William Grayson letter to George Washington, 25 July 1785

New York, 25 July, 1785,

Dkvr Sir,

The inclosed letters were handed to me the other day by young Mr. Adams, son of Mr. John Adams, who has arrived in the last packet ; and, no private opportunity offering, I do myself the honor of transmitting them by post.

Congress are informed, by a letter from Mr. Adams, that he has been introduced to the King of Great Britain in due form, and received as a public Minister from the United States of America. They have also received from the Commissioners for forming commercial treaties, projects of two treaties ; the one with the King of Prussia, the other with the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The former, it is expected, is signed before this by the American Ministers. Don Diego de Gardoqui, who has plenipotentiary powers, has been received; and Congress have passed a commission to INIr. Jay, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to negotiate with him.

Congress have lately paid great attention to the proposed alteration of the ninth article of the Confederation, and it has been debated several times. I did myself the honor to inclose this paper some time ago. There seem to be three opinions. Some are for the alteration as reported, provided eleven, and not nine States, have the exercise of the powers. Others are for forming a act, and submitting

the same to the States. A third opinion is against any change whatever. I expect, after the subject has been thoroughly investigated, it will, by consent, be put off till the members have had an opportunity of consulting the Legislatures. The requisition for the current year is nearly finished. By this the States are called upon to pay three millions of dollars, that is, one million in specie, and two millions in interest on liquidated certificates ; the whole containing a provision as well for the purposes of government as for the interest on the foreign and domestic debt.

I beg leave to inclose propositions respecting the coinage of gold, silver, and copper, which are at present before Congress.

I have the honor to be, &c., &c.,

William Grayson.