ty, to send Plenipotentiaries to assist at the definitive
treaties. The due motives to this measure can as yet be only
conjectured. The ostensible one is, a mark of respect to their
offered, but not accepted mediation. The proposition originated here.
Their answer is expected daily. It is whispered that Russia consents.
Safe opportunities of sending important letters from hence to Madrid
are so very rare, that I think yours for that place had better be
always conveyed directly to Cadiz or other ports in Spain, where some
American of confidence may be settled.

Numberless applications for consulships continue to be made, and some
will probably reach you. In my opinion Americans only should be
employed to serve America. I early entertained this opinion, and it
has been almost daily gathering strength since my arrival in Europe.

I have the honor to be, &c.

JOHN JAY.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Paris, April 22d, 1783.

Dear Sir,

I wrote to you so lately by Mr Mason, and there is such a dearth of
news, that I now write less to give you information than as a mark of
attention.

There are several of your letters, which on account of their length,
the importance of their subjects, and the manner in which those
subjects were treated, demanded of me more minute answers than my
situation admitted of. Mr Hartley is not yet arrived, but is daily
expected. I am told by Mr Laurens, that he will propose that the
people of the two countries shall have all the rights of citizens in
each. The instruction of Congress on this important point is much to
be desired. For my part I think a temporary stipulation of that sort
might be expedient. They mean to court us and in my opinion we should
avoid being either too forward or too coy. I have no faith in any
Court in Europe, but it would be improper to discover that sentiment.
There are circumstances which induce me to believe, that Spain is
turning her eyes to England for a more intimate connexion. They are
the only two European powers, which have continental possessions on
our side of the water, and Spain I think wishes for a league between
them for mutual security against us. Perhaps this consideration should
lead us to regard the present fervor of the British advances with the
less indifference.

On looki