iquidated, if I could possibly effect it,
and that my efforts for that purpose should be unceasing. If after
this declaration, I could possibly have forgotten it, the reference
made to me, on the 23d instant, of two letters from the State of
Massachusetts and a report on them of the 14th instant, would have
called for an immediate attention.

I have thought much on this subject and feel very anxious about it.
The settlement of those accounts is of the utmost importance, for,
until it be completed, the States will persuade themselves into an
opinion that their exertions are unequal. Each will believe in the
superiority of its own efforts. Each claim the merit of having done
more than others; and each continue desirous of relaxing to an
equality of the supposed deficiencies of its neighbors. Hence it
follows, that every day they become more and more negligent, a
dangerous supineness pervades the continent, and recommendations of
Congress, capable in the year 1775 of rousing all America to action,
now lie neglected.

The settlement of former accounts being considered as a thing
forgotten, men, naturally reasoning from them to those which are now
present, conclude, that they also will drop into forgetfulness, and
consider everything not furnished as so much saved. The Legislatures
will not call forth the resources of their respective constituents.
The public operations languish. The necessity of purchasing on credit
enhances expense. The want of that credit compels to the use of force.
That force offends. The country is daily more plunged in debt, and its
revenues more deeply anticipated. A situation so dangerous calls for
more accurate principles of administration, and these cannot too
speedily be adopted. The settlement of accounts is the first step, but
it is necessary not only that this settlement be speedy but that it be
final; for, if it be not final, the disputes on that subject will have
the same baleful influence with those now subsisting. Disunion among
the States must follow in the event. Disgust must take place in the
moment. The same opprobrious indolence will continue, and in the
meantime it is to little purpose, that our country abounds in men and
subsistence, if they cannot be called forth for her defence.

All the requisitions of Congress upon the several States contain a
provision for future liquidation, when the quotas shall have been
ascertained according to the article of confederation. The evil
con