of the public grammar school at Wilmington, in the State of
Delaware, being for rent ana for damages done to the same by the troops of
the United States during the last war, page 59,
,.
62

T

34,263 60
1,087 14

33 33
2,606 18

582
108,605 20
64
9,029 68
2,787 88
299
36 25
594 50
10,085 51

2,675 56
46 42

169 05
401 96
2,553 64

48£f

[1796.

FINANCE.

In discharge of bills of exchange drawn on the late commissioners for payment
of interest due on loan office certificates,
.
.
.
.
.
To which add, for the purpose of bills of exchange amounting to 100,000 current
guilders remitted to W. & J. Willink, N. & J. Van Staphorst, & Hubbard, of
Amsterdam? for the purpose of paying interest" on the Dutch loans, per page
52, ofthe printed accounts for the year 1791,
.
.
.
.
.
The following payments were made in the year 1794, and appear in the annual
accounts rendered for that year:
For satisfying certain debts contracted by Colonel Timothy Pickering, late Quartermaster General, page 63,
.
.
..
.
.
For paying bills of exchange drawn on the^ late commissioners at Paris, in discharge of interest due on loan office certificates, page 74,
.
.
Paid James M'Ghan, late boy on board the frigate Alliance, for his proportion of
prizes captured by the squadron under the command of JohnPaul Jones, in the
North sea, page 76, ^
.
.
.
.
.
To John White, Tate midshipman on board the frigate Bon Homme Richard, for
his proportion of the prizes captured by the squadron under the command of
JohnPaul Jones, in the North seas,
p
a
g
e
.
.
.
.
.
In the printed accounts for the year 1795, the following expenditures will appear,
viz:
For satisfying certain debts contracted by Colonel Timothy Pickering, late Quartermaster General,
.
.
.
.
.
To Rumford and Abijah Dawes, attorneys for Edward Rutledge and Catharine
Green, executors of the late General Nathaniel Green, for tins sum, stated by
1ie Auditor, on May 14, 1793, to be due to said Green,*
To Lieutenant Colonel Tousard, being so much granted him by an act of Congress of the 30th April, 1794, as an equivalent and in full discharge of his pension of $360 for life,
.
.
.
Paid Joseph Stretch, administrator to the estate of Joseph Wright, deceased, for
said Wright'smodelling a likeness and cutting two dies for a model of Henry
Lee, Esq. in conformity to a resolution of-Congress of the 24th September,
1779,
.
To Peter Covenhoven, late sergeant in the militia, being the amount of compensation allowed him for certain costs attending'tne cure of a wound he received
in an action near fort Schuyler, during the late war, per act of the 6th January,
1795,
.
.
.
.
To F. W . Ast/by John Barely, his agent, for salary and rent of a room atL'Orient, allowed him for his services as a clerk employed by Thomas Barclay, late
commissioner of accounts in France, to assist in arranging and stating the
foreign accounts,
.

196
6,042 63

35,087 71

41,130 34

162 45.
36
$5-14
22 77

256 36

61 59
27,504 15
3,600

233 33

408 26

426 67

32,234
$502,465 32

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Register's Office, 30th September,, 1796,
JOSEPH NOURSE, Register
D.
Jl General Statement of moneys paid into the Treasury of the United States, from the commencement of the present Government to the 31s£ December, 1795, being the balances found due on accounts which origiiiatedtender
the late Government.

In the printed accounts stated from the records of the treasury, commencing with
the present Government and ending the 31st December, 1791, the following
payments are stated, as per page 7:

From Nathaniel Gilman, late receiver of continental taxes for the State of New
Hampshire,
.
.
.
.

From James Blanchard, paymaster to the second regiment of Hew Hampshire, .
From Horatio Clagget, paymaster to the Maryland line, .

From Thomas M'Wharter, in the department of the commissary, of hides,

From Joseph Carleton, late secretary in the War-Office,
.
.
.
.
From Reading Howell, executor to the estate of Cornelius Sheriff, deceased, in
the quartermaster's department,
From Benjamin Hitchboilrne, attorney to the administrator on the estate of Thomas Chase, deceased, in the quartermaster's department,
From Lynde Catlin, clerk in the office of the acting paymaster, .

In the printed accounts for the year 1792, as above mentioned, the following receipts into the treasury are stated, page 11:
From David Trumbull, on his lottery agency,
.
.
.
.
.
From James Wilson, in the quartermaster's department,

$3,325 70
394 10
1,480 30
17 20
155 52
31 55
5,682 14
14 60
$11,001 11

> .

