The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 04
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 04
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
My last letter to Congress was on the twentyseventh of last month;
since which an account of the new loan is received from London, and as
this may, perhaps, afford to Congress the clearest proof of the
weakness of their enemies, it is of importance, that it should be
transmitted to them. Some accounts say, that the loan is to be seven
millions, others eight. The conditions of the loan are, in general,
the established interest of three per cent, an annuity for three and
three quarters per cent for twentynine years, and seven lottery
tickets for every thousand pounds.
In one account the advantages are thus stated.
100 3 per cent, £61 00 00
£3 15s. annuity for twentynine years, at
twelve years' purchase, 45 00 00
Two fifths of a year's interest and annuity, gained
by both beginning from the 5th of January,
although the money is paid monthly, and
not ended until December, 2 14 00
£3 premium of seven lottery tickets for each
£1000, gives for each hundred, 2 2 00
---------
For each £100 paid, there is received £110 16 00
This statement for the first year is pretty accurate. Another account
makes it ten and one quarter per cent for the first year. The
subsequent years, however it will not be so much. Yet for all the
subsequent years, during the term of the annuity, it will be six and
three quarters per cent. Upon the whole, it is generally looked upon
as good as seven and a half per cent. In a country where the highest
interest, that is tolerated by the standing laws, is five per cent,
this is a terrible symptom.
While this system has any credit among the money lenders in Holland,
Switzerland, Geneva, &c. Congress will perceive, that there is little
hope of procuring a private loan for the United States from any of
those places. Whether any may be procured from any State, or Prince,
time must discover.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
* * * * *
M. DE LAFAYETTE TO JOHN ADAMS.
Translation.
St Germain, April 9th, 1779.
Dear Sir,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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