Putting myself out of the question, the sole motive is the public good; and this motive I confess comes home to my feelings. The contest we are engaged in appeared to me, in the first instance, just and necessary; therefore, I took an active part in it. As it became dangerous, I thought it the more glorious, and was stimulated to the greatest exertions in my power, when the affairs of America were at the worst. Sensible of the want of arrangement in our monied affairs, the same considerations impel me to this undertaking, which I would embark in without hesitation, could I believe myself equal thereto; but fearing this may not be the case, it becomes indispensably necessary to make such stipulations, as may give ease to my feelings, aid my exertions, and tend to procure ample support to my conduct in office, so long as it is founded in and guided by a regard to the public prosperity.
In the first place then, I am to inform Congress, that the preparatory steps I had taken to procure to myself relaxation from business, with least injury to the interests of my family, were by engaging in certain commercial establishments with persons, in whom I had perfect confidence as to their integrity, honor, and abilities. These establishments I am bound in honor and by contracts to support to the extent agreed on. If, therefore, it be in the idea of Congress, that the office of Superintendent of Finance is incompatible with commercial concerns and connexions, the point is settled; for I cannot on any consideration consent to violate engagements or depart from those principles of honor, which it is my pride to be governed by. If, on the contrary, Congress have elected me to this office under the expectation, that my mercantile connexions and engagements were to continue, an express declaration of their sentiments should appear on the minutes, that no doubt may arise or reflections be cast on this score hereafter.
I also think it indispensably necessary, that the appointment of all persons who are to act in my office, under the same roof, or in immediate connexion with, should be made by myself; Congress first agreeing, that such secretaries, clerks, or officers, so to be appointed are necessary, and fixing the salaries for each. I conceive, that it will be impossible to execute the duties of this office with effect, unless the absolute power of dismissing from office or employment all persons whatever, that are concerned in the official expenditure of public moneys, be committed to the Superintendent of Finance. For unless this power can be exercised without control, I have little hopes of efficacy in the business of reformation, which is probably the most essential part of the duty.
These being the only positive stipulations that occur to me at this time, the determination of Congress thereon will enable me to determine whether to accept or decline the appointment. I must, however, observe that the act of Congress of the 7th of February, describing the duties of the Superintendent of Finance, requires the execution of many things, for which adequate powers are not provided, and it cannot be expected, that your officer can in such case be responsible. These however may be the subjects of future discussions.
With sentiments of the highest respect, for you and Congress, I have the honor to subscribe myself, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant.
ROBERT MORRIS.[30]
FOOTNOTES:
[30] During the whole period in which Mr Morris held the office of Superintendent of Finance, he kept a Diary, in which he entered daily the principal transactions of his department. The following is an extract from the Diary.
"On the 21st of February I received a letter from the President of Congress, enclosing the resolves of the 20th, whereby I was unanimously elected the Superintendent of Finance of the United States. This appointment was unsought, unsolicited, and dangerous to accept, as it was evidently contrary to my private interest, and if accepted must deprive me of those enjoyments, social and domestic, which my time of life required, and to which my circumstances entitled me; and a vigorous execution of the duties must inevitably expose me to the resentment of disappointed and designing men, and to the calumny and detraction of the envious and malicious. I was therefore determined not to engage in so arduous an undertaking. But the solicitations of my friends, acquaintance, and fellow citizens, a full conviction of the necessity, that some person should commence the work of reformation in our public affairs, by an attempt to introduce system and economy, and the persuasion, that a refusal on my part, would probably deter others from attempting this work, so absolutely necessary to the safety of our country; these considerations, after much reflection and consultation with friends, induced me to write a letter to the President of Congress, dated the 13th of March, 1781."