Our last assessment was ordered in June last, and completed on the 1st day of September last.
Rates of taxation $7 75 per $1000.
Amount of tax raised $450,000.
Respectfully yours,
Joseph Martin,
Chairman of the Board of Assessors.
Herald Office,
Norfolk. Va., 28th April, 1857.
H. R. Helper, Esq.,
New-York,
Dear Sir:—
The value of all the real estate, as re-assessed about two months ago, is set down, say, in round numbers, at five and a half millions. The actual value would bring it somewhat above that mark. The assessment of the personal property will be completed in three or four weeks hence; but its exact value cannot be arrived at from the fact that a large portion of this description of property—including slaves—is taxed specifically without regard to its value. It is estimated by the assessors, however, that the personal exceeds the real estate, and may be safely set down at six and a half millions.
There has been no census taken since 1850. The State authorities assume the population to be 16,000, but I am informed by the assessors that 17,000 is a fairer estimate.
Hoping that the information given may answer the purpose for which you require it, I am,
Respectfully yours,
R. G. Broughton.