The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution Volume XI Part 63

Sir,

I do myself the honor to enclose the plan of a National Bank, which I laid before the United States in Congress a.s.sembled on the 17th day of May last, and which was adopted by them on the 26th. I have now the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that an election for Directors will be held in this city on the 1st day of November next.

It is important that the execution of this plan be facilitated as much as possible, and particularly that of it which relates to the currency of the bank notes. The inhabitants of the United States already suffer from the want of a circulating medium. Of consequence the taxes must soon press heavily on the people. My feelings conspire with my duty in prompting me to alleviate those burdens. Therefore I pray the speedy attention of your Legislature to that resolution, by which the notes are to be receivable in payment of all taxes, duties, or debts due, or that may become due or payable to the United States.

I do not doubt either the credit or currency of bank notes, but I wish to render them equally useful to America in the individual as well as collective capacity, and to supply the necessities of the husbandman as well as the merchant. I shall not at present mention the other articles to be attended to; nor will I adduce any arguments in favor of my present proposition, as it is evidently calculated for the ease and benefit of the people you preside over. I hope, however, that your Legislature will not only pa.s.s the proper laws to make bank notes receivable in the manner mentioned in the resolution, but that it will be done soon.

With all possible respect, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.[43]

FOOTNOTES:

[43] _September 5th._ The Commander in Chief having repeatedly urged, both by letter and in conversation, the necessity of advancing a month's pay to the detachment of troops marching to the southward, under the command of Major General Lincoln, and my funds and resources being at this time totally inadequate to make that advance, and at the same time answer the various demands that are indispensable, I made application to the Count de Rochambeau for a loan of twenty thousand hard dollars, for such time as his military chest could, without inconvenience, spare that sum, promising repayment at the time he should name.

I was desired to meet the Count at the Chevalier de la Luzerne's house, which I did on Wednesday the 5th instant, where I met the said Minister, Count de Rochambeau, and General Chastellux. They informed me of their strong desire to comply with my request, but that their treasury was at present not well filled, considering the daily drains upon it, and that although they had money arrived at Boston, it would require six or eight weeks to get it from thence, that although they expected money by the fleet of Count de Gra.s.se, yet it was not then arrived, and of course that supply was less certain than the other; that the Intendant and the Treasurer were set out for the head of the Elk, and their consent was necessary however, they concluded this subject with requesting that I should ride down to Chester, where we should overtake those gentlemen, and if it were possible on consideration of all circ.u.mstances they would supply the money required.

General Washington was extremely desirous, that the troops should receive their month's pay, as great symptoms of discontent had appeared on their pa.s.sing through this city without it. This affair being considered of great importance, I desired Mr Gouverneur Morris, my a.s.sistant, to accompany me, on account of his speaking fluently the French language. We set out at three o'clock for Chester, and on the road met an express from General Washington, who left us in the morning to join his troops at the head of the Elk, with the agreeable news of the safe arrival of Count de Gra.s.se and his fleet in the Chesapeake. This news I received with infinite satisfaction on every account, and among the rest one reason was the facility it would give the French treasury in complying with my views, and this I found was actually the case, as Count de Rochambeau very readily agreed at Chester to supply at the head of the Elk twenty thousand hard dollars, to such person as I should appoint to receive them. I engaged to replace the same sum in their treasury by the 1st day of October next.

On Thursday forenoon I returned to this city about twelve o'clock having been impeded in my journey by meeting the last division of the French army, their artillery, and baggage on the road. On my return I immediately despatched Mr Philip Audibert, Deputy Paymaster General, to the head of the Elk, with orders to receive the money, pay the troops, &c. agreeably to instructions given him in writing. In the conferences with Count de Rochambeau and General Chastellux, they asked whether, if upon any occasion their treasury should stand in need of temporary aids, I thought they could procure loans in this city. I answered, that money is very scarce, that the people who have property generally keep it employed, and that no certain dependence can be placed on any given sums, but that I knew the people to be very generally disposed to a.s.sist our generous allies, and should such occasions offer, I was certain they would exert themselves; and as to my own part they might on every occasion command my utmost services, a.s.sistance, and exertions, both as a public officer, and as an individual. I mentioned to them again the affair of exchange, showing that they had reduced the price below what it had been raised to by my measures, and requested that in future when they expected to raise money by bills, they should in good time previously lodge them with the Minister, and that on his giving me timely notice, I would cause the most advantageous sale to be made of them, and deliver him the money without any other charge or deduction, than the expense of the brokerage.

