To John Jay from William Carmichael, 23 August 1783
From William Carmichael
St Ildefonso 23d. Augt 1783
Sir
I have the honor to inform your Excy. that I was presented yesterday to the King and this day to the Prince and Princess of the Asturias1 as Chargé’ d’affaires2 of the United States of America— I have every reason to be satisfied with my reception as also with the Conduct of his Excy the Cte de F. Blanca on this occasion
If your Excy. hath recd. any recent instructions from Congress relative to the Mission here which you think may contribute to the interests of our Country I make no doubt that you will take a safe opportunity of conveying copies of them to me Should not circumstances permit your early return to Spain— With respectfull compliments to your Lady I have the honor to be Your Excellencys. Obedient & Most Humble Sert.
Wm. Carmichael
His Excy. John Jay
ALS, NNC (EJ: 7632). Endorsed: “Recd. 7 Sep. 1783”.
1. The future King Charles IV.
2. On the circumstances that led to Carmichael’s reception as chargé d’affaires, see “Lafayette, John Jay’s Self-Appointed ‘Political Aide-de-Camp,’ Takes on the Spanish” (editorial note) on pp. 318–22.