The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution Volume XI Part 51

Philadelphia, June 2d, 1783.

Sir,

I have the honor to submit to Congress a letter from M. Dumas, with several papers relative to a negotiation, which appears to have been commenced by the States of Holland with our Ministers. As this subject may be very important in its consequences, it is to be presumed, that they would wish to have the direction of Congress. I would therefore take the liberty to suggest, that these papers be committed to a special committee.

As my stay in town will not admit of my executing the commission, which M. Van Berckel requires, I must pray Congress also to give some direction therein.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

ROBERT MORRIS,

SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCE.

During the first years of the Revolution the financial concerns of Congress were managed by a Committee, under the general supervision of that body. Disorder and confusion were the gradual results of such a system. It was at length resolved to put this Department into the hands of a responsible individual, and ROBERT MORRIS was unanimously chosen _Superintendent of Finance_, on the 20th of February, 1781.

Various reasons prevented his engaging in the duties of the office till the May following.

The high expectations of Congress, and of the country, were fully answered by the ability and success with which Mr Morris administered the affairs of this new Department. Funds were provided, and public credit restored. He remained in office till November 1st, 1784.

Nothing can afford a stronger proof of his zeal, a.s.siduity, and unwearied labor, than the correspondence which he has left respecting the transactions of his office. The letters here published are a selection only from the large ma.s.s, which has been preserved. They pertain chiefly to the foreign relations of the United States, either as effected by European loans, or by the agency of the internal resources of the country. In fact, all the financial operations of Congress were more or less connected with their Foreign Affairs since loans from abroad were necessary, and these could be produced only on the strength of public credit and the means of sustaining it at home.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

ROBERT MORRIS.

ORGANIZATION OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT.

In Congress, February 7th, 1781.

Congress resumed the consideration of the plan for the arrangement of the civil executive departments of the United States; and thereupon,

Resolved, That there be a Superintendent of Finance, a Secretary at War, and a Secretary of Marine;

That it shall be the duty of the Superintendent of Finance, to examine into the state of the public debts, the public expenditures, and the public revenue; to digest and report plans for improving and regulating the finances, and for establishing order and economy in the expenditure of the public money; to direct the execution of all plans, which shall be adopted by Congress respecting revenue and expenditure; to superintend and control the settlement of all public accounts; to direct and control all persons employed in procuring supplies for the public service, and in the expenditure of public money; to obtain accounts of all the issues of the specific supplies furnished by the several States; to compel the payment of all moneys due to the United States, and in his official character, or in such manner as the laws of the respective States shall direct, to prosecute in behalf of the United States, for all delinquencies respecting the public revenue and expenditures; to report to Congress the officers who shall be necessary for a.s.sisting him in the various branches of his Department.

_In Congress, February 20th._ Congress proceeded to the election of a Superintendent of Finance; and the ballots being taken, Robert Morris was unanimously elected.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, March 13th, 1781.

Sir,

I had the honor to receive your Excellency's letter of the 21st of last month, enclosing the Act of Congress of the 20th, whereby I am appointed, by a unanimous election of that honorable body, to the important office of SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCE. Perfectly sensible of the honor done me by this strong mark of confidence from the sovereign authority of the United States, I feel myself bound to make the acknowledgments due, by pursuing a conduct formed to answer the expectations of Congress, and promote the public welfare. Were my abilities equal to my desire of serving America, I should have given an immediate determination after this appointment was made; but conscious of my own deficiencies, time for consideration was absolutely necessary. Little, however of that time, which has elapsed have I been able to devote to this object, as the business before the Legislature of Pennsylvania wherein I have the honor of a seat, has demanded and continues to demand my constant attendance.

So far as the station of Superintendent of Finance, or indeed any other public station or office, applies to myself I should without the least hesitation have declined an acceptance; for after upwards of twenty years a.s.siduous application to business as a merchant, I find myself at that period when my mind, body, and inclination combine to seek for relaxation and ease. Providence had so far smiled on my endeavors as to enable me to prepare for the indulgence of these feelings, in such a manner as would be least injurious to the interest of my family. If, therefore, I accept this appointment, a sacrifice of that case, of much social and domestic enjoyment, and of every material interest, must be the inevitable consequence; and as my ambition was entirely gratified by my present situation and character in life, no motive of that kind can stimulate me to the acceptance.