I observed, that this mode of proceeding was now became essentially necessary, as there is no general market for bills of exchange to the southward, but that Philadelphia, in that respect, is as Boston to the eastern States. They answered, that they expected to procure their supplies with money, without occasion to draw bills, but if it happened otherwise they would pursue my advice. In regard to the articles of provisions, forage, wood, transportation, &c. necessary for their army, and which, when at camp, I had offered to procure for them on the same terms as for the continental army, by contract, I proposed to postpone that matter, as it might be best to continue their present method of supplies during the active scenes they are likely to be engaged in, as their Agents have given satisfaction, and are acquainted in the country where they are going, and that I could advertise for proposals to supply them the ensuing winter, and lay before them such offers or proposals as I should receive. This appeared very satisfactory, and here that subject rests for the present. _Diary._

TO THE COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.

Office of Finance, September 6th, 1781.

Sir,

In consequence of the conversation I had the honor to hold with your Excellency yesterday, and your promise to supply the United States with the sum of twenty thousand dollars, for an immediate purpose, to be replaced on the 1st day of October next, I have directed Mr Philip Audibert, the bearer of this letter, to wait upon you. I shall be much obliged to your Excellency if you will be pleased to direct, that the above sum be paid to Mr Audibert, and that duplicate receipts be taken of him, one of which I pray may be transmitted to me. I will take care that the money be replaced at the time agreed upon. With every wish for the most brilliant success to the allied arms, and for your own personal glory, I am, very respectfully, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Chester, September 6th, 1781.

Dear General,

Permit me most sincerely to congratulate you on the arrival of the French fleet, and to express my warmest wishes for the success of your future operations.

As soon as I arrive at Philadelphia, I shall give directions for the Deputy Paymaster to repair to the head of the Elk, and make the payment of a month's pay in specie to the detachment under the command of General Lincoln. I wish the States had enabled me to do more, but it is to be lamented, that the supineness of the several Legislatures still leaves the servants of the public to struggle with unmerited distresses.

It shall, however, be a part of my business to rouse them into exertion, and I hope soon to see the army better paid than heretofore, and I confide, that your Excellency will, with every other public officer, exert your influence to aid me in this necessary task.

With the greatest respect, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Head of the Elk, September 6th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

Every day discovers to me the increasing necessity of some money for the troops. I hope by this time you are provided to give a month's pay. I find it of the last importance to hasten forward myself to join the Marquis de Lafayette as soon as possible. I may leave this in a few hours; I cannot do it, however, without entreating you in the warmest terms to send on a month's pay at least, with all the expedition possible. I wish it to come on the wings of speed.

I am, Dear Sir, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Head of the Elk, September 7th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

I have received your two favors of yesterday. I find myself so pressed by circ.u.mstances, that it will be impossible for me to stay at this place till the payment of the money committed to Mr Audibert can be effected. I must leave the head of the Elk this afternoon or early tomorrow morning. I shall however leave instructions with General Lincoln to do all that is necessary on the occasion.

The sum of twenty thousand dollars will fall much short of the sum necessary.

The five hundred guineas on my own account I have received.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Office of Finance, September 10th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

The sole intent of this is to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 7th instant; that which related to the month's pay you would see was answered by the steps previously taken, but I am a good deal disappointed and put to inconvenience by the money at the Elk falling short of the object, which obliges me to send money thither that was absolutely necessary to fulfil my engagements here. I must struggle through these difficulties, but the doing so requires that attention and time, which ought to be bestowed upon greater objects.

The letter respecting the criminal was too late, the poor fellow was gone. I am sorry for it, and remain your Excellency's most obedient, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.[44]