William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, May 23, 1781

Aranguez 23d. May 1781.

Dear Sir,

I seize the Opportunity of a Russian Courier on his return to Petersburg from Lisbon to transmit you the inclosed Letter from M. Vaughan 7 & to thank you for the Pleasure your Introduction afforded me. He is a promising young Man & seems exceedingly desirous to improve himself, Mr. Jay having no Instructions to administer the oath of Allegiance, declined doing it until he could have your Sentiments in the Subject. I have received Letters from Philadelphia as late as the 9th. of April—by these it Appears that Lord Cornwallis retreated towards Cross Creek after his Affair with general Green, 8 Leaving our wounded & 70 of his own behind him—my friends write in good Spirits, Indeed none of my Letters express the least apprehensions— Our Affairs are in much the same Situation here as when I last had the honor to write to you last. 9

We have just received the news of Mr. Lamotte Piquet’s Success, which gave great pleasure to his Majesty— I do not know whether the Officer who does me the favour to charge himself with this, will deliver it in Person. If he should, I beg your favorable Notice of him, and that you will put him into the hands of my Namesake— 1 To whom I beg you to make my Compliments.

I am with much Respect, Your Excellency’s Obliged & humble Servant

(signed) W. Carmichael.

His Excelly. Dr. Franklin.