Perhaps you may think the rude and insolent letter of the Chevalier de Yrujo to me, dated the 11th of July,1 not entitled to an answer, especially as the documents which had been made public proved to every well informed man and attentive reader that his observations were either futile or unfounded. But I thought it would be necessary to make some remarks on his letter, to be eventually communicated to Colo. Humphreys at Madrid;2 and if the Spanish minister’s letter should be laid before Congress, it seemed proper that those remarks should accompany it, & both, if Congress pleased, be published together. For this purpose a direct answer to the Chevalier would be a convenient form. I had another motive to write the answer— The minister plumed himself on his letter; and some of our miscreant citizens had paid him compliments, to raise his ideas of his contemptible performance.

The Answer being lengthy, and having occasion for a number of copies, I concluded to get it printed, altho’ it is not to be published, unless Congress should order it, in the way above mentioned. I now take the liberty to present you with a copy.3

As nobody more accurately understands our dispute with Spain relative to the Mississipi, than your Excellency, I was peculiarly gratified by your approbation of the manner in which I had treated that Subject in my former correspondence with the Spanish minister. I am with the truest respect, Sir, your obt servant,