Desirous of settling all my accounts on the 1st of April, previous to my leaving the department, I pray Congress to pass some order relative to the disposition of the money, so that I may discharge myself of it. As Congress may be led to suppose, from a passage in Mr Laurens's letter, that I have charged a commission on this transaction, I take the liberty to inform them, that though this is an extra service attended with some trouble and risk, I once had it in view, if our Ministers compelled me to be their agent, to charge a commission while the exchange was in their favor, yet not having then done it, I cannot think it would be reasonable to deduct a commission from the reduced sum that is now paid them.
I have honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Philadelphia, April 4th, 1783.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you, by the direction of Congress, in answer to your letter of the 13th of March, "that they consider the object of your appointment as so far advanced, as to render it unnecessary for you to pursue your voyage; and that Congress are well satisfied with the readiness you have shown in undertaking a service, which from the present situation of affairs, they apprehend can be dispensed with."
I have caused your account to be settled to the 1st of April, and hope to be able to send you the warrant for the amount tomorrow. If you please, I will apply for such further sum as you may think proper to charge for the time that may be necessary to carry you home, as I think that within the spirit of the resolution of Congress.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.