“General Smith’s Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States,” circa 26 January–7 February 1844, Thomas Bullock Copy
Source Note
JS, “General Smith’s Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States,” , Hancock Co., IL, ca. 26 Jan.–7 Feb. 1844. Version copied ca. 7 Feb. 1844; handwriting of with insertions in handwriting of ; dockets in handwriting of and unidentified scribe; seventeen pages; JS Collection, CHL.
or Marine runs away, send him his wages, with the this instruction that hiswillnevertrusthimagain; Hehasforfeitedhis Honor. Make honor the Standard with all men: be sure that good is rendered for evil in all cases: and the whole nation like a kingdom of kings and priests, will rise up in righteousness: and be respected as wise and worthy on earth: and as just and holy for heaven, by Jehovah the author of perfection. More economy in the national and State governments, would make less taxes among the people: more equality through the cities, towns and , would make less distinction among the people; and more honesty and familiarity in Societies, would make less hypocrisy, and flattery in all branches of community; and open, frank, candid, decorum to all men, in this boasted land of liberty, would beget esteem, confidence, union and love; and the neighbor, from any State, or from any Country, of whatever color, clime, or tongue, could rejoice, when he put his foot on the sacred soil of freecom, and exclaim: the very name of “American” is fraught with friendship! Oh! then, create confidence! restore freedom! Break down slavery! banish imprisonment for debt, and be in love, fellowship and peace with all the world! Remember that honesty is not subject to law: the law was made for transgressors: wherefore a Dutchman might exclaim: Ein ehrlicher name ist beffer als Reichthum. (a good name is better than riches.)
For the accommodation of the people in every state and territory, let Congress shew their wisdom by granting a national bank, with branches in each state and territory: where the Capital Stock shall be held by the for the Mother Bank: and by the states and territories, for the branches: and whose officers and directors shall be elected yearly by the people with wages at the rate of two dollars per day for services: which several banks shall never issue any more bills than the amount of Capital Stock in her vaults and the interest. The nett gain of the Mother Bank shall be applied to the national revenue, and that of the branches to the States and Territories’ revenues. And the bills shall be par throughout the , which will mercifully cure that fatal disorder known in cities, as brokerage; and leave the people’s money in their [p. 15]