past month. They consist of three or four thousand men (recruits
included), and of Fullarton's and another ragged regiment, to use the
words of Mr Edmund Jennings, who gives this information. The greater
part of these, it is supposed, are destined to the East Indies, and
Commodore Johnson is named by the public to command an expedition,
which is to attack the Cape of Good Hope on its passage. The Ministry
in England is the same. They have a great majority in Parliament. The
Protestant associations begin to stir a little. Lord G. Gordon is
acquitted. Stocks have fallen considerably since the Dutch war, not
less than two and a half or three per cent. The subscriptions for the
loans of the present year, it is generally believed, will be paid in
slowly. Our ally pushes the preparations for the present campaign
vigorously, but on the 14th instant the commander was not named for
the fleet, which is to sail next month for the American seas, and
which I am told, will consist of twentyfive sail of the line. I have
no exact account of the number of troops to be embarked, but the
lowest computation makes them consist of seven thousand men. The Count
de Maurepas was ill by the last advices from Paris.
The Spanish squadron of thirty sail of the line is at sea, that of
England it is supposed will sail about this period of time. Mr
Cumberland gives out, that he has demanded a passport of the Court,
but that he is told to have patience. I hope, however, he will not
stay here long. M. Gardoqui will, probably, embark in all next month
or the beginning of April. I beg the Committee to consider the
intelligence I give them from time to time, particularly that from
other countries, as the latest and most authentic I can procure, but
for the truth of which I cannot vouch.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Madrid, March 4th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
I have received the enclosed letters from M. Dumas since my last of
the 22d ultimo, copies of which I sent to Cadiz, to be forwarded in
the vessels, that take from thence part of the clothing mentioned in
my former letters. The remainder will I hope soon be embarked on board
of other vessels, lately arrived in that port from America. As soon as
Mr Jay receives the invoices, I will transmit copies thereof to the
Committee. I also enclose the last accurate state of the British sea
force in Europe. The squadron supposed to be destined for the relief
of Gibraltar, sailed the 18th ultimo. The Spanish fleet, of nearly
thirty sail of the line, is now at sea to impede their operations, so
that important advices are daily expected from the coast. The exact
number of the English squadron is not known. Count de Grasse is
finally chosen to command the Brest squadron for the American seas,
and is by this time nearly ready to sail.
Our affairs are in much the same situation as heretofore. It is not
yet known here what part the Empress of Russia will take, although it
is generally believed, it cannot be but unfavorable to Great Britain.
Mr Cumberland is still here. M. Gardoqui will embark the last of this
or first of next month. I make no doubt before his departure, Mr Jay
will know the character by which he is to announce him to Congress. I
have no reason to believe, that he will not have formal credentials
from the Court, for otherwise, notwithstanding the information given
in consequence of Mr Jay's conference relative to him with the
Minister, I suppose Congress can only regard him as an individual.
A late publication in the _Courier de l'Europe_, extracted from
Rivington's Gazette, asserting a mutiny of a considerable number of
continental troops in the beginning of January, made considerable
impression here, which happily we have had it in our power to remove
by some arrivals from the northward. Considerable apprehensions and
jealousies are entertained of the views of the States, of forming
powerful establishments on the Ohio and Mississippi, in consequence of
some publications in our papers, and other advices received by the
Court, which has much better and more regular intelligence of our
affairs than Mr Jay. This must be the case as long as the letters of
Congress are confided to the common post in France and in this
country. The difference of expense could not be so considerable to the
public, as might be conceived, and the advantages are important. I am
persuaded the Ministers of the above named nations, receive more
information from the letters written to the public servants of
Congress in Europe, than from those they employ in America. All the
couriers of the Empress of Russia are officers of her army. We have at
present, I presume, many young men on half pay in consequence of the
late arrangements of our army, who would be happy to make these
voyages in the public packets, who might be limited or brought to
strict account for their expenses, and receive instructions from the
Committee to answer public purposes, and be promoted or disgraced
according to their execution of them. I beg the Committee will impute
these suggestions to the true motive, a regard to the public service.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Madrid, March 11th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
Since my last of the 4th instant, I know of a certainty, that Mr
Cumberland, so often mentioned in former letters, will soon leave this
kingdom, and pursue his voyage to England by way of France. His
departure would indicate, that all negotiations for an accommodation
were at an end, if there was not reason to believe, that conferences
on that subject are likely to take place in consequence of the offer
of mediation made to the belligerent powers by the Emperor. As I have
not the last mentioned intelligence from our _friends_, I give it with
hesitation and not as certain. In a little time I hope to have it in
my power, to give fuller information to the Committee on this subject.
