TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Office of Finance, April 16th, 1783.
Sir,
I have been duly honored with the receipt of your favor of the 15th instant. I accepted the Marine Agency, simply with a view to save the expense of the department; but whenever a Marine is to be established a previous point would be (in my opinion) to nominate a Minister of Marine, and let his first work be the forming of those plans and systems, which when adopted by Congress, he would have to execute. For my own part, were my abilities equal to this task, my leisure would not permit the attempt.
With respect to the finances, I am of opinion, that as we cannot increase our revenue, we must do all we can to lessen our expenditures, and that, therefore, we should take off every expense not absolutely necessary as soon as possible.
On the subject of the coin, I hope soon to make a communication to Congress, which, if approved of by them, will complete the business.
I am, Sir, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.