Two days ago several of your letters came to hand, the latest being of April 6th; it is much to be regretted that this one in particular did not earlier arrive. The copy of its contents was sent immediately to Governor Trumbull, but alas, too late. Fairfield had been destroyed by the fire of the enemy. We are mistaken, however, if that enemy does not shortly find the unprofitableness of this kind of warfare towards their main purpose. America must be dead indeed to all proper spirit, if such doings will not render her both as vigilant and active as in the beginning of the contest. It is matter of much conjecture, why you have not been able, for some months back, to give us interesting accounts from Spain. All we know is through M. Gerard. We have sent so many sets of the journals of Congress, that you will doubtless get one. They are chiefly directed to Dr Franklin. You will find the parts in which you are personally interested to be under the following dates, viz.; April 6, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30; May 3, 22, 24, 25, 27; June 8. We shall speedily write again; in the meantime be assured that we are with much regard, Your humble servant, JAMES LOVELL, _For the Committee of Foreign Affairs_. _P. S._ _September 16th._ It is probable, that all the papers sent by you, up to May 21st, have come safe, either in originals, duplicates or triplicates. COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA TO ARTHUR LEE. Translation. Madrid, August 6th, 1779. Sir, I duly received the two letters, which you were so kind as to write to me, dated the 7th and 25th of June last, in which you detail the critical circumstances of the affairs of England, and the system which you think suitable for the powers at war with her, and on this occasion you likewise mention some points relating to the present situation of the United Provinces of America. I can assure you, Sir, that I read with the greatest pleasure your very wise and prudent reflections, of which I shall make a suitable use. I avail myself of this opportunity to assure you of the perfect respect, with which I have the honor to be, &c. COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA. TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Paris, August 10th, 1779. Gentlemen, Not being permitted to know whether there is any certain opportunity of writing, I must send you by every probable way an account of the present situation of affairs, which is extremely interesting.