I arrived here this morning, but was prevented from immediately doing myself the Honor of paying my Respects to your Excellency, by fatigue & Indisposition.

In a Letter I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency on the 16th. Instant I mentioned that the holders of the Bills began to grow impatient. On the 18th. Instant I informed your Excellency by another Letter, that their applications to me for acceptance had become so pressing, as that I found myself under the necessity of again requesting your Directions.1

I have accepted Messrs. Joys2 Bills, payable to Bilboa, agreable to your Excellencys Directions on the 5th: of July last;3 and they have agreed to wait some Time for the name of the House there which may be employed to pay them. The other Gentlemen were enduced to delay requiring of me a decisive answer until Monday next, on my assurances that they should then recieve one.

The Inducements and Reasons which urged Congress into this Measure are known to your Excellency, and it would be no less unnecessary than improper to recapitulate the Consequences which must ensue from the Success or Failure of it. I fear your Excellency thinks I am too sollicitous, too importunate—but when it is considered that the Holders of these Bills are not under my Controul, and that they require an answer for ^from^ me, I flatter myself that the Trouble I give you Excellency on this subject will appear to arise from a Sense of my Duty, and not from the Impulse of Impatience—

I sincerely congratulate your Excellency on the late important naval Success against the common Enemy,4 and have the Honor to be with great Respect— Your Excellencys Most obedient & most hble Servant