I have received the Letter which you did me the honor to write on the 24th. Inst., and immediately laid before the President the note it enclosed;1 and by which he is informed, that having his Majesty’s Permission to return to Spain for a while, you purpose to embrace the first good Opportunity that may offer.

Considering how long the Negotiations depending between our Countries have unavoidably been suspended, by the Derangements which such a change as has taken place in this Government, will always occasion, it is much to be regretted that your departure should be so near the Period, when those derangements will cease. I am authorized to assure you, that the President is exceedingly desirous to see the most cordial Friendship established between the Spanish Monarchy and the United States, and on the most permanent Principles of liberal Policy that he will omit no Opportunity of promoting and confirming it and that your Secretary, to be charged with Affairs during your Absence, cannot fail of rendering himself agreeable to the President, by Endeavors to cherish the Harmony which happily subsists between the two Nations.—

It gives me Pleasure to remark, that during your Residence here, you have acquired general Esteem and Regard, and that although national Events and Questions of great Difficulty and Magnitude, have necessarily retarded the Accomplishment of a Work highly interesting to both our Countries, yet as your Zeal and Exertions merit, so you will doubtless receive the Approbation of his Majesty. The Confidence inspired by your Candor, leaves no Room to doubt of your ascribing these Delays to their true Causes; and of your so representing them to his Majesty, as that his Mind may remain free from any Impressions, not consonant with the Respect and Friendship which the United States entertain, and desire on all Occasions to manifest for him, and his People.—

I am happy, Sir, in being directed to assure you of the Presidents personal Regard, and Wishes for your Happiness.— Permit me to add, that the Friendship which has so long and without Interruption subsisted between us, will always lead me to rejoice in your Welfare; and that I have Reason to believe your Return to this Country, will be generally pleasing to the United States, & particularly so, to Sir, Your most obt. and very humble Servt.2