this purpose, two
millions one hundred and sixty thousand livres annually; a sum, which
in less than ten years, would pay a debt of fifteen millions of livres
at five per cent interest. With fifteen millions of livres, however,
prudently managed, the whole of these certificates might be paid. I am
sure it is unnecessary to dwell on the advantages, which would result
from making such a loan for this purpose, and, I trust, that if this
matter is stated to M. Necker, that enlightened Minister will
co-operate in the plan, to the utmost of his ability. I again repeat,
that I do not wish to lay any burdens on France; but this proposal is
calculated to relieve us both; and, in any case, the expense to France
will be the same. Should it be adopted, I must request the earliest
notice, that my operations may commence; and, in any case, I hope that
secrecy will be observed, for the most evident reasons.

I am sorry to inform you, that we have as yet no satisfactory news of
the ship Lafayette; but, on the contrary, her long delay occasions the
most alarming apprehensions. If, as but too probable, that ship is
lost, you will more easily conceive than I can describe what will be
the situation of our troops next winter.

I could wish, as soon as possible, to have a state of all the public
accounts transmitted, to the end that moneys due to the United States
may be paid, and measures taken to provide for such sums as they stand
indebted in to others. Your Excellency will, I dare say, send them as
soon as may be convenient; and I hope the public affairs will
hereafter be conducted in such a manner as to give you much less of
that unnecessary trouble, which you have hitherto experienced, and
which could not but have harassed you exceedingly, and, perhaps, taken
up time, which would otherwise have been devoted to more important
objects.

I shall, probably, have frequent occasion to address you, and shall
always be happy to hear from you; but the mischiefs, which arise from
having letters intercepted, are great and alarming. I have, therefore,
enclosed you a cypher, and in the duplicate of my letters, I shall
enclose another. If both arrive, you will use one, and, in case of
your absence, leave the other with such person as may supply your
place. Let me know, however, which cypher you use.

The bearer of this letter, Major Franks, formerly an Aid-de-camp to
General Arnold, and honorably acquitted of all connexion with him,
after a fu