[Document, 1781 July 4]
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- Name
- Morris, Robert, 1734-1806 (Author)
- Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
- Title
- [Document, 1781 July 4]
- Abstract
- Letter signed, body of the letter in the hand of Gouverneur Morris. The confusion and inefficiency of the government have prompted Congress to appoint a Superintendent of Finance. This office must have two goals: a revenue of the greatest convenience to the people and expenditures with the greatest economy. The requisitions from the states have created a large favorable balance, while "the dangerou s practice of taking articles for the public service and giving certificates to the people has created a very general and heavy debt." A large balance must remain, and it must be provided for by loans or subsidies. Yet a great number of inhabitants do not have the ability to lend, and our credit is not good. Therefore, we must turn to friendly nations abroad. Holland cannot give money, and France is already spending a great deal on her own part in the war. Therefore we must ask Spain for a considerable amount. The task is up to Jay. The resolutions of Congress of 10 March 1780 have not been successful. The new money is depreciating, and to issue paper now would be ineffectual. Taxes are not and cannot be high enough. Expresses confidence in American troops and in the American spirit of independence. The proposed siege of New York will soon begin. Advantages to Spain in lending money to the U.S. Their enemy will be weakened. U.S. may assist Spain in the conquest of Florida and the Bahamas and perhaps of Jamaica. We can then conquer Nova Scotia with its valuable resource of ship timbers. The U.S. will pay back loans, and Spain will be able to expel the English from the Bay of Mexico and halt the contraband commerce there. The opening of a port in east Florida would be a security to the Spanish dominion. We cannot be dangerous because the attention of this country " for a century to come most probably will be entirely turned to agriculture and commerce." Jay must present these arguments and others that he can think of.
- Subjects
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
- Format
- correspondence
- Genre
- correspondence
- Date
- July 4, 1781
- Physical Description
- 8 pages
- Language
- English
- Library Location
- Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Browse Location’s Digital Content - Also In
- The papers of John Jay
- Copyright Status
- No Copyright - United States
- Persistent URL
- https://dx.doi.org/10.7916/41za-s377