From John Jay to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 13 February 1782
To the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston)
Madrid 13 Feb. 1782
Dr Sir
Maj Franks has delivered the my Dispatches to Capt. Manly who I hope will deliver them together with this Letter to You1
These Dispatches were directed to Congress because at that Time I was
ignorant of your Appointment. They properly belong to your Department, and I not only authorize but desire you to treat them exactly as if they had been directed to you and not to the President of Congress
I had the Pleasure of writing to you last Week by Mr. Codman2 who is to embark at Cadiz With great Regard & Esteem I am Dr. Sr. Your most obt. & hble Servt.
the Honb. R. Livingston Esqr Secy for foreign Affairs
Dft, NNC (EJ: 7928). JJ’s account book of letters sent and received, NNC, records that on 14 Feb. this letter was “Sent to Mr. Nesbit to deliver to Captn. Manly.”
1. John Manley was a passenger on the St. James, Captain Thomas Truxton. They arrived at Philadelphia by 18 Mar. , 4: 428.
2. On 7 Feb., JJ sent with Stephen Codman of Boston his 6 Feb. letter to RRL and copies of his letters to the President of Congress of 3 Oct. 1781 and 6 Feb. 1782, all above. See these letters and their notes.