TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, August 23d, 1782.
Sir,
By a late arrangement of the Superintendent of Finance, he has directed that the salaries of the Ministers and their Secretaries be paid here, and only one account opened with the office of Foreign Affairs; in consequence of which I have, at his request, stated their accounts quarterly, and laid out the proceeds in the purchase of bills, which I have remitted to Dr Franklin, with direction to answer their several drafts to the amount of the money so remitted. But as these bills are endorsed by me, I by that means render myself responsible for their payment in my private character; and as I am not authorised by Congress, or by the gentlemen in whose behalf the money is remitted, to act as their agent, I am liable to answer to them for the money received here, if they should disapprove of its having been laid out in the purchase of bills. I also render myself accountable to them severally, if the money remitted to Dr Franklin should, by neglect or other cause, be applied to some other use than that for which it was remitted.
I have endeavored to obviate these inconveniences by writing to the Ministers and their Secretaries, informing them of this arrangement, and requesting them to appoint agents, who shall manage their business here. In the meanwhile, I must request, for my justification, some resolutions of Congress, authorising me to act as their agent till they shall make such appointments. I have thought it reasonable to charge them the usual commission upon the purchase of bills, and shall continue to do so, till they appoint other agents.
I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO WILLIAM MOORE, PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Office of Foreign Affairs, September 8th, 1782.