William Carmichael to John Jay, 12 August 1780

[S t . Ildephonso 12 th Aug st . 1780]

Dear Sir

I did myself the honor of writing to you on the Seventh 10 th & 11 th to which letters I beg leave to refer you. 1 At a very early hour this morning an express arrived from Cadiz with an acct of the arrival at that Port of a Convoy from S t . Domingo. I am not yet certain that the Person whom I mentioned in my letter of the 11 th is the one we expected, altho–€™ circumstances render it probable. Last night another Person arrived from the Same quarter who resembles much the Family, [ illegible ] family Likeness –€”one or the other is probably the man. Different expresses have arrived the two past days, one of whom says he Came from London in 15 days. I am tired of this suspense & incertainty, & wish to see an end of it. I know nothing more of the Chevalier de La Luzernes letters, further than that he acknowledges the receipt of a letter from the C t . de M–€”n [Montmorin] since I have been here. I am apt to think that this Gentleman follows M r G–€”ds [Gérard–€™s] steps . Our Friend Burke 2 is particularly mentioned in the Letter, which leads me to draw conclusions which must be obvious to you. From the Ambassaders countenance more than from his conversation, I should be led to believe that M r C–€”ds [Cumberland–€™s] business is pretty near at end. The whole however is mysterious, But it is a mystery by which others may be deceived as well as yourself . If the War continues, as I am strongly assured it will at least another Campaighn, I cannot see the good this Mystery will answer, & forsee much evil. I reserve my conjectures however on this & other circumstances until I can have the pleasure of venting them with more Liberty & more security than at present–€”

I beg to hear from you if it is only to know the Situation of your family & also whether you think it will be necessary for me to return to Madrid, before you leave it. Compliments to M rs Jay & the Colonel & beleive me with much Respect Your Excellencys Most Obed t & M st Humble Ser t .

W m . Carmichael 3

His Excellency John Jay Esq r –€”