But it is also possible, he may bring no order on
the subject. The slowness with which measures are adopted on our side
the water, does not permit us to count on punctual answers; but, on the
contrary, renders it necessary for us to suppose, in the present case,
that no orders will arrive in time, and to consider whether any thing,
and what, should be done. As it may be found expedient to transfer all
our foreign debts to Holland, by borrowing there, and as it may always
be prudent to preserve a good credit in that country, because we may
be forced into wars, whether we will or not, I should suppose it very
imprudent to suffer our credit to be annihilated, for so small a sum
as fifty-one thousand guelders. The injury will be greater too, in
proportion to the smallness of the sum; for they will ask, 'How can a
people be trusted for large sums, who break their faith for such small
ones?' You know best what effect it will have on the minds of the
money-lenders of that country, should we fail in this payment. You know
best also, whether it is practicable and prudent for us, to have this
debt paid without orders.
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