WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

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TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

Madrid, March 11th, 1781.

Gentlemen,

Since my last of the 4th instant, I know of a certainty, that Mr
Cumberland, so often mentioned in former letters, will soon leave this
kingdom, and pursue his voyage to England by way of France. His
departure would indicate, that all negotiations for an accommodation
were at an end, if there was not reason to believe, that conferences
on that subject are likely to take place in consequence of the offer
of mediation made to the belligerent powers by the Emperor. As I have
not the last mentioned intelligence from our _friends_, I give it with
hesitation and not as certain. In a little time I hope to have it in
my power, to give fuller information to the Committee on this subject.

The Count de Grasse left Paris the end of February, to take the
command of the fleet for the American seas. I am afraid this fleet, or
even a part of it, will not appear on our coasts until the month of
July. I form my conjectures however from very minute circumstances,
and may perhaps be deceived. The English grand fleet has not yet made
its appearance. A very numerous convoy of provision vessels, &c. &c.
sail with it for the East and West Indies and for America. Mr Adams
has opened a loan in Holland for one million of florins, of which we
shall soon know the probable success. I send enclosed the plan of the
loan in the first copy of this letter, but finding it published in the
Dutch and foreign papers, I suppose the Committee will receive it
before this can reach them. The mutiny of the Pennsylvania line has
had a bad effect in Europe, and our enemies have been indefatigable
to represent it in the worst colors. I hope Congress has been able to
pacify the discontented, and that as they have hitherto done, they
will still overcome all obstacles to the freedom, tranquillity, and
importance, of the United States.

I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

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TO THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

Aranjues, May 25th, 1781.

Gentlemen,

Since my last of the 16th instant, the French Ambassador has received
the agreeable intelligence, that M