Every subscriber will find his own interest benefited in proportion to the capital he deposits, and I dare say few will find the other parts of their fortunes to yield them so large or so certain an income as the stock they may have in the bank; and at the same time they will have the satisfaction to be considered forever as the promoters of an institution that has been found beneficial to other countries, and inevitably must be so in the highest degree to this; an institution, that most probably will continue as long as the United States, and that will become as useful to commerce and agriculture in the days of peace, as it must be to government during the war. The capital proposed is but small, when the extent and riches of the United States are considered; but when put in motion, the benefits flowing from it will be so perceptible, that all difficulty about increasing the capital or securing its credit, will vanish, and we shall only have to appeal to the interest of mankind, which, in most cases, will do more than their patriotism; but there have been, and will continue to be, many instances, where interest is sacrificed to patriotism; and in that belief, I ask you to devote some of your time to this infant plan, which, as it gathers strength, may in the end prove the means of saving the liberties, lives, and property of the virtuous part of America. My good opinion of you is an excuse for giving you this interruption. I am, Sir, yours, &c. ROBERT MORRIS. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Philadelphia, June 21st, 1781. Sir, I find that the new payment of the moneys due to the subscribers to the Pennsylvania Bank materially injures and impedes the subscription to the National Bank. At the same time, I am informed, that Congress are unwilling to dispose of the bills lodged as a security, lest the Minister of the United States at Madrid should be incommoded by it. I have the honor to observe to your Excellency, that if these bills shall be submitted to my disposal, I think I can pay the debts, above mentioned, and cause the greater part of the money to be subscribed to the National Bank, thereby rescuing, in some measure, the public credit and forwarding the service, while, at the same time, I shall put the bills in such a train of negotiation, that at least a very considerable time must elapse before they can be presented, and probably they may not be presented at all. I have the honor to be, &c. ROBERT MORRIS.[33] FOOTNOTES: