Chapter 3

To the President of Congress. Office of Foreign Affairs, April 10th, 1783, 327

Communicating the preceding letters.--Doubts as to the time of the cessation of hostilities.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 10th, 1783, 328

Encloses a draft of a Proclamation for the suspension of hostilities.

To Gen. Greene. Philadelphia, April 12th, 1783, 329

Communicating the Proclamation of the suspension of hostilities.

To Sir Guy Carleton. Philadelphia, April 12th, 1783, 330

Cessation of hostilities.

To Rear Admiral Digby. Philadelphia, April 12th, 1783, 332

Recall of American cruisers.--Captures made subsequent to the 3d of March on the American coast.

To George Washington. Philadelphia, April 12th, 1783, 333

Congratulations on the peace.--No time fixed for the evacuation of New York.

Circular to the Governors of the States. Philadelphia, April 12th, 1783, 334

Congratulations on the peace.

Sir Guy Carleton to Robert R. Livingston. New York, April 14th, 1783, 335

Requests the appointment of an agent of Congress to superintend the embarkations on the evacuation of New York.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, April 21st, 1783, 335

Inexpediency of advancing the sums required by Mr Dana, in case of a treaty with Russia.

George Washington to Robert R. Livingston. Head Quarters, April 22d, 1783, 336

Liberation of prisoners.

George Washington to Robert R. Livingston. Head Quarters, May 13th, 1783, 337

Indecisive interview with Sir Guy Carleton.--Disinclined to give up Long Island.

To the Chairman of a Committee of Congress. Philadelphia, May 19th, 1783, 338

Desires to retire from his office.--His expenses have exceeded the salary.

To Joseph Nourse. Philadelphia, May 26th, 1783, 340

Account of the moneys received from Holland, France, and Spain.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June 2d, 1783, 342

Transmitting a letter from M. Dumas.

ROBERT MORRIS'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Organization of the Finance Department. In Congress, February 7th, 1781, 347

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, March 13th, 1781, 348

Objections to accepting the office of Superintendent of Finance.--Conditions on which he will enter the post.

Proceedings in Congress, 352

Resolutions empowering Mr Morris to appoint his own assistants.

To a Committee of Congress. Date uncertain, 353

Powers necessary for conducting the affairs of his department.--Officers that must be subject to his control.

Proceedings in Congress, 358

Relative to the appointment and removal of officers by the Superintendent of Finance.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 14th, 1781, 360

Causes which will delay his entering on the duties of his office.--Requests that all past transactions may be adjusted, and that all debts remaining due may be funded.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 17th, 1781, 364

Enclosing a plan for a National Bank.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, May 23d, 1781, 364

Requests to be authorised to import specie at the risk of Congress.

To Alexander Hamilton. Philadelphia, May 26th, 1781, 365

Reasons for the small capital of the bank.

To Major General Philip Schuyler. Philadelphia, May 29th, 1781, 367

Requesting him to purchase flour.--Pledges himself in his public and private capacity to advance the money for the same.

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June 4th, 1781, 370

The money granted by France has not been placed to his order.

To B. Franklin. Philadelphia, June 8th, 1781, 370

The grant of France having been committed to his disposition, he has made Le Couteulx & Co. his bankers.

To Messrs Le Couteulx & Co., Bankers in Paris. Philadelphia, June 8th, 1781, 372

Appointing them bankers for the United States.

To M. de la Luzerne, Minister of France. Philadelphia, June 8th, 1781, 373

Requesting him to order five hundred thousand livres to be deposited with Le Couteulx & Co.

Circular respecting the National Bank. Philadelphia, June 11th, 1781, 374

To the President of Congress. Philadelphia, June 21st, 1781, 376

Desires to be intrusted with the disposition of bills deposited by Congress with the Pennsylvania bank.

To B. Franklin. Philadelphia, July 13th, 1781, 377

Efforts to restore the credit of the United States.--Necessity of foreign aid.--Applications are directed to be made to Spain.--Desires a loan of fifteen millions from France to pay off the Loan Office Certificates.

To B. Franklin. Philadelphia, July 14th, 1781, 383

Requests him to converse with the Paris bankers on the plan of the National Bank.--The bank will deal profitably in bills of exchange.--Intended increase of the capital.

