evertheless, wish to have all that may be at Baltimore, and the upper
parts of the bay, secured. I shall therefore be obliged to you, to
take measures at the proper time for that purpose. When that time will
be, and when you shall give orders for the deposit at the Elk, I will
hereafter inform you.

I shall direct the Quarter Master in due season to take up all the
small craft in the Delaware, for the purpose of transporting the
troops from Trenton to Christiana. Should he have occasion for advice
or assistance from you on this occasion, I most request you to give
him both.

I am confident it will be necessary to give the American troops,
destined for Southern services, one month's pay in specie. This will
amount to about ---- dollars. If it will be possible for you to
procure this sum, you will infinitely oblige me, and will much benefit
the service. I shall also stand in need of a sum of specie for secret
services; I suppose about five hundred guineas.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Office of Finance, August 22d, 1781.

Dear Sir,

I arrived in town the day before yesterday. Having taken the earliest
opportunities to acquire information, I am sorry to inform you, that I
find money matters in as bad a situation as possible. The exchange, by
the concourse of venders, has run down to five shillings, and bills
are offered at that rate in such great numbers, as to command all the
money which is to be disposed of; so that reducing the price of bills
still lower, would not command money, or answer any other good
purpose.

The paper of this State, (Pennsylvania) is indeed appreciating; but to
issue it, in the present moment, would destroy in embryo all my hopes
from that quarter, cut off the only resource which I have the chance
of commanding, and shake a confidence which has been reposed in me,
and which the public interest calls upon me to cherish. I am sorry to
observe, in consequence, that you must expect to meet with
disappointments; but I assure you, that I will make every possible
exertion to place you in the most eligible situation which my means
will admit of.

I am, Sir, your most obedient, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *