TO THE CHAIRMAN OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, May 19th, 1783.
Sir,
The inquiries that the committee were pleased to do me the honor to make this morning, relative to my continuing to exercise the office of Secretary of Foreign Affairs, were extremely embarrassing to me, because, on the one hand, I find it impossible to continue in the office on the present establishment, without material injury to my private affairs, and, on the other, to propose the terms on which I would stay would be to overrate my own importance, and to suppose that others could not be had upon such conditions as Congress have been pleased to consider as sufficient. Having given my whole time, and a considerable part of my property to the public during the war, I see, with pleasure, that the affairs of the United States are not now in such a situation as to render the contributions of an individual necessary. It is my wish to endeavor to repair the injuries my estate has sustained by the ravages of the enemy, and my own neglect, by the offices I have held.
From my former letter, Congress will be able to judge how far my expenses in the office exceed the salary. But as it by no means follows, that another by greater economy and humbler, but, perhaps, more just ideas of the importance of this office, could not live at less expense, I do not think that mine should be any reason to induce Congress to make other changes, than such as they shall of themselves deem necessary. And in this view, I requested the committee, that called upon me last winter, to keep the matter of emoluments entirely out of sight in their report, as I then considered my stay only as a temporary inconvenience.
At present, Sir, I must choose between the office I have been honored with from Congress and an important State office. If I continue in the first, I must suppose it the business of years, and lose sight of all other objects in my own State, where I have something to hope from my connexions and the favor of my countrymen, and where I possess an estate, the value of which depends in a great measure upon my attention to it. Under these circumstances, I flatter myself that the committee will not think me blamable, when I assure them, that though I am willing to give my time and services to the public if they should be deemed necessary, yet I cannot in justice to myself or my family, add to this gift that of such a portion of my property as I find absolutely necessary to support the office I hold.
Permit me, Gentlemen, to add, that having no wishes upon this subject, I am sincerely desirous that personal considerations may not enter into the arrangements that Congress make thereon. I feel myself extremely honored by the attention they have shown me in directing you to confer with me on this subject; and I reflect with great pleasure on the reasons I have had to be satisfied with their conduct towards me since I have been honored with the office.
I am, Gentlemen, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.