dollars is sufficient for sinking the loan proposed of 25,000,000 in
sixteen years, and to leave a surplus of $673,103 after discharging
both principal and interest. In the second place, that by this plan
the public will save the sum of $9,673,103 more than if the same sum
is borrowed in the usual way of simple interest; or in other words,
the money on this plan will be borrowed at 3-1/2 per cent interest
nearest, a sum well deserving the attention of the public at this, and
at every other time, and it is for that purpose the foregoing plan and
calculations are submitted.
The only difficulties, that can possibly occur in the carrying this
plan and every part of it into execution, are in the establishing such
a fund, as will be certain for raising the two millions and a half of
dollars annually, and in the next place in procuring the loan. The
first may be obviated with greater ease and certainty than the second.
It cannot in justice be concealed, that the loan cannot be obtained
with the same ease now as it might have been six or seven months past,
nor that the longer it is delayed, the greater the difficulty will be.
It is however attainable if applied for in season, and in a proper
manner. It is but too probable, that if delayed many months longer, it
will not be obtained on any terms whatever. The war now kindling in
Europe will probably in the course of another year become general, the
consequence of which will be, that the emperor of Germany, the empress
of Russia, and some other powers, the two former in particular, who
have improved the late peace to regulate their finances, and to reduce
and pay off their foreign debts, will on this change of affairs become
borrowers afresh; in a word, there will be in Europe seven or eight,
or more powers under the necessity of borrowing, and not more than two
or three at the most in a situation to lend, and when so many demands
are made for money, it will be very difficult to have ours preferred.
To obtain it, therefore, requires immediate application, interest, and
address; which thoughts, with the above plan, are respectfully
submitted to the wisdom of Congress.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
PROPOSALS _for equipping such a fleet, as will be sufficient to defend
the coasts and commerce of the United States against any force, which
Great Britain will be able to send to America_.
It is necessary to premise, that the obtaining a loan, and setting on
foot a naval force, are so connected with, and dependent on each
other, and so many important consequences depend on both, that I have
preferred placing one directly after the other, that my ideas on these
great subjects may be perceived at one view, rather than the placing
them in any manner separate or disjointed from each other. Without a
naval force sufficient to protect in some degree our commerce as it
revives, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to pay either
the principal or interest of the money we may borrow, and without some
probably certain prospect of doing this, it would hardly be honest to
borrow at all. I have only to add, that the following calculations are
not founded on light and uncertain estimates, but on the most certain
knowledge of the quantity of each of those articles necessary for the
purpose. The prices are fixed at what they were last season in Sweden,
and in the north of Europe; what I have ventured to say respecting
ships of a new construction carrying fortytwo to fortyeight cannon,
being equal to sixtyfour and even seventyfour line of battle ships, I
am convinced of the truth of, not merely from my own observation and
reasoning on the subject, but from the opportunities I have had of
conversing with some of the most able and experienced constructors and
commanders of ships in Europe, as well as in America. France, as well
as England, has already several ships of such a plan on the stocks,
which is a full proof in what light they view this plan of building;
but fortunately for these States, their old prejudices, as well as
the opposition of commanders of large ships, and a great number of
men, to the changing them for ships of a less rate and fewer men, as
well as of less pomp and appearance, will in a great measure prevent
either of those nations from much immediate success in this plan for
an improvement or reform.
1st. A fleet consisting of twenty such ships as mentioned above,
joined by twenty frigates from twentyfour to thirtysix guns, will be
sufficient to guard this coast against any naval force, which Great
Britain, or any other maritime power can spare, to send against us. An
American fleet, opposing a foreign one on this coast, will always have
many very decisive circumstances in their favor, which are obvious at
first view, particularly that of clean ships and healthy men against
foul ships and sickly men, or fatigued by a long voyage, and that of
being able with ships of the proposed construction to enter harbors in
case of storm or other accident, which larger ships cannot.
2dly. The twenty large ships, and ten or a less number of the frigates
may be put on the stocks and built in America, and though the present
price of labor is dear, yet were the undertakers to be paid in
sterling bills, or in specie, the hulls or bodies of the ships may
perhaps be had nearly at the same price as before the war; but suppose
they cost more, yet if every other article be procured from Europe at
the first cost and common charges, the ships complete will not amount
to much more than such ships usually cost before the war in America,
probably not so much.
3dly. Suppose also that eight of the frigates be built in America, and
twelve purchased in Europe, to transport the materials from thence for
the rest. In the first place, let a calculation be made what all these
materials, allowing a large proportion, will amount to, and also for
the purchase of the twelve frigates, or ships for frigates, which are
to transport those materials over to America.
CALCULATION.
Livres.
