The last particular Letter I had the honor of writing to your Excellency was dated the 26th May,1 and with a Duplicate was carried to Cadis by Mr. Harrison, who sent one by the Peacock, Captain Davis to Boston, and the other by the General Arnold, Captain Jenkins to Alexandria in Virginia. They both sailed in June last, and the former, I hear, arrived safe after a short Passage.2

I have since written several Letters to your Excellency, but as they went to the Sea Ports by the Post, none of them contained any thing material, except one from St. Ildefonso of the 16th September, advising Congress of the necessity of suspending further drafts on me for the Present.3

Congress will recollect that my Letter of the 26th May contained notes of a Conference I had with the Minister on the 11th of that Month, on the Subjects of my two former Letters to him, the first in answer to his Questions, and the latter relative to the Resolution for drawing Bills upon me.4 It may be remembered also that in this Conference the minister promised me his Sentiments in writing in a few Days, as well on the Subject of the proposed Treaty, as on the Bills which were dayly expected. The first I have not yet received, and it was not before the 7th June, that I was favored with the latter.

In this Interval there arrived here from England by the way of Lisbon an Abby Hussey. He came to Lisbon in company with Mr. Cumberland one of Lord George Germaines Secretaries, who, with his Family, purposed, on obtaining permission, to come to Madrid. This Priest was known to many, being a Pensioner of the Spanish Court, and formerly in the late Prince Massarano’s family. Indeed he took no pains to conceal himself, or his Business, which was to obtain Permission for his friend to proceed on account of the bad health of a Daughter.— Mr. Carmichael watched his Motions with success, and Industry, and was the first who mentioned his arrival to me. He hired lodgings and a Coach for Mr. Cumberland, and visited several Persons about the Court, particularly Mr. del Campo first Secretary of the Minister.5

On the first of June, I received a Card from the Minister, desiring to see me at 9 O’Clock the next evening. I waited upon Him accordingly. The following are notes of what passed upon that occasion.

[Here Jay embedded a copy of William Carmichael’s Notes on John Jay’s Conference with Floridablanca, 2 June 1780, above.]

4th June.

This morning the Chevalier de Burgoing Secretary of the French Embassay waited on Mr. Jay and afterwards on Mr. Carmichael and told them the Ambassador had informed him that the Count de Florida Blanca had received dispatches from Versailles, which demanded his instant attention, and that therefore he could not see Mr. Carmichael until the 5th at the Hour mentioned in the Conference of the Second. Mr. Jay however having received no direct Message from the Minister, thought it proper for Mr. Carmichael to wait on him at the Place and Hour appointed. Accordingly he went to the Bureau of Foreign Affairs, and was told by Order of the Minister, that he had desired the Ambassador to acquaint Mr. Jay, that he could not see Mr. Carmichael that Day, but desired to see him next Monday at Eleven.

5th June.

Mr. Carmichael waited on the Minister agreeable to appointment, who, on his entrance, immediately expressed his Concern, that the arrival of a Courier which informed him of the Intentions of the court of Great Britain to expedite the Sailing of their Grand Fleet, had engaged his attention so much as to prevent him from fulfilling his promise of sending the Notes mentioned in the former Conferences, That he would certainly do it on the Wednesday following, and desired Mr. Carmichael to wait on him that Day at the same Hour to receive them. He then mentioned an expedition which had been proposed to him from Bilboa to intercept the homeward bound Ships of the East India Company, by equipping some Frigates in America at the Expense of his Catholic Majesty, desiring Mr. Carmichael to communicate this to Mr. Jay, that he might turn his attention to that Object to enable him to judge of the probability of its Success. He touched slightly on the Subject of Bills of Exchange, and on the only difficulty of the Treaty vizt. The navigation of the Mississippi, which he said he hoped some middle means might be hit on to obviate.6 He concluded with saying that he would give his Sentiments on that, and other Subjects to Mr. Jay in writing at the Time abovementioned, and hoped that he would believe the delay hitherto proceeded from no other Motives than those he had mentioned. Mr. Carmichael assured Him that Mr. Jay was too sensible of the importance of his other occupations and of his Candor, to impute the Delay to any other cause, and after Common civilities he withdrew.

This Conversation needs no comment— It promised well. On or about the 19th June Mr. Cumberland, his Wife, and two Daughters arrived, appeared publickly, and were openly Visited, and received by Persons of distinction— But although it was not difficult to know who he was, and with whom he associated, his Business, and measures continue to this day mere objects of conjecture, further than he or the Minister have thought proper to communicate them. The Impression made by his arrival on the minds of the People is worthy of Remark. They supposed his Errand to be Secret overtures for Peace, and as far as I can judge were very glad of it. There is reason to believe that he favored these conjectures from the first. He has since said publickly that he was authorized to offer Spain, Gibralter and other advantageous terms.

On the 7th June I received from the Minister his notes on the Subject of Aids. It is in these Words:

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s letter of 7 June, above.]

To this paper, which deserves much attention, I returned the following answer on the 9th June 1780.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his reply to Floridablanca of 9 June, above.]

Your Excellency will doubtless observe that this Answer does not comprehend all the objections to which the Minister’s Plan is liable, such for Instance as the proposal, that the Vessels proposed to be built in America, with the Money of America, and to be navigated by Americans, should Sail under Spanish Colors, &c. I thought it most prudent to avoid taking notice of these and similar Circumstances, lest Objections which might be ascribed to pride, as well as reason, might lose their force in that supposition, and instead of convincing, serve only to irritate.

Nothing further passed between the Minister and myself except a Message or two respecting each others Health, until the 19th June, when I sent him the following Card.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his note to Floridablanca of 19 June, above.]

On the 20th I received the following answer.

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s letter to him of 20 June 1780, above.]

This looked dry, and indicated a degree of Irritation, though it held up the Idea of further means.

I replied to it on the 22d of June, as follows.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his reply to Floridablanca of 22 June, above.]

As this letter was among other Things, designed to establish the Expectations and encouragement given me by the Minister, as to Money, in the last Conference, by obliging him either to deny them against Truth, or admit them, at least, by his Silence, I desired Mr. Carmichael to deliver it with his own Hands which he accordingly did— It still remains unanswered.

Your Excellency will be at no loss to perceive that this was an improper Season for pushing on the Treaty, and that it would not have been prudent to have given Poignancy to the Ministers feelings, for the loss of his Frigates, and the trouble of our Bills, by disputes about the Mississippi, &c. &c. I therefore did not remind him of the Notes he had promised, nor indeed say any thing at all about the matter.

About this Time I met with a printed Copy of an Act of the State of Connecticut reciting, and adopting the Resolutions of Congress of the 18th March last respecting the former and new paper Emissions. This was the first advice I had of those Resolutions. The promise of annual Interest in Europe appeared to me to be a hardy measure though in my opinion the weakest side of the Plan.

Finding the Minister’s heart and Imagination much attached to his favorite Idea of getting American Frigates at the expense of the United States, I gave him the following hint.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his second letter to Floridablanca of 28 June, above.]

This Letter was accompanied with the following one on the Subject of some more Bills that had just arrived.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his first letter to Floridablanca of 28 June, above.]

I ought also to add that I had sent to the Count a Representation on the Subject of a very high handed stretch of Power in the Governor of Tenerif towards a prize carried there by some Americans.7 On the next day I received the following answer to these three Papers:

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s reply of 29 June, above.]

Congress will observe that the Minister still kept up the Idea of an Interference in favor of these Bills. On the 3d July, the Count having removed to Madrid, he wrote me a Note expressing the same Idea— It is in these Words.

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s note of 3 July, above.]

Thus things were apparently in good train, when the news of the Loss of Charlestown became credible. The Effect of it was as visible the next Day, as that of a hard nights frost on young Leaves.

I requested a Conference with the Minister, and had one on the Evening of the 5th July— The following are notes of it.

[Here Jay embedded the text of the Notes on John Jay’s Conference with Floridablanca, 5 July, above.]

In this Conference not a single Nail would drive. Every thing was to be postponed ’till the arrival of the Person intended to succeed Mr. Mirailles.

On the 11th July I wrote the Count the following Note.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his note of this date to Floridablanca, above.]

Answer.

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s letter of 12 July, above.]

I was obliged to wait with Patience, and endeavor to keep the Holders of the Bills from returning them noted for non-acceptance— The Count went to St. Eldefonso. The Time limited for the Arrival of the Person expected, expired. I wrote the Count three Notes on the Subject of the Bills, and in one requested his Permission for Mr. Harrison of Maryland to remain at Cadis, from whence he was threatened to be removed in pursuance of the King’s Ordinance against Irishmen.8 To these I received the following answer dated the 29th. July.

