To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 6 February 1783
From William Carmichael
ALS: Library of Congress
Madrid 6th Feby. 1783
Dear Sir
Altho Mr Jays acquaintance with Mr Gardoqui, who will have the honor to deliver this to your Excy. Might excuse me from taking the present Liberty, yet I cannot refuse this Gentlemans request to be the bearer of a Line from myself to your Excy;4 His friendly conduct to me intitles him to every mark of Consideration in my power to shew him & I hope to the many proofs of regard which You have had the goodness to manifest in my favor you will add of convincing Mr Gardoqui that you still interest yourself in what Concerns one who has the honor to be With the greatest Respect & Affection Your Excys Obliged & Humble Sert5
Wm. Carmichael
His Excy Benjamin Franklin
4. James Gardoqui (Diego María de Gardoqui y Arriquibar), formerly the liaison between Jay and Spanish Chief Minister Floridablanca, was accompanying to London the new minister plenipotentiary, Bernardo del Campo, who left Madrid on Feb. 6. Gardoqui became interim Spanish consul general in June and titular consul general in January, 1784: Didier Ozanam, ed., Les Diplomates espagnoles du XVIIIe siècle: Introduction et répertoire biographique (1700–1808) (Madrid and Bordeaux, 1998), pp. 205, 270.
5. Carmichael also recommended Gardoqui to WTF, in a letter of Feb. 7; WTF noted that he received it on April 7. Carmichael had written to WTF on Feb. 4, as well, thanking him for sending news of the peace settlement. Both letters are at the APS.