To the Governor of Havana. Philadelphia, July 17th, 1781, 384

State of the finances.--Plan of the National Bank.--Solicits deposits from Spain.--Sends bills for this purpose.--Sends a frigate to receive the sum drawn for in specie.

To Robert Smith. Philadelphia, July 17th, 1781, 390

Directing him to use his efforts in favor of the bank.--Sends a cargo of flour to be returned in specie.--Bill of exchange on Messrs Le Couteulx & Co. to be presented to the Governor of Havana.

To B. Franklin. Philadelphia, July 19th, 1781, 395

Supplies obtained by Colonel Laurens.--The proposed new loan may be retained in France.

To B. Franklin. Philadelphia, July 21st, 1781, 396

Banking operations in regard to the Pennsylvania emission of bills of credit.--Has been unable to fulfil Dr Franklin's contract relative to supplies.

Circular to the Governors of the States. Philadelphia, July 25th, 1781, 400

The accounts of the United States with the States will be liquidated as soon as possible.--Desires to be informed of the revenue and financial operations of the State.

B. Franklin to Robert Morris. Passy, July 26th, 1781, 405

Expressing his satisfaction with Mr Morris's appointment.--Difficulties in the situation of a public officer.

B. Franklin to Robert Morris. Passy, July 26th, 1781, 406

Disposition of the moneys raised in France.

To the Governors of several States. Philadelphia, July 27th, 1781, 408

Importance of a compliance with the recommendation of Congress for laying an impost on imports.--Answer to the objection, that commerce will not bear the duty.--Error of the notion that the duty should be carried to the account of the State where levied.--The debt cannot be apportioned to the States.--Hopes of the enemy from disunion.

To John Jay. Philadelphia, July 29th, 1781, 414

Enclosing the above letters to the Governor of Havana and Mr Smith.

To the President of the Council of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, July 30th, 1781, 415

Financial operation's of Pennsylvania.--Accounts with the United States.--Mr Searle's mission to Holland.

George Washington to Robert Morris. Head Quarters, Dobbs's Ferry, August 2d, 1781, 417

Plan of striking a blow in Virginia.--Wishes information as to the probability of obtaining vessels and provisions in the Chesapeake.

To M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia, Aug. 2d, 1781, 419

Fluctuations in the exchange between the United States and France.--Efforts to raise and settle the value of the bills.--The bills issued by the French have disturbed his operations.--Offers to negotiate their bills, or supply the French forces.

To M. de la Luzerne. Philadelphia, Aug. 4th, 1781, 423

Rate of exchange.--Sum necessary to supply the French army.

To the Governor of Massachusetts. Office of Finance, August 4th, 1781, 424

Desiring him to equip the America, and to fit the Deane and Alliance for sea.

To the Governors of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. Philadelphia, August 4th, 1781, 425

Requesting them to comply with the demands of Mr Gouverneur Morris during his absence.

To George Washington. Camp, Aug. 13th, 1781, 426

Impolicy of making large demands on the States.--Proposing reforms in the army.--Proposing queries on this subject.

George Washington to Robert Morris. Head Quarters, Dobbs's Ferry, August 17th, 1781, 430

Provisions required for the expedition to Virginia.--Necessary to give the troops one month's pay.--Requires five hundred guineas for secret services.

To George Washington. Office of Finance, August 22d, 1781, 431

Difficulty of raising specie.

To the Governors of New Jersey and Delaware. Office of Finance, August 22d, 1781, 432

Urging the furnishing of supplies.

To the Governor of Virginia. Office of Finance, August 23d, 1781, 434

Preparations necessary in Virginia.--Desires information as to the amount of supplies which can be furnished.

To Messrs Le Couteulx & Co. Office of Finance, Philadelphia, August 26th, 1781, 435

Bills drawn on them.--Funds deposited to meet the drafts.

George Washington to Robert Morris. Chatham, August 27th, 1781, 436

Preparations for the expedition into Virginia.--Desires pay for the troops.

To Donaldson Yeates. Office of Finance, August 28th, 1781, 438

Directing him to engage vessels for the transportation of the expedition into Virginia.

To B. Franklin. Philadelphia, August 28th, 1781, 439

Drafts on Le Couteulx & Co.--Resignation of M. Necker.--Arrival of Colonel Laurens.--Expedition to Virginia.

