as
brought, will prevent any immediate want by the fleets or armies of
his Most Christian Majesty in the States of Maryland and Virginia, I
am induced to believe, that no inconvenience would arise from
delaying the payment, until the money in Boston shall be brought
forward, which will be speedily, as a very active person has gone for
it, who will lose no time in the business committed to him.

Should your Excellency be of this opinion, I shall be glad if you will
signify it to me, and if that be in your power, that you will extend
the time when payment is to be made. But if you think the money must
be forwarded to Virginia immediately, you may depend that I will
instantly endeavor to procure it, and although that cannot be done but
with great difficulty and much loss, yet nothing shall deter me from
complying with my engagements.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Office of Finance, September 20th, 1781.

Sir,

I am honored with your Excellency's letter of this date, and most
sincerely wish my situation was such as to justify a promise of aid,
equal to the present necessities; I mean the necessities that will be
created by the call of the militia at this time, but unluckily the
late movements of the army have so entirely drained me of money, that
I have been obliged to pledge my personal credit very deeply in a
variety of instances, besides borrowing money from my friends, and
advancing, to promote the public service, every shilling of my own. In
this situation I was preparing an application to the honorable Council
and Assembly for relief from my advances, from the State of
Pennsylvania, and this will be the more necessary, as this alarm
whilst it lasts will cut off all possibility of recruiting the
treasury. Those who possess hard money will keep it, and those who
have demands will become more eager for payment, therefore, all I can
promise is the use of my credit, and an exertion of any influence I
may have in favor of such measures as may be deemed necessary. At the
same time I do not recede from my first opinion, that the enemy do not
meditate any attack on this city.

I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.[45]

FOOTNOTES:

[45] _September 21