The American Commissioners to John Ross
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two);
incomplete drafts: Library of Congress
<Passy, April 22-May 3, 1778: You wrote us that you would, if
desired, send the invoices of goods shipped for the public. We
asked for them, to account for the money advanced you. Your
reason for refusing, in yours of the 18th, is inadequate; send
us all the accounts, and a copy of our order for buying the
Queen of France.
When you first asked our assistance, to maintain your credit
and that of the committee of Congress, we furnished the sum
you needed on your promise to repay. After almost a year you
have not redeemed the promise. You should not have made
new commitments, which the committee did not expect you to
make and we did not expect to discharge. If we were responsible
for debts that we do not control, we should soon become
bankrupt ourselves. We therefore cannot allow you to draw on
our bankers.>
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