The Virginia Gazette

MR. RIND,

Feb. 4, 1773

SIR,

It was with much pleasure I observed, after the forgeries of our paper currency were happily detected, the exceeding great pains taken by most Gentlemen, assembled from the different corners of the country, to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the principal, leading marks, which materially distinguish the counterfeited from the true bills. They are fully guarded against impositions upon themselves, and I am persuaded have carried home with them every good disposition to assist the people in all parts with their best opinions and advices. What measures may be taken, to work a radical cure of the evil complained of, I presume not to determine; but in the mean time, till some better expedient can be adopted, I take the liberty of recommending it to all such as cannot safely rely upon their own judgments, to make all their money contracts payable either at the house of some judicious Gentleman in their neighbourhood, or at the principal towns where the merchants chiefly reside, or in this city. I advise this from a persuasion that any of these Gentlemen will readily give their opinions of such money as may be tendered in payment. For my own part, I will most cheerfully examine any notes that my opinion may be desired of. I will do more: Such persons as cannot conveniently come hither to receive their money, may send their orders to me, and I will receive it for them, payable to their order in writing, drawn for the whole amount at once. The money shall be sealed up in separate parcels, with the owners names endorsed, and deposited in the country's iron chest. By pursuing some or all of these measures, I flatter myself that the credit of our paper money may still be supported, whilst it is suffered to continue in circulation. Let not the poor industrious planter be tempted by the chinking of a little gold or silver in his ears to part with the fruits of his labour at an under rate, but rather let him be persuaded that by pursuing one of these methods, which will cost him but a little more trouble than he has been used to, he may receive the full worth of his commodities in other money, equal in value, and perhaps more convenient to him. I by no means propose myself as a general receiver; the services I offer are solely intended for such as doubt their own judgments; neither do I, as I am far from thinking myself infallible, intend to warrant the money I may receive, either as to its goodness, nor against any unavoidable accidents. All I engage for is to use the same care and attention as I would do were it my own. The only recompence I desire, or will receive, shall arise solely from the satisfaction and pleasure I shall take in contributing every thing in my power towards relieving those who may be distressed from the perplexities and uneasinesses they may be involved in.

I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,

RO. C. NICHOLAS.