The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1869-08-24

The following ancient letter from the
Hon. Peter Sally, member Of Congress
from tbe northern District Of New York,
70 the late Hon. Isaac Kellogg, of Ticon-
deroga, n. Y, may interest some, as it
shows very clearly the financial condition
of the country at that time, and exhibits
in broad light the issues of the day to
have been very similar to those Of the
present time, and that the country is not
now more in debt considering its vastly in
creased resources than it was then. We
print from the original in the hand writ
ing of the writer who was Frenchman
by birth, but had warmly cspoused our
cause in the darkest days of our revolu-
ton. and had fought to achieve our indie
pcndence.
WASHINGTON DEC. 22nd. 1906.
DEAR SIR; The prospect Ola AMIGA.
bic settlement ofour differences with Great
Britain being favorable, and the ncgotia.
ton having been retarded by the sickness
and death of Mr.. Fox, Congress ha'
thought it proper to give Great Britain
another proof of their spirit Of 'concilia
ton in suspcnding, until the first da!
Of July next, the operation Of the Law
prohibitingthe importation ofcertain good
wares and merchandise from the thu
British Dominions.
Our misunderstanding with Spain arr
not settled; the negotiations Is still pend
inc in the meantime the Spanish troop
who threatened one of our western fort
in Louisiana, have reiterated beyond tn
Sabine river, which is the temporary lin
assumed by our government, betwcc
Louisiana and the Spanish territory.
Much is said respecting Mr.. Burr, bu
very little is known Of his real projects
it is however certain that his agents hay
purchased large quantities Of provisions
and that boats have been built on tn
Ohio sufficient to transport upwards
from the western States and Tcrritori
have offered their services to the Pres
dent. They will be organized. uniforme
and armed to be ready to march at fir
notice.
Fertilization, at the mouth of the Mi
Slsslppy' and at other places, principal
at New York will be erected or repaire,
Our situation in respect of Finance
stand thus:
Our Revenue for 1906 amounts t
about 10 million of dollars. We paid a
account Of the principal of the publ
debt since the LIST day of April $50
s2i,O44,792. There has been paid be
sides to Great Britain in pursuance ofth
9TH article Of the treaty Of 1874 S2.664.
600, and to the holders of bills drawn b,
theministcr Of the United States at Pari:,
on account of the American claims. rs
suned by the convention with France
at the time OF the purchase of Louisiana
o,o3o'oOe, amounting to $50. 7jS. 1872
Exclusive of the interest on the whole of
the public debt amounting within the
time above mentioned to about S25, 900.
800, u sum of nearly 80 millions of dol.
lars has, therefore, been paid in less than
SIX years, under the present administra.
ton for the interest and towards the prin.
epal of the public debt. | ought not to
omit to inform You that there is upwards
ct four million Of dollars remaining in
the Treasury not engaged by any particu-
lar appropriation.
so great and singular prosperity can
only be checked by war. But, although
our political horizon is not free from
Clouds the present appearances Of things
do not forbid the hope Of contnuance
OF peace on honorable and profitable
terms
You know that the Republicans in Con-
gress were threatened with IA schism ON
account ofthe attacks of Mr.. John Ran
dolph on the administrations is all blown
Oft Mr.. Randolph aims AT regainng the
confidence Of his former political par
ty By a different conduct
As ] deem some parts Of this letter Of
Importance ii is through you that wish
ats contents may be communicated 10 Your
nelghbor> and cur friends.
am dear sir, with true esteem
Your humble ohedent Servt..
PETER SALLY.
Isaac Kellogg, Esq.