The Count de Grasse left Paris the end of February, to take the
command of the fleet for the American seas. I am afraid this fleet, or
even a part of it, will not appear on our coasts until the month of
July. I form my conjectures however from very minute circumstances,
and may perhaps be deceived. The English grand fleet has not yet made
its appearance. A very numerous convoy of provision vessels, &c. &c.
sail with it for the East and West Indies and for America. Mr Adams
has opened a loan in Holland for one million of florins, of which we
shall soon know the probable success. I send enclosed the plan of the
loan in the first copy of this letter, but finding it published in the
Dutch and foreign papers, I suppose the Committee will receive it
before this can reach them. The mutiny of the Pennsylvania line has
had a bad effect in Europe, and our enemies have been indefatigable
to represent it in the worst colors. I hope Congress has been able to
pacify the discontented, and that as they have hitherto done, they
will still overcome all obstacles to the freedom, tranquillity, and
importance, of the United States.
I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Aranjues, May 25th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
Since my last of the 16th instant, the French Ambassador has received
the agreeable intelligence, that M. de la Motte Piquet fell in with
the St Eustatia fleet, consisting of thirtyfour sail, of which he
captured twentyfour, their escort, two seventyfour gun ships and two
frigates, having escaped by their superior swiftness; four other
vessels of the same fleet I hear are taken. The captain of a packet
boat, arrived at Corunna from Newport, says, that he was chased in the
latitude of the Azores by the English fleet, which consisted of
eighteen sail of the line. The Spanish squadron has not been heard of
since it sailed.
Thirtysix transports, of two hundred and two hundred and fifty tons,
are taken up at Cadiz on government account, and provisions for eight
thousand men for four months are ordered. The destination of the
armament is a secret, but there is reason to think it is either
intended for the West Indies or for their own settlements in Peru. If
for the former, it will hardly commence its operations before the
month of November, when the Count de Grasse will be able to join it,
after his return from our coasts.
Many bills, drawn by Congress last year, have already been presented
and accepted by Mr Jay; the funds are not yet provided for their
payment, but I hope the advices lately received from Congress will
produce a change of conduct in this Court. I allude to a letter from
the Committee, which came in the Virginia to Cadiz. I am persuaded the
Minister was informed of its contents before it reached Mr Jay, for
the packets were stopped at Cadiz, and bore evident marks of having
been inspected.
The Committee must be sensible, that a negotiation will ever be
carried on to our disadvantage, when the parties with whom their
Minister treats, are thus early informed of the most secret intentions
of Congress. This apprehension renders my correspondence with the
Committee more irregular than it would otherwise be, for I am often
obliged to wait ten days or more, for safe opportunities of conveying
my letters by private hands to Cadiz, Bilboa, or the ports of France,
to prevent a previous examination of them here.