From Samuel Davidson, in the department of the commissary of hides, .
From John Richards, agent for John Moland, in the department of the deputy
commissary general tor the State of Connecticut,
.
.
.
From Henry Hollingsworth, late deputy quartermaster general, .
From William Shippen, late director general of military hospitals,
The following Sums Were received into the treasury in the year 1793, and which
appear in the annual accounts rendered for that year, viz. page 13.
December 17, 1793, warrant No. 101, On Richard Harrison, attorney for the district of New York, on account of Margaret Livingston's bona, given for a
bill of exchange purchased by the late secret committee of Congress, and
which bill was protested, .
.
.
.
.
.
.

4,702 82

J 796,}

PUBLIC DEBT.

4a?

Warrant No. 102, on Morgan Lewis, late deputy quartermaster general of tlie
State of New York, being a balance found due by him,
>448 58

In the year 1794, the following receipts into the treasury are stated, as per the
printed accounts for that year, page 14:
From William Cook, late deputy quartermaster general, Pennsylvania, .
From Samuel Bard and Jonathan Burrall, executors of John Pierce, deceased,
late paymaster general, .
.
.
.
.
.
.
From Roger Alden, late deputy secretary of Congress, being a balance due by
him on settlement of his account of the contingent expenses of the office of
the secretaiy of Congress,
.
.
.
.
From Robert Williams, late paymaster to the 4th regiment of Massachusetts, .

693 50

In the year 1795, the following sums were received into the treasury, per the
printed accounts for that year, viz :
From Daniel Heister, Jr. in the commissary general's department,
From Messrs. Furman and Hunt, in the quartermaster general's department, .
From Robert Townsend Hooet for damaged tobacco sola by the commissioner of
loans in the State of Virginia, on public account,
.
.
.
.
From Edward Carrington, late deputy quartermaster general, received by him
for public property sold, .
»
.
From ditto, for so much received by him from the estate of George Webb, late
receiver of continental taxes in the State of Virginia,
r
From James Lovell, late receiver of continental taxes for the State of Massachusetts,

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Registers

Office, 30th September,

1796.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.
E.
A Statement of the anticipations at the close of each year, from the year 1791 to the year 1795, inclusive.
Balances remaining1 at the close
of each year, to
be applied to
replace the foreign fund.

1791. Amount as per the annexed statement, No. 1, .
1792.
Ditto
do.
No. % .
1793.
Ditto
do.
No. 3, .
1794.
Ditto
do.
No. 4, .
1795.
Ditto
do.
No. 5, .
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Registers

Office, 30^ September,

$886,709 98
1,675,308 65
1,257,503 58
844,167 60
192,879 32 J

Balance? of domestic loans unpaid at the olose
of the year.

$2,556,595 56
2,400,000
4,500,000
6,200,000

Total anticipations at the
close of each
year.

$886,909
4,231,904
3,657,503
5,344,167
6,392,879

98
21
58
60
32

1796.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.
No. 1.
Statement of moneys transferred to the United States, and of the proceeds of foreign loans applied to discharge
the foreign debt and other purposes, during the year 1791.

Proceeds of bills of exchange drawn by the Treasurer of the United States on the
commissioners in Amsterdam, as credited in the printed public accounts for
the year n912
.
.
.
.
.
.
Amount applied in Europe and at the treasury, for the interest on foreign debt
in the year 1791, viz:
French debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Dutch debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Spanish debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Amount on the 31st December, 1791, to be applied to replace the foreign fund,

$361,391 34
$294,445 93
222,272 16
8,604 55

525.31B 64
$886,709 98

FINANCE.

S488

[1796.

No. 2. .
Statement of moneys transferred to the United States, and of the proceeds of foreign loans applied to discharge
the foreign debt and other purposes, during the year 1792.

Amount, on the 31st December, 1791, to be applied to replace the foreign fund,
Proceeds of bills of exchange drawn by the Treasurer on the commissioners in
Amsterdam, as credited in page 12 of the printed public accounts for the year
1792,
Amount applied in Europe and at the treasury, for the interest on the foreign
debt, in the year 1792, viz:
French debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Dutch debt,
;
r
Antwerp debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Spanish debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

$886,709 9$
545,902 89
$233,111
402,632
33,615
8,600

54
02
50
55

677,959 61
2,110,572 48

EXPENDITURES.

