I might go much further, but I shall only observe, that exclusive of all these things the enclosed estimate amounts to above two hundred thousand dollars. Yet attention must be paid to the wants of three large armies. Congress know the extent of my means.
In this situation of things, it is proper to ask on every occasion, before private grants of money are made, whether the public service will not suffer by it. But this is not all, I am bound to observe, that the expectations of our troops now in the field may be much disappointed, and that they will conceive it unjust to dispose of any moneys, which might be spared, unless as an equal division among them. To press this point any further, would imply a want of that confidence, which I really have in the wisdom and discernment of Congress. They will see, that while the indispensable calls for money to forward general operations continue to be so loud as to draw from me all my private funds, it cannot be expected, that I shall pay warrants in favor of individuals. I am sure they will feel for me, when I mention the pain I suffer from being compelled to refuse money on their resolutions. A regard for their honor is the second motive of my conduct. I hope it is unnecessary to say, that a regard for the public interest is the first. I am far from wishing to insinuate a line of conduct to Congress; but I must place before their eyes those facts, which it is for their honor and their interest to be informed of. They will draw the proper conclusions.
With the most perfect respect, I am, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.
ESTIMATE.
| Dollars. | |
|---|---|
| Due to the French Treasury for so much borrowed of them at Chester, delivered at the head of the Elk, | 26,000 |
| Due to the French army, a quantity of flour exchanged in the State of New York, to be replaced at the southward, which will require | 10,000 |
| Due for transports hired in the Delaware and Chesapeake, | 15,000 |
| For flour now purchasing to supply General Heath's army, | 10,000 |
| Horses purchased last summer for the Quarter Master General, and shortly to be paid for, | 4,000 |
| To recruit and mount Colonel Armand's Legion, | 50,000 |
| Saddles and accoutrements for General Greene's army, | 14,000 |
| Flour lately purchased in Virginia for General Washington's army, and now due, | 5,000 |
| Articles necessary for General Greene's army and the transportation of articles to him, and money for essential services, | 5,000 |
| Clothing purchased on a credit for Fort Pitt and Wyoming, | 5,000 |
| Estimate from the Navy Board at Boston, | 40,000 |
| Rum now sending on to General Washington's army, | 5,000 |
| My own money already advanced for the public service, | 12,000 |
| $201,000 |
CIRCULAR TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE SEVERAL STATES.
Office of Finance, October 19th, 1781.