I hope soon to write by M. Gardoqui, but I have so often advised you
of this gentleman's intended departure, and then been so often
disappointed, that I cannot give full belief to the late information I
have received on this subject.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Aranjues, May 26th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
The Court being at this place at present, Mr Jay has judged proper to
reside here until it returns to Madrid, from which city I addressed
the Committee the 23d ult. Mr Jay, since his arrival here, has seen
the Minister and been civilly received. He will inform Congress of
what passed on this occasion. M. de la Motte Piquet, whose squadron
could not be ready in time to join M. de Cordova, and enable the
Spanish fleet to oppose that of England, destined to relieve
Gibraltar, sailed on a cruise the 24th ult. to intercept the homeward
bound fleet from St Eustatia, or one from the leeward Islands. The
English squadron, after relieving Gibraltar, is gone to cruise off the
Azores or the Canaries, to intercept the fleet from the Havana with
treasure, the amount of which I mentioned in my last; this, at least,
is the opinion of several well informed people here. That of Spain has
cruised for it to escort it into port, I believe, on a presumption,
that the English would return to port, or detach a part of their
squadron to reinforce their others in various parts of the world.
Should the latter be the case, and these fleets should encounter, that
of Spain will have greatly the advantage in number, it consisting of
thirtytwo sail of the line.
I have the pleasure of informing Congress, that the Court of France
has engaged to guaranty a loan of ten millions of livres for the
States, and to make large advances in stores and cash immediately. I
wish it was in my power to furnish as agreeable accounts from this
Court. The negotiation is in the same situation as when I had last the
honor to write to the Committee, my sentiments of the motives for this
conduct are still the same. The mediation seems at a stand, and,
probably, will not be renewed before the end of the campaign. Troops
have been ordered to march towards Gibraltar from various parts of
the kingdom, but I have some reason to think, with a view to another
object, viz. either to be sent to the West Indies or to Peru, where,
it is said, there appears a spirit of disaffection, which creates some
apprehensions here.
The crop is likely to be more abundant throughout Spain, than it has
been for many years past. I have not as yet heard, that Russia has
taken a decided part in favor of the Dutch. Their squadron in the
Mediterranean and at Lisbon are ordered home. The Portuguese preserve
a strict neutrality at present. M. Gardoqui is still here, but I hope
will embark next month. I have not had the honor of hearing from the
Committee since I have been in Europe, and Mr Jay informs me, that he
has received but three letters from Congress since his residence here.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Aranjues, June 2d, 1781.
Gentlemen,
The last post from France brought the news of M. Necker's removal from
the Ministry. This change would have been agreeable to this Court some
months ago, on account of the interference of that Minister in the
operation of the loan mentioned in former letters. At present, it
seems to be regarded in a disagreeable point of view, as M. Necker had
engaged to furnish monthly, considerable sums to persons employed to
procure money for this Court, on condition of being reimbursed in
specie in Spanish America, and on other terms that would have been
advantageous to the lenders. Part of the specie thus procured, was
intended for the payment of the French troops in North America, and,
as I have been told, for the immediate service of Congress, as part of
the sum the Court of France has lately engaged to furnish to the
United States.
I have been told, that M. Necker was not disposed to make large
advances to Congress, and, as a proof of this, it has been mentioned
to me, that he opposed the King's guarantee of a loan, which Dr
Franklin endeavored to negotiate last year at Genoa. He is said to
have been obstinately attached to his own opinions, and of a
haughtiness in supporting them, which the man who placed him could ill
brook. He felt an opposition that he could not bear, and which,
perhaps, he saw he must sink under, and, therefore, asked his
dismission, which was granted him. He is regretted as a public loss.
It would be presumption in me, to enter into a more minute detail on
this subject, as your correspondents on the spot will certainly give
the Committee much ampler information than it is in my power to do.
Since my letter of the ---- ult. I have had an opportunity of knowing,
through the same channel of intelligence mentioned in former letters,
that the Court of Vienna still persists in its good offices, to bring
about conferences for a general peace. Without being able to mention
particulars, I can assure the Committee, that in the middle of April,
the Baron de Breteuil, Ambassador of France, at the abovementioned
Court, insisted for the admission of an American Plenipotentiary at
the proposed Congress. The Prince de Kaunitz lamented this
proposition, as an obstacle that might impede a business, which the
Emperor had much at heart. I have not been able to trace the demands
of Spain, but I believe their pretensions in general, do not appear
reasonable to the Imperial Court.
