Silas Deane to John Jay, 6 October 1777

Paris October 6. 1777.

My Dear Sir,

I am sorry to find by your Letter by Cap t Young the only Letter I have rec d . from you since I left America that you are not in Congress–€” 1 I doubt not you are wanted in other Departments, but can no where be of greater Service to your Country than in that Body at this critical period; you will undoubtedly be acquainted with the substance of what we write Jointly, will not therefore venture on particulars as to the politicks here–€” Europe appears interested in our Success; and France & Spain continue to Arm, yet the dread of a Continental War which they know not how far it may extend when once kindled, with many Circumstances arising from the state of Finances, Alliances &c., has hitherto prevented our obtaining any thing decisive–€” There is not a State in Europe, Holland & one or two at most excepted, but what are involved in Debt & it seems as if it had been the Study of the Ministry of every Court to increase their Debts & Expences rather than to lessen them–€” The Question is not how large a Capital they can discharge but how much Interest they can possibly discharge Annually & calculate their Publick Expences & Exactions on the Subjects accordingly the Publick Lenders as well as borrowers of money, have lost sight of the principal & attend only to the certain payt of the Interest, on this it is that Great Britain supports the present War, a punctual payment of Interest gives Credit for more Loans, tho no one believes the Kingdom able to answer the Capital, should it be demanded–€”

I have wrote you many Letters most of which I fear have miscarried, I shall however continue to write by every direct Opportunity. Your Brother is now at Spa, in Germany from whence he wrote me a few Weeks since 2 you must be careful how you put too much Confidence in N o . 1 & N o . 2 as there are many ways I find, of Discovery–€” I will write you again soon, meantime am &c.

SD–€”

John Jay Esqr