xcellency, the Count de Florida Blanca,
informed me, that the papers relative to the objects of my mission
there had been transmitted to your Excellency, with authority and
instructions to treat with me on the subject of them.

"I arrived here the day before yesterday, and have the honor to
acquaint your Excellency of my being ready to commence the necessary
conferences at such time and place as your Excellency may think proper
to name.

"Your Excellency's character gives me reason to hope, that the
negotiation in question will be conducted in a manner agreeable to
both our countries; and permit me to assure you, that nothing on my
part shall be wanting to manifest the respect and consideration, with
which I have the honor to be, &c.

JOHN JAY."

The following is a copy of the Count's answer.

Translation.

"Paris, June 27th, 1782.

"Sir,

"I have the honor to reply to your note of the 25th, informing me of
your happy arrival at this Court. I shall also have the honor to
receive you, when you shall intimate that it is proper, and whenever
you will inform me of your intention, so that I may expect you at
whatever hour shall be most convenient to you.

"I shall be pleased to make your acquaintance, and to assure you of
the respect with which I have the honor, &c.

THE COUNT D'ARANDA."

It having been intimated to Dr Franklin, that if we paid a visit to
Count d'Aranda, it would be returned, we waited on him on the 29th of
June. He received us in a friendly manner, and expressed his wishes,
that closer connexion might be formed between our countries on terms
agreeable to both.

He returned our visit the next day, and gave us an invitation to dine
with him a few days afterwards. On that day I was taken sick, and
continued so for many weeks, nor, indeed, am I yet perfectly recovered
from the effects of that illness, having a constant pain in my breast,
and frequently a little fever.

Hence it happened, that I did not meet Count d'Aranda on business till
a month afterwards, when agreeably to a previous appointment I waited
upon him.

He began the conference by various remarks on the general principles
on which contracting nations should form treaties, on the magnanimity
of his sovereign, and on his own disposition to di