We have had no news of the fleet since I had last the honor of writing
to you. There is reason to think, by news received from England, that
Darby had orders to return to that country. The expedition mentioned
in former letters, will be ready for action in the month of July. The
choice of officers to command it is not yet public. The negotiation is
in the same situation.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
JAMES LOVELL TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
Philadelphia, June 15th, 1781.
Sir,
Your several letters have been read in Congress; and your industrious
care, to give frequent, early, and general information of those things
in Europe, which may have influence upon our national affairs, has
been not only highly pleasing in itself, but has acquired value
lately, from the loss of all packets from Mr Adams, since his date of
October 24th.
I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant,
JAMES LOVELL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
St Ildefonso, August 16th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
Since my last, of the 15th ult. in which I enclosed the Committee a
list of the combined fleet assembled at Cadiz, and of the troops to be
embarked under the command of the Duc de Crillon, we have advices of
the sailing of this fleet, and that the troops of the expedition
passed the Straits of Gibraltar the 23d ult. They had, however, been
detained by contrary winds, and had not left the neighborhood of
Carthagena the 7th instant. The Court expects soon to hear of their
landing in the Island of Minorca. It is the general opinion, that the
force employed is not sufficient to take Port Mahon. The character of
the General, who I have the honor to know intimately, does not accord
with this idea. The combined fleet by the last advices was cruising
off Cape Spartel. That of England, commanded by Darby, is at sea, to
the number of twentythree or twentyfive sail. The Dutch fleet sailed
on the 23d ult. and consists of seventeen sail in the whole, it is
said to be destined to the northern seas, where England has a squadron
inferior in number of vessels, under the command of Sir Hyde Parker.
Our negotiation seems to be in a better train, and it is not
improbable, that Mr Jay will be able to terminate our affairs with
Spain previous to the general negotiation, which is much talked of at
present among the _corps diplomatique_ here. The number of couriers
who pass and repass between the Courts of Versailles, this, and those
of Vienna and Petersburg gives occasion to those conjectures. Mr Adams
has been lately sent for by the Count de Vergennes, and, as I am
informed, has had conferences with that Minister. If this should be
the case, the Committee will have from the first authority, more ample
details on this subject, than can be learnt from second and third
hands.
The United Provinces of Holland, &c. appear much divided, and seem
more employed in party quarrels and private interests, than in pursuit
of measures for the public advantage and honor. I fear the republican
party lost ground by their late attack against the Duke of Brunswick.
This Court continue to borrow money, and have just concluded a loan
for three millions of dollars, to be refunded in the Havana and Vera
Cruz, one million in the present year, and two in 1782. They have
other loans in contemplation, of the general nature of which, I hope
to be able to inform the Committee in time, although it may be
difficult to obtain the minute particulars and conditions of these
loans. The French Minister is concerned in the last mentioned, and
will receive part, at least, of the three millions in question, which
I hope will ultimately centre in North America.
Mr Jay continues to accept the bills drawn on him; between twenty and
thirty thousand dollars have been accepted, for which, as yet, no
funds are provided, but I hope we have not much to fear for their
payment. I have rendered Mr Jay accounts of all our money transactions
here, which, with his usual regularity, he will transmit to Congress,
as also minute details of his other transactions here. Among the bills
presented, it may not be improper to mention, that several have been
endorsed by people in America, payable to merchants in Great Britain
and Ireland. If this does not accord with the ideas of Congress, the
treasury will be instructed to convey to Mr Jay further directions on
this subject.
