From John Jay to John Adams, 17 July 1780
To John Adams
Madrid 17 July 1780
Dear Sir
On the 4 June last I had the Pleasure of writing you a Letter acknowleging the Reciept of yours of the 15 May1—since which none of your Favors have reached me.
I have just been reading the Capitulation of Charles Town. I suspect they wanted Provisions. The Reputation of the Garrison will suffer till the Reasons of their Conduct are explained. I wish a good one may be in their Power. They are severely censured here.2 What the Consequence of this Event may be, cannot easily be conjectured. I should not be surprized if they should eventually be in our Favor. It is difficult while invaded in the Center to defend Extremities which have little natural Strength.
I wish Ternays Squadron may touch at Halifax—the Capture of that place would reduce the English Navy in the american Seas to extreme Difficulties.3 The Affair of Charles Town has an unfavorable Aspect on the Expedition against New York—
After the Conclusions of this Campaign, I think you will have something to do. In my opinion all the Powers at War wish for peace. The pride of the King of England will be the greatest Obstacle, and it may happen that in attempting to save his Dignity he may lose his Crown.
No News yet of Mr Laurens—what is to become of his Bills? I have accepted to the Amount of ^between^ 10 & 12′000 Dolls of those drawn upon me. The Fate of the Residue is not yet fixed, but like many other Adventurers, I imagine they will have good Luck—4
On a Presumption that you are acquainted with Mrs. Izard,5 I take the Liberty of committing the enclosed Letter for her to your Care. It has been written some Time, & waiting only for the french Courier by whom you will recieve this
My family was encreased last Week by the Birth of a Daughter— My Compts. to Mr Dana— I am Dear Sir With great Regard & Esteem Your most obedt Servant
John Jay
His Excelly John Adams Esqr
1. See JA to JJ, 15 May, ALS, NNC (EJ: 5408); and , 9: 315–16.
2. See Notes on John Jay’s Conference with Floridablanca, 5 July, and John de Neufville & Son to JJ, 13 July, above, and JJ’s reply of 29 July, below.
3. On Ternay, see Carmichael to JJ, 25 May, above.
4. On the bills drawn on JJ, see the editorial note “John Jay’s Conference with Floridablanca” on pp. 94–104.
5. Alice De Lancey (Mrs. Ralph) Izard (d. 1832), a native of New York City. Although her husband returned to the United States in 1780, she remained in Europe until 1783. The enclosure has not been found.