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 pursuit 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.