l,
to the head of the Elk, with orders to receive the money, pay the
troops, &c. agreeably to instructions given him in writing. In the
conferences with Count de Rochambeau and General Chastellux, they
asked whether, if upon any occasion their treasury should stand in
need of temporary aids, I thought they could procure loans in this
city. I answered, that money is very scarce, that the people who have
property generally keep it employed, and that no certain dependence
can be placed on any given sums, but that I knew the people to be very
generally disposed to assist our generous allies, and should such
occasions offer, I was certain they would exert themselves; and as to
my own part they might on every occasion command my utmost services,
assistance, and exertions, both as a public officer, and as an
individual. I mentioned to them again the affair of exchange, showing
that they had reduced the price below what it had been raised to by my
measures, and requested that in future when they expected to raise
money by bills, they should in good time previously lodge them with
the Minister, and that on his giving me timely notice, I would cause
the most advantageous sale to be made of them, and deliver him the
money without any other charge or deduction, than the expense of the
brokerage.

I observed, that this mode of proceeding was now became essentially
necessary, as there is no general market for bills of exchange to the
southward, but that Philadelphia, in that respect, is as Boston to the
eastern States. They answered, that they expected to procure their
supplies with money, without occasion to draw bills, but if it
happened otherwise they would pursue my advice. In regard to the
articles of provisions, forage, wood, transportation, &c. necessary
for their army, and which, when at camp, I had offered to procure for
them on the same terms as for the continental army, by contract, I
proposed to postpone that matter, as it might be best to continue
their present method of supplies during the active scenes they are
likely to be engaged in, as their Agents have given satisfaction, and
are acquainted in the country where they are going, and that I could
advertise for proposals to supply them the ensuing winter, and lay
before them such offers or proposals as I should receive. This
appeared very satisfactory, and here that subject rests for the
present. _Diary._

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