I have had great opportunities of
searching into his character, and have availed myself of them. Many
persons of different nations, coming from Madrid to Paris, all speak of
him as in high esteem, and I think it certain that he has more of the
Count de Florida Blanca's friendship, than any diplomatic character at
that court. As long as this minister is in office, Carmichael can do
more than any other person who could be sent there.

You will see Franks, and doubtless he will be asking some appointment. I
wish there may be any one for which he is fit. He is light, indiscreet,
active, honest, affectionate. Though Bingham is not in diplomatic
office, yet as he wishes to be so, I will mention such circumstances of
him, as you might otherwise be deceived in. He will make you believe he
was on the most intimate footing with the first characters in Europe,
and versed in the secrets of every cabinet. Not a word of this is true.
He had a rage for being presented to great men, and had no * * * in the
methods by which he could effect it. * * * * *

The Marquis de la Fayette is a most valuable auxiliary to me. His zeal
is unbounded, and his weight with those in power, great. His education
having been merely military, commerce was an unknown field to him.
But his good sense enabling him to comprehend perfectly whatever is
explained to him, his agency has been very efficacious. He has a great
deal of sound genius, is well remarked by the King, and rising in
popularity. He has nothing against him, but the suspicion of republican
principles. I think he will one day be of the ministry. His foible is
a canine appetite for popularity and fame; but he will get above this.
_The Count de Vergennes is ill_. The possibility of his _recovery_
renders it dangerous for us to express a doubt of it; but he is in
danger. He is a great minister in European affairs, but has very
imperfect ideas of our institutions, and no confidence in them. His
devotion to the principles of pure despotism, renders him unaffectionate
to our governments. But his fear of England makes him value us as a
make-weight. He is cool, reserved in political conversations, but free
and familiar on other subjects, and a very attentive, agreeable person
to do business with. It is impossible to have a, clearer, better
organized head; but age has chilled his heart,

Nothing should be spared on our part, to attach this country to us. It
is the only one on which we can rely for suppo