Title
[Document, 1781 July 4]
Library Location
Name
Morris, Robert, 1734-1806 (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
July 4, 1781
Language
English
Physical Description
13 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Copy in the hand of Brockholst Livingston of document 7003. 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 dangerous 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.
Identifier
columbia.jay.01170