York in Pennsylvania 27th. March 1778 My dear Sir,

I am much obliged to You for a particular Relation of the principles upon wch. the Convention at N Haven proceeded, in forming their Resolutions relative to the fixing Prices; Congress have been so much engaged since the Receipt of the Acts of the Convention, as not to have been able to express their opinion upon them, but I have not heard fm. any Gentlemen the least Hint of Disapprobation, & for my own part think You have conducted upon true principles of policy. I fully agree with You upon the Salutary Effects wch. would result from lessening the Quantity of Money in Circulation, & wish to have your Opinion upon the Expediency of attempting to take from the Continental Currency 15 or 20 Millions of Dollars, by stopping the Circulation & obliging the Holders to invest their Money in Loan office Certificates; this is in agitation & inter nos, I shall endeavour to push it thro. I need not assure You, that nothing shall be wanting on my part, to urge the States to a Compliance with the Resolution of Congress for taking their Money out of Circulation, since I have ever entertained the most sanguine Hopes from such a Measure.

I am glad to find that the Commissioners are in Earnest upon the Business of investigating the Causes of the shameful Failure of the Expedition against Newport, & hope that they will be able to give a good account of the Matter. Congress have passed a Resolution relative to the Time & Expence of the Commissioners, copy of wch. is inclosed: it is certainly reasonable right that the former should be considered as well as the latter, & it appears the Commissioners must be the judges of a Reasonable allowance.

Congress have not received Returns from the Southern Conventions of their proceedings upon the regulating Business, whenever they there is a Delay in the Business Matter & I am not yet informed of the Cause of it.

With respect to General Burgoyne & the other prisoners of the Convention, the Council of M Bay are desired to make a proper Disposition of them & have full powers for this purpose.

30

I want to say much more on many Subjects but a Call from am obliged to attend the House on a Business of Importance & conclude wth. my best Respects to all Friends, yours very sincerely,

E. Gerry

RC ; addressed: “Hono. Robert Treat Payne Esq. At Boston On publick Service E Gerry”; endorsed.