I cannot leave writing, without expressing how sincerely I agree with you, in your wishes that unanimity may prevail, and the band of union among us be strengthened; there is no thinking man here, who does not at the same time feel the necessity and lament the difficulty of effecting a measure, on which our happiness so greatly depends. Congress have made some general arrangements in their finances, which if adopted by the several States, will render our national debt a national tie, which time and experience may strengthen. Our Ministers will show you those resolutions; I will not therefore unnecessarily burden Colonel Ogden with them. For general information I refer you to him,
And have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Chavaniac, in the Province of
Auvergne, July 20th, 1783.
Sir,
Having been for some days in the country, where I am waiting for the arrival of the Triomphe I am honored with your Excellency's favor of the 12th of April, which I hasten to acknowledge. It is for me a great happiness to think, that Congress have been pleased to approve my conduct, and that an early intelligence has proved useful to our American trade. To my great satisfaction I also hear, that my endeavors in Spain have been agreeable to Congress. Upon my arrival in Paris I made Mr Jay acquainted with my proceedings. The concessions I had obtained from the Spanish Court (without any on our part) were also put into his hands. Since which I could have no more to do in the negotiations, wherein I had taken the part of a temporary volunteer.
However repeated may have been the marks of confidence, which Congress have conferred upon me, they ever fill my heart with a new satisfaction. What you have mentioned respecting payment of debts, will of course become my first and most interesting object. I have warmly applied to the French Ministry, and will on that point solicit the confidence of the gentlemen in the American Commission. But upon hearing of an opportunity, I could not an instant defer to acknowledge your Excellency's letter. Agreeably to the last despatches, I am waiting for the orders which I hope to receive by the Triomphe. Any commands which Congress may have for me, shall be cheerfully executed, by one of their earliest soldiers, whose happiness it is to think, that at a less smiling moment he had the honor to be adopted by America, and whose blood, exertions, and affections, will in her good times, as they have been in her worst, be entirely at her service.
It appears Russia is determined upon a Turkish war, and should they give it up now, the matter would only be postponed. What part the Emperor is to take, we cannot at present so well determine. Whenever the way is opened to me, I endeavor to do that which may prove agreeable to Congress, and intend to keep them acquainted with political occurrences. It is a pleasing idea for me now to think, that nothing can derange our glorious state of liberty and independence. Nothing, I say, for I hope measures will be taken to consolidate the Federal Union, and by those means to defeat European arts, and insure eternal tranquillity.