henceforward increase both in regularity and amount. I do not, therefore, conceive that I estimate it too high, in giving two millions and a half as the probable gross receipt, in the year 1828.
I likewise think that the full half contingent, or 1,573,756 dollars, may be reckoned upon during the same period; and I am of opinion that, from the increasing home consumption of the country, the produce of the custom-houses will not fall short of the eight millions of dollars, at which Mr. Esteva estimates them, in his report for 1827.
Upon this supposition, I shall hazard a calculation of the probable revenue of Mexico in 1828; taking the gross receipts of the ten months ending the 1st of July, 1826, as the basis, with allowances for such moderate increase, as I conceive the general aspect of affairs to warrant; but omitting all the items included in the official returns of receipts for 1826, which originate in eventual or accidental causes, and are not included, by the law of the 4th of August, amongst the ordinary revenues of the Federation.