To the President of Congress. August 28th, 1781, 442

Urges the settlement of the accounts of the States.--A certain quota of the past expenses, except the public debt, should be established for each State.--Amount of the requisitions to March 1st, 1780.--Manner of apportioning the sums.--Accounts since March 18th, 1780.--Reasons for excepting the public debt from this apportionment.--Suggests appropriations for the payment of the debt.--Manner of liquidating accounts of holders of certificates, for articles taken in the public service.

To the Governor of Maryland. Office of Finance, Philadelphia, August 28th, 1781, 459

Urges supplies for the operations in Virginia.

Circular to the Governors of the States. Office of Finance, September 4th, 1781, 462

Desiring the adoption of measures facilitating the operations of the bank.

To the Count de Rochambeau. Office of Finance, September 6th, 1781, 464

Requesting the payment of money promised, to the bearer.

To George Washington. Chester, Sept. 6th, 1781, 466

Promising a month's pay to General Lincoln's troops.

George Washington to Robert Morris. Head of the Elk, September 6th, 1781, 467

Urging a supply of money for the troops.

George Washington to Robert Morris. Head of the Elk, September 7th, 1781, 467

The sum promised by Rochambeau insufficient.

To George Washington. Office of Finance, September 10th, 1781, 468

Difficulty of advancing an additional sum of money.

B. Franklin to Robert Morris. Passy, September 12th, 1781, 469

Obtains the sum necessary to meet the payments in Holland.--Cannot meet the new drafts.

To M. de la Luzerne. Office of Finance, September 20th, 1781, 471

Wishes to be allowed further time for repaying the sum advanced by the Count de Rochambeau.

To the President of the Council of Pennsylvania. Office of Finance, September 20th, 1781, 472

Unable to promise any assistance.

To M. de la Luzerne. Office of Finance, September 25th, 1781, 473

Amount of bills drawn on Messrs Le Couteulx & Co.--Rates of sale.--Necessities of the United States.

To the Speaker of the Assembly of Pennsylvania. Office of Finance, September 28th, 1781, 478

Accounts between Pennsylvania and the U. States.

To the Count de Rochambeau. Office of Finance, October 1st, 1781, 484

Reasons for not repaying the sum advanced by him.

To Major General Greene. Office of Finance, October 3d, 1781, 484

Inefficiency of the confederacy.--Funds in his hands.

To the Commissary General of Purchases. Office of Finance, October 4th, 1781, 486

Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, must furnish supplies.

To Messrs Le Couteulx & Co. Office of Finance, October 12th, 1781, 487

Depositing money subject to his drafts.

To the Loan Officers of the States. Office of Finance, October 13th, 1781, 488

Requiring preparations for settling their accounts with the United States.

To the Governor of Virginia. Philadelphia, October 16th, 1781, 489

Inadequacy of paper emissions and specific supplies.--Necessity of a revenue in hard money.

To the President of Congress. Office of Finance, October 18th, 1781, 490

Impolicy of settling private demands on Congress.--Estimate of sums required for immediate service.

Circular to the Governors of the several States. Office of Finance, October 19th, 1781, 494

Too much reliance has been placed on foreign aid.--Aid furnished by France.--Annual expense of the war.--Necessity of a solid revenue.--Urges a compliance with the requisitions of Congress.

To Major General Greene, Office of Finance, November 2d, 1781, 502

Difficulty of procuring pecuniary supplies.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

C. A. DE LA LUZERNE;

MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY FROM FRANCE TO THE UNITED STATES.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

C. A. DE LA LUZERNE.

CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, September 10th, 1781.

Sir,

The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of communicating to Congress the commission of M. Holker, as Consul General of France, in the States of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. He requests Congress to pass an act, or four different acts, in order to procure for this Consul the _exequatur_ in each of the States, to which his functions are to extend.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Translation.

Philadelphia, September 18th, 1781.

Sir,

The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of informing Congress, that he has received despatches from his Court, containing important details relative to the communications, which have taken place between the belligerent and mediating powers. He wishes that Congress would be pleased to appoint a committee, to whom he shall communicate them, and with whom he shall confer upon the present state of affairs. He has also received orders from his Court, relative to the advances made on account of the Thirteen States, and concerning their finances; he will have the honor of communicating them to Congress through a committee.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE FRENCH MINISTER TO CONGRESS.

