My dear Sir [Gorham] Boston Jan^y 21^st 1790 We understand here that M^r Hamiltons report on finance was to be made on Thurs day last — various are the conjectures on the nature of it many suppose that a proposal for the assumption of the State debts will make a part of it — The Antis generally and some Federalists who are under appre hensions for the support of the State Governments will be opposed to the assumption and the former have very generally circulated an idea that the People will be subjected to a very heavy and perpetual Land tax in conse quence of it — this is a most powerful Engine with which to work and will if the consent of the States is necessary totally defeat the measure — I would therefore suggest to you — whether the plan may not be so constructed as to remove the fears of the People on that head — they will not be averse I believe to give up all other [undecipherable] — do suggest the business in such manner as you know very well how to do — I have been [undecipherable] [55 24 p. 335-1040]