May, 1780. Two hundred and twentysix thousand dollars, said to be for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Maryland line, on their march to the southward, or for defraying the deficiencies of clothing due to the Maryland line. To oppose to this charge there is nothing yet produced. I therefore submit to consideration, the propriety of admitting to the credit of his estate the balance, which appeals due on account of his pay, as per the foregoing adjustment.
The King having as yet made no appointment to the Consulate of Charleston, the intention of his Majesty was, that M. de la Forest, Vice-Consul at Savannah, should in the interim perform its duties. I have, consequently, transmitted to him, as well as to M. de Marbois, letters of recommendation, which we thought sufficient to induce the Governor and Council of South Carolina to recognise him in this provisional capacity. Our hopes with regard to this subject were built upon the second article of the draft of a contract for the establishment of Consuls; and we thought that its provisional execution, presenting no inconveniences, would meet with no difficulty, although we are yet ignorant whether this contract has been signed.
As the interests of commerce render the actual establishment of a Vice-Consul at Charleston of very urgent necessity, I pray your Excellency to propose to Congress, to pass a resolution for the provisional execution of this second article of the draft of the contract. This measure is so much the more necessary, as it is the only means of preventing the suspension of the Consular duties, which has often occurred in case of the absence or death of Consuls or Vice-Consuls, and a year might sometimes pass before the arrival of new appointments or commissions, and before resolutions should be passed by Congress. Such an interruption of the office of Consul would be attended with inconveniences, which Congress will easily perceive. Moreover, Sir, we ask nothing on this occasion, but what is customary in the other Consulates, and it is a power which will be readily allowed to Mr Barclay.
I have received the letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to write to me on the 6th of the present month, and the acts of Congress accompanying it.