160,000 aulms of sailcloth, 240,000
500,000 cwt of anchors, 125,000
3,200,000 cwt of cordage, 1,280,000
6,000,000 cwt of cannon, 960,000
10,000 fuzees, fit for marine service, 200,000
200 tons of powder, 400,000
N. B. As iron is scarce and dear in America,
especially in the east and northward states, I
suppose 300 tons of iron, 160,000
12 ships fit for sea, capable of being armed as
frigates of 24 to 36 guns, will unarmed cost
250,000 livres each, nearly 3,000,000
I suppose for shells, shot, cutlasses, spears,
hand-grenadoes, and a variety of small articles, too
many to be enumerated in such a general calculation,
the sum of 1,000,000
---------
Total amount, 7,365,000
Equal to one million six hundred and seventytwo thousand dollars,[18]
for which sum twelve of the ships will be purchased, and all the
capital materials for the others. One million of livres, or two
hundred thousand dollars, is a large allowance for the small articles,
and I know, from offers made me from Sweden, that the ships and other
articles referred to, may be purchased there at the above rates, if
they have not risen since the month of March last.
4thly. Of the proposed loan by the plan preceding, there will remain,
after sinking the fiftythree millions and the payment of the present
debts, the sum of one million and a half sterling, or 6,666,666-2/3
dollars, out of which deduct the above sum of 1,672,000, and there
remains the sum of 4,994,666-2/3 dollars, or twentyfive millions of
livres nearest, for other purposes; a sum sufficient for many great
purposes. The commissioners, to the time of my leaving France, had not
in the whole ever received four millions of livres, to enable them to
procure all the supplies, which they engaged and sent over.
5thly. These stores, and ships to transport them, may be procured on
the best terms in Sweden. Swedish ships are not so durable as those
built in England, or of cedar and live oak, but I am well assured they
greatly exceed those built of the common American oak. Sweden is ever
so under the influence of France, that there is no doubt but with
proper management these ships and stores may be obtained, and a convoy
for them, which, by sailing in June next and coming north about, might
arrive at Boston in season, and with very little or no risk; but the
fear of being too tedious prevents my being more particular.
6thly. If it be agreeable to make the purchase of the materials
enumerated, but not of the ships, as ships may be had to freight them
over, it will amount to much the same.
7thly. I will only add, that in time of peace should any of these
ships proposed, be to be disposed of out of the continental, they will
not be too large for many branches of the merchant service. If these
proposals should appear just and practicable, many less matters
connected with them will require consideration, and as in the first,
so in this plan, every thing depends on immediate despatch.
It has been objected, that such a number of ships could not be manned,
but if it is considered that there are now employed in privateering a
greater number of men, than are sufficient to man this proposed fleet,
it is easy to obviate this difficulty by offering such inducements, as
will infallibly lead both officers and men to prefer the public to any
private service whatever. The United States have not in view private
or partial, but public and extensive objects, the humbling our
enemies, the defence of our coasts, and the laying the foundation of a
great and flourishing marine. If the whole of the prize money be
divided among the seamen and officers, or suppose threefourths
actually shared, and the remainder appropriated for the building and
support of a hospital for sick, wounded, and disabled seamen, such a
resolution will be a generous one, and cannot fail of answering the
end. His Most Christian Majesty has generously done this for his
officers and seamen serving in his marine, by his ordinance of April
last.
Philadelphia, 13th November, 1778.
_P. S._ Apprehensive of being tedious when I wrote the above, I said
nothing on the methods for paying the interest for the first two or
three years, until a certain revenue can be established, for
considering the present depreciated state of our currency, and the
scarcity of specie, it cannot be instantly expected. I take therefore
the liberty of suggesting two methods, one of which will most
certainly answer the purpose. The first is to borrow of France or
Spain, the interest money for the first three years, by which, the
interest punctually paid, a credit will become established, and future
loans may be made if wanted, and our commerce will be so far restored,
that it will not be difficult to raise specie equal to the payment.
But should this method fail, there still remains a certain resource,
for even if the plan for equipping a navy be adopted, yet there will
still remain in bank, as will be seen by the calculation and estimate,
a sum sufficient for more than three years interest.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[18] There seems to be a mistake here, if the author's mode of
reckoning five livres to the dollar be adopted. The sum would then be
one million four hundred and seventy three thousand dollars.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 19th November, 1778.
