I submit then the following ideas, not as being a perfect plan, but merely as hints to be perfected by the wise care of the United States. And first, it might be proper, that a commissioner were appointed to go into Canada for the purpose of examining into the several claims above mentioned, with power to liquidate the same, and to give certificates of the amount. If it be a desirable thing that justice be done, it is a necessary thing that the inquiries be made on the spot. There and there alone, can the due investigations take place, so as to prevent either the public or individuals from being defrauded. Besides it will not cost more to maintain a commissioner there than it will here, and many who have been both distressed and oppressed are confined to that spot by their circumstances. It may also appear to be of some importance, that by doing justice to these people unsolicited we secure their affections; which will prevent Great Britain from using them hereafter against us. Neither will it escape the attention of Congress, that such a commissioner may transmit useful intelligence. But this being rather in the Department of Foreign Affairs, I shall not enlarge on it.
A natural question will probably arise, as to the means of payment. This may be answered by applying a like question to the case of other public debts. But I conceived that another, if not a better answer may be given. If a new State were set off about Detroit, and the lands sold to all inclining to purchase, with permission to pay in certified Canadian debts, not only as specie, but even at a premium of five per cent, the lands would pay the debts, and the United States would gain more than the amount of the payment by the very act of making it. For an equal if not greater number of persons than the creditors in Canada, would become settlers from that country, and bring with them property beyond their purchase money. Nor is that all; such State would became a barrier of infinite importance. It would secure eternal peace with the Indians, and it would secure the Indian trade. For it would soon place the principal traders at that spot in the character of American citizens.
With perfect respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Office of Finance, February 2d, 1784.
Sir,
I have delayed answering your Excellency's favor of the 4th of last month, in the hope that I might have been able to announce to you the having sent off the duplicate of the definitive treaty. Hitherto no opportunity has offered. But as Colonel Harmar has sailed, and probably Lieutenant Colonel Franks, I am not so anxious on that subject as I have been.
With sincere esteem, I am, &c.