John Jay to Floridablanca, 11 December 1780

Madrid 11 Dec r . 1780

Sir

Some of the Bills drawn on me, will probably become due, before M r Cabarrus–€™s operations can be brought to an Issue. So far as their Failure would injure the Credit, and relax the operations of a People actually at War with the Enemies of his Catholic Majesty, & opposing those Enemies in the very neighbourhood of his Dominions; it may certainly be considered as a matter interesting to Spain. This Consideration, together with the Proofs & assurances which America has recieved of his majesty–€™s friendly Disposition towards her, enduce me, to take the Liberty of proposing to your Excellency–€™s Consideration, a method for preventing an Event so prejudicial to both–€”

If his majesty would be pleased to lend the united States the amount of these Bills, to be paid at the Havanna or Porto Rico, I have Reason to think it would not be difficult ^ immediately ^ to obtain an equal Sum for it in Europe–€” 1

I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency–€™s most obedient & most humble Serv t .

John Jay

His Excellency the Count De Florida Blanca–€”