In Congress, September 21st, 1781.

The committee, to whom was referred the Memorial of the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, dated the 18th instant, requesting a conference, report,

That they have this day held a conference with the said Minister Plenipotentiary, and received the following communications contained in sundry despatches from Count de Vergennes, Minister for Foreign Affairs to his Most Christian Majesty, viz.

_From a letter of the 19th of April._--That Count de Vergennes had transmitted to the Minister the details respecting the proposed mediation of the Courts of Vienna and Petersburg. The Minister observed, that this had already been communicated to Congress through a committee. He repeated, for our recollection, that the acceptance on the part of France of the proposed mediation depended entirely, at that time, on the concurrence of the United States; and that with respect to Spain, its conduct would be determined by the dissolution of the negotiation with Mr Cumberland. That the Court of Spain had informed the Court of London, on the first proposal of the mediation of the Imperial Courts, that as a direct negotiation with the King of Great Britain was opened through Mr Cumberland, a mediation was unnecessary.

That affairs since that time had taken a different turn. Mr Cumberland has been recalled; and the Catholic King, being now entirely at liberty, has accepted the mediation of the two Imperial Courts. That the King, our ally, had done the same; but that both Kings had declared at the same time to the two mediators, that the mediation could not possibly have any activity, without previously establishing some fundamental preliminaries. Of this observation the two mediating Courts had already felt the propriety. That France was then (viz. the 19th of April) expecting the effect, which this communication would produce on the Court of London. That the first question proposed by France, related to _the admission of an American Plenipotentiary_; and that the object of the second was to know, _upon what footing the King of England intended to treat with the United States_. The Court of France, not knowing that the United States had agreed to accept the mediation, again invite us to it.

The Minister here observed, that Congress would judge by the questions proposed to the mediating powers, by the King his master, of the principles, by which his Majesty was actuated with respect to the United States. He assured us, that his Majesty is invariably resolved to abide by those principles, and will enter into no negotiation whatever before he shall receive a satisfactory solution of those two questions. He added, that the French Ministry trusted, that this conduct would more and more convince the United States, and would cause them to imitate the example of the King, and to feel that their honor and their interest call for their constant attachment, their friendship, and unreserved confidence towards him.

The Count de Vergennes observes, that it is plain from these circumstances, that the negotiation for peace will be full of difficulties, and that it will probably be necessary, in pretensions as well as proceedings, to be very cautious, and to act so as to remove those difficulties, and everything, which might increase the acrimony, to which the English Plenipotentiaries may be naturally inclined.

_From another letter of the same date._--That when this letter was written, the Court had received information of the sentiments of the Court of London with respect to the United States. The Count de Vergennes mentions, that in the act, by which the Court of London accepts the mediation of Russia, and requests the mediation of the Emperor, she declares, that she is ready to make peace, _as soon as the league between France and her revolted subjects shall be dissolved_. That this pretension had met from the Court of France the contempt which it deserved. She on her part has declared, that if this proposition contained the last determination of England, it would be in vain to think of peace; and she has desired the English Ministry to give a positive answer on the two questions above mentioned. That this declaration had been exactly transmitted by the Court of Vienna to that of London; and the result of the answer made by that Court to the Imperial Majesty is, "_that in all points to be agitated in a future Congress, England will behave with great equity and condescension; but the dependence of her rebel subjects in America must be pre-established, and that this matter must be left entirely to the care of Great Britain._" That it is easily to be perceived, that while things remain in this situation there can be no possibility of a mediation or peace.

The Count de Vergennes remarks, that Congress will be finally convinced, that it is only by arms and the most vigorous exertions, that our independence can be extorted from the Court of London, and not at all by negotiation or persuasion. That the Court of France will transmit to the Court of Vienna the sentiments of the King on the British answer. That if these sentiments should be forwarded to the Court of London without any commentary, it is probable they would make but a slight impression; but it may be hoped from the justice of his Imperial Majesty, that they will be so supported by such reflections as to make a greater impression on the British Court; although it is not to be expected, that the Austrian Court will fully enter into the views of his Most Christian Majesty, until the matter shall be more perfectly explained. The Count, nevertheless, urges the necessity of sending forward proper instructions and powers for the mediation.