On Thursday forenoon I returned to this city about twelve o'clock having been impeded in my journey by meeting the last division of the French army, their artillery, and baggage on the road. On my return I immediately despatched Mr Philip Audibert, Deputy Paymaster General, to the head of the Elk, with orders to receive the money, pay the troops, &c. agreeably to instructions given him in writing. In the conferences with Count de Rochambeau and General Chastellux, they asked whether, if upon any occasion their treasury should stand in need of temporary aids, I thought they could procure loans in this city. I answered, that money is very scarce, that the people who have property generally keep it employed, and that no certain dependence can be placed on any given sums, but that I knew the people to be very generally disposed to assist our generous allies, and should such occasions offer, I was certain they would exert themselves; and as to my own part they might on every occasion command my utmost services, assistance, and exertions, both as a public officer, and as an individual. I mentioned to them again the affair of exchange, showing that they had reduced the price below what it had been raised to by my measures, and requested that in future when they expected to raise money by bills, they should in good time previously lodge them with the Minister, and that on his giving me timely notice, I would cause the most advantageous sale to be made of them, and deliver him the money without any other charge or deduction, than the expense of the brokerage.
I observed, that this mode of proceeding was now became essentially necessary, as there is no general market for bills of exchange to the southward, but that Philadelphia, in that respect, is as Boston to the eastern States. They answered, that they expected to procure their supplies with money, without occasion to draw bills, but if it happened otherwise they would pursue my advice. In regard to the articles of provisions, forage, wood, transportation, &c. necessary for their army, and which, when at camp, I had offered to procure for them on the same terms as for the continental army, by contract, I proposed to postpone that matter, as it might be best to continue their present method of supplies during the active scenes they are likely to be engaged in, as their Agents have given satisfaction, and are acquainted in the country where they are going, and that I could advertise for proposals to supply them the ensuing winter, and lay before them such offers or proposals as I should receive. This appeared very satisfactory, and here that subject rests for the present. Diary.
TO THE COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.
Office of Finance, September 6th, 1781.
Sir,
In consequence of the conversation I had the honor to hold with your Excellency yesterday, and your promise to supply the United States with the sum of twenty thousand dollars, for an immediate purpose, to be replaced on the 1st day of October next, I have directed Mr Philip Audibert, the bearer of this letter, to wait upon you. I shall be much obliged to your Excellency if you will be pleased to direct, that the above sum be paid to Mr Audibert, and that duplicate receipts be taken of him, one of which I pray may be transmitted to me. I will take care that the money be replaced at the time agreed upon. With every wish for the most brilliant success to the allied arms, and for your own personal glory, I am, very respectfully, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Chester, September 6th, 1781.