soon as Lord Howe's return is known. If the junction is formed
in time, this formidable force, under the command of an officer
distinguished for his zeal and activity, may hasten the negotiations.

The answers to my letters to Holland, on the subject of the Russian
loan, and to those which I have procured others to write to Genoa on
the same point, inform me that it fills slowly. That of Spain for
three millions will be obtained. I have no doubt of the truth of my
information on this subject. In Portugal they pay dear for the gold
they obtain from thence. The depreciation is greater than ever, and to
prevent its further progress, is one of the most serious objects of
the attention of the Ministry. No changes since my last have taken
place in the general system of Europe, or in this Cabinet, except that
the Count de Florida Blanca has joined another department in the
Ministry to that which he before occupied, viz. that of Grace and
Justice, vacant by the death of M. Rode. Of course he will have more
to do than ever, and I shall be obliged to remind him more frequently
of our little affairs.

My situation with respect to American information is exceedingly
disagreeable. I hear of arrivals in France, and of letters being
received by our Ministers there, without any for me; I am persuaded
that the blame falls on European curiosity. I expect soon to have an
occasion of writing to you, when I shall do myself the honor to
transmit you any further particulars that may appear worthy of your
notice. I cannot help repeating that notwithstanding the appearance of
peace, the preparations for war are as vigorous as ever.

I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

* * * * *

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

Philadelphia, November 28th, 1782.

Sir,

I have been favored with your letter of the 8th of July; those you
mention to have written on the 5th and 12th of March and the 2d of
July, never reached me. I regret that you had no directions from Mr
Jay to open his letters, as those you forwarded contained much
information that might have been useful to you, on which account I was
less particular than I should otherwise have been in mine to you.

The great business of the negotiation being transferred to Paris, you
will have more leisure to attend to the general politics of th