absolute dependence on you for this one
thousand barrels of flour, and it must be sent to the army directly.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, June 4th, 1781.

Sir,

Having been informed by several members of Congress, as also by his
Excellency, the Chevalier de la Luzerne, that it was determined to put
the management of the moneys lately granted by his Most Christian
Majesty under my direction, in order that they might be punctually
applied to the purposes for which the grant was made, viz. a vigorous
prosecution of the present campaign; I had, in conjunction with the
Minister of France, formed some arrangements for drawing part of this
money into immediate use; but, on applying to the Secretary of
Congress, I do not find that any act has been passed giving me
authority over the moneys so granted; consequently, all proceedings
must stop until the previous steps are taken by Congress.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.

Philadelphia, June 8th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

In a private letter, which I did myself the honor to write you on the
6th instant, I announced the appointment I have received from the
honorable Congress, to the office of Superintendent of the Finances of
the United States of North America; and I now beg leave to address you
in my official character.

Congress have thought proper to commit to me the disposition and
management of the money granted to the United States by his Most
Christian Majesty, in aid of our operations for the present campaign,
in order that the same may be solely applied to that use; and for this
reason, I have found it necessary to keep the whole sum of this grant
separate and distinct from any other, so that its application may at
any time be clearly seen. Instead, therefore, of drawing upon your
Excellency, who have many other bills running upon you, I have judged
it expedient to name Messrs Le Couteulx & Co., bankers in Paris, to
receive the money from his Majesty's Ministers, so that they may be
able to honor my bills with acceptance whenever they appear, and
punctually to acquit them as they fall due. I have written to Messrs
Le Couteulx, that you would join and