made every thing will be set in proper motion.

I now discuss a subject which has given, and still continues to give
me as much anxiety as I can struggle with, and mention another, a
little new but indeed somewhat connected with it; it is the equipping
of a number of American ships of war in the ports of France.
Considering the price of duck, cordage, ordnance, and other military
stores in America, they may be built much cheaper here. This is not
the sole advantage, they may carry over stores of every kind in
safety, as being French bottoms, ostensibly at least, all the brave
and ingenious in the Marine Department in this kingdom would become
adventurers in person, or in purse and influence in such a scheme; and
I speak on good grounds, when I say, that in three months after
receiving your orders I can have ten ships of at least thirty six guns
each, at your service, independent of assistance immediately from
Government; so much attention is paid to the American cause by all
persons of consequence in this kingdom. The honorable Congress must I
conceive either continue emitting bills or borrow money, and I submit
whether it be not better to borrow of foreign states than individuals,
in the present situation of American affairs; I am convinced you may
borrow five or six millions of Holland, on France becoming your
security. This I am confident may be obtained on application to this
Court and Spain, and that on these principles they can by no means be
willing to permit the Colonies to return to their former subjection to
Great Britain, armed as both countries are. Their possessions in
America must lie at the mercy of Great Britain, on such an event as a
reconciliation with the Colonies. The Colonies being in want of the
manufactures of Europe, of this kingdom in particular, this sum would,
a principal part of it, rest in France and give a great spring to
their manufactures, and afford them the advantage of anticipating
others in American commerce. These are important objects, and I have
no doubt would be considered of consequence sufficient for them to
risk such a credit. Rich individuals offer to supply any quantity of
goods or stores on such security, and I believe the latter would do
considerable, were they only assured of five per cent interest on
their debts after they become due. But I submit the whole to the
mature consideration of the honorable Congress, and am, &c.