New Bern, 25th Nov., 1785.
Dear Sir:
Your friend and late partner arrived yesterday afternoon, happy that I was his harbinger; otherwise he would have found it extremely difficult to get a bed to lie on. The town, as well as the two houses, is remarkably full. Your friend Martin & Spaight are the speakers, the former of the Senate. He asked kindly for you and yours.
Not a word have I heard of Tories or Toryism. If there is anything hatching, it must be very secret. I believe however that the Assembly will think they have something of more importance to consider. A. Moore told me the other day that Genl. Rutherford was coming down to take me by the hand; a circumstance not displeasing, considering his influence. I shall certainly meet him half
way in his advances. He arrived yesterday though I have not seen him, owing to a race which suspended all business.As might have been expected there are many who are for more paper money; but it is a peculiar satisfaction to find that many are against it, among which are all the sensible and disinterested men. J. Gray Blount who I suspect wishes for it, seems to think it will not go down, and I am sure he is well informed. What we heard from Virginia is all a fable. A gentleman arrived yesterday, who says when he left Richmond, the Senate was not formed, and the other House had not sat but a very few days. It was the general opinion that there would be no emission.
A reform of the courts will be the grand and difficult part of the business. There are many schemes proposed, but I suppose we shall not know what plan the committee (to whom that business is referred) will adopt, before Monday next. If I find I can be instrumental in bringing this business to a happy issue, I shall not be at Wilmington court; but this you need not mention publicly. I know what I shall suffer by my absence; but I also know that I may give up all business, if it should continue to be conducted as it has been for some time past. Your brother is doubtful whether he shall visit Cape Fear, and if he does, it is not with an expectation of business.
We have from Congress a pamphlet which may be called the book of rates for the three free ports in France. I believe it may be had in New York and it contains all the duties and expences of vessels, &c., at each of them. If merchants would agree to take a certain number of copies it would readily be reprinted here; for there are two rival presses. Let me know whether the traders at Wilmington will encourage an edition of our own.
I am quite well, and I hear all is well with you.