Another consideration of great magnitude, to which I must also pray the attention of Congress, is the present public debts. I am sure no gentleman can hope that these should be immediately paid out of an empty treasury. If I am to receive and consider the applications on that subject, if I am to be made responsible, that alone will, I fear, be full employment for the life of one man, and some other must be chosen to attend to the present and provide for the future. But this not all; if from that, or any other cause, I am forced to commit a breach of faith, or even to incur the appearance of it, from that moment my utility ceases. In accepting the office bestowed on me, I sacrifice much of my interest, my ease, my domestic enjoyments, and internal tranquillity. If I know my own heart, I make these sacrifices with a disinterested view to the service of my country. I am ready to go still further; and the United States may command everything I have, except my integrity, and the loss of that would effectually disable me from serving them more. What I have to pray, then, is, that the adjustment of all past transactions, and of all that relates to the present system, may be completed by the means already adopted, that whatever remains unpaid may become a funded debt, and that it may in that form be committed to me, to provide for the yearly interest and for the _eventual_ discharge of the principal. This task I will cheerfully undertake; and if, in the progress of things, I am enabled to go further, with equal cheerfulness it shall be done; but I must again repeat my serious conviction, that the least breach of faith must ruin us forever. It is not from vanity that I mention the expectations, which the public seem to have formed from my appointment. On the contrary, I am persuaded, they are raised on a weak foundation, and I must lament them, because I foresee they must be disappointed. I must, therefore, entreat that no flattering prospect of immediate relief may be raised. Congress will know that the public credit cannot be restored without method, economy, and punctual performance of contracts. Time is necessary to each; and therefore the removal of those evils we labor under can be expected from time only. To hold out a different idea would deceive the people, and consequently injure the public service. I am sure it is unnecessary to add, before I close this letter, that I confidently expect my measures will meet with the fullest support from Congress, so long as they are honestly directed to the general welfare. In this conviction, and with every sentiment of respectful attention, I have the honor to be, &c. ROBERT MORRIS.[31] FOOTNOTES: