To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 31 March 1786
From Thomas Barclay
Madrid 31st. March 1786
Dear Sir
I have not any thing of Consequence to trouble you with that is not contained in the inclosed Copy of what I wrote Mr. Adams the 27th. to which I beg leave to refer you. We have not yet heard from Mr. Lamb since he sailed, but I think a few days will bring Mr. Carmichael some Letters from him; His Business here was very public, and ours is no Secret. Don Gabriel spoke of it yesterday before several people. He remarked that there was not a great deal to be learned by making such a Voyage, and hoped we would succeed in our Expectations.
The only political Subjects which engage the attention of the people here are the coolness that subsists between this Court and that of Naples, and the Accession of Spain to the treaty with France and Holland. It seems more than probable that this Accession will take place, notwithstanding the vigorous Efforts to prevent it; and the probable Consequences will be a treaty between Russia, Denmark, and England; At least there are some appearances that such Events are not impossible. You will excuse me for saying any thing on Matters concerning which you have probably better information than I can give you, and believe me sincerely, Dear Sir, Your most obdt. humble servant,
Thos. Barclay
RC (DLC); in Franks’ hand, signed by Barclay. Tr (DNA: PCC, No. 87, I); also in Franks’ hand, signed by Barclay; at foot of text in Barclay’s hand: “(Copy).” Tr (DNA: PCC, No. 91, I, p. 92–3). Tr (same, p. 115–16). Tr (DNA: PCC, No. 107). Enclosure (RC in MHi: AMT; Tr, DLC; 2d Tr, DNA: PCC, No. 87, i, signed by Barclay; Tr, DNA: PCC, No. 91, I): Copy of Barclay to Adams, 27 Mch. 1786, stating that he has received, through Carmichael, the letter from the King of Spain to the Emperor of Morocco recommending Barclay’s mission, and also letters of recommendation from Floridablanca; that the interest of Spain reflects credit on Carmichael; that he has high hopes of success in his mission but may not be able to write often because of close censorship of mail in Spain; that if he secures a treaty he will send it by land and wait in Africa or Spain for its return after ratification; that Mr. Lamb purchased a vessel at Barcelona and sailed on 11 Mch., under Spanish colors, for Algiers (printed in Dipl. Corr., 1783–1789, I, 735–6). Noted in SJL as received 31 Apr. [1 May?] 1786, together with Barclay’s letters of 23 Mch. and 5 Apr.; the letter to Adams of 27 Mch. is listed as a separate letter. The duplicate copies of this letter and that of 23 Mch. are noted in SJL as received 3 June 1786.