The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 12
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 12
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
I will not repeat the arguments to induce a compliance, which are
contained, either in my letter of the 27th of July, or elsewhere; that
is unnecessary. The object of this letter is to make a representation,
which can no longer be delayed consistently with the duties I owe,
either to myself, or my country. And although it is principally
designed for those three States just mentioned, yet I transmit it to
the other States, (in a letter, of which the copy is enclosed,)
because all ought to know what is interesting to all.
Convinced that the impost recommended was not sufficient, I had
devised some additional funds for the payment of our debts, and the
support of our credit. These I should have submitted to the
consideration of Congress, had the States complied with their former
recommendations.
In a circular letter, dated the 19th of October last, I had the honor
to mention an order prohibiting Loan Officers from issuing
certificates in payment of interest, together with the reasons for
which it was made. That order has already produced much clamor among
the public creditors. This I expected, and I still expect that it will
occasion much more.
The public debt is considerable, and the public credit must be lost,
if the interest of it be not provided for. Congress have done their
duty in requesting revenue, and I have done mine in soliciting a
compliance with their request. It only remains for me to bear
testimony against those who oppose that compliance, and to declare,
that they and they only, must be responsible for the consequences.
They are answerable to the other States, to their fellow citizens, to
the public creditors, and to the whole world.
I must speak plainly on this subject. I must point out from time to
time, the reason of those things, which have produced murmurs and
complaints against the representative body of America. I must direct
those who suffer, to those who occasion their sufferings, and those
who are injured to those who have done them wrong. Let me then once
more entreat, that this great object be seriously considered. Let me
repeat, that the hope of our enemy is in the derangement of our
finances; and let me add, that when revenue is given, that hope must
cease. He, therefore, who opposes the grant of such revenue, not only
opposes himself to the dictates of justice, but he labors to continue
the war, and of consequence to shed more blood, to produce more
devastation, and to extend and prolong the miseries of mankind.
I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MORRIS.[2]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account