McDougall has received four letters from Jay [11 April, 27 March, 23 March, and 21 March]. New York has two sloops and a peteauger ready for service. The Convention has encouraged the making of powder, arms, and saltpeter. Boyd has failed not out of lack of sympathy to the cause, but because of circumstances. One of his skilled workers died, and he has had difficulty finding sufficient workers. Boy d will soon be of service to the colony in making arms. Although Egg Harbour does not belong to New York, it should be secured. McDougall agrees with Jay on the subject of taxation. However, commerce is stagnant and many of the rich have left the city. Poor freeholders cannot pay taxes when they receive no rent. For these reasons McDougall is determined to delay the tax which the country members are trying to force on the city.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829