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s letter of this date, above.]

I immediately wrote him a letter of thanks for his civility to Mr. Harrison, and nothing further passed between us till the 11th August, when I sent him the following note:

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Floridablanca of 11 August, above.]

The Answer.

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s letter of 12 August, above.]

Mrs. Jay’s illness, and the death of a Child detaining me at Madrid, I requested the Count to give me Notice when it would be necessary I should wait upon him, and in the mean time Mr. Carmichael went to St. Ildefonso.

Congress will please to remember that in the conference of 5th July, the Minister speaking of the Person intended to succeed Mr. Mirailles, said that he spoke English, and that we knew him. I supposed that he alluded to one of the Gardoquis, three of whom speak English, and I was well acquainted with one of them. But as another of them had been heretofore employed by the Court, it appeared most probable that he was the Person meant. They are Brothers and have a strong family likeness.9

On the 10th Mr. Carmichael wrote me that he had seen the Count, and was informed by him that the Person so long expected had not yet arrived, and that when he did, he would give notice of it. On the 12th he wrote me that a Person had arrived whom he suspected to be the one so long expected. It seems that a person much resembling the Gardoqui family had arrived at the same Inn where Mr. Carmichael lodged, and was seen by him.

The Holders of the Bills becoming extremely uneasy, I wrote the Count the following Reply to his last Note:

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Floridablanca of 16 August, above.]

No Answer.

The next Day I received a Card from the House of Joyce, informing me of their having received peremptory Orders to return their Bills, and that they could not delay it longer than the next Post. Of this I sent a Copy to the Count without any observations.10

No Answer.

On the 18th August I wrote the Count the following Letter.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Floridablanca of 18 August, above.]

No Answer.

Having first visited the Holders of the Bills, and obtained further Time ’till Monday next, on the 24th I set out for St. Ildefonso, I arrived the next Day, and wrote the Count the following Letter.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Floridablanca of 25 August, above.]

No Answer.

The next Morning I went to pay my respects to the Minister, but being told he was sick, I left a Card. The French Ambassador however, and others had been with him in the Morning, and he rode out as usual in the afternoon.

Mr. Carmichael informed me, that in passing by a wicket gate of the King’s private Gardens, he had seen the Person whom he had before seen at the Inn, walking in them, and that his Servant had learnt from a Barber of his acquaintance, that he dressed a Gentlemen who spoke English, and lodged at Mr. Del Campo’s. He also informed me that the French Ambassador had lately received a Letter from Count de la Luzerne dated the 12th May.11 That he was present when it was opened. that it was in Cypher, and that the Ambassador said, he supposed he was impatient to hear the news; That he afterwards expressed a desire to see this Letter, and that the Ambassador referred him for it to the Secretary; That the Secretary gave him some important papers adding that he had mislaid the Letter. Hence it seems, as if the Ambassador intended at first to communicate the Letter, but that its contents on being decyphered forbid it.12

It appeared to me proper to mention my Embarrassments to the French Ambassador, who had always been friendly, and ask his advice and aid on the Subject. The next day I had a conference with him, and the following are the notes of it:

[Here Jay embedded the Notes on John Jay’s Conference with Montmorin of 27 August, above.]

Finding that the Ambassador could not do any thing until Wednesday next, and that the Ministers determined silence left no Room to hope much from him very soon, I dispatched Letters by Express to the Holders of the Bills, and requested a little more Time.13 I was apprehensive that if I should accept them without the Ministers Consent; it might become an Objection to his providing for their payment, and appearances led me to suspect, that any tolerable Excuse for such Refusal would have been very grateful.

The French Ambassador did not as usual return my visit. I dined with him nevertheless, but his behaviour, though polite, was dry, and not cordial, and open as before. He mentioned not a Syllable of his having received a Letter from Philadelphia. These circumstances increased my apprehensions that his Letter contained some things unpleasant.

