subject of the bills in question, and told Mr Jay if an
immediate acceptance of them was insisted on, that he might
accept them payable at Bilboa, but rather seemed to wish that
their acceptance might be delayed till the coming of the
abovementioned person. Mr Jay expatiated on the impression,
which the acceptance of these bills and every other mark of
friendship would make in America at this particular crisis,
and the Count, in a very feeling and warm manner, assured him
that his desire to serve the States increased in consequence
of their distresses. By his whole conversation he endeavored
to show how much he interested himself in the prosperity of
our affairs, more than once desiring Mr Jay not to be
discouraged, for that with time and patience all would go
well, expatiating on the King's character, his religious
observation of, and adherence to his promises, and his own
desire of having Mr Jay's entire confidence. Mr Jay seized
this opportunity of assuring him of his full reliance on the
King's justice and honor, and his particular and entire
confidence in his Excellency, asserting to him that all his
letters to Congress breathed these sentiments. The Count
appeared much pleased with this declaration, and, seeming to
speak without reserve, hinted his hopes that the combined
fleets would soon be in condition to give the law to that of
England in the seas of Europe, repeating that measures would
be taken, on the arrival of the person expected, to provide
for the payment of the bills of exchange, and that other
arrangements would be made with the same person, which would
contribute to relieve, as much as it was in his Majesty's
power, the present distresses of America, of which he
frequently spoke very feelingly in the course of this
conversation.
Mr Jay reminded his Excellency, in a delicate manner, of the
supplies of clothing, &c. &c. which had been promised in a
former conference, and said that if they could be sent in
autumn, they would be essentially useful. The Count assured
him that measures would be taken for this purpose, with the
person so often hinted at in the course of the conference;
that probably these goods would be embarked from Bilboa, as
everything was so dear at Cadiz. He also once more told Mr
Jay, that at all events he might accept the bills presented
by Messrs Joyce, payable at Bilboa, though he appeared to
wish that this measure might be delayed for a fortnight if
possible. The conference ended with compliments and
assurances on the one part and the other, the Count
endeavoring to persuade Mr Jay of his Majesty's desire to
assist the States, and Mr Jay assuring him of his reliance on
his Excellency, and of the good effects which such proofs of
his Majesty's friendship would have in America at the present
juncture.
In this conference not a single nail would drive. Everything was to be
postponed till the arrival of the person intended to succeed M.
Mirales.
On the 11th of July I wrote the Count the following note.
"Mr Jay presents his respectful compliments to his Excellency
the Count de Florida Blanca, and has the honor of informing
him, that Don Carlos Maria Maraci of this place has presented
to him, for acceptance, bills amounting in the whole to one
thousand six hundred and sixtyfive dollars. The Messrs Joyce
consent to having their bills payable at Bilboa, but have
acquainted Mr Jay that the name of the House there, by whom
they are to be paid, should accompany the acceptance of the
bills, it being necessary to their further negotiation.
"_Madrid, July 11th, 1780._"
To this note the following answer was returned.
Translation.
"In answer to the note the Count de Florida Blanca has just
received from Mr Jay, dated yesterday, he has the honor to
acquaint him, that he intends writing to Bilboa on the
subject of the bills in the hands of Messrs Joyce, and which
are to be accepted, so that it will be necessary to wait some
days to fix the House at which the acceptance will be made.
"As to the bills presented by Don Carlos Maraci to the value
of one thousand six hundred and sixtyfive dollars, the Count
recommends to Mr Jay to request, in like manner, a delay of
fifteen days for their acceptance, this time being necessary,
that the Count may have an interview with a person not at
present in Madrid.
"_At the Palace, July 12th, 1780._"
I was obliged to wait with patience, and endeavor to keep the holders
of the bills from returning them, noted for non-acceptance. The Count
went to St Ildefonso; the time limited for the arrival of the person
expected having expired, I wrote the Count three notes on the subject
of the bills, and in one requested his permission for Mr Harrison of
Maryland to remain at Cadiz, from whence he was threatened to be
removed in pursuance of the King's ordinance against Irishmen. To
these I received the following answer, dated the 29th of July.
Translation.
"The Count de Florida Blanca presents his compliments to Mr
Jay, and acquaints him that he has duly received his three
last letters.