Putting myself out of the question, the sole motive is the public good; and this motive I confess comes home to my feelings. The contest we are engaged in appeared to me, in the first instance, just and necessary; therefore, I took an active part in it. As it became _dangerous_, I thought it the more _glorious_, and was stimulated to the greatest exertions in my power, when the affairs of America were at the worst. Sensible of the want of arrangement in our monied affairs, the same considerations impel me to this undertaking, which I would embark in without hesitation, could I believe myself equal thereto; but fearing this may not be the case, it becomes indispensably necessary to make such stipulations, as may give ease to my feelings, aid my exertions, and tend to procure ample support to my conduct in office, so long as it is founded in and guided by a regard to the public prosperity.

In the first place then, I am to inform Congress, that the preparatory steps I had taken to procure to myself relaxation from business, with least injury to the interests of my family, were by engaging in certain commercial establishments with persons, in whom I had perfect confidence as to their integrity, honor, and abilities. These establishments I am bound in honor and by contracts to support to the extent agreed on. If, therefore, it be in the idea of Congress, that the office of Superintendent of Finance is incompatible with commercial concerns and connexions, the point is settled; for I cannot on any consideration consent to violate engagements or depart from those principles of honor, which it is my pride to be governed by. If, on the contrary, Congress have elected me to this office under the expectation, that my mercantile connexions and engagements were to continue, an express declaration of their sentiments should appear on the minutes, that no doubt may arise or reflections be cast on this score hereafter.

I also think it indispensably necessary, that the appointment of all persons who are to act in my office, under the same roof, or in immediate connexion with, should be made by myself; Congress first agreeing, that such secretaries, clerks, or officers, so to be appointed are necessary, and fixing the salaries for each. I conceive, that it will be impossible to execute the duties of this office with effect, unless the absolute power of dismissing from office or employment all persons whatever, that are concerned in the official expenditure of public moneys, be committed to the Superintendent of Finance. For unless this power can be exercised without control, I have little hopes of efficacy in the business of reformation, which is probably the most essential part of the duty.

These being the only positive stipulations that occur to me at this time, the determination of Congress thereon will enable me to determine whether to accept or decline the appointment. I must, however, observe that the act of Congress of the 7th of February, describing the duties of the Superintendent of Finance, requires the execution of many things, for which adequate powers are not provided, and it cannot be expected, that your officer can in such case be responsible. These however may be the subjects of future discussions.

With sentiments of the highest respect, for you and Congress, I have the honor to subscribe myself, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant.

ROBERT MORRIS.[30]

FOOTNOTES:

[30] During the whole period in which Mr Morris held the office of Superintendent of Finance, he kept a _Diary_, in which he entered daily the princ.i.p.al transactions of his department. The following is an extract from the Diary.

"On the 21st of February I received a letter from the President of Congress, enclosing the resolves of the 20th, whereby I was unanimously elected the Superintendent of Finance of the United States. This appointment was unsought, unsolicited, and dangerous to accept, as it was evidently contrary to my private interest, and if accepted must deprive me of those enjoyments, social and domestic, which my time of life required, and to which my circ.u.mstances ent.i.tled me; and a vigorous execution of the duties must inevitably expose me to the resentment of disappointed and designing men, and to the calumny and detraction of the envious and malicious. I was therefore determined not to engage in so arduous an undertaking. But the solicitations of my friends, acquaintance, and fellow citizens, a full conviction of the necessity, that some person should commence the work of reformation in our public affairs, by an attempt to introduce system and economy, and the persuasion, that a refusal on my part, would probably deter others from attempting this work, so absolutely necessary to the safety of our country; these considerations, after much reflection and consultation with friends, induced me to write a letter to the President of Congress, dated the 13th of March, 1781."

PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS.

_March 20th._ A letter of the 13th instant from Robert Morris was taken into consideration, and it was

_Resolved_, that the United States in Congress a.s.sembled do not require him to dissolve the commercial connexions referred to in the said letter.