On Wednesday afternoon the 30th August, I waited on the Ambassador to know the results of the Conversation, he had promised to have with the Minister on our Affairs. He did not appear very glad to see me. I asked him whether he had seen the Minister and conversed with him on our affairs. He said he had seen the Minister, but that as Count d’Estaing was present, he had only some general, and cursory conversation with him and slipping away from that Topic, went on to observe that I would do well to write another Letter to the Minister, mentioning the number of Letters I had already written, my arrival here, and my desire of a Conference with him. I told the Ambassador that while four Letters on the Subject remained unanswered, it could not be necessary to write a fifth. That these Letters had been written with great Politeness and circumspection, That the last was written the Day of my arrival at St. Ildefonso. That I had also gone to the Ministers house to pay my Respects to him, and on being told that he was Sick, had left a Card. And that notwithstanding these marks of Attention and Respect, I still continued unanswered, and unnoticed. I observed to him further, that this Conduct accorded ill with the Minister’s assurances; That unless I had met with more tenderness from the Holders of the Bills, they would have been returned noted for non-acceptance; That if such an Event should at last take place after the Repeated promises, and declarations of the Minister, there would of necessity be an End to the confidence of America in the Court of Spain.14 He replied that he hoped things would take a more favourable turn, that to his knowledge the Minister had been of late much occupied and perplexed with business, that I ought not to be affected with the Inattention of his conduct; That I should continue to conduct the Business smoothly, having always in view, the Importance of Spain; and remembering that we were as yet only rising States, not firmly established or generally acknowledged &c. and that he would by all means advise me to write the Minister another Letter praying an audience. I answered that the object of my coming to Spain was to make Propositions not Supplications,15 and that I should forbear troubling the Minister with further Letters, ’till he should be more disposed to attend to them— That I considered America as being, and to continue Independent in fact, and that her becoming so in Name, was of no further Importance, than as it concerned the common cause, in the Success of which all the Parties were interested, and that I did not imagine Congress would agree to purchase from Spain the acknowledgment of an undeniable fact, at the Price she demanded for it;16 That I intended to abide Patiently the fate of the Bills, and should transmit to Congress an account of all matters relative to them, That I should then write the Minister another Letter on the Subject of the Treaty, and if that should be treated with like neglect, or if I should be informed that his Catholic Majesty declined going into that measure, I should then consider my Business at an End, and proceed to take the necessary measures for returning to America. That I knew my Constituents were sincerely desirous of a Treaty with Spain, and that their Respect for the House of Bourbon; the desire of France signified in the Secret Article, and the favorable Opinion they had imbibed of the Spanish nation, were the strongest Inducements they had to wish it. That the Policy of multiplying Treaties with European nations was with me very questionable, and might be so with others. That for my own part, I was inclined to think it the Interest of America to rest content with the Treaty with France, and by avoiding Alliances with other Nations, remain free from the Influence of their disputes and Politics. That the Situation of the United States in my opinion dictated this Policy; That I knew it to be their Interest, and of course their disposition to be at Peace with all the World, and that I knew too, it would be in their power, and I hoped in their Inclination, always to defend themselves.17 The Ambassador was at astand; after a little Pause, he said, he hoped my Mission would have a more agreeable Issue. He asked me if I was content with the conduct of France. I answered most certainly; for that she was spending her blood, as well as treasure for us. This answer was too general for him— He renewed the question by asking whether I was content with the Conduct of France relative to our proposed Treaty with Spain— I answered, that as far as it had come to my knowledge, I was. This required an explanation, and I gave it to him by observing that by the Secret Article Spain was at Liberty to accede to our Treaty with France whenever she pleased, and with such alterations as both parties might agree to.18 That Congress had appointed me to propose this accession now, and had authorized me to enter into the necessary discussions and arguments— That to give their application the better Prospect of Success, they had directed me to request the favorable Interposition of the King of France with the King of Spain—that I had done it by Letter to Count De Vergennes, who in answer had assured me of the King’s disposition to comply with the Request of Congress; and informed me that Instructions analogous to this disposition should be given to the Ambassador at Madrid—19 That it gave me pleasure to acknowledge that his Conduct towards me had always been polite and friendly, but that I still remained ignorant whether any and what progress had been made in the Mediation— He seemed not to have expected this, but observed that all he could do, was to be ready to do me any friendly Office in his Power, for that he did not see how his mediation could be proper except in cases where Points of the Treaty were discussed, and could not be agreed upon. To this I replied that these were only secondary objects of the expected mediation, and that the primary one was, to prevail upon the King of Spain to commence the Negotiation, and enter upon these discussions; but that I remained uninformed of what he might have done on that Subject— The Ambassador made no direct reply to these Remarks but again proceeded to repeat his advice that I should try one more Letter to the Minister,—20 I told him, I had after much consideration made up my mind on that Subject, and that it appeared to me inexpedient to follow his advice in this Instance; and that when he should see the Letters I had already written, he would probably be of the same Opinion. I promised to shew him the Letters the next Day, and took my leave. How far the tone of this conversation may be judged to have been prudent, I know not— It was not assumed however but after previous, and mature deliberation. I reflected that we had lost Charlestown,21 that Reports run hard against us, and therefore that this was no time to Clothe oneself with humility.

