Besides, we had a large debt, contracted at home and abroad in our War of Independence; therefore the great power of taxation was conferred upon this Government.

In this quote, Robert Toombs addresses the financial challenges faced by the newly-formed United States after the War of Independence. He explains that the country had incurred a large debt, both from domestic and foreign sources, during the conflict with Great Britain. Toombs emphasizes that in order to manage and repay this debt, the power of taxation was granted to the federal government, ensuring it had the means to generate revenue to stabilize the economy and fund its obligations.

Toombs highlights the importance of taxation as a fundamental tool for the government to maintain financial stability. By granting the new government the authority to collect taxes, the framers of the Constitution sought to ensure that the United States would have the resources needed to secure its independence and fulfill its financial responsibilities. This power was essential for the federal government to operate effectively and support national interests after the costly war for independence.

The origin of this quote comes from Robert Toombs, a prominent figure in American politics during the 19th century. Toombs served as a U.S. Congressman and Senator from Georgia and was a strong advocate for the Confederacy during the Civil War. His statement reflects the financial and political realities of the early years of the United States, as the government worked to establish its authority and manage the challenges of nation-building.

In this context, Toombs' words reflect the practical necessity of taxation in maintaining a functional and secure government. His focus on the War of Independence debt underscores the financial burdens the young nation faced and the importance of federal powers in ensuring the survival and prosperity of the United States. The quote speaks to the balance between governmental authority and fiscal responsibility in the early republic.