To George Washington from Robert Morris, 21 June 1782

I am informed that several of our Officer’s have left behind them in New York considerable sums of money unpaid, which had been advanced to them while they were Prisoner’s. The Humanity of those who have made such advances, as well as the Principles of Justice require that they shou’d be repaid, but there is another reason which has considerable weight on my Mind.

The Establishment of a credit among our Enemies by the punctual payment of such debts, will induce them again to make advances should the Chance of War place any of our unfortunate Officers in a Situation to render it necessary. I am therefore to request of your Excellency (should you agree with me in Opinion) that you would take measures to cause the Amount of those Debts to be particularly ascertained, In order that I may devise some means of discharging them as soon as the Scale of the Treasury will permit. I am Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant