I wait[ed] on his excellency the Conde de Florida Blanca yesterday agreable to the appointmt. of which I had the honor to give you notice the 18th instant. he in a very polite and gracious manner told me that your letter1 had been laid before his majesty and that he was directed to answer in the Terms of the enclosed Letter. he at the same Time left the choice to me to communicate this Information myself or to recieve a [reply] from Him to you on the Subject. I without Hesitation preferred the latter. I was further [informed] that altho it did not order the [kings] dignity or that of Congress that you should (déployer) appear in a public Character until the object of your [mission] and the [interests] of Spain had been fairly discussed and decide[d] on yet that we should be [Sustained]2 and treated as Strangers of Distinction and that as we might appear at Court an Intimation was given me at the same time that neither his Majesty or the Prince of Asturies would be displeased to see me there. I had written thus far expecting to have the inclosed to send you by the Tuesdays post, in this however I was dissappointed, tho not intentionally as the delay was occasioned by the absence of a [servant] intrusted with Your Letter. I waited again yesterday on the minister3 who expressed his uneasiness for what had happened and promised me to send it this day. It has this moment been delivered to me unsealed and you will see that the Refusal is Softned as much as possible by the manner in which it has been conveyed to you. I was yesterday for the first time at court and received several gracious Looks & Smiles from his majesty and the prince De Asturies4 and consequently many civilities from the courtiers.5 If in consequence of the Enclosed you should determine to come here immediately, I beg you to give me notice that I may provide proper apartments for your reception until you can accommodate yourself to your satisfaction & that I may meet you on the road either at Aranjuez or elsewhere to give you at large such information as I may be able to procure here and to escort you to Madrid. I have not heard from Dr. Franklin or any other American since my arrival, on which acct & many others I am impatient to see you. I beg you to make the proper compliments for me to your Lady and the Colonel & to beleive me with great respect & esteem Your Most Obedt & Most Humble Servt