Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Burke to Richard Caswell
Burke, Thomas, ca. 1747-1783
September 02, 1777
Volume 11, Pages 604-605

DR. THOS. BURKE TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Philadelphia, Septr. 2d, 1777.

Dr Sir:—

The inclosed paper will give you all the public intelligence since my last. The complexion of affairs is not yet become so determined that I can set off for home; but I am in daily expectations of some events which may determine my resolutions to that purpose. Our finances have long engaged our attention in Congress, but we have not yet come to any conclusive Resolutions thereon. The subject is of the greatest impartance, and truly too great for our talents. One thing every one seems clear in, that Taxation in a very liberal degree must take place. This, Sir, is so necessary that it must at all events be attempted every where. The quantity of money in circulation, and its consequent depreciation, and the accumulating debt of the public makes it inevitably necessary. I fear the system

-------------------- page 605 --------------------
under consideration will not be so far matured before my departure that I can carry it with me, or know how to apply my endeavours at home towards the perfection of it. I shall however make myself as much master as possible of the prevailing opinions thereon. You will find by the intelligence that our affairs every where bear a promising aspect. I have the most sanguine hopes that this campaign will give a severe blow to the British arms; and I even look forward to an end of the war, much sooner than has hitherto appeared probable. I have, Sir, troubled you too long in this letter, and shall only add that, I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & regard your very obed't hum. S't.,

THOS. BURKE.