2039. DEBT (Revolutionary), Redemption of Domestic.—
No man in America ever
entertained a doubt that our foreign debt is to
be paid fully; but some people in America have
seriously contended, that the certificates and
other evidences of our domestic debt, ought
to be redeemed only at what they have cost the
holder. * * * But this is very far from
being a general opinion; a very great majority
being firmly decided that they shall be paid
fully. Were I the holder of any of them, I
should not have the least fear of their full payment.—
To Messrs. Van Staphorst. Washington ed. i, 369.
Ford ed., iv, 78.
(P.
1785)
