I desired him to endeavor to prevail on the Danish
minister, to have the money paid in Amsterdam or Paris, by their banker
in either of those cities, if they have one.
M. Ast (secretary to the consulate) is at L'Orient. Whether he comes up
with the papers, or sends them, they shall be received, sealed up, and
taken care of. I will only ask the favor of you, that I may never be
desired to break the seals, unless very important cause for it should
arise.
I have just received from Messrs. Willincks and Van Staphorsts, a
letter of January the 31st, in which are these words: 'The official
communication we have of the actual situation and prospect of the
finances of the United States, would render such a partial payment as
that to Fiseaux's house of no avail towards the support of the public
credit, unless effectual measures shall be adopted, to provide funds for
the two hundred and seventy thousand florins, interest, that will be due
the first of June next; a single day's retard in which would ground a
prejudice of long duration.' They informed me, at the same time, that
they have made to you the following communication; that Mr.
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