William Carmichael to John Jay, 14 August 1780

S t . Ildephonso August 14 th 1780

Dear Sir

I wrote you on the 12 th Ins t . since which I have had the honor to receive yours of the 11 th . 1 I yesterday dined with the French Ambassader at a grand entertainment given to 28 of the Nobility of both sexes & the Foreighn Ministers. The Ambassader & the C t . D–€™Estaing took every opportunity of making their attention to me, and on the whole I was well received. The C t . De F. B. came in after dinner and was polite. This Afternoon the Ambassader & the C t . D Estaing showed me part of their Letters from the Court of France By which the Junction of the two fleets in the West Indies is confirmed. This fortunate event happened on the 10 th & not on the 19 th of June, as the English have published. 2 The King, as the Prince Masserano informed since dinner, appeared highly delighted with this Intelligence. The C t . de Vergennes seems satisfied with the Situation of Affairs in America, and says that Charles Town surrendered for want of Provision & other necessaries. 3 The Expected arrival of Mons r . Ternay gave great Spirits & the C t . de Vergennes remarks that this circumstance had a happy effect there in every respect except restoring the Credit of our paper, which was worse every day. 4 I have advices were brought by the Fier Roderique. 5 I have every reason to be satisfied, that the C t . D Estaings former regard for me hath not diminished, as he converses with me with a frankness, which is remarked even by the Ambassaders Family. He dines with the C t . de Lascy 6 on Wedneday at Segovia and will not I beleive quit this place this week at Soonest. Altho from some purchases of Post Saddles &c. & by the C t . de Montmorins maitre D e Hotel, I am induced to think he is preparing for a Journey. If I know him, he will not engage to serve, without Carte Blanche & this will be a mortal blow to Spanish hauteur. The only child of M r . Galvez, a daughter is ill, for which reason I enquire for her health every day, leaving my name with his Porter. The Person I mentioned 7 in my last letter is still here & lodges with M r . Del Campo who overacts his part, if he sincerely espouses our Interest. It is whispered that Giusti will be replaced by the Abbe Casti. 8 No Person in the Corps Diplomatique is more civil to me than the C t . de Kaunitz. I walk with him now & then, and he appears to be convinced that our Independance will take place, in spite as he observes, of the Wonderful Exertions of England & the Absurdity of this Court with respect to the latter, you will readily beleive that I do not appear to concur with him in opinion. I have just heard that Spain hath a prospect of obtaining 8 millions of hard dollars by Loan. I shall endeaver to trace & ascertain the Truth of this Intelligence 9 Your favorite M r . Tervase will put this into your hands. He is a way of succeeding here. The Plan for the seige of Gibraltar hath been approved, but the Expence, delays & c . I hope will delay the enterprise–€” I have this from the person, who formed the plan–€”

The air is delightfull here, the trouts & the Walks are delicious & the Gardens as solitary as you can desire–€” I took the opportunity of a courier to write to Doctor Franklin, just informing him, that we were without remittances & without Intelligence from Him or any other Quarter–€” I hope this hint will not be dissapproved of by you–€” 10 I beg you to present the proper Compliments for me to M rs . Jay & the Colonel & to beleive me with much Respect Your Excellencys Most Obed t . & Most Humble Servt.

W m . Carmichael 11