[262] In the spring of 1786, the State had asked the loan from Congress of sixty pieces of field artillery. The application was refused, by the negative vote of six States out of eight, one being divided, and the delegation from Massachusetts alone supporting it. Journals, XI. 65-67. April 19, 1786. [263] Journals, XI. 258. October 30, 1786. [264] It was well understood, for instance, in the legislature of Virginia, that this was the real purpose; for Mr. Madison says that this consideration inspired the ardor with which they voted, towards their quota of the funds called for to defray the expenses of this levy, a tax on tobacco, which would scarcely have been granted for any other purpose, as its operation was very unequal. Elliot's Debates, V. 95. February 19, 1787. [265] Ibid. [266] Ibid. 127. [267] This was the estimate of their numbers formed by General Knox, on careful inquiry, and by him given to General Washington. See a letter from General Washington to Mr. Madison. Works, IX. 207. [268] Washington, writing to Henry Lee in Congress, October 31, 1786, says: "You talk, my good sir, of employing influence to appease the present tumults in Massachusetts. I know not where that influence is to be found, or, if attainable, that it would be a proper remedy for the disorders. _Influence_ is not _government_. Let us have a government by which our lives, liberties, and properties will be secured, or let us know the worst at once." Works, IX. 204. [269] Ibid. 208. [270] Ibid. 221. CHAPTER IV. ORIGIN AND NECESSITY OF THE POWER TO REGULATE COMMERCE.