I have at length received from M. De Viemerange the Estimates of the Furniture made and to be made by Order of Mr Lawrens, and find that it exceeds two Millions.

This with the two Millions & half sent from Brest, and the Million & half in Holland, absorbs the whole of the six Millions granted by his Majesty's Bounty to the United States.

The Loan proposed in Holland not having yet produced any thing, I am left without the Means of paying the Congress Bills, which I accepted in Expectation of being assisted from that Loan.

M. Grand tells me, that we shall not be able to continue paying after the 10th Instant.

To prevent this fatal Catastrophe, I beg your Excellency would consider whether the best and easiest Method will not be, to retain the Money in Holland, (which is not yet put on board the Ship) 'till an equal Sum can be raised there by the Loan.

I do not conceive any Use that Money can possibly be applied to in America, will support the Credit of the States in any Degree equal to the Payment of their Bills here.

I have no Opinion of Capt. Gillon's Conduct, or of the Safety of the Conveyance by any Ship under his Care.

I therefore request earnestly, an Order for the Stoppage of that 1,500,000. Livres for the present, and that it may be applied to the Payment of our accepted Bills.

Or if this cannot be obtained, that Credit may be given for the Stores furnish'd by M. De Viemerange & Messrs Sabatier & Co. 'till they can be paid from the Loan in Holland; and that the Sum those Stores amount to may be advanced to us gradually as our Bills may become due.

It is with the utmost Reluctance I give your Excellency this Trouble: But if we cannot go on with our Payts. we are ruined.—

With great & sincere Respect, I am Sir, Your Excellency's, most obedient and most humble Servant.