of infamy, and render us the reproach
and contempt of all mankind. It is high time to relieve ourselves
from the ignominy we have already sustained, and to rescue and restore
the national credit. This can only be done by solid revenue.
Disdaining, therefore, those little timid artifices, which, while they
postpone the moment of difficulty, only increase the danger and
confirm the ruin, I prefer the open declaration to all, of what is to
be expected, and whence it is to be drawn. To the public creditors,
therefore, I say, that until the States provide revenues for
liquidating the principal and interest of the public debt, they cannot
be paid; and to the States, I say, that they are bound by every
principle held sacred among men to make that provision.

I have gone through the task, which I proposed to myself in writing to
your Excellency this letter, which I pray you to communicate to the
Legislature of your State. I hope the Congress will soon be able to
transmit their requisitions, and I shall endeavor that those be as
moderate as possible. But I must pray that every man, whether in
public or private life, will seriously consider the importance of
complying with these requisitions. It is not by the brilliant
successes of war, the splendor of conquest, or the shouts of victory,
that a wise ministry are to be affected. The superiority of national
resources is the sure ground on which to hope for success, and that
superior resource steadily and perseveringly applied, must eventually
attain its objects. It is for these reasons, that the enemy have hoped
everything from the derangement of our finances; and on the other
hand, as I am well informed, it is from the establishment of a
national bank, and the forming of contracts to supply our armies, that
they have the greatest apprehensions. By the bounty of the Almighty,
we are placed in a situation where our future fate depends upon our
present conduct. We may be happy or miserable, as we please. If we do
our duty now, the war will soon be brought to a close; if not, it may
last for many years, and what will then be its termination, it is not
in human wisdom to foresee. Thoroughly convinced that the enemy must
ask for peace, when we are in a condition vigorously to prosecute the
war, and that we shall be in that condition, whenever our affairs are
reduced to order, and our credit restored, and that for these
purposes, nothing more is necessary than a proper system of taxation