several States, in
the Continental Treasury, and not to issue one shilling of it, unless
compelled by absolute necessity; which, I hope, will not be the case,
if the States take measures to pay in the eventual balances.

Whether the House will find it consistent with the situation of their
constituents to lay an additional tax this session, is for them to
determine; but it is my duty to mention it, which I do from a
conviction that it is necessary. They will perceive, that very great
arrearages are due, and they must be sensible, that taxation alone can
support the public credit, or enable government to carry on the war.

With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO THE COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.

Office of Finance, October 1st, 1781.

Sir,

This being the day agreed upon for repayment of the moneys your
Excellency was so kind as to advance me, I do myself the honor of
assigning to you the reasons why it is not done. I had determined to
make every effort and every sacrifice for the sake of complying with
my engagements. But his Excellency, the Minister of France, perceiving
that it would be very inconvenient to me, and being convinced that you
were not in immediate want of it, was so kind as to assure me, that he
would write to you on the subject, and that, in the meantime, I might
delay the payment until the arrival of money from the eastward. I
shall then take care to have your advance replaced.

Being convinced, Sir, that M. de la Luzerne has already made the
proper representations to you upon the subject, I should not have
troubled you with reading this letter, but that I feel a pleasure in
seizing every opportunity to express my wishes for your success and
glory, as well as to assure you, that I am, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO MAJOR GENERAL GREENE.

Office of Finance, October 3d, 1781.

Sir,

I have received your letter, dated the 18th of August last, at the
high hills of Santee, and am now to thank you for it. Your
observations on public affairs are, I fear, too just, but I hope that
when our situation is thoroughly perceived by the people, they will
adopt those effectua