My former letters contained the disposition of your funds so far as to satisfy any demands which Mr Grand might have. These I suppose have been complied with, and I expect, that not only the sums which Mr Grand could possibly want must have come to your hands before this letter can arrive, but that you will still have a considerable balance.
Under these circumstances, the exchange on your city being now high, and the disbandment of our army having increased my need of money to make them a considerable payment, I have concluded to draw on you to the amount of two hundred thousand florins, as occasion may offer; and if exchange should not fall, nor any advices arrive to prevent the measure, I may perhaps extend my drafts on you to five hundred thousand florins. But as it might happen, notwithstanding my opinions, that you should not be considerably in cash beyond Mr Grand's demands, I have determined on these two points; first, that I will not precipitate my sales here, but only dispose of bills as occasion may require; and secondly, that I will draw at ninety days' sight, because the demand for bills is such, that a difference in the sight will make none in the price. By these means it will happen, Gentlemen, that even if you are not in cash when the bills arrive, you can have no difficulty as to the acceptance, because the natural progress of the loan must put you in possession of money before they can fall due. And this is the more to be expected, as some of the tobacco will doubtless have arrived, which cannot but give a weight and solidity to your negotiations. If however these things should not so happen, you will, I expect, pay the bills at any rate, and for any excess beyond your immediate funds you will charge an interest to the United States. On the other hand, if it should happen according to my expectations, that you have unappropriated money in your hands when the bills are presented, I am then to request that you will pay them at sight, if agreeable to the parties, deducting the usual discount for prompt payment, which you will be so kind as to credit to the United States.
With every wish for your success and prosperity, I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Head Quarters, August 6th, 1783.
Sir,
I thank you for the communication, which you have been pleased to make to me under the 11th of July. It was handed to me on my return last evening from a tour —— have been making to the northward and westward, as far as Crown Point and Fort Schuyler, to view the posts and country in that part of the United States' territory.
The anticipations you have been obliged to make are indeed great, and your circular letter to the States on the occasion appears to me sufficient, if anything of the kind can be so, to arouse their attention to the necessity of your circumstances. I most sincerely wish it may have the desired effect.