I am disposed to request your Lordship will permit me, after the expiration of the present Secures in November next, to remit the duty of one and a half per cent, heretofore and at present levied, on the amount of Auction Sales, under the provisions of Clause IX of the Ordinance, and to substitute in lieu of it a heavier payment, say 100 or 150 Dollars for the Licenses, which I am entitled to demand under the provisions of Clause VII of the same Ordinance, as on further enquiry may appear most advisable.
I think it proper, My Lord, to state explicitly, that I fear that the adoption of my proposal will cause a small deficit in the Revenue, and that I am not unaware that our Disbursements exceed our Revenues very considerably. Still I am satisfied that the only Revenue of any importance that can be expected to be derived from Colonising, must principally depend on the number of its Inhabitants, and I therefore think that it may be considered reasonable and expedient to try what effect the abolition of taxation may have in inducing an influx of Inhabitants.
I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, Your Lordship's Most Obedient, Humble Servant,