Sir,
I did myself the honor of writing to you on the 7th of October last,
and having since received a letter from Mr Williams, I send it
enclosed, to show Congress that the monies mentioned by Mr A. Lee, in
his letter of the 1st of June last, to have been received by that
gentleman, have, in the opinion of two of the commissioners, been well
laid out and faithfully accounted for. It gives me great pleasure to
find, that the clothes contracted for by Mons. Monthieu, Messrs
Holker, Sabbatier, and Desprez, and others, are on examination
approved of, and allowed to be the best of the kind, both as to the
quality of the cloth and fashion they are made in, of any that have
ever been imported; it is indeed a fortunate circumstance, that out of
near forty thousand suits so few have been intercepted. As Mr A. Lee,
in his letters, has insinuated that the contracts for these clothes
were made entirely by me, and has charged me with great extravagance
in them, I beg leave to inform Congress, that these suits complete,
and delivered on board, do not cost, on an average, thirtysix livres,
or thirtyone shillings and sixpence sterling the suit. I labored hard
to send over shoes, stockings, and shirts in proportion, and so far as
it was effected, the suit complete, with shoes, stockings and shirt,
does not amount in the whole to forty shillings sterling. These facts
being known, I am content to take on myself the merit or demerit of
furnishing these supplies.
I will make no comment on the dismission of a man of Mr Williams'
known abilities, integrity, and economy, and who did the business of
the public for two per cent, to make room for the deputies of Mr
William Lee, who shares five per cent with them, nor on the still more
unaccountable conduct of Mr A. Lee, in ordering bills accepted by
Messrs Franklin and Adams to be protested. It gives me pain to be
forced to lay these facts before Congress, but I cannot, consistent
with the duty I owe my country, nor with the justice due myself,
permit them, and others of the like nature, to remain longer concealed
from public view and examination.
My letter of the 7th ult. covered observations on Mr Lee's and Mr
Izard's letters to Congress, to which I am still without the honor of
any reply; nothing would give me greater satisfaction, than to learn
by what part of my public conduct I have merited the neglect, with
which my letters and most respectful solicitations for months past, to
be heard before Congress, have been treated. I confess that I once
flattered myself the services I performed in procuring supplies, and
sending them to the United States at the most critical period of their
affairs, and in assisting to bring forward and conclude the treaties,
together with the honorable testimonials from the Court of France,
whilst I had the honor of residing there, would have merited the
approbation of Congress. And I now leave it with every person of
sensibility and honor, to imagine what must be my disappointment and
chagrin, to find myself obliged at last to leave America without being
informed if exceptions have been taken to any part of my conduct, or
what they may be. Thus situated, though I can but feel most sensibly,
yet a consciousness of the integrity and zeal, which have ever guided
and animated my conduct, and a sense of the important services I have
been so fortunate as to render my country, with the confidence I have
that justice will yet be done me, support and will never permit me to
forget or desert myself or my country, whilst in my power to be
useful.
I took the liberty on the 12th instant, in writing to Congress, again
to remind them of my being without any answer to my request, and
having written already repeatedly, I will not trouble that honorable
body further on the subject of my being heard, agreeable to what by
their resolutions which recalled me, and since I hoped for, and had
reason to expect; but praying them to accept my sincere thanks for the
honor they did me, in appointing me their commercial and political
agent in Europe, and afterwards one of their commissioners to the
Court of France, by which I have had an opportunity of rendering my
country important services, I have only to repeat my former request,
that orders may be given to their minister at the Court of France to
have my accounts examined and settled, immediately on my return
thither, referring to my letter of the 7th, on that head, and
entreating for a speedy resolution on the subject.
I have the honor to remain,
With the most profound respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
_P. S._ Since writing the above, I am informed that letters have been
received from the honorable Mr Lee, and read in Congress, which
mention certain proceedings of Mr Hodge, and that a sum of money had
been paid Mr S. Wharton by my order, without the knowledge of the
commissioners, and which I left unexplained and unaccounted for. I
will only say here, that any insinuation of this kind is totally
groundless, and makes me feel most sensibly what I suffer by not being
permitted to be heard before Congress, which I still solicit for.
S. D.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 30th November, 1778.
Sir,
I am still so unhappy, as to be without the honor of any reply to the
several letters I have written through you to Congress, praying that
honorable body to favor me with an audience, and that they would give
the necessary orders to their ministers or commissioners at the Court
of Versailles to examine, adjust, and settle my accounts immediately
on my return to France. I take the liberty now to add to what I have
already written, that the hopes of being favored with an audience have
already occasioned my losing several very agreeable and safe
opportunities of returning, until the season has become as pressing as
the business which calls me back, and obliges me most earnestly to
entreat the attention of Congress to my situation and requests.
I have the honor to remain, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Friday, 4th December, 1778.
