I have had the honor of recg your Favor of the 4th. of Jany. last.1 The Cypher you mention to have enclosed, is missing—my letter by Capt. Barney affords an answer to the greater part of your Enquiries.2 Business here goes on heavily. The dutch & English are not yet agreed and some points remain still to be adjusted between the latter and the french and Spaniards. Mr. Hartley has an ample and proper Commission to conclude with us. We are discussing the Terms of a temporary commercial Regulation, but as he is waiting for more full Instructions, it may be a Week or a Fortnight before we shall be able to inform you of the real Intentions of Britain on that Subject.3

Before I left Spain, and often since by Letters, I desired Mr Carmichael to make out and transmit to Phila a clear & full State of the public accounts; and also, agreable to Dr Franklin’s Request, to send him an Account of the Bills remaining to be paid— The Doctor has not recd. his account; and I have no Reason to suppose that you or Mr Morris have recd. the other. I am not easy about this matter, for in Case of the Death or Recall of, Mr. Carmichael (by whom all these accounts were kept, & thro’ whom I managed these Transactions) I might experience Difficulties, respecting those accounts, which may now be avoided.

I understand from Mr Barclay that he is authorized to examine and settle these accounts, and as Mr Carmichael has not much to do at Madrid, I am very desirous that he should be ordered to bring here all the Books and Papers relative to these Accounts, and with me to attend their Settlement by Mr Barclay. Be so good as to lay this matter before Congress without Delay—4 I have the Honor to be with great Esteem & Regard Dear Sir Your most obt. Servt