On considering the Earnestness with which the Ambassador had pressed me to write another Letter to the Minister, I began to suspect that it might be the wish of the Latter, who, conscious of having gone rather too far, might desire this way to retreat through. I concluded therefore to adhere to my Resolution of not writing, but that if the Ambassador should confirm my suspicions by again pressing the measure, in that case to consent to send Mr. Carmichael to the Minister with my compliments, and a Request that he would favor me with a Conference at such Time as might be most convenient to him.

The next day Vizt. Thursday the 31st Augt. I visited the French Ambassador and shewed him the four last Letters I had written the Minister;22 He confessed they were perfectly unexceptionable, but again advised me to write another; I told him, I could not think of it, but that I would so far follow his advice as to send Mr. Carmichael to request of the Minister the favor of a Conference. The Ambassador expressed much Satisfaction at this Proposal, and immediately promised to speak to the Minister on the Subject. He advised however that I should delay the Message ’till Saturday on account of some urgent business which then employed the Minister. To this I agreed. I hinted to him, that the Person expected to succeed Mr. Mirailles was in Town.23 He said he did not know, and waved the Subject. I thought if that was really the Case, it could do no harm that the Minister should know I suspected it. In the Afternoon the Ambassador’s Secretary paid me a Visit, and seemed desirous of entering into particular Conversations on the Subject of our Affairs, but as I did not approve of talking with the Ambassador through his Secretary, I avoided it, by turning the Conversation to light and general Topics. He asked me several leading Questions, and among others whether there was a Mr. Gardoqui in Town. I told him many Persons came and departed that I was ignorant of, and passed on to another Subject. Two Persons about the court mentioned to Mr. Carmichael this Evening that this Person was arrived.

On Saturday Morning the 2d Septr. I committed my Message for the Minister to Mr. Carmichael, with directions first to call on the French Ambassador and ask him whether any thing new had occurred to render the delivery of it improper. He told Mr. Carmichael, he had mentioned to the Minister my desire of seeing him that Day, but that the Minister said, he was so much occupied that it would be impossible. He nevertheless told Mr. Carmichael he might go and see. This being mentioned to me, I told Mr. Carmichael to go on.

After being long detained in the anti-Chambers, he had an opportunity of delivering his Message, and received for answer, that the Minister could not possibly see me ’till the next Tuesday Evening, and that Mr. Carmichael should call again on Tuesday Morning to be informed whether it would be in his power to see me then. That the Person so long expected was arrived. That he had been preparing Instructions for him, and would endeavor in the mean Time to send him to converse with me.

On Sunday, the 3d September Don Diego Gardoqui of Bilboa presented me a note from the Count de Florida Blanca in these words:

[Here Jay embedded the text and translation of Floridablanca’s note of 3 September, above.]

It is observable that M. Gardoqui’s Name is not mentioned in this Letter, which appears the more singular as the Count had never mentioned to me the Name of the Person expected. It was being very wary— Mr. Carmichael told me, he took this to be the same Person, whom he saw first at the Inn, and afterwards walking in the private Gardens.

Hence it appears that these strange delays were not unavoidable—probably the desire of further Intelligence of the Enemies Operations in America, and the undecided State of Mr. Cumberland’s Negotiation might have given occasion to them.24 To these may perhaps be added, an Expectation that our distresses would render us more pliant, and less attached to Mississippi: But these are conjectures, and as Men sometimes act without any settled System, it may not be prudent to scan their Conduct by a supposed Plan, however probable.

[Here Jay recorded a summary of his conferences with Diego de Gardoqui and Bernardo del Campo of 3 and 4 September 1780, printed above.]

