The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
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The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
I have had too many proofs of the friendly interest your Excellency
is pleased to take, in whatever may strengthen the bands and connect
the views of the two countries, to doubt your patronage of the present
application; or to pretermit any occasion of repeating assurances of those
sentiments of high respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be,
your Excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant.
TO MONSIEUR L'ABBE DE MORELLET.
PARIS, Oct. 24, 1787.
SIR,--I wish it were in my power to announce to the Count de Cambrai that
the Treasury Board of the United States had enabled their banker here
to answer the demands of the foreign officers. But it is not. As soon as
I knew that there was a deficiency of money to pay the interest of this
demand, I informed the Treasury Board of it. They answered me they would
supply the necessary fund as soon as it should be in their power; and I
am persuaded they have not failed in inclination to do it. Of this I had
the honor to notify the Count de Cambrai the last year. It is not unknown
to you that the part of our new machine of government which works the
worst, is that which respects the raising money; and it is that which
has occasioned the late attempts to amend our confederation. Foreseeing
that our Treasury Board might not be able to remit money from America, I
suggested to Congress the expediency of borrowing money in Holland to pay
off the foreign officers. And in the month of July last, being assured
they could command the money in Holland, I pressed a more particular
proposition to this purpose. As I do not foresee any possible objection
to the proposition I made them, I think myself sure of their acceding to
it, and that I may receive news of it in the month of December. I may
be disappointed as to the time of receiving their answer, because the
course of their business is slow; but I do not apprehend it will be much
retarded, and still less that they will refuse it altogether. The moment
I receive an answer, the Count de Cambrai may be assured it shall be
communicated to him. In doing this I shall gratify not only my personal
friendship for him, but also those sentiments of particular esteem
and attachment with which I have the honor to be, dear Sir, your most
obedient, and most humble servant.
TO THE HONORABLE J. JAY.
PARIS, Oct. 27, 1787.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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