"For the satisfaction of Mr Jay, orders shall be given for Mr
Harrison to remain at Cadiz, the general regulations
established by the King notwithstanding.
"On the subject of the acceptance of the bills of exchange,
the Count can only say that he still waits for the person in
question, who has informed him that he was on the point of
setting out on his journey.
"He is moreover very sensible of the attention in
communicating to him the last advices received respecting the
affair of Charleston, and persuades himself that Mr Jay will
always observe the same complaisance.
"_Saturday, July 29th._"
I immediately wrote him a letter of thanks for his civility to Mr
Harrison, and nothing further passed between us till the 11th of
August, when I sent him the following note.
"Mr Jay presents his respectful compliments to his Excellency
the Count de Florida Blanca, and has the honor of informing
him, that since the date of his last, bills to the amount of
six thousand and six hundred dollars have been presented to
him for acceptance. Mr Jay has prevailed on the holders of
these bills to wait six or eight days for his answer, on a
promise that the time for their payment, if accepted, shall
be computed from the day on which they were presented.
"_Madrid, August 11th, 1780._"
To this was written the following answer.
Translation.
"The Count de Florida Blanca has just received Mr Jay's note
of yesterday, on the subject of the new bills, which have
been presented to him. He is mortified not to be able to
return a positive answer today, respecting the acceptance of
said bills, and must repeat, that he still waits for the
person of whom mention has been made in preceding notes.
"_St Ildefonso, August 12th, 1780._"
Mrs Jay's illness, and the death of a child, detaining me at Madrid, I
requested the Count to give me notice when it would be necessary I
should wait upon him, and in the mean time Mr Carmichael went to St
Ildefonso.
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.
"M. Gardoqui of Bilboa writes me, that he has received bills
on me for thirteen thousand three hundred and thirtyfive
dollars, with orders immediately to ship the amount in goods
to America. They will be presented tomorrow, and he expects
an answer by Monday's post. If an immediate acceptance or
refusal should be insisted on by any one of them, a protest
must ensue, and American credit be reduced to the lowest ebb.
What am I to do? If your Excellency should direct me to
accept these bills payable at Bilboa, they will, as before,
demand at what House they are to be paid.
"I must entreat your Excellency to relieve me and my country
from this painful situation, and to pardon the trouble I am
obliged to give you.
"With great respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN JAY."
"_P. S._ The enclosed contains intelligence from America."
No answer.
Having first visited the holders of the bills, and obtained further
time till Monday next, on the 24th I set out for St Ildefonso. I
arrived the next day, and wrote the Count the following letter.
"St Ildefonso, August 25th, 1780.
"Sir,
"I arrived here this morning, but was prevented from
immediately doing myself the honor of paying my respects to
your Excellency, by fatigue and indisposition.
"In a letter I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on
the 16th instant, I mentioned, that the holders of the bills
began to grow impatient. On the 18th instant, I informed your
Excellency by another letter, that their applications to me
for acceptance had become so pressing, as that I found myself
under the necessity of again requesting your directions.
"I have accepted Messrs Joyce's bills payable at Bilboa,
agreeable to your Excellency's directions on the 5th of July
last, and they have agreed to wait some time for the name of
the House there, which may be employed to pay them. The other
gentlemen were induced to delay requiring of me a decisive
answer until Monday next, on my assurances, that they should
then receive one.
"The inducements and reasons, which urged Congress into this
measure, are known to your Excellency, and it would be no
less unnecessary than improper to recapitulate the
consequences, which must ensue from the success or failure of
it.
"I fear your Excellency thinks I am too solicitous, too
importunate. But when it is considered, that the holders of
these bills are not under my control, and that they require
an answer from me, I flatter myself that the trouble I give
your Excellency on this subject will appear to arise from a
sense of my duty, and not from the impulse of impatience.
"I sincerely congratulate your Excellency on the late
important naval success against the common enemy, and have
the honor to be, &c.
JOHN JAY."
No Answer.
The next morning I went to pay my respects to the Minister, but being
told he was sick, I left a card. The French Ambassador, however, and
others, had been with him in the morning, and he rode out as usual in
the afternoon.
