I never find myself more disagreably circumstanced, than when my Duty constrains me to be troublesome to those, to whom I wish to afford only Pleasure & Satisfaction. Such is my present Situation. Monday next I percieve is to be a critical Day. Other Bills, besides Messrs. Joyes [Joyce], are then to be represented. Mr. Gardoqui of Bilboa writes me that he has recieved Bills on me for 13′335 Dollars, with orders immediately to ship the amount in Goods to America. They will be presented Tomorrow, and he expects an answer by mondays Post. If an immediate acceptance or Refusal should be insisted upon by any one of them, a Protest must ensue, and american Credit be reduced to the lowest Ebb. What am I to do? If your Excellency should direct me to accept these Bills payable at Bilboa, they will, as before, demand at what House there they are to be paid.1

I must entreat your Excellency to relieve me and my Country from this painful Situation, and to pardon the Trouble I am obliged to give you— With great Respect & Esteem I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most obedient & most h’ble Servant