s, they put a
copy of it into the hands of the American Commissioners. M. de Marbois
was at that time only a Secretary of Legation, and wrote the letter
while the Minister, M. de la Luzerne, was absent from Philadelphia,
and without his knowledge. The sentiments of the letter were never
avowed by the French Ministry.

[12] Mr Jefferson did not go till some time afterwards.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Paris, April 7th, 1783.

Dear Sir,

After the preliminaries had been settled and ratified, the Spanish
Ambassador informed me that his Court was ready to receive me, not
only in form, but "_tres honnetement_." He _then_ expected full
instructions relative to the proposed treaty.

The Marquis de Lafayette, in his journey through Madrid, manifested
great zeal to serve us there. A copy of a letter from him to the
Minister, will be sent you by another opportunity, though I imagine he
has already forwarded it.

On the 29th ult. the Spanish Ambassador communicated to me the desire
of his Court that I would return to Madrid, and there complete the
treaty, for that in their opinion, it ought to be concluded either at
_Madrid_ or at Philadelphia.

You will have this communication at large in another letter.

No Ministry yet in England, nor any news of Barney, nor from you,
since the 3d of January.

The definitive treaties must be concluded, and the heats of summer
abated, before either my business here, or the very delicate state of
my health will admit of a journey to Spain. Be assured of my esteem
and regard.

I am, Dear Sir, &c.

JOHN JAY.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Paris, April 11th, 1783.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you a short letter on the seventh instant. Certain
intelligence has since arrived from England, that the Duke of Portland
is first Lord of the Treasury, Mr Fox and Lord North Secretaries of
State, and Lord John Cavendish Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is also
said, that Lord Stormont is President of the Council, and the Duke of
Manchester Ambassador to Versailles. I hear that Mr David Hartley is
appointed to conclude a definitive treaty with us.

The Emperor and Russia have been requested in their mediatorial
capaci