Mr Carmichael informed me, that in passing by a wicket-gate of the
King's private gardens, he had seen the person, whom he had before
seen at the inn, walking in them, and that his servant had learned
from a barber of his acquaintance, that he dressed a gentleman who
spoke English, and lodged at M. Del Campo's. He also informed me, that
the French Ambassador had lately received a letter from Count de la
Luzerne, dated the 12th of May; that he was present when it was
opened, that it was in cypher, and that the Ambassador said, he
supposed he was impatient to hear the news; that he afterwards
expressed a desire to see this letter, and that the Ambassador
referred him for it to the Secretary; that the Secretary gave him some
important papers, adding, that he had _mislaid_ the letter. Hence it
seems, as if the Ambassador intended at first to communicate the
letter, but that its contents on being decyphered forbad it.
It appeared to me proper to mention my embarrassments to the French
Ambassador, who had always been friendly, and ask his advice and aid
on the subject. The next day I had a conference with him, and the
following are notes of it.
St Ildefonso, August 27th, 1780.
Mr Jay waited on the Count de Montmorin this morning at nine
o'clock, agreeably to appointment the day before. The former
commenced the conversation by observing, that in his first
conferences with the Minister of Spain, at Aranjues, the
Minister divided the subject into two parts, and spoke
largely on that of the bills drawn on Mr Jay, and on the
treaty proposed to be entered into between Spain and America.
Mr Jay recapitulated the Minister's assurances relative to
the former, and informed the Ambassador, that the result of
this conference was a promise of the Minister to send him
written notes on _both_ points, a few days afterwards. That
with respect to the notes relative to the treaty, Mr Jay had
not received them as yet. That on the other point, he had
received notes, which, as well as his answer, he had shown to
the Ambassador. That on the 5th of July he had another
conference with the Minister at Madrid, in which he had
endeavored to turn the conversation to the several objects of
his business and mission here, but that the Minister
postponed the discussion of them, until a person for whom he
had sent, with a view to succeed M. Mirales, should arrive,
when all the necessary arrangements should be made. He indeed
told Mr Jay, that if the Messrs Joyce were pressing, he might
accept their bills, payable at Bilboa, and throughout the
whole conference, had given Mr Jay warm and repeated
assurances, not only of the King's good faith and friendly
disposition towards America, but of his own personal
attachment to her interest, on both of which, as well as in
his candor and promises, he desired him to place the greatest
reliance.
Mr Jay proceeded further to inform the Ambassador, that being
exceedingly pressed by Messrs Joyce and others, holders of
the bills, for a decisive answer, which they had required to
have on the Monday last past, he had signified the same to
the Minister by three letters, requesting his directions, to
none of which he received any answers. That he had accepted
Messrs Joyce's bills, payable, as directed, by the Minister,
and had prevailed on the other to wait until Monday next.
That on his arrival here on Friday he wrote another letter to
the Minister on the same subject, and the next day called at
his house to pay his respects, but not being able to see him
had left a card; that being thus circumstanced he was under
the necessity of requesting the favor of him to speak to the
Count, and obtain an answer from him.
The Ambassador told Mr Jay, that he ought to ask an audience
of the Minister. To this Mr Jay replied, that he could not
hope to have an answer to this request, as he had not been
able to procure one to the different applications he had
already made. The Ambassador said, that he would willingly
speak to the Minister, but that he feared he should not be
able to enter fully into the subject with him until
Wednesday, both the Minister and himself having their time
employed on objects, which at present and for some time past,
had engrossed much of their attention. He then asked Mr Jay
if he had written to Congress to stop drawing bills on him.
Mr Jay replied, that he could not with propriety give such
information to Congress, after the general and repeated
assurances made him by the Count de Florida Blanca ever since
his arrival here, and particularly the Minister's
declaration, that he should be able to furnish him with
thirty or forty thousand pounds sterling, at the end of the
present or commencement of the next year, and that in the
meantime, other arrangements might be taken to pay such bills
as might become due after that period. He added, that if the
Count had candidly told him that he could not furnish him
with money to pay the bills, he should then immediately have
informed Congress of it, who would have taken of course the
proper measures on the occasion, but that should he now send
a true account of all that had passed between the Count de
Florida Blanca and himself thereon, he could not answer for
the disagreeable effects such intelligence would produce. The
Count seemed to think the Spanish Minister would pay the
bills that had been already presented, and had probably
delayed giving Mr Jay an answer until the arrival of the
person he expected, who he understood was detained by the
necessity of making some arrangements in his family before he
left it.
