Reminds Knox that he needs a sum of money Knox owes him by 1 June. Declares that if his finances were not tightly arranged, and if his credit were not endangered, Swan would not be so insistent.

Discusses financial arrangements he has made with Knox. Relates his apprehension about entering into certain types of deals with Knox.

Swan says he wrote Knox letters on 27 December 1790 and 23 and 27 January 1791. Mentions new ministers from France arriving in America. Their primary goal is to address the U.S. debt to France. Discusses how they could find 40 million dollars to pay the debt. Claims The circumstances of the finances of france, render this matter nearer at heart, than when first proposed. The deficiency in the Revenue with the expence, was not then known: it is now severely felt. Says if there ever was a moment the U.S. could help France, this is it. Claims borrowing from Amsterdam is not cheap at the moment. Mentions speaking about details of other schemes to borrow money with William Short. Continues letter on 10 June. Gives latest on borrowing possibilities and suggests getting money from Holland would be best. Postscript mentions that Gouverneur Morris received letters from America that objected to his posting as a diplomat in France because he has an interest in the U.S. debt to France. States that Morris denies being involved in such speculation. Signature clipped.

Very flattered by Swan's confidence in his judgment, and only wishes his judgments were up to that standard. He has not been contemplating the funds, so he cannot judge which species of them ought to have the preference. Provides some thoughts as to the merits of each type of fund. Discusses attempts to raise money for Congress, for the government to use until the states provide money to the treasury. Relates that they need to make sure individuals who loan money to Congress feel secure that they will be repaid in a timely fashion. Discusses the functionality of their government. Finally, relates that he and his wife Lucy send their compliments to Mrs. Swan. See GLC02437.03321 for the letter from Swan to which Knox is replying.

Writes to Mrs. Hepzibah Swan, wife of his friend James Swan, to discuss money due to her. Mentions dealings with General [Henry] Jackson.

Informs Swan that he was unable to pay back some money and discusses other financial business. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

Writes that he received Knox's letter from a year ago and would have replied sooner if he had anything interesting to say. He asks Knox to look at a letter he sent to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson regarding a contract for supplies to the french navy and the Kinds Rationers in the Colonies-to receive in payment for such orders from the Treasury...in part of the debt of the United States to france. Swan describes that the bankers in Amsterdam are holding out from repaying any Company or persons who may hold the bonds, other than the Government here. Swan is concerned that a trading partnership cannot develop as a result unless Mr. Jefferson by his recommendation to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the President, shall propose an Instruction to the Dutchmen...that they shall pay the money due to France. Swan wishes for Knox to exert his influence on both Jefferson and Hamilton in order to achieve a favorable trading relationship.