John Adams to Cotton Tufts, June 12, 1789

New York June 12. 1789.

Dear Sir

The last Evenings Post favoured me with yours of the 6 th . 1

Many Gentlemen are in favour of a national Excise: and Some would
have the nation take upon itself all the State Debts. M r Morris particularly: but I cannot say what will be done.

My Burthens are not very heavy: but my health is not very good.— I
have been obliged to decide many questions on the Impost Bill, the Senate being equally
divided.— 2 I was obliged to reduce the
Duty on Molasses from four Cents, and to prevent that on Salt from being raised from 6
to 9.— My Vote on Molasses I Suppose will displease the Southern Gentlemen: but that on
Salt, ought to attone for it.— so the ballance is even.

Drawbacks on Exportation Seem to be necessary to Support infant
manufactures and Some branches of commerce not fully established.— But whenever the
Manufacture or the Trade will bear it, it Seems to be good Policy to make the foreign
consumer, pay the Duty. The Senate has rejected the Drawback on Rum; and reduced the
Duty on Molasses to 2 1/2 Cents. if the Rum trade will bear it, I shall be glad. if not,
it is ill Policy. My Friends the Dutch have the Art to make Foreigners pay two thirds of
the Duties to the State. 3 They Suffer no
Drawback when the trade will bear the Duty.

The Note inclosed in your Letter I burned as you desired as soon as
I had read it: but not untill it had made too deep an Impression on my heart as well as
Memory.— What Shall I do, with that tender hearted Fool?

When will M rs A. come on? I Suffer,
very much for Want of her assistance. 4

My Love to all our Connections / yours most Sincerely

John Adams.