and
Prosperity. This Colony ought first to be brought to its greatest
Perfection, and then the others may crave the like Assistance, in such
Methods as may best suit with their Occasion and particular
Circumstances; so that in their Course continually all the Plantations
might be made constant and sure Receptacles, and find sufficient
Provision and Employment for all our Poor, our Beggars, and our
notorious Rogues; all which might more effectually and expeditiously be
brought to pass, if our Slave Trade were moderated, if not ended, and
exchanged for some other as advantageous for the Merchant, and the
publick Good; for by what I understand since the Plantations are so well
stock'd with Slaves, and they breed and thrive there so prodigiously,
the Company has not gained very exceedingly by slaving of late Years;
but be their Gain much or little, I am persuaded that if fewer Slaves
were imported to _Virginia_, it would be better for the _Virginia_
Planters and Merchants; and with humble Submission I am of Opinion that
the _African_ Traders might prosecute more gainful Adventures than too
much _slaving_.

But I should not pretend to direct in the Regulation of Trade; only I
shall take Leave to make this Observation as to the Trade of _Virginia_,
viz. It is great Pity but that the publick Tobacco were well ordered;
for the Publick, the County, and the Parish Levies might be paid much
better, there being too frequently Deficiencies, both in the Manner of
the Payment, and the Quality of the Commodity.

This with the _Negroe_ Trade is what the Assembly have often considered
and attempted to rectify; in which Respects their strenuous Endeavours
justly merit the Applause and grateful Acknowledgments of all Persons
interested in these Affairs. As for the _English_ Laws and Duties
relating to Tobacco, they are out of my Sphere; only I know that
frequently the Duty is so high, and the Price so low, that it is very
hard for the _Merchant_; and the _Planter_ and the _Smoaker_ get little
or nothing but their _Labour for their Pains and Expence_; for it has
happened that _Planters_, who have had a great Dependance upon their
Years Crop of Tobacco, for the Support of themselves and Families, have,
instead of clearing any thing, been brought in Debt by it, the Charges
and Duties far over-balancing the Price of the Tobacco; so that though
the _Virginians_ are for the most Part very eager at making Tobacco,
which formerly turned to a vas