Payment on account of the French debt, as stated in page 62, of the printed public
accounts for the year 1792,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Balances remaining on the 31st December, 1792, to be applied to replace the
foreign fund,
.
.
.
.
.
.
T

435,263 83
1,675,308 65

Domestic loans remaining unpaid on the 31s/ December, 1792, viz:

Under the act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States, . 2,000,000
Under the act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the fron400,000
tiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,
.
.
.
.
Under the act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States and for making further provision for the protection
156,595 56
of the frontiers, .
.
.
. . .
.
.
1

2,556,595 56
$4,231,904 21

No. 3.
Statement of moneys transferred to the United States, and of the proceeds of foreign loans applied to discharge
the foreign debt and for other purposes, during the year 1793.

$1,675,308 65
Amount on 31st December, 1792, to be applied to replace the foreign fund,
Proceeds of bills of exchange drawn by the Treasurer on the commissioners at
1,197,272 01
Amsterdam, credited in page 14 of the printed public accounts for 1793,
Amount applied in Europe ana at the treasury for interest on the foreign debt, viz:
French debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
$165,616 23
490,359 13
Dutch debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Antwerp debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
36,925 86
Spanish debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
450 02
693,351 24
3,565,931 90
EXPENDITURE.

Amount expended in the purchase of public debt in the year 1793, as per printed
statement of the public accounts for that year, page 62.
.
.
.
Payment of one instalment on a loan made by the bank of the United States,
page 62,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Payment on account of the French debt, per page 6,
.
.
.
4
Payment of bills of exchange purchased and remitted to Amsterdam,
Amount appropriated for paying principal and interest due to foreign officers, .

334,901 89
200,000
1,337,881 32
203,669 30
231,975 81

Balance remaining on, 31st December, 1793, to be applied to replace the foreign
fund,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

2,308,428 32
1,257,503 58

Domestic loans remaining unpaid on the 3ls£ December, 1793, viz:

Under the act for incorporating the subscribers to the Bank of the United States, 1,800,000
Under the act making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year •
1*793,
.
.
.
.
600,000
\

»

2,400,000
$3,657,503 58

1796.]

PUBLIC DEBT.

489

No. 4.
Statement of moneys transferred to the United States, and of the proceeds of foreign loans applied to discharge the
foreign debt, and other purposes during the year 1794.

Balance remaining on the 31st December, 1793, to be applied to replace the foreign
fund, according to the printed public accounts for that year,
.
Proceeds of bills of exchange drawn by the treasurer, on the commissioners in
Amsterdam,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Amount applied in Europe, and at the treasury, for interest on the foreign debt:
French debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Dutch Debt,

$1,257,503 58
607,950 78
$144,292 50
493,191 87

637,484 37
2,502,938 73

EXPENDITURE.

Payment on account of the French debt in the year 1794, per printed statement of
the public accounts, page 84,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Payment on account of the Dutch debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Payment for the relief of certain inhabitants of S t Domingo.
Payment of the second instalment due on a loan made of the Bank of the United
States, pursuant to an act of the 4th June, 1794.
.
.
.
.

Amount expended in the purchase of domestic debt, of the sum of $607,950 78,
appropriated for the reduction thereof, in pursuance of the act passed the 12th
August, 1790, being the proceeds of bills of exchange drawn in the year 1794,
in consequence of the loan of 3,000,000 guilders, per contract of 10th April,
1794,
.
.
.
;
Balance remaining on 31st December, 1794, to be applied to replace the foreign
fund,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1

524,992 81
818,778 32
15,000

200,000

100,000

1,658,771 13
844,167 60

jDomestic loans remaining unpaid on the 315/ December, 1794.
Under the act for incorporatirigthe subscribers to the Bank of the United States,
Under the act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,
.
.
.
.
Under the act making provision for the expenses attending the intercourse with
foreign nations,
.
.
;
Under the act authorizing a loan of one million dollars,
.
.
.
.
Ditto
ditto,

1,600,000
300,000
600,000
1,000.000
1,000,000

4,500,000
$5,344,167 60

No. 5.
Statement of moneys transferred to the United States, and of the proceeds of foreign loans applied to discharge
the foreign debt, and other purposes, during the year 1795.

Balance remaining on the 31st December, 1794, to replace1 the foreign fund,
Proceeds of bills of exchange drawn by the treasurer on the commissioners in
Amsterdam, credited in page 15 of the printed public accounts for 1795,
Amount applied in Europe, and at the treasury, lor interest on the foreign debt,
in the year 1795:
French debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Dutch debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

$844,167 60
$96,424
137,955 12
555,971 97

693,927 09
1,634,518 69

EXPENDITURE.

