Swan, James, 1754-1830 to Henry Knox

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GLC#
GLC02437.04960-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
27 May 1791
Author/Creator
Swan, James, 1754-1830
Title
to Henry Knox
Place Written
Paris, France
Pagination
4 p. : Height: 23.3 cm, Width: 19 cm
Primary time period
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub-Era
The Early Republic

Swan says he wrote Knox letters on 27 December 1790 and 23 and 27 January 1791. Mentions new ministers from France arriving in America. Their primary goal is to address the U.S. debt to France. Discusses how they could find 40 million dollars to pay the debt. Claims "The circumstances of the finances of france, render this matter nearer at heart, than when first proposed. The deficiency in the Revenue with the expence, was not then known: it is now severely felt." Says if there ever was a moment the U.S. could help France, this is it. Claims borrowing from Amsterdam is not cheap at the moment. Mentions speaking about details of other schemes to borrow money with William Short. Continues letter on 10 June. Gives latest on borrowing possibilities and suggests getting money from Holland would be best. Postscript mentions that Gouverneur Morris received letters from America that objected to his posting as a diplomat in France because he has an interest in the U.S. debt to France. States that Morris denies being involved in such speculation. Signature clipped.

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