[draft] Philadelphia 9th January 1783 Dear Sir, I cannot slip this opportunity by Colonel Gouvion, without dropping you a line, although it is not in my power to communicate any thing decisive. We were a week on our journey to this City, occationed [sic] by bad and cold weather. It was judged expedient to converse with the delegates of the different States on the Subject, of our business before the Memorial was delivered, in order that their Minds might be fully possessed of the Nature and importance of the Subject or our errand least any member unfavorable to us should attempt to give the Matter less Consideration that it deserves. That has generally been accomplished. The Memorial delivered, and a Committee appointed consisting of a member from each State represented in Congress, and to morrow night is fixed for a formal Conference with them. Inclosed [sic] is a list of them from which, you may form some judgment of the issue. The Result of our Conversation with the members is, that a great Majority of Congress are seriously disposed [2] disposed to do everything in their power, for the fulfillment of all their engagements to the Army. And they are rather pleased than otherwise at the address's coming on. But the great difficulty is Cash for present Wants and permanent funds, for what has been long due, and for what they have promised us in future. These are the difficulties, for supposing the equivalent for half pay settled by Congress; and all other dues, and they should earnestly recommend to the Stats to make provision for the payment of those debts. Will New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey pass even Vague Laws to recognize those debts? If not what security will the Officers have? Massachusetts and New York may pass such Laws without funds, and make no provision for the payment of the principal or Interest [struck: which] [inserted: or want] for [struck: want of] [inserted: which] the debt will depreciate so much, as to be of no value to the Officer. Under these apprehensions, as well as others of general Concern to the Confederacy, what if it should be proposed to unite the influence of Congress with that of the Army and the public Creditors to obtain permanent funds for the United states which will [3] will promise most ultimate Security to the Army? This mode or that I wish you and General Huntington to cast your thoughts on this Subject, as we may probably find it necessary to put the questions to you and the Officers for our Government. From present appearances, it is not probable, we shall be able soon to compleat [sic] our business, altho Congress should give all the dispatch we can reasonably expect. The expenses at this place are enormous. The other Gentlemen being out, you are to consider this as my private Letter. My Compliments to Mrs Knox. I am Dear Sir Your affectionate humble Servant Alex M Douglall Major General Knox [docket] from Genl McDougall 9h Jany. 1783.