On the 6th September Mr. Gardoqui brought me word that I might accept the Bills of Casa Mayor amounting to One thousand one hundred and ten Dollars, which I accordingly did— The proposed Conference was postponed, nor indeed was it obtained ’till the 23d of September.

On the 11th the French Ambassador’s Secretary called upon me by the Ambassador’s direction, to inform me that an Express was going to Paris, and to know whether anything further had been done in our Affairs since he had seen me;— I told him things continued in the same Situation;— He again commenced a Conversation on the Subject, and as he came directly from the Ambassador I entered into it.— He expressed some concern for the delays I met with.— I told him such thing must be expected.— He said he hoped I was content with France. I replied that I apprehended France considered an Interference in our Negotiations as a delicate matter, for that as she had probably held up the exclusive Navigation of the Mississippi, and the Gulph of Mexico, among other objects to induce Spain to take a part in the War, she might hesitate about pressing Spain into a Treaty with us on terms that would not comprehend this Object.— He said Mr. Gerard had reasoned well about those matters, but that he did not believe France would be backward, nor indeed that she had promised this to Spain to bring her into the War.— I told him, I should not be surprised to find that the delay arose from a desire of hearing further news from America and probably from Philadelphia.— He said that could not be the case, for since Mr. Mirailles’ death, Spain had no Person there to give them Intelligence.—25 I told him that Spain might be waiting the Issue of new Motions respecting the Mississippi in Congress, and that I was sure Count de la Luzerne would readily be at the trouble of communicating to them any Interesting Information on that or any other Subject. Whether he drew any conclusions from the manner in which this was said, I can’t say, but in a way that looked like exculpating that Minister, he told me that Count de la Luzerne had only mentioned to the French Ambassador, that two Members of Congress, with whom he had talked over the affairs of the Mississippi, thought it would be best not to bring on the Question of the Navigation until Spain should become possessed of the adjacent Country, for that then it might be ceded with a better grace.— He mentioned no Names.— This explains the Letter herein before mentioned.—26 The Inferences which flow from it are obvious.— I incline to suspect that what I said in my Letters on that Head, returned here by the same Conveyance.27

On the 13th September Mr. Gardoqui delivered me the following verbal Message from Count de Florida Blanca “That the Exigencies of the State would not permit his Majesty to provide for the Payment of more of the Bills drawn upon me than had been already accepted.” I expressed my regret that this had not been told me at first, and told him it appeared a little extraordinary, that the Minister should employ himself and me three Months in making and answering Propositions relative to a Loan, which it was not in his power to make. I touched also on the assurances from time to time given me, and intimated that something which at present I could not see through, must have caused this change;—that I lamented it the more, as it would weaken the foundations on which I wished to see a cordial union laid between the two Countries.28

I dined with the French Ambassador. He was a little out of Spirits, and on talking to him on what had happened, I told him there was nothing now left but for me to apply to France. He encouraged the Idea, and agreed with me, that the Bills ought to be by all means saved from Protests.— He imputed the Conduct of Spain to Resentment against Mr. Necker for opposing a certain scheme of Spanish Finance which he thought interfered with his Plan.29 It is a curious one, but I shall omit it at present, as I fear Congress already wish this Letter at an End.

As the Count de Florida Blanca’s Message to me by Mr. Gardoqui was a verbal one, and might hereafter be either denied, or explained away as convenience might dictate, I thought it important to establish it, and for that and other Reasons which need no Explanation, I wrote the Count the following Letter:

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Floridablanca of 14 September, above.]

On this Day some glorious Reports from America arrived.—30 It seemed as if she had risen like a giant refreshed with Sleep, and was doing wonders. I sent the news to the Count as usual, without appearing to be affected by his late Conduct. I began again to be seen and in a few Instances to be known.

The next Day, Vizt. 15th September Mr. Gardoqui delivered to me a paper by way of answer to my Letter of yesterday to the Minister. It is in these words:

[Here Jay embedded the text of Gardoqui’s message of 15 September, above.]

It is to be observed that this Paper when first delivered was not Signed, and suspecting that this Omission might not be accidental, I mentioned it to Mr. Gardoqui a day or two afterwards; after some hesitation, and doubts of its being necessary he signed it. I made no Remarks at all to Mr. Gardoqui on any Part of this paper except that last Article, which I treated with great Indignation.

