The two first states were much exhausted; and the application to Pennsylvania did not promise to be very successful.

On this subject, therefore, serious fears existed.
These were removed, in a great degree, by the activity and exertions of an individual.
[Sidenote: Superintendent of finances appointed.] The management of the finances had been lately committed to Mr.Robert Morris, a delegate to congress from the state of Pennsylvania.

This gentleman united considerable political talents to a degree of mercantile enterprise, information, and credit, seldom equalled in any country.

He had accepted this arduous appointment on the condition of being allowed the year 1781 to make his arrangements; during which time, the department was to be conducted by those already employed, with the resources which government could command.

But the critical state of public affairs, and the pressing wants of the army, furnished irresistible motives for changing his original determination, and entering immediately on the duties of his office.