Although much is said of the forwardness of the negotiations ----
peace, it is not probable that the preliminaries to be fixed on
previous to the opening of the conferences can be adjusted, until the
fate of the campaign is known, particularly if this Court acts with
its usual deliberation, which some call dilatoriness. If the
expedition against Minorca succeeds, and if money can be procured for
the operations of the war, it is the opinion of some persons who are
well informed, that the general peace will meet with more obstacles
here than elsewhere. I have already written to the Committee, that the
Court of Vienna found the pretensions of this Court extravagant. Its
great objects of the war, are the possession of the entire navigation
of the Gulf of Mexico, and Gibraltar. These are said to be the King's
objects, who is in a good state of health, and follows with the same
ardor his daily occupation of the chase. There is no talk of a change
of Ministry. The fleet from Buenos Ayres, mentioned in former letters,
is arrived, and I am afraid M. Solano will be more attentive to the
safe arrival of that from the Havana, than to the prosecution of the
plan of operations formed with our ally. The affairs of Great Britain
in the east, are in a bad situation, and in consequence thereof India
stock has fallen eight per cent.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
* * * * *
TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
St Ildefonso, September 28th, 1781.
Gentlemen,
Since my letter of the 14th instant,[10] the Minister has notified to
Mr Jay the King's intentions of naming a person to treat with him;
there is reason to think his nomination and instructions will have his
Majesty's approbation on Sunday next, though possibly it may not be
formally communicated until the Court is at the Escurial, to which
place the royal family goes the 10th of next month.
M. Del Campo, whom I mentioned in my last, is the person who probably
will be chosen. I repeat his name lest that letter should miscarry; he
is First Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and acting Secretary of
the Council of State; and has the reputation of possessing great
abilities and application to business, and I believe he merits what is
said of him. He has also the entire confidence of the Count de Florida
Blanca; his residence in England as Secretary of the embassy there,
and his attention to Mr Cumberland and family while here, occasioned
some to believe him secretly inclined to the interests of that
country, but I believe without foundation, for I know that Mr
Cumberland left this country much chagrined, and I believe he was the
dupe of this gentleman's policy. I have had the satisfaction of being
on very good terms with him for several months past, and have often
expressed to him my hopes and wishes, that he might prove another M.
Gerard in our affairs. His being employed in this negotiation is so
far favorable to us as its successful issue interests his own
reputation, and will be probably a step to further honors and
employments, to which, as mentioned in my last, the public opinion
destines him. I hope the Court is now serious in its intentions to
conclude the negotiations, but it is still not improbable this
business may be delayed until the fate of the campaign is known,
unless it should be accelerated by the confirmation of news received
from Cadiz last week, of the arrival of the Count de Grasse's squadron
on the coast of Virginia, the consequent critical situation of the
army of Lord Cornwallis, and the defeat of Lord Rawdon by General
Greene.
I shall seize every opportunity of informing the Committee of the
progress made in this important business, and am happy to find by a
letter I have just had the honor to receive from Mr Lovell, dated the
15th of June, that my correspondence has contributed in any degree to
the satisfaction of Congress, but am surprised, that so few of my
letters have reached the Committee, for on reading the list of those
received and comparing it with my letter book, I find several missing,
which were sent by vessels from Bilboa and elsewhere, which I know
arrived in safety to America, particularly my answer to Mr Jay's
instructions to me at Cadiz, of which he sent only the state of the
revenues and expenses of this country in the year 1778.
I am informed by letters from Holland, that Mr Adams has had a nervous
fever, but that he is now in a fair way to recover. The South Carolina
frigate sailed from thence with the ships under her convoy, the 19th
ultimo. I hope their safe arrival will convey to Congress ample
information of the situation of their affairs in that quarter; I am
afraid the loan does not fill fast, because I have letters from a
house at Hamburg which mention, that Congress bills to a large
amount, that they had presented for acceptance, had been protested.
The republican party gains ground, and the Duke of Brunswick, though
not removed, is obliged to act with more caution, and the Stadtholder
with more resolution and force. I am informed, that the Court of
France has consented to replace the cargo lost in the Marquis de
Lafayette, but Dr Franklin is not enabled to accept any more of Mr
Jay's bills, even for our salaries.