Nathaniel Chipman to Alexander Hamilton, September 6, 1788

Newfane, [Vermont], Sept. 6th. 1788

Sir

I have received by Capt. Ville 1 your favour of the 22d of July. Since I wrote you I have had an opportunity of conversing with his Excellency the governor 2 and most of the council on the Subject of Vermonts accession to the confederacy. They generally agree that the terms suggested 3 are good; that it will be highly the interest of Vermont to accede, and that the present is likely to be a favorable crisis, but it is a question whether we ought to make any propositions to the present Congress, or prepare matters and wait the new arrangement. Vermont will not make a point of introducing any amendments; we shall not be the first to feel the inconveniences, if any should arise, from the exercise of the new federal powers. For myself, I readily conceive that direct taxation under the new System will be very inconsiderable during the continuance of peace; yet I find an exemption from the expences of the late war will have, with the Citizens of this State a very powerful effect in producing unanimity on the Subject of a union.

⟨– – – – –⟩ will not ⟨– – – – –⟩ State; but I hope this matter will in some way be compromised. If Sir you have any thing to Suggest on this Subject that may promote the public good, I should be very happy in the communication previous to the Session of assembly in October next. The choice of representatives, which was on Tuesday last, has, as far as I have heard, succeeded favorably.

Mr. Kelly 4 who is so obliging as to take the charge of this letter, will be able to give you a more particular account than can be done in this way as he has conversed Largely with the governor Council and other persons of influence with whom he has great weight.

I am Sir with much esteem and respect your most obedt. sert.

Nathl Chipman

A Hamilton Esqr.