William Bingham to John Jay, 17 February 1779

S t : Pierre, Martinique, Feb y 17 th , 1779. (Triplicate.)

John Jay Esquire, Dear Sir,

Above is Copy of my last Respects, since writing of which the Continental Frigate the Deane, & the armed Brigantine the General Gates have arrived here, in order to careen & refit.

I am sensible I shall expose myself to innumerable Difficulties in undertaking to supply these Vessels with what they stand in need of. Nothing but the Pain I must feel at seeing the Service suffer, could induce me to do it. Perhaps you may be surprized at my making these Observations to you in your private Capacity, but, I am inclined to do it, from the Hopes that you will use your Influence in removing the Cause of Complaint, which is the want of sufficient permanent Funds, for the Payment of the various incidental Expences of the Services.

Deprived of Remittances from the Continent, & not having Liberty to draw upon France, I have no Resources that can enable me to do Honor to the Engagements that it is necessary to enter into for the Public Account, for Disbursments on Continental Vessels, & Expences attending the Maintenance of Prisoners, their Exchange, &c a . 1

The Balance of Acco t : due to me from Congress Amounts to an enormous Sum, &, that I should be again called upon to make fresh Advances, is a peculiar and grievous Hardship.

Perhaps I am the only Person that, without Public Money, has supplied the Public Necessities; & whilst the Continent laboured under a Difficulty of establishing Funds abroad, I cheerfully ventured as far as my Credit or my Personal Safety would admit. But, at present, when they have such Resources in France, I cannot see the Propriety or Justice of being called upon to sacrifice my Credit, & torment my Feelings, by entering into Engagements on the Public Account, which I am not able to fulfil. It is a partial, & I cannot but think an unmerited Distinction, operating greatly to my Disadvantage.

I must request that you would use your Influence with Congress for establishing Funds to reimburse me for the Advances that I have already made, & shall be again under the Necessity of making; in doing which you will greatly oblige me; & you may be well assured that I shall always preserve a grateful Sense of the Favor. My Letters to the respective Committees of Congress, on this Subject, have been treated with a peculiar Inattention. I have the Honor to be, with Sentiments of perfect Esteem, Dear Sir, your obedient humble Servant.

W m . Bingham