To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 30 August 1791
From William Short
Paris Aug. 30. 1791.
Sir
I make use of this conveyance by the English packet merely to announce to you that the bankers at Amsterdam have in consequence of my letters to them1 had a loan contracted for in behalf of the U.S. for six millions of guilders.2 The celerity with which it was taken up, as they inform me, shews the continuance of the high ground on which the credit of the U.S. stands at that place.
The bankers inform me that, agreeably to my desire, they announced this loan to you3 immediately on its being contracted for. It will be considered as a double loan & appropriated as directed in your letter of the 24th. of May.
Having an opportunity by the way of Havre to-morrow I defer till then the details respecting the commission on this loan as contained in a letter of the bankers to me of the 25th. inst.4
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant
W: Short
The Honble.
Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury—Philadelphia.
ALS, letterpress copy, William Short Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Short to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard, July 29, August 11, 12, 14, 1791 (ALS, letterpress copies, William Short Papers, Library of Congress). See also Short to H, August 8, 23, 1791.
2. On August 22, 1791, Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard wrote to Short: “We have adopted the necessary Measures, to secure Success to a Loan of Six Million of Guilders for the United States at Five per Cent Interest per Annum, to be dated the first of the ensuing Month; the Completion Whereof We hope to announce to you next Post, on communicating you the further Particulars” (LS, Short Family Papers, Library of Congress).
3. Letter not found.