The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 07
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 07
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
Congress will be pleased to remember, that in the conference of July
5th, the Minister, speaking of the person intended to succeed M.
Mirales, said that he spoke English, and that we knew him. I supposed,
that he alluded to one of the Gardoquis, three of whom speak English,
and I was well acquainted with one of them. But as another of them had
been heretofore employed by the Court, it appeared most probable that
he was the person meant. They are brothers and have a strong family
likeness.
On the 10th, Mr Carmichael wrote me, that he had seen the Count, and
was informed by him, that the person so long expected had not yet
arrived, and when he did he would give notice of it. On the 12th he
wrote me that a person had arrived, whom he suspected to be the one so
long expected. It seems that a person much resembling the Gardoqui
family had arrived at the same inn where Mr Carmichael lodged, and was
seen by him.
The holders of the bills becoming extremely uneasy, I wrote the Count
the following reply to his last note.
"Madrid, August 16th, 1780.
"Sir,
"The letter, which your Excellency did me the honor to write
on the 12th instant, was delivered to me yesterday.
"The kind concern you are pleased to express for the delay,
which suspends my receiving a positive answer respecting the
bills, demands my acknowledgments, and is an additional proof
of that generous sensibility, which induced your Excellency
to tell me, that your friendship for America should rise with
her distresses. A sentiment so evincive of magnanimity will
be received by Congress with all the admiration and gratitude
it merits, and will not cease to inspire me with that
confidence in your Excellency, which greatness of mind seldom
fails to excite.
"I ought to mention, that the holders of the bills here begin
to grow impatient, and frequently repeat their applications
to me for acceptance.
"With sentiments of great respect and regard, I have the
honor to be, &c.
JOHN JAY."
No answer.
The next day I received a card from the house of Joyce, informing me
of their having received peremptory orders to return their bills, and
that they could not delay it longer than the next post. Of this I sent
a copy to the Count without any observations.
No answer.
On the 18th of August, I wrote the Count the following letter.
"Madrid, August 18th, 1780.
"Sir,
"I never find myself more disagreeably circumstanced, than
when my duty constrains me to be troublesome to those, whom I
wish to afford only pleasure and satisfaction. Such is my
present situation. Monday next I perceive is to be a critical
day. Other bills besides Messrs Joyce are then to be
re-presented.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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