Sir,
I have now to acknowledge your favors of 10 o'clock last evening, and
to thank you for the attention paid to my last letter to you. Previous
to receiving the intimation you have given me, "that Congress had
resolved to take into consideration their foreign affairs, and that
such branches as I had been particularly concerned in, would in due
course become subjects of deliberation," I had prepared to leave this
city, and had made my arrangements accordingly, which it will not be
in my power to dispense with for any time. I take the liberty of
mentioning this, as I do not find in the intimation you have given me
of the resolution of Congress any time fixed for my attendance, and I
take the liberty of repeating what I have before had the honor of
writing to you, that my detention is extremely prejudicial to my
private affairs, and, so far as I am able to judge, in some degree so
to those of the public, which I have had the honor of being intrusted
with, some of which require my presence at the settlement of them, as
well on account of my own reputation, as for the interest of the
United States.[19]
I have the honor to be, with much respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[19] On the 5th of December, Mr Deane published an article in the
Pennsylvania Gazette, reflecting on the conduct of some of the
commissioners in Europe. This publication gave much offence to Messrs
Arthur Lee and William Lee, and Mr Izard, as will be seen hereafter in
their letters to Congress.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 21st December, 1778.
Sir,
In obedience to the orders of Congress of the 7th inst.[20] I have now
committed to writing as particular an account of my agency of their
affairs in Europe as my situation will permit, and wait the pleasure
of Congress to lay the same before them. And I have only to request,
that the letters written by the commissioners to Congress, or the
Committee of Foreign Affairs, during my agency or since, which refer
thereto, ordered to be read in Congress, may be laid on their table,
when I shall have the honor to be admitted. I request this, from my
not having the copies of those letters with me, to which the accounts
I am directed to give refer, but recollecting the substance of them, I
have judged it unnecessary to trouble Congress for copies of them at
present, as it might cause some delay, and I am anxious to complete as
soon as possible the information expected from me. I flatter myself
that an early day will be fixed, and if I may take the liberty to
mention one, I wish it may be tomorrow if consistent with the business
of Congress.
I have the honor to be, with the utmost respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
FOOTNOTES:
[20] "_Resolved_, That Silas Deane report to Congress in writing as
soon as may be, his agency of their affairs in Europe, together with
any intelligence respecting their foreign affairs which he may judge
proper.
"That Mr Deane be informed, that if he has anything to communicate to
Congress in the interim of immediate importance, he shall be heard
tomorrow evening at six o'clock.
"Mr Deane attending, was called in, and the foregoing resolutions were
read to him."
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 30th December, 1778.
Sir,
When I had the honor of waiting on Congress last, I was informed that
I should be favored with an opportunity of finishing my narrative
without delay. I now take the liberty of applying to Congress, and to
inform them that I am ready, and wait their orders. I have received
letters, which I am desirous to communicate personally; they relate to
parts of my narrative. My solicitude for a final issue of my affairs
will, I trust, not appear unreasonable to Congress, when it is
considered that a certain Mr Thomas Paine, styling himself Secretary
for Foreign Affairs, and presuming to address the public in his
official character, has thrown out in a late paper many insinuations
injurious to my public character, and has avowed his intentions of
laying before the public a number of interesting facts, and materials,
relative to my conduct, as one of the commissioners of these United
States at the Court of France.
I rely on the justice of Congress, and have the honor to be, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 4th January, 1779.
Sir,
In my letter of the 30th ult. I took the liberty of mentioning to
Congress a circumstance, which made me very solicitous for a final
issue of my affairs, which was the illiberal and abusive attacks made
on my character, as the public agent and minister of these States, by
a certain Mr Thomas Paine, styling himself Secretary for Foreign
Affairs, and pretending to address the public in his official
capacity. This person has since, in Mr Dunlap's paper of the 2d inst.,
ventured to assure the public, that the supplies, which I contracted
for with Mons. Beaumarchais, were promised and engaged, and that as a
present, before I arrived in France, and that he has in his possession
full proof of this.
I cannot suppose that Mr Paine is possessed of any letters, or papers
on this subject, which are not before Congress, or to which the
honorable members are strangers. I will not trouble Congress with any
observations on the many groundless and extravagant assertions of this
writer, but justice to my own character obliges me to entreat, that,
if what he has asserted on this subject is a fact, I may be made
acquainted with it. Mons. Beaumarchais, in his letter to Congress of
the 23d of March last, asserts directly the contrary to what this man
has ventured to publish; and as my engagements with Mons. Beaumarchais
were made on a very different ground, it is of the last importance to
me to know if I have been deceived in the whole of this transaction,
and how, that I may be able to regulate my conduct accordingly.
I have the honor to be, with the utmost respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 21st January, 1779.
Sir,
When I had the honor of waiting on Congress, you were pleased to
inform me, that if Congress had any further commands for me I should
be notified thereof. Not having received any notice from you on the
subject, I take the liberty to inform you, that my affairs are become
so pressing and so peculiarly circumstanced, that it is impossible for
me to attend longer without doing greater prejudice to myself and
interest, than I am able to sustain. I must therefore request of you
to remind Congress of my situation, and that you will inform me of
their determination respecting me.
I have the honor to be, with sincere respect, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, 22d February, 1779.
Sir,