John Jay to the President of Congress (Samuel Huntington), 28 January 1781

Madrid 28 Jan y 1781

Sir

Is it possible that my Letter 1 of September requesting Congress to forbear drawing should not have arrived? 2 Many Copies were sent by various Vessels from different Ports, and yet 3 Bills daily arrive 4 I have been promised 150 Thousand Dollars when it will be paid is uncertain 5 It is hard to make brick without Straw Col. Livingston left this the Beginning of last Month with long Letters 6 he is 7 with his own Hands to deliver them to one of our 8 Country[s] Captains . 9 let me beseech you to keep the Contents secret The Letters brought for me by the La Luzerne 10 have not reached me. 11 My Intelligence for many months past has been by Gazettes only . I refer to my last Letters and have the Honor to be with great Respect & Regard your Excellencys most obed t . & most hble Serv t

John Jay

four Copies of this Letter will be sent Tomorrow Even g by the Post to my Correspondents at different Ports here & in France–€”

His Excellency Sam l Huntington Esq r President of Congress