January 1-December 31, 1781 59

[Rob^t Harrison, Dorchester County, to His Excellency
Tho^s Sim Lee]

Having for some years past held the Several Offices of Magistrate,
Col^l of Militia, and Commissioner of the Tax, which offices I have
endeavoured hitherto to discharge with the utmost degree of fidelity
tho with exceeding great inconvenience to my own private concerns ;
And whereas the late Assembly have greatly increased the business
of the Commissioners of the Tax, and my own Domestic affairs
requiring much more time and attention than heretofore; I find it
absolutely impossible for me (unless I cou'd afford to devote the
principal part of my time to the Public Service) to discharge the
several duties required of me by the public Commissions which I
now hold, with that punctuality that is necessary for the faithful

discharge of the trust reposed in me, Therefore I beg leave to resign
my Colonels Commission, that, being the only one in my power to
give up; for reasons too obvious to mention: And as I cou'd not
prevail on Lieut^l Hooper to receive it from me, I take the liberty to
inclose it to your Excellency, and beg leave to assure you, that I am
still Zealously disposed to promote the Public service as far as I am
able in the narrow sphere in which I move; (and much farther than
my present circumstances will admit of) when ever my services can
be rendered useful.

February 8

[Sam Huntington, President, Philadelphia, to Gov. Lee.]

Your Excellency will receive enclosed, two important resolves of
Congress of the 3^d & 7^th Instant recommending it to the several
States as indispensably necessary, that they vest a Power in Con-
gress to levy for the Use of the United States, a Duty of five per
cent, ad Valorem at the Time & Place of Importation, upon all
Goods, Wares & Merchandize of foreign Growth & Manufacture
which may be imported into any of the said States, from any foreign
Port, Island or Plantation after the first Day of May 1781, except
Arms &c as therein expressed. Also a like Duty on all Prizes &
Prize Goods.
The Monies arising from the said Duties to be appropriated to the
Discharge of the Principal & Interest of the Debts already con-
tracted or which may be contracted on the Faith of the United States,
for supporting the present War, and the Duties continued until the
said Debts are finally discharged
You will observe from the Tenor of the resolves that if any one
or more of the States immediately pass a Law vesting in Congress
the Powers requested, it cannot take Effect or operate to any Pur-
pose until all the States that are not prevented by the Events of the
War shall have passed similar Laws. That is, at present, all the
States except South Carolina & Georgia; and when all the other

February 8
Red Book
No. 8
Letter 48