No. 17.

I have nothing to add to mine of the 5th instant, but to congratulate you on the safe arrival of two Vessels from Holland having on board the goods left by Commodore Gillon, and to present you in the name of Mr. Paine with three copies of a late work of his addressed to the Abbé Raynard in which he takes notice of some of the many Errors with which this work abounds. The Abbé has a fine imagination, and he indulges it. The enclosed resolution contains an important fact which I am using means to ascertain but from the ill success I have hitherto met with in every similar attempt, I am fearful that it will be very long before I can effect it. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great respect and esteem Your most obedient humble Servant

Since writing the above, I have received the enclosed resolutions of Congress. I have already anticipated all that can be said upon the subject of the last—the melancholy state of our necessities is sufficiently known to you—it has been two often repeated to need reiteration. Mr. Morris who writes from an empty treasury amidst perpetual duns, will speak more feelingly. In short, money must be obtained for us at any rate, whether we have peace or war. France having already done much for us, and not being probable that we shall extend our demands beyond the present, she may think it wise not to let us open accounts with a new Banker since the debtor is always more or less under obligations to the creditor. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect and esteem.