t all my efforts in America to obtain even a hearing were vain and
ineffectual. My present situation, as well as the state of my
accounts, give the lie to every assertion or insinuation of the kind,
yet I am still left to suffer under the calumny in America, and to be
obliged to strangers for money for my support in Europe. I will not
trust myself further on the subject, lest something escape me which
may offend, without my intending it.

I hope Congress will impartially review my case in every stage of it,
and that they will not force me to appeal to the laws of a foreign
nation, or to the tribunal of the public in Europe, for the recovery
of my right, and for justice to my character, which the great and
first law of nature will oblige me to do, unless immediately relieved
by those who owe me, and more who owe to their own character, and to
that of their country, the justice which I demand.

I have the honor to be,

With great esteem and respect, &c.

SILAS DEANE.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Ghent, 17th March, 1782.

Sir,

I have written repeatedly to Congress, and to Mr Morris, and enclosed
my accounts; as I have not been honored with any answer, I fear either
that my letters may have been intercepted, or that the multiplicity of
business has prevented.

Mr Barclay has been here some days; he has looked into my accounts
with the public, and I have given him a copy of them, which he has
promised me to send by the most safe conveyance, and does me the favor
of enclosing this to you, which is simply to request that you would
take, or procure to be taken, such measures as will bring on a final
and decisive settlement of my accounts.

Mr Barclay tells me, that he has no orders on the subject, and that it
lies in your department. I have, therefore, taken the liberty to
address myself to you.

Mr Barclay, after viewing my accounts, proposed that auditors, or
arbitrators, should be named at Paris, to audit and settle the
accounts. I have not the least objection to this, nor shall I have any
against any person, or persons, named by Congress, provided they are
such as have a competent knowledge of accounts, and are impartial. I
am willing, either to nominate one part of them, or to leave the whole
nomination to Dr Franklin, as Congress shal