You will readily perceive, my dear sir, from what
has been said, that I place no confidence whatever,
in the power of any company, incorporated on the
basis of private credit, to rescue us from the criminal
act of permitting the British to sever from the body
of our commerce what may be truly called its right
arm. I conceive that the stream of our western
trade can only be forced into the Hudson by the
mighty power of our legislature. It is, therefore,
my clear opinion, that it will be the true policy of
our company to lay the axe to the root of the evil,
by going to the legislature with a frank and manly
memorial, representing the immense value of our
western trade—the measures which the British ap-
pear to be contemplating to monopolize it—the high
importance of defeating those measures—the utter
impracticability of effecting this great object, by the
efforts of any incorporated companies, relying on the
funds and credit of individuals—and praying the
legislature to put in requisition its vast resources,
and by exerting them, to save the state from the dis-
honour and the mischiefs it will incur, by sitting
with folded arms, and seeing the dismemberment of
its commerce.

I have it in purpose immediately to begin draw-
ing a memorial to the legislature, corresponding with
the sentiments herein expressed, and to put it into
general circulation for signatures.

With the most unfeigned regard,
I am, my dear sir,
Your humble servant, ROBERT TROUP.
To THOMAS EDDY.

P.S. I have read this letter to a number of respect-
able gentlemen in this village, as well merchants as
others, and they highly approve of its sentiments.
R. T.