To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 July 1782
From Robert Morris2
LS: American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress
Office of Finance 5th July 1782
Sir.
I enclose to you the form of an acknowledgement of our Debt to the Court of France which I desire you would Seal and execute,3 After having ascertained the Amount of the Debt, and that you will send Copies thereof thro the Office of foreign Affairs to Congress; as well as inform me of the Amount of the Debt and the Time of Settlement.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your most Obedient and humble Servant
Robt. Morris
Benjamin Franklin Esqr. minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles
Endorsed: Office de Finance July 5. 1782 Acct with France how to be attested.—
2. Morris composed this letter and its enclosure to satisfy La Luzerne that BF was authorized to settle America’s debt. Morris sent both items to the chevalier on July 5, requesting that they be forwarded: Morris Papers, V, 533, 536.
3. The one-page form confirmed the “full Powers and Authorities” given the signatory and specified that the payment schedule and interest were to be mutually determined by the King and America. For the full text see Morris Papers, V, 534–5.