In Congress, February 7th, 1781.
Congress resumed the consideration of the plan for the arrangement of the civil executive departments of the United States; and thereupon,
Resolved, That there be a Superintendent of Finance, a Secretary at War, and a Secretary of Marine;
That it shall be the duty of the Superintendent of Finance, to examine into the state of the public debts, the public expenditures, and the public revenue; to digest and report plans for improving and regulating the finances, and for establishing order and economy in the expenditure of the public money; to direct the execution of all plans, which shall be adopted by Congress respecting revenue and expenditure; to superintend and control the settlement of all public accounts; to direct and control all persons employed in procuring supplies for the public service, and in the expenditure of public money; to obtain accounts of all the issues of the specific supplies furnished by the several States; to compel the payment of all moneys due to the United States, and in his official character, or in such manner as the laws of the respective States shall direct, to prosecute in behalf of the United States, for all delinquencies respecting the public revenue and expenditures; to report to Congress the officers who shall be necessary for assisting him in the various branches of his Department.
In Congress, February 20th. Congress proceeded to the election of a Superintendent of Finance; and the ballots being taken, Robert Morris was unanimously elected.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, March 13th, 1781.
Sir,
I had the honor to receive your Excellency's letter of the 21st of last month, enclosing the Act of Congress of the 20th, whereby I am appointed, by a unanimous election of that honorable body, to the important office of Superintendent of Finance. Perfectly sensible of the honor done me by this strong mark of confidence from the sovereign authority of the United States, I feel myself bound to make the acknowledgments due, by pursuing a conduct formed to answer the expectations of Congress, and promote the public welfare. Were my abilities equal to my desire of serving America, I should have given an immediate determination after this appointment was made; but conscious of my own deficiencies, time for consideration was absolutely necessary. Little, however of that time, which has elapsed have I been able to devote to this object, as the business before the Legislature of Pennsylvania wherein I have the honor of a seat, has demanded and continues to demand my constant attendance.
So far as the station of Superintendent of Finance, or indeed any other public station or office, applies to myself I should without the least hesitation have declined an acceptance; for after upwards of twenty years assiduous application to business as a merchant, I find myself at that period when my mind, body, and inclination combine to seek for relaxation and ease. Providence had so far smiled on my endeavors as to enable me to prepare for the indulgence of these feelings, in such a manner as would be least injurious to the interest of my family. If, therefore, I accept this appointment, a sacrifice of that case, of much social and domestic enjoyment, and of every material interest, must be the inevitable consequence; and as my ambition was entirely gratified by my present situation and character in life, no motive of that kind can stimulate me to the acceptance.