y
unfortunately are very limited. Accept, I pray you, my good wishes,
which are almost all I have to give, and believe me to be, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO THE COMMISSARY GENERAL OF PURCHASES.

Office of Finance, October 4th, 1781.

Sir,

I have received your letters, dated at Alexandria the 19th, and
Williamsburgh the 23d of September last.

I am very glad that you push hard upon the States for supplies. It is,
I find, necessary that you and I should understand each other on the
subject. The General will, I dare say, take care to have as few
unnecessary mouths as possible; but, after all, a certain quantity of
provisions is indispensably necessary. Now this quantity must be
furnished by the States of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. If you
rely on my exertions, you will, probably, be disappointed. Should the
operations against Cornwallis fail for want of supplies, the States
must thank their own negligence. If they will not exert themselves on
the present occasion, they never will. As to all that can be said
about the failure of the one or of another kind of money, it is left
to themselves. Let them tax in money which will not fail. It is their
business to provide supplies and money too. If they neglect or omit
this necessary duty, I again repeat, they must answer for the
consequences.

I shall be glad at all times to hear from you very particularly, with
all such information as you shall think necessary. But do not lean too
hard upon me. Do not expect too much help from me. You will be
deceived and disappointed if you do. Urge the States. Urge Delaware in
particular. When I do furnish anything, it must be money. Let some of
your people, therefore, apply when you intend applications. I cannot
run about the city to purchase articles. That is the duty of an
assistant Commissary; and my time is too much, and, I hope, too well
employed, to permit it.

I am, Sir, &c.

ROBERT MORRIS.

* * * * *

TO MESSRS LE COUTEULX & CO.

Office of Finance, October 12th, 1781.

Gentlemen,

In consequence of a new arrangement taken with his Excellency, the
Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, a further
sum of money