The Virginia Gazette

RICHMOND, June 28.

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at Philadelphia to his friend in this town, dated June 13, 1780.

The eyes of all America are now turned to the Virginia Assembly. All the states north of this have already, altogether or nearly completed the scheme of finance adopted in February and March last. Pennsylvania like a giant just awakened from his wine, is laying about her, seizing provisions and horses for the army, and mustering her numerous bands of substantial yeomanry. The general and generous wish of the honest whigs here, is, that General Clinton may return and figure away in New Jersey, or the neighbourhood, rather than visit Virginia. Her languor was deplored; but now the resolutions of her Councils spread astonishment and universal consternation (except among the tories.)

The new money is struck. Connecticut has received her share. The French agents offer specie for this money, shilling for shilling; and these wise and frugal people are taking the advantage of getting specie in their treasury at the rate of forty for one, whereas here, and I understand with you, it is sixty for one.

Immense must be your exertions to comply with the payments that must be made to keep the army together. The wisdom of your Councils, no doubt, will provide for it; but to provide for the demands which will continually increase with the depreciation, I fear, will call for the utmost reach of your wisdom and skill.

Strange! that the landed interest of Virginia should agree to increase the burden of their taxes, by continuing it to be every man's interest to help on with depreciation!

Virginia was wise: She is yet wise; but her friends say, she is in the delirium of a fever; a paper money dream, like opium, has relaxed her powers. For my part will as we did about Charlestown, hope for better things to the last. Politicks! thou art an enigma; an ignus fatuus; a lamp to light one into safety and to peace.