Has received four letters [11 April; 27 March; 23 March; 21 March] from Jay. New York has two sloops and a peteauger ready for service. The convention has encouraged the making of powder, arms, and salt peter. Boyd has failed us not for lack of sympathy but out of necessity. He will soon be of service to the colony in making arms. Although Egg-Harbour does not belong to New York, it should neverthe less be secured. McDougall agrees with Jay on the subject of taxing. The commerce is stagnant and many of our rich have fled the city. Poor freeholders cannot pay tax when they receive no rent. McDougall, for these reasons, 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