ad ordered him to receive your overtures, and that I
was at liberty to give you this information, and after a pause, added,
that on Monday he hoped to have it in his power to return an answer.
You will please to observe, that it had not been read by either when
this conversation passed. He also told me, that he would take an
opportunity to converse with me, and would inform me when it would be
convenient for him to see me through the channel beforementioned.

On Monday next I go to the Pardo, by their appointment. Here I see
every day a person, who I believe to be sent by them to converse with
me, although I appear to know nothing of his connexion with the Court.
I think you may make the necessary preparations for your journey on
the receipt of this. Messrs Adams and Dana were at Bordeaux the 2d
instant. They mean to proceed to Amsterdam from thence, so that the
plan spoken of has taken place. They go in a good time, as the Dutch
are at present much irritated against Great Britain.

Mr Arthur Lee corresponded with the Count de Florida Blanca, but if I
am well informed, the correspondence consisted of American news on the
one part, and compliment on the other.[4] M. Gerard leaves this
tomorrow, he has had conversations with the Spanish Ministers, of
about two hours at one time and three at another. I am in a way of
obtaining most of the information you desired. I beg you to present
the proper compliments to your lady and Colonel Livingston.

I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] See _Arthur Lee's Correspondence_, Vol. II. pp. 36-54.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Madrid, February 19th, 1780.

Sir,

The short time I remained at Cadiz, and the constant employment in
which I was engaged of copying Mr Jay's letters and making the
necessary preparations for my journey, prevented me from doing myself
the honor of writing to your Excellency from thence. But having now an
opportunity by M. Gerard to France, and an offer from M. Gardoqui to
forward my letters by the way of Bilboa, I enclose to Congress copies
of those I have written to Mr Jay since my arrival in this city, as
they contain the most material intelligence I have been able to
procure. I have every reason to be pleased with the disposition of
those whom I have seen here,