From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 12 August 1793
To William Short1
Treasury Department August 12th 1793
Sir
It is thought expedient to take measures for obtaining a loan in Holland of three millions of florins; though it should not be obtainable on lower terms than five per cent interest and four per cent charges.
With a view to this, and not expecting your presence at the Hague, at the time this letter shall reach Holland, I have addressed the requisite instructions for the purpose, immediately to our commissioners at Amsterdam, a copy of which is here enclosed for your information.2 This will explain to you the particular motive which suggested the expediency of the loan in question.
I request a cooperation on your part in whatever may be necessary to give the business its proper form.
With repectful consideration & great esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient Servant
Alexander Hamilton
William Short Esqr minister Resident of the United States at the Hague
LS, William Short Papers, Library of Congress.
1. For background to this letter, see Tobias Lear to H, August 12, 1793, and H to George Washington, August 12, 1793.