the subject to one of the principal members of our
Union induces me to attend with great anxiety, the re-assurance from
your Excellency, that no change has taken place in his Majesty's views
on this subject; and that his dispositions to multiply, rather than
diminish the combinations of interest between the two people, continue
unaltered.

Commerce is slow in changing its channel. That between this country and
the United States, is as yet but beginning; and this beginning has
received some checks. The _Arret_ in question would be a considerable
one, without the explanation I have the honor to ask. I am persuaded,
that a continuation of the dispositions which have been hitherto
manifested towards us, will insure effects, political and commercial,
of value to both nations.

I have had too many proofs of the friendly interest your Excellency is
pleased to take, in whatever may strengthen the bands and connect the
views of the two countries, to doubt your patronage of the present
application; or to pretermit any occasion of repeating assurances of
those sentiments of high respect and esteem with which I have the honor
to be, your Excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant.

TO MONSIEUR L'ABBE DE MORELLET.

PARIS, Oct. 24, 1787

SIR,--I wish it were in my power to announce to the Count de Cambrai
that the Treasury Board of the United States had enabled their banker
here to answer the demands of the foreign officers. But it is not. As
soon as I knew that there was a deficiency of money to pay the interest
of this demand I informed the Treasury Board of it. They answered me
they would supply the necessary fund as soon as it should be in their
power; and I am persuaded they have not failed in inclination to do it.
Of this I had the honor to notify the Count de Cambrai the last year.
It is not unknown to you that the pursuit of our new machine of
government which works the worst, is that which respects the raising
money; and it is that which has occasioned the late attempts to amend
our confederation. Foreseeing that our Treasury Board might not be able
to remit money from America, I suggested to Congress the expediency of
borrowing money in Holland to pay off the foreign officers. And in the
month of July last, being assured they could command the money in
Holland, I pressed a more particular proposition to this purpose. As I
do not foresee any possible objection to the proposition I made them, I
think my