I presume you have been before this informed, that all the States except Rhode Island, have acceded to the impost law. A committee of Congress lately appointed on this subject, did me the honor to request my attendance, with that of your Delegates, to hear the objections from them, and know from me the circumstances attending the requisition. After a long conversation the committee were about to confer on a report, which, at my request they were pleased to suspend, that I might have the last opportunity of praying your attention to the subject. And I was induced to make that request, as well for the avoiding those disagreeable discussions, which cannot exist between the Union and an individual State without inducing pernicious consequences, as because it appeared to me, that the reasons urged against passing the impost are not conclusive, as some have thought them to be. Mr Howell was so kind as to promise, that he would state his objections in writing. This he has done, and a copy of them is enclosed. They are, 1st. That the impost would draw a disproportionate supply from either merchant or consumer. 2dly. That Rhode Island imports and consumes more of foreign articles in proportion, than any other State. 3dly. That, from her maritime situation she is exposed to great losses. 4thly. That the exclusive benefit of the impost should be carried to account of the State. 5thly. That the impost will raise prices, and therefore manufactures brought from the neighboring States will draw a revenue from Rhode Island. 6thly. That duties imposed by the neighboring States may compel Rhode Island to subsist by foreign articles. 7thly. That many men will be employed in the collection. 8thly. That it would be evaded by smuggling; and, 9thly. That the collection may be objectionable. To each of these I will reply in their order.