Robert Carter writes to an unidentified Virginian in England, July 2, 1723, informing the man that others will send him the details of how Peter Leheup was chosen to be the colony's solicitor rather than his correspondent. Carter praises the new governor, Hugh Drysdale, and reports on two bills recently passed by the Assembly that Drysdale is allowing to be forwarded to England for approval even though some in Virginia have criticized him for exceeding his instructions. One sets a tax, to be paid by the purchaser, on the purchase of newly-imported slaves. The second limits the production of tobacco to 6,000 plants per planter. Carter attempts to persuade his correspondent to use his influence to have the government allow the laws to stand, and offers arguments in support of the laws. He summarizes other actions of the Assembly including John Holloway's election as treasurer.

     It would be lost pains for me to Enter Into the Detail
how Mr Lehupe came into the good Graces of the Government here
for his Nomination to the Solicitors place others I know are before
hand with me in the history of that Matter, therefore I shall
Wave It, Your Temper I doubt not is too Great to be powered by
such a Small Disappointment or to decline the Service of Your
Country whenever You have an Opportunity, Our governor
has hitherto, Entirely answerd the Character he brought with him
Of a Mild Temperate & Courteous [illegible] disposition, We have had the
trial of him in a General Court & in a Assembly. I send You
copies of the Speeches that have passed between him the Council
and the Burgesses, You must Excuse the incorrectness of a Young Clerk You will not think It strange that there
Are Some folks will be finding fault, let his Administration
be what It will, but I think It may be truly Said for the
generality of the Country they think themselves very happy
in him, he has passed two Laws, that Some folks very much
Condemn as a breach of his Instructns but in the doing It has
Very much enhanced his Value with the Generally of the Peo
=ple, One of these Laws lays an Imposition on Liquors and
Slaves, The other lays a Stint upon the planting of Tobacco
to Six thousand per head, they are not to take place till
April next, that the Kings pleasure be known whether he'll
be graciously pleased to allow them a being. The first is but
the constant Law that the country has had made their refuge to raise Money by
when they were out of Cash, & though there is but 40 Shillings laid
upon Slaves, & the Same Law now Subsisting in our Neigh
=bouring Province of Maryland, Yet it is Vauntingly
Said, there's no doubt but the African company will break
the Neck of this Law which if they do, It will be very difficult
for Us to find a way, I am Sure that we can't find any
so easy to raise a penny of Money let the Exegancy of the Country be never
so desperate & yet after all It may be Justly said, the Tax is
Entirely laid upon the Country & not upon the Importer for
Constant Experience has shown Us, that the commodities
Always rise in proportion to the duties & rather more.

     The other Law is indeed of a very Extraordinary
Nature, & nothing but the Calamitous circumstances our