On the 16th. I wrote a short Letter and many Copies to your Excellency informing you of the necessity of suspending further drafts upon me for the present.—

Three Days afterwards I had a long and satisfactory conversation with the French Ambassador in which he was very unreserved, candid, and confidential; He read to me a part of a Letter he intended to send Count de Vergennes on our Affairs, and Justice calls upon me to say that we are obliged to him for it.

On the 22d September I sent the following Letter to Count de Vergennes by one of the Ambassador’s Couriers:

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Vergennes of 22 September, above.]

I also sent a Copy of this Letter to Doctor Franklin, enclosed in one of which the following is a Copy.

[Here Jay embedded the text of his letter to Franklin of 22 September, above.]

The Ambassador informed me that he had received Dispatches from Philadelphia, which gave him and the Court great Pleasure, Vizt. That Congress had at the Instance of Count de la Luzerne, and Don Francisco agreed to make a diversion to the Southward in order to facilitate the Spanish operations in that quarter;— That a noble Spirit was pervading all ranks of People;— That we had been successful in Jersey,31 &c. &c. and in short that Count de la Luzerne was much pleased with Congress, and the general aspect of Affairs in America. I lamented in silence that I should have no other Intelligence of all this, but from a French ambassador.

He informed me further that he believed we should now be able to get some of the Clothing taken from the Enemy by Admiral Cordova; that he had, and would continue to cherish the Idea.32 We had a long conversation;— He gave me much good advice, some useful Information, and many assurances of cordiality and good will.

On the Evening of the 23d. I was admitted to the Honor of a Conference with his Excellency the Count de Florida Blanca, and Mr. Gardoqui, who understands Spanish, and English exceedingly well, performed the Part of Interpreter.

The following Notes of the Conference are very exact as to every particular.

[Here Jay embedded the text of the Notes on John Jay’s Conference with Floridablanca, 23 September, above.]33

Congress will permit me to observe that many things in this Conference are important, and demand Instructions. I forbear to point them out, because they are obvious, and I take the Liberty of giving this hint from a knowledge of the delays attending the Proceedings of large bodies.

I returned to Madrid on the Day appointed, and whether to accept, or not accept the Bills became a very serious question: After reviewing all the Reasons for, and against it, which are numerous, and which Congress readily perceive without a particular Enumeration, I determined to put a good Face on the business, and accept all that should be presented, which I have accordingly done and am daily doing. What the Event will be I cannot pretend to decide. All that I can say is that my Endeavors shall not be wanting to render it successful. The Responsibility of the King will not produce much, and the difficulty of borrowing Money has been increased by the number of agents sent to Europe for that purpose by several of the States, who I am told, have imprudently bidden on each other.34

Mr. Gardoqui returned to Madrid a few days after I did, and brought me word from the Minister, that instructions should be sent to their ambassadors in Holland and France to assure in due form the Responsibility of the King to such Persons as might there incline to lend us money on the credit of it, and that the Minister would do the same thing here. He told me further that the Minister hoped, I would not be discouraged nor consider things only on the dark side, for that it was still his Intention to afford America every aid in his power. All this I ascribe to the Exertions of America, and I am confident that it will always be necessary for the United States to be formidable at home if they expect to be respectable anywhere. For my own Part I shall be disappointed, if I find Courts moving on any other Principle than Political ones, and, indeed not always on those. Caprice, Whim, the Interest and Passions of Individuals, must and will always have greater, or less degrees of Influence. America stands very high here at present— I rejoice at it, though I must confess, I much fear that such violent Exertions may be followed by langor and relaxation. What the Plan of this Court is with respect to us, or whether they have any is with me very doubtful. If they have rejected all the overtures of Britain, why is Mr. Cumberland still here? And why are expresses passing between Madrid and London through Portugal? If Spain is determined that we shall be Independent, why not openly declare so? and thereby diminish the hopes and endeavors of Britain to prevent it? She seems to be desirous of holding the Balance, of being in some sort a mediatrix, and of courting the offers of each by her supposed Importance to both. The Bills drawn on me was considered as a desperate measure, prompted by our Imbecility, and was a bad card to play at a time we were endeavoring to form a Treaty, and when Prudence demanded that the Importance of Spain to us, should not have been brought forward, or placed in such a glaring point of view.

