The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Extract of a letter from Wilmington, in North Carolina.
dated the 6th inst.

I am sorry to find, by the last accounts from
home, that we have no prospect of obtaining leave for
a new emission of paper currency, as unless some medium
is fallen on to answer the end of a circulating currency
in trade, no business can be carried on in this province.
Our exports being bad, we receive very little specie;
and if my information is right, the currency now circulating,
does not exceed five shillings each person. Our
public tax this year is 7s. 6d. per poll, and there is
already laid on 8s. 10d. for the next; exclusive of
this, we have a duty on spirituous liquors of 6d. per
gallon, besides county, parish, & other internal taxes.
The people however, far from grumbling, knowing
these taxes to be necessary for the support of government,
would cheerfully pay them, if it was in their
power: it is not, and what will be the consequence, I
cannot tell: I am afraid there will be much confusion.
Persons of property will not accept the sheriff's office
in several counties, because if they do, they are obliged
to collect the taxes; individuals must consequently
suffer, for want of an executive officer to serve precepts
and make execution; This in a short time must put a
stop to all credit, and of course occasion a stagnation of
all Business.