Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 2
(1976)–Willem Bentinck–Rotterdam, 10 juli 1748I intended to have waited on you to-morrowGa naar voetnoot1), had not I been prevented by business, but as I have nothing material to say, I shall content myself with writing to you. My uncleGa naar voetnoot2) has had with him a jew, whom's father he knew to | |
[pagina 83]
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be a man of great knowledge in plans of finances and by several conversations my uncle has found out that this hebrew has profited greatly of his father's lessons. This man has a plan of a taxe upon houses, which would, by loading the people much less than former taxes, produce thirty millions and consequentely would empower the States to take off the other taxes, even some part of the verpondinghGa naar voetnoot3) if not the whole. I do not pretend to tell you that this man's scheme is perfect and indeed I know very little of the matter, but my uncle seems to be much taken with it and att least in a time of redress it would be good to hear such a man, as what he has to propose might chance to be usefull. It is from this opinion, that my uncle has given to mister Levi, the author of the planGa naar voetnoot4), a letter to mister KerseboomGa naar voetnoot5), who as examinator of the plans that are given in, seems to be the proper person and I write this to you from no other motive than being usefull to the scheme of redress which you so heartily espouse; and for fear Kerseboom by some prevention against the plan or person who gives it might sink it to the Prince. Levi, who will be at The Hague to-morrow or next day, has several other plans that might be usefull. You know, I suppose, that the town of Amsterdam has restored its town pagts, which in the main I think no bad thingGa naar voetnoot6). Give me leave to remind you, that most people look upon the affair of the places and postoffices as a tryal of power between the regents of Amsterdam and the PrinceGa naar voetnoot7). I hope to God that the Prince will carry his point; if I can be anyways usefull to you att Amsterdam, where I shall go on Friday morningGa naar voetnoot8), I shall be glad to have your commands, which directed to my house will allways come safe to my hands. |
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