4 December 1801, Madrid. No. 296. Has had no news of Commodore Dale since he sailed from Málaga. Encloses copy of a 1 Nov. circular letter from Appleton “received this day” advising that the Tripolitans have purchased a twenty-two-gun ship at Smyrna for the purpose of cruising against Americans. Concludes from a 30 Nov. letter from Pinckney at Vitoria that he will arrive in the next week. Humphreys will have to attend the queen’s birthday celebration at the Escorial on 9 Dec.; the court will return to Madrid on 14 Dec. Has just seen a French newspaper announcing Livingston’s arrival at Lorient en route to Paris. Reports on French preparations at different ports for expedition to Saint-Domingue and anticipated embarkation of troops from Spain and Holland; thinks a considerable amount of provisions from the U.S. will be wanted. Adds in postscript of 8 Dec. that he is leaving for the Escorial and has heard nothing more of Pinckney.