Letter from John Smyth

v4:1601

"Perth-Amboy, February, 26, 1776.

"SIR: Mr˙ Stevens, according to my request, has been so good as to come down to this place, to whom I communicated the letter sent to me by the Congress, relative to the removal of the Treasury, as I did to my other securities some time before.

"I find that they are willing to continue security for me, considering the difficulty of the times, provided the Chest is removed to a place where the Office may be executed in the usual manner. I would, therefore, propose, that, as I am not now able, and little prospect of being so, in less than six weeks, to attend the Chest, it be removed to Mr˙ Stevens' s, who will receive the taxes that are still to be paid in, and the County Collectors may be desired to attend at his house for that purpose. In which case no one will or can have recourse to the Chest, but those who have already entered into engagements, and are by law accountable to the publick, for the due performance of my office, which cannot in justice or reason be expected of me or them, without the Chest is suffered to remain in my or their possession.

"As this proposal fully comprehends the declared intention of the Congress in removing the Chest, I cannot doubt its proving fully agreeable and satisfactory to them.

"Whenever I am able to attend the duty of the office abroad, the Chest may then be removed to any other place,

v4:1602

"Mr˙ Stevens goes home by way of Brunswick, to whom I beg you will please to give your answer, who will forward it to me.

"I am your most humble servant,
"JOHN SMYTH.

"To Samuel Tucker, Esquire."