fter what it has done and promised to do to preserve it.

M. Gardoqui, so often mentioned, will embark in six weeks or two
months. Mr Cumberland is still here, inspiring all the distrust and
jealousy in his power to prejudice our affairs. I hope, however, he
will soon be dismissed. Vigorous preparations are making in France,
and I flatter myself that the Count d'Estaing will once more visit our
coasts in force. I believe he desires it, and I am told he is on good
terms with the new Minister of Marine. The Count de Vergennes was in a
bad state of health by the last advices from Paris, but for
information from that quarter, I refer the Committee to letters I
suppose Congress will receive from Dr Franklin. It is with hesitation
I venture to give my sentiments, and if I should be deceived, it is
not for want of pains, but of opportunity of obtaining more accurate
information.

I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

* * * * *

TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

Madrid, February 22d, 1781.

Gentlemen,

My last was of the 29th ult. since which, I have deferred writing, in
hopes of having it in my power to give the Committee more distinct
information of the actual situation of affairs in Europe at this
important crisis, when its attention is turned to the conduct of the
Empress of Russia and the armed neutrality, and to that of the
Emperor, who, notwithstanding the offer of mediation, I had the honor
to mention in my last, is, as I am informed, regarded with a jealous
and suspicious eye. But the vessels, which take on board part of the
clothing, of which I advised you at the time, and since it was
promised, being about to sail, I seize the present occasion of
writing, lest another from the ports of this kingdom should not soon
present itself.

Our affairs here are in much the same state as when I last wrote the
Committee. No further progress has been made in the negotiation. Mr
Jay has received various letters and papers from Congress, dated in
October. This day he has obtained an order for thirtytwo thousand
dollars, to pay for part of the clothing to be shipped at Cadiz, of
which he has not yet received the invoices, and to discharge the bills
due this month. The Minister promises to furnish the whole of the
three millions of reals mentioned in former letters,