Payment i n full discharge of the French debt in the year 1795,
Payment on account of the Dutch debt,
.
.
.
.
.
.
Payment of the third instalment on a loan made of the Bank of the United States,
^pursuantto an act of 18th January, 1795,
.
.
.
.
.

453,766 04
787,873 33
200,000

Balance remaining on 31st December, 1795, to be applied to replace the foreign
fund,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

1,441,639 37
192,879 32

Domestic loans remaining unpaid on the 31 st December, 1795.

Und er the act for incorporating the subscribers to the Bank of the United States,
Under the act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,
Under the act making provision for the expenses attending the intercourse with
foreign nations, .
.
.
Under the act authorizing a loan of two millions of dollars,
Under the act for the reimbursement of a loan authorized by an act of the last
session of Congress,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Under the act making further appropriations for the military and naval establishments, and for the support of Government,
.
.
.
.

1,400,000
300,000
200,000
2,000,000
800,000
1,500,000

6,200,000 00
$6,392,879 32

FINANCE.

S490

[1796.

A Statement of the foreign and domestic debt'of the United States, including the assumed debt, on the 1st of
January, 1796.
Loans effected by the late Government at Amsterdam.
Guilders, at 40 cts.

On the loan offivemillions and contracts of the 11th June, 1782, atfiveper cent,
per annum, after discharging the three annual instalments of one million each,
which fell due on the 1st June, in the years 1793, 1794, and 1795?
Of two millions ditto, of March 9 th, 1794, at 4 per cent, per annum,
Of one million ditto, of June 1st, 1787, atfiveper cent, per annum,
Of onemillion, ditto, of March 13th, 1788, at do.
do.
To which add premiums and gratifications, payable on the loan of 9th March,
1784,

Amount of Joans unpaid, effected by the late Government, including premiums
and gratifications on the loan of the 9th March, 1784,
.
.
.
.

2,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
6,000,000

$2,400,000

347,000

139,000

6,347,500

2,539,000

Loans effected by the present Government, viz. at Amsterdam,
Of three millions of guilders, per contract of Februrry 1st, 1790, at five per cent.

per annum
.
.
.
«
•
.
.
.
Of two millionsfivehundred thousand do. per contract of March 2d, 1791, at da
Of six millions ditto, per contract of December 14th, 1791, at do. .
Of three millions ditto, ditto of December 24th. 1791, at 4 per cent., per annum,
Of three millions ditto, of August 9th, 1792, at ditto, whereof only received,
Of oije million, being a re-loan of thefirstinstalment due on the 1st June, 1793,
on the loan of five million, per contracts of the llth June, 1782, at five per
cent, per annum, .
.
.
„
Of three millions, per contract of 10th April, 1794, at ditto,

3,000,000
2,500,000
6,000,000

3,000,000
2,950,000
1,000,000
3,000,000

Debt contracted in Antwerp by the present Government.

On the loan of three millions, per contract of November 30th, 1791, at four and
a half per cent, per annum, amount received (95,0,000, guilders having been
suppressed) .
.
.
.
.
.
.
$2,050,000 00
Amount of the foreign debt of the United States on the 1st January, 1796, including premiums, and on the loan of the 9th March, 1784, agreeably to statements
made at the treasury,

23,500,000

29,847,500

Domestic debt
Six per cent, stock, nominal amount, including reimbursement,
Deferred six per cent, stock, .
.
.
.
.
.
Three per cent, stock,
.
Five and a half per cent, stock,

.

Four and a half per cent, stock,

.

.
.

.

.

.

.

$21,204,321 02
10,508,666 77
13,492,995 47

.

1,848,900
176,000

.
.

.

.

Assumed debt.
Six per cent
nominal
Deferred
six stock,
per cent
stock,amount,.including reimbursement*
.
.
.
Three per cent stock,

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

.

.

Registered debt
Principal of tiie registered debt remaining on the books of the treasury, .

Amount of interest calculated on the above sum, from various periods, to the
31st December, 1790, which will become three per cent, stock on being sub scribed to the loan,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

$8,120,836 23
4,060,417 84
6,090,560 67

9,400,000

11,939,000

45,205,983 26
2,024,900

18,271,814 74

182,365,53
53,516 37

235,811 90

Amount of certificates issued to non-subscribing creditors, which remain to their
credit on thebooks of the commissioners of loans, in the following States, viz:
New Jersey.

