JAMES LOVELL, _For the Committee_. * * * * * TO JOHN JAY. March 9th, 1781. Sir, You will herewith receive gazettes and journals, also a resolve respecting the complete ratification of the articles binding the Thirteen States as a confederated body. The delay of that business appears now like all the other circumstances of our rise and growth; for the present is really the best of all times for that particular event. Our enemies have been ripening themselves for this capital _mentitis_. We have no letters from you or Mr Carmichael later than those mentioned in my last, a copy of which attends this. I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant, JAMES LOVELL. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Madrid, March 22d, 1781. Sir, I ought, and wish to write your Excellency a long letter, but not by the post. The French fleet is not yet sailed. It will, in my opinion, be late in the summer before the fleet at Rhode Island will be reinforced. This Court has promised me one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Some clothing is now shipping on account of Congress from Cadiz. Russia has offered her mediation to England and the States-General. The latter have accepted it. The answer of the former (if given) is not known here. If she should refuse, Russia will probably take part with the Dutch; if she accepts, she will doubtless be obliged either to agree to terms consistent with the armed neutrality, or continue the war. The consequences of either are obvious. M. Necker has published a state of the French finances, much to his honor and their credit. Perhaps a complimentary order to translate and publish it would be useful. Mr Cumberland will set out on his return, through France, in a few days. This letter is intended to go by Captain Trask, from Bilboa. I am told he will sail much sooner than had been given out, and that unless my letters go by this evening's post, they would arrive too late. Hence I am obliged to write in haste, and say little, there being no time for cyphers. I have received some letters from your Excellency. Their dates shall be mentioned another time. I have the honor to be, &c. JOHN JAY. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Madrid, April 25th, 1781. Sir,