ike Spain, because she had
been told, that I was much liked by the Spaniards. I replied, that the
only title I had to their esteem was my well known regard for the
nation. The other branches of the royal family received me equally
well.

It perhaps may be thought, that I have dwelt too long on these minute
details, but I hope I shall be excused when it is considered this is
the first presentation of a servant of the States at this Court, and
that it has already made some noise among the _corps diplomatique_,
who think themselves entitled to the same privilege which I have
obtained. As soon as the _Charge d'Affaires_ of Denmark was advised of
my presentation, he came hither. The enclosed note to the Minister, of
which I found means to obtain a copy, will show you in what light his
Court regards this preference.

The ceremonial of my presentation being finished, I waited on his
Excellency, the Count de Florida Blanca, to thank him for his obliging
attentions in the course of it, and took that opportunity of
insinuating to him the propriety of his Catholic Majesty's immediately
naming a Minister to the United States. I had touched on this subject
formerly. He told me that he would speak to his Majesty, and inform me
of his intentions.

I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

JOHN LAURENS;

SPECIAL MINISTER TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.

John Laurens was the son of Henry Laurens, whose Correspondence is
printed in the second volume of this work. He was born in Charleston,
South Carolina, in the year 1755. At the age of sixteen he accompanied
his father to Europe, where he was left to pursue his education first
at Geneva, and afterwards at London. He was diligent in his studies,
and made rapid attainments in the different branches of knowledge, as
well as in the other accomplishments of a scholar and a gentleman. In
1774 he became a student of law in the Temple, but the stirring
events, that were causing so much excitement on this side of the
Atlantic, drew his attention strongly to the interests and claims of
his native country, and determined him to return and connect his
destiny with hers. After a voyage of considerable peril, he arrived in
Charleston in 1777, and immediately resolved to join the army.

As the army then abounded with officers, and there was no opening
suited to him in their ranks, General Washington