Principal,
.
.
.
.
Interest to the 31st December, 1790,

$59 68
36 30

$96 28

Pennsylvania*

Principal,
^
Interest to the 31st December, 1790,

$59 95
10 68

$70 63

Maryland.
Principal,

.

.

.

.

Interest to the 31st December, 1790,

$4,262 32
2,004 97

6,297 £9

6,434 20

242,316 10

1796.]

PUBLIC DEBT.

491

Domestic debt receivable.on loan, but which, not being registered^ is not entitled
to a dividend, consisting of loan office ancifaial settlement certificates, arrearages of interest, arrearages of military pensions to 4th March, 1789, and credits
on the books of the treasury, for which certificates remain to be issued, estimated upon the principles of tne reports of the Secretary of the Treasury, dated
January, 9th, 1790, and January 19th, 1795, ^
.
.
.
.
. 1,105,424 60

66,850,438 70

Domestic Loans unpaid, viz.

To the Bank ofthe United States:
Under the act, entitled "An act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the
United States," bearing interest at six per cent, per annum, dated 25th Feb.
1791,
.
.
.
.
.
.1
$1,400,000
Under the "Act for raising a further sum of money for the protection
of the frontiers, and for other purposes therein mentioned,?' bearing interest atfiveper cjent. per annum, dated 2d May, 1792,
300,000
Under the "Act authorizing the loan of two millions of dollars," bearing interest atfiveper cent, per annum, dated 18th Dec. 1794,
2,000,000
Under the "Act for the reimbursement of a loan authorized by an act
of the last session of Congress," bearing interest at six per cent,
per annum, dated 21st February, 1795, #
.
._
.
800,000
Under the "Act making further appropriations for the military and
naval establishments, and for the support of -Government," dated
March 3d, 1795,
.
.
.
.
.
.
1,500,000
T o the Bank of New York:
Under the act of 20th March, 1794, bearing interest at five per cent, per annum,

6,000,000

The debt remaining unpaid to, foreign officers,
- •
From which deduct this sum, remitted to Holland for the payment of interest
thereon, one hundred and five thousand guilders,

200,000

117,984
42,000

6.200,000 00

75,984 52
$85,065,423 22

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Registers

Office, iSeptember 30th, 1796.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.

G.
A Statement of Debts extinguished by the Sinking Fund, to the close of the year 1795, in which is exhibited the
sums placed under each head of Appropriation*
Acts of Appropriation under which the Purchases
and Transfers were made.

Six Per Gent Stock.

T^iree Per Cent
Stock.

Deferred Stock.

Am't of the
Moneys
several spe- Expended.
cies of Stocks

Dolls. Cts. Dolls. Cts.
Dblls. Cts. Dolls. Cts. DOlls. Cts. Dolls.' Cts. Dolls. Cts, Dolls. Cts.
Appropriation of the
12th Aug. 1790, ofthe
surplus duties to the
end of the year 1790,
for the reduction of
the public debt,
348,498 4052,574 50588,791 54 42,995 32 1,471,875 88 957,770 65
320,500 13
Appropriation of two
millions dollars, authorized to be borrowed by act of 12th Aug.
1790, for the reduction of the public debt,275,554 36 78,050 59 27,843 47-3,888 47 98,474 72 39,113 94 522,925 55 434,901 89
Appropriation ofthe interest fund in the further purchases of public stock,under theact
of the 8th May, 1792,
32,900 95 39,073 7939,982 00 79,143 39 39,465 53 312,860 28 226,608 70
Appropriation of payments into the treasury, for land sold the
State of Pennsylvania
onlakeErie,and other
payments and transfers to the U. States,
under the act of the
8th May, 1792,
259,518 39 2,897 10 95,599 68 1,722 54 41,693 50 1,075 97 402,507 18

Amount of the debt extinguished, the first
year's reimbursement
of the six per cent,
stock, bearing a present interest, excepted,943,867 50 226,564 63511,016 34 98/167 51 808,103 15122,650 762,710,168 891,619,281 24
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Register's

Office, September^ 30, 1796.

JOSEJpH NOURSE, Register.

H.
An estimate of the sums expected to be received from the bonds which accrued from duties on imports,r to the close
of the year 1795, after deducting the drauiback and expenses of collection.
The estimated amount thereof is four million of dollars,
.
.
.
.
.
.
$4,000,000