A. A very great force, I can't say what, if the disposition of America is for a general resistance
Q. What is the number of men in America able to bear arms, or of disciplined militia?
A. There are I suppose, at least....
[Question objected to. He withdrew. Called in again.]
Q. Is the American stamp-act an equal tax on the country?
A. I think not.
Q. Why so?
A. The greatest part of the money must arise from lawsuits for the recovery of debts, and be paid by the lower sort of people, who were too poor easily to pay their debts. It is, therefore, a heavy tax on the poor, and a tax upon them for being poor.
Q. But will not this increase of expense be a means Of lessening the number of lawsuits?
A. I think not; for as the costs all fall upon the debtor, and are to be paid by him, they would be no discouragement to the creditor to bring his action.