The enclosed note
from Drost will explain the reason why this was not sent. It will let
you see also, that he may be employed; as I suppose he is not so certain
as he was of being engaged here. Mr. Grand, who knows him, gives me
reason to believe he may be engaged reasonably. Congress will decide
whether it be worth their attention.
In some of my former letters, I suggested an opportunity of obliging the
court, by borrowing as much money in Holland as would pay the debt due
here, if such a loan could be obtained; as to which, I was altogether
ignorant. To save time, I wrote to Mr. Dumas, to know whether he thought
it probable a loan could be obtained, enjoining on him the strictest
secrecy, and informing him I was making the inquiry merely of my own
motion, and without instruction. I enclose you his answer. He thinks
purchasers of the debt could be found, with a sacrifice of a small part
of the capital, and a postponement be obtained of some of the first
reimbursements. The proposition by him, for an immediate adoption of
this measure by me, was probably urged, on his mind by a desire to serve
our country, more than a strict attention to my duty, and the magnitude
of the object.
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