On this Mr Jay remarked, that this did not accord with the
information the Minister had given him near three weeks
before, that the said person was then about to set out.
The conference ended with a promise of the Count de
Montmorin, that he would endeavor to speak to the Count de
Florida Blanca on the subject, but that he was afraid he
should not be able to do it fully until Wednesday next.
Finding that the Ambassador could not do anything till Wednesday next,
and that the Minister's determined silence left no room to hope much
from him very soon, I despatched letters by express to the holders of
the bills, and requested a little more time. I was apprehensive that
if I should accept them without the Minister's consent, it might
become an objection to his providing for their payment, and
appearances led me to suspect, that any tolerable excuse for such
refusal would have been very grateful.
The French Ambassador did not, as usual, return my visit. I dined with
him, nevertheless; but his behavior, though polite, was dry, and not
cordial and open as before. He mentioned not a syllable of his having
received a letter from Philadelphia. These circumstances increased my
apprehensions that his letter contained some things unpleasant.
On Wednesday afternoon, 30th of August, I waited on the Ambassador, to
know the result of the conversation he had promised to have with the
Minister on our affairs. He did not appear very glad to see me. I
asked him whether he had seen the Minister, and conversed with him on
our affairs. He said he had seen the Minister, but that as Count
d'Estaing was present, he had only some general and cursory
conversation with him, and slipping away from that topic, went on to
observe, that I would do well to write another letter to the Minister,
mentioning the number of letters I had already written, my arrival
here, and my desire of a conference with him. I told the Ambassador,
that while four letters on the subject remained unanswered, it could
not be necessary to write a fifth. That these letters had been written
with great politeness and circumspection; that the last was written
the day of my arrival at St Ildefonso; that I had also gone to the
Minister's house, to pay my respects to him, and on being told he was
sick, had left a card; and that, notwithstanding these marks of
attention and respect, I still continued unanswered and unnoticed. I
observed to him further, that this conduct accorded ill with the
Minister's assurances; that unless I had met with more tenderness from
the holders of the bills, they would have been returned noted for
non-acceptance; that if such an event should at last take place, after
the repeated promises and declarations of the Minister, there would of
necessity be an end to the confidence of America in the Court of
Spain.
He replied, that he hoped things would take a more favorable turn;
that to his knowledge the Minister had been of late much occupied and
perplexed with business; that I ought not to be affected with the
inattention of his conduct; that I should continue to conduct the
business smoothly, having always in view the importance of Spain, and
remembering that we were as yet only rising States, not firmly
established, or generally acknowledged, &c. and that he would by all
means advise me to write the Minister another letter, _praying_ an
audience.
I answered, that the object of my coming to Spain was to make
_propositions_, not _supplications_, and that I should forbear
troubling the Minister with further letters, till he should be more
disposed to attend to them. That I considered America as being, and to
continue independent in _fact_, and that her becoming so in _name_ was
of no further importance than as it concerned the common cause, in the
success of which all the parties were interested; and that I did not
imagine Congress would agree to purchase from Spain the acknowledgment
of an undeniable fact at the price she demanded for it; that I
intended to abide patiently the fate of the bills, and should transmit
to Congress an account of all matters relative to them; that I should
then write the Minister another letter on the subject of the treaty,
and if that should be treated with like neglect, or if I should be
informed that his Catholic Majesty declined going into that measure, I
should then consider my business at an end, and proceed to take the
necessary measures for returning to America; that I knew my
constituents were sincerely desirous of a treaty with Spain, and that
their respect for the House of Bourbon, the desire of France signified
in the Secret Article, and the favorable opinion they had imbibed of
the Spanish nation, were the strongest inducements they had to wish
it; that the policy of multiplying treaties with European nations was
with me questionable, and might be so with others; that, for my own
part, I was inclined to think it the interest of America to rest
content with the treaty with France, and, by avoiding alliances with
other nations, remain free from the influence of their disputes and
politics; that the situation of the United States, in my opinion,
dictated this policy; that I knew it to be their interest, and of
course their disposition, to be at peace with all the world; and that
I knew too it would be in their power, and I hoped in their
inclination, always to defend themselves.