Entre nous seuls. 81 [the British Ministry] gave a hint to 82 [the French Ministers], but it would not do without 54 [America]. Now the reverse will probably be done; after which, arrangements will take place in a few months, and I wish you was here, not so much 205 [Secretary to Dr. Franklin], as to the Commission. However, I would like 205 to be 125 [Minister to the French Court]. If you are 153 [Member of Congress], and if something is said to you there, I wish you may be employed in the answer. 5 [French ships] without 9 [Spanish ships] (and 4 [Dutch] is nothing), will not, I fear, give 40 [Charleston.] That is a cause of delay, and the 7 [Spaniards] think much more of 8 [West Indies]. But I hope for 26 [Carolina] and 22 [Georgia] in 18 [September]. 84 [the King of France] has answered about 47 [peace], as you and I, and every good American, may wish.
In the present situation of affairs, I thought my presence was more useful to the cause in this part of the world than it could be on the other side of the Atlantic. I wish to have some matters well arranged before I go, and then I hope to set sails towards my friends in America.
Be pleased, my dear friend, to present my best respects to your lady. My compliments wait on General Schuyler and all the family. Adieu, dear Hamilton.
With the most sincere attachment,
I am, for ever,
Your devoted, affectionate servant,
La Fayette.
Colonel Hamilton.
[18] The figures in the present letter are part of a cipher concerted between Hamilton and La Fayette. The interpretations, here placed between brackets, are written over the figures, on the originals, in General Hamilton’s handwriting.—Editor.
MORRIS TO HAMILTON.
Office of Finance, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782.
Sir:
Mr. Charles Stewart, late Commissary General of Issue, has informed me you are disposed to quit the military line for the purpose of entering into civil life. He, at the same time, induced me to believe, that you would accept the office of Receiver of the Continental taxes for the State of New-York. The intention of this letter is to offer you that appointment. The duties of the office will appear, in a great degree, from the publications made by me on this subject. In addition, it will be necessary that you correspond frequently with me, and give accurate accounts of whatever may be passing in your State, which it may be necessary for this office to be acquainted with. But this, and other things of that sort, will be more fully communicated after you have signified your acceptance of the office. For the trouble of executing it, I shall allow you one-fourth per cent. on the moneys you receive. The amount of the quota called for from New-York, for the current year, is, as you know, three hundred and seventy-three thousand, five hundred and ninety-eight dollars. I shall be glad to know your determination as soon as possible. I make to you no professions of my confidence and esteem, because I hope they are unnecessary; but if they are, my wish that you would accept the offer I make is the strongest evidence I can give of them.