One good consequence however has resulted from it, The cordiality of Spain has been tried by it. For I know of a certainty that it was in her power easily to have made the Loan we asked.35 Indeed we shall always be deceived, if we believe that any nation in the World, has or will have a disinterested Regard for us especially absolute Monarchies, where the temporary views or passions of the Prince, his Ministers, his Women, or his Favorites, not the Voice of the People, direct the helm of State. Besides from the manner in which the war is carrying on, it would seem as if it was the design of France and Spain that the longest purse, not the longest sword, should decide it. Whether such be really their Intention, or how far it may be politic, I cannot pretend to determine. This however is certain that it would be putting the Affair on a hard issue for us. It is also certain that some Respect is due to appearances, and probable Events, and we should be cautious how we spend our Money, our Men, or our public Spirit, uselessly. In my Opinion we should endeavor to be as Independent on the Charity of our friends as on the mercy of our Enemies. Jacob took advantage even of his Brother’s hunger and extorted from him a higher price than the value of the Mississippi for a single Dinner. The way not to be in Esau’s condition is to be prepared to meet with Jacob’s.

From what I can learn of the King’s character, I am persuaded that a present from Congress of a handsome fastsailing Packet boat would be very acceptable, and consequently very useful.

I am informed, and believe that a Loan from Individuals in France is impracticable. Here nothing can be done in that way. What may be expected from the like attempts in Holland, I am unable to say.

I have received no answer to my Letter to Count de Vergennes,36 The Ambassador informs me that the Count has written him on the Subject, and the following is an Extract from his Letter.

“Je doute Monsieur de pouvoir rendre a Monsieur Jay le service ce qu’il me demande, independamment de tout ce que Mon Ministere a fourni dans le cours de cette Année aux Americains— M. Franklin me fait Instance pour un Millon d’Extraordinaire, pour faire face à des traites du Congrès d’ici au 31 Xre. Je sens toute l’importance de ne pas les laisser retourner en Protest, mais la difficultè est d’en trouver les Moyens. Je ferai de mon mieux pour y faire face, sans avoir encore aucune certitude du Succès; mais il me seroit impossible d’aller au dela.”37

Doctor Franklin has obtained some more Money from his Court, and I am to have 25,000 Dollars of it; perhaps he may be able to advance more, but how much I cannot say.38

November 1st. 1780. No orders have as yet been given respecting the Clothing. I have applied, and reapplied, and have been promised and repromised. I employed Mr. Harrison at Cadiz (with the Minister’s concurrence) to make the Purchase, and he has several Weeks been waiting for these Orders.

General Gates is defeated, and Mr. Laurens in the Tower. Our Sky in this quarter is again darkened with Clouds not in my power to dispel.

I had flattered myself with receiving before this Time some Regulations respecting American seamen. The House of Le Couteulx have refused to continue their care of them, or to advance more money on that account. They complain that the American Captains under various pretexts refuse to give them passages without being paid for it. This is cruel. The following are Copies of their Letter to me on that Subject and my answer:

[Here Jay embedded the texts of Le Couteulx and Company’s letter to him of 3 October and his reply of 15 October, both above.]

I have before mentioned to Congress my difficulties as to correspondence. They continue, and I am obliged to give Colonel Livingston the trouble of carrying this Letter to Bilboa, and delivering it with his own hands to the Captain of some American Vessel. Congress might have Letters from me every Month, if orders were given to the Captain of the Vessels bringing dispatches for me to send a trusty Officer with them to me. I know that all are opened, and some suppressed, and I can think of no other way of avoiding these Inconveniences. It is important that our Correspondence be uninterrupted.

I have written very particularly, perhaps more so, than may be prudent, but as I think it my Duty, I pay no Regard to Consequences. If Congress will be equally well satisfied with less minute Information, I wish to be told so, that their direction on this head may govern me in future. I cannot forbear again observing that few of their Proceedings remain long secret. I have very good authority for saying that copies of the Letters which passed between the Committee, and the late Commissioners in France, are now in the Hands of a certain foreigner. How he got them I don’t know, but so is the fact, and in my Opinion it calls for more care in future. If my Letters meet with the same fate, my remaining here will become a useless Expense to my Country.

I think I have written every thing material to enable Congress to know the Exact State of their Affairs here. If however there should be any questions to which an Answer would be agreeable to Congress I wish to be informed of them. For since I left America, I have made it a Rule to be always in a capacity to render a Reason for every part of my Conduct, and State with accuracy every Fact relative to it.— I have the honor to be, &c.