n
the Marquis de Lafayette as soon as possible. I may leave this in a
few hours; I cannot do it, however, without entreating you in the
warmest terms to send on a month's pay at least, with all the
expedition possible. I wish it to come on the wings of speed.

I am, Dear Sir, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Head of the Elk, September 7th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

I have received your two favors of yesterday. I find myself so pressed
by circumstances, that it will be impossible for me to stay at this
place till the payment of the money committed to Mr Audibert can be
effected. I must leave the head of the Elk this afternoon or early
tomorrow morning. I shall however leave instructions with General
Lincoln to do all that is necessary on the occasion.

The sum of twenty thousand dollars will fall much short of the sum
necessary.

The five hundred guineas on my own account I have received.

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Office of Finance, September 10th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

The sole intent of this is to acknowledge the receipt of your two
letters of the 7th instant; that which related to the month's pay you
would see was answered by the steps previously taken, but I am a good
deal disappointed and put to inconvenience by the money at the Elk
falling short of the object, which obliges me to send money thither
that was absolutely necessary to fulfil my engagements here. I must
struggle through these difficulties, but the doing so requires that
attention and time, which ought to be bestowed upon greater objects.

The letter respecting the criminal was too late, the poor fellow was
gone. I am sorry for it, and remain your Excellency's most obedient,
&c.

ROBERT MORRIS.[44]

FOOTNOTES:

[44] _September 18th._ Several members of Congress and others called
on me last evening, desirous to know the reasons for my writing to Mr
Jay a letter of the 15th of August last, which being intercepted,
Rivington has published, and graced with his remarks, wherein I direct
Mr Jay to protest certain bills of exchan