copies of the letter which the Marquis de Lafayette had written him
and of his Excellency's answer had been transmitted to Congress; that
that body, from the confidence which they had in his Catholic
Majesty's amicable disposition, of which his Excellency had been so
often the interpreter, undoubtedly expected that I had long ago been
presented; that in consequence of his Excellency's assurances to me at
various times since the transmission of the copies of the letters
before mentioned, I had confirmed my constituents in this belief; that
this being the case, it would be improper for me to go to Court, until
I should receive their instructions on the subject. I added, that I
hoped his Excellency knew me too well to suppose that I was influenced
by any personal considerations in this affair. He interrupted me with
an assurance to the contrary, and that he would do everything in his
power to give me satisfaction, telling me to call upon him in a few
days, when he would acquaint me with the result of his endeavors. Thus
ended our first conference.

Not to appear too urgent, I avoided speaking to him on the subject
until ten days ago, although I had occasion to see him several times.
But hearing the British Minister was on his way to Madrid, I thought
it proper to bring the matter to a decision before his arrival and
presentation; for which purpose I again waited on the Minister. I soon
discovered that he was in ill humor; however, as he immediately
commenced the conversation, by telling me that he had not yet found an
opportunity of speaking to the King, I prayed his Excellency to
recollect the time which had elapsed since he had been pleased to tell
me that I should be presented, and recapitulated the reasons before
mentioned. He interrupted me several times, telling me how much he had
been persecuted by Mr Elfried and the Russian Minister, who espoused
the interests of that _Charge d'Affaires_, adding, with warmth, that
gentleman will never be presented, unless to take leave and receive
his present. I replied, that his Excellency would do me the justice to
own, that I had been by no means importunate. That it was not my
intention to be so, and that nothing but my duty, joined to my
particular desire to cultivate a good understanding between our two
countries, made me now press him for an explicit answer. He told me
that he was convinced that I did not wish to embarrass him, but
observed, with some peevishness, ---- as