There are two most cogent reasons why this frigate should be despatched instantly from your port with the money. The first is, because we are much in want of it; and the second is, to prevent our enemies from the possibility of receiving any advice of her. We have so contrived things here, that everybody believes she is going to join the French fleet at Rhode Island, and to carry the flour for their use. On the whole, I most earnestly entreat your Excellency, that if it be at all convenient and consistent with your duty, you will advance the whole of the four hundred thousand dollars in question to Mr Smith, so that the frigate may immediately return. I am sensible that there are certain duties payable to his Majesty on the exportation of money from your port; but as this which I apply for, is to be expended in carrying on the war against his Majesty's enemies, I hope it may be dispensed with; if not, our Minister at Madrid will be directed to make application to the Court on that subject, so that the duty being charged to us in the first instance, may, if not remitted, be added to the general sum. The same observations will apply to the flour on board this frigate, which is also public property. I hope it is not necessary to add anything more to induce a full compliance with my requests. But his Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of France, and Don Francisco Rendon, your own Agent here, will also write you on the subject of this application. I have the honor to remain, with sentiments of the highest esteem and respect, &c.[36] ROBERT MORRIS. FOOTNOTES: [35] This anticipation was never realized, as the whole amount of the Spanish loan to the United States during the war, was no more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. [36] For several letters from Mr Morris to Mr Jay, on the subject of loans in Spain, and the National Bank, see _John Jay's Correspondence_, Vol. VII. pp. 421-449. * * * * * TO ROBERT SMITH, AGENT FOR THE UNITED STATES IN CUBA. Philadelphia, July 17th, 1781. Sir, Upon a proper representation of your character, situation, and attachments to your country and its cause, the Congress of the United States of America have thought proper to appoint you their Agent at the port, of Havana and Island of Cuba. I take much pleasure in transmitting your commission, which you will find enclosed herein; because my knowledge of you leads me to expert every exertion, which your situation and the circumstances attending it will admit of, in favor of your country.