Robert Morris to John Jay, 1 April 1777
Philad a . April 1 st . 1777
Dear Sir
The enclosed letters came by a French Ship to New Hampshire & were sent under Cover to me by M r Langdon with many others, 1 I believe they are from England, and wish they may convey agreable Tidings. Last Week a Brig t arrived here with 6800 Muskets & 2100 Gun Locks, another in Maryl d With 633 bbls Powder & this ship into Portsmouth brought with her about 12,000 Muskets, 1000 bbls Powder a Number of Blankets & Cloathing all these are for Continental Account and many others may daily be looked for– 2 An offer was made to our Com rs . at Paris of two Millions of Livers without Interest to be repaid when these United States have established their Independancy in Peace & quietness, no Security or Conditions required, You may be sure they accepted this Noble Bounty & 500,000 Livers was paid down the 20 th . Jan y .–500,000 more was to be paid every three months untill compleated or Sooner if our affairs require it. The Com rs . were well received & promised protection of the Court and that their propositions shou–d all by duely attended to, Great Armaments & preparations for war &c. I fancy however, we must try our Strength alone for a while longer altho I firmly believe a general War will & must Eventually take place in Europe this Summer I wish our army was in the Field we want nothing else to make the day our own. 3 With great regard & esteem I am D r sir your affectionate hbl Serv t
Robt Morris.
PS My best Compts to M r Duane & M r Livingston.