onduct, if,
as is alleged, he has really behaved improperly. Should he determine
to interfere, Congress make no doubt but you will conform to his
intentions; and they rely upon your zeal and activity in the discharge
of such trusts, as he may think proper, since he alone can judge of
the best application of them, and will not deprive himself of the
advantages, which your assistance and information may afford, without
being determined by weighty and important considerations.

It gives great pleasure here, to hear of the step that Spain is
taking, for opening a treaty with us. The delays in that business
begin to be resented by the people of this country, the more
forcibly, as they felt a high degree of respect for the Court, and
much attachment to the people of Spain, in return for the good offices
that they had done them. The great cause of the delay being now (as we
hear) removed, I doubt not that the candor of the negotiators, and the
clear views that they both have of the interest, which Spain and
America may mutually derive from an intimate union, will remove all
other difficulties to the wished for connexion.

We have no other news on this side the water, than that the enemy have
evacuated Wilmington. You, who know the spirit of disaffection which
prevailed in some parts of North Carolina, and the commerce which it
is capable of carrying on, particularly at this time, in articles for
the supply of the West India markets, will see the important sacrifice
the enemy have been obliged to make in thus quitting this post, and
abandoning the only friends in America, upon whose fidelity and
attachment they could rely.

I need not repeat to you, that I shall at all times think myself happy
in hearing from you, independent of the advantage that the public may
derive from your letters. They will be particularly agreeable to me,
as they may be made the means of increasing the number of friends,
which your zeal and attention has already procured you.

I am, Sir, with great esteem, &c.

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Madrid, December 20th, 1781.

Sir,

Since my letter of the 17th ult. to the Committee of Foreign Affairs,
I have had the pleasure to hear of your appointment to the office of
Secretary for that department, and although I have not a