he birth of the Dauphin will probably reach
America before this letter. It is expected it will be received there
with demonstrations of satisfaction that will be highly flattering to
the French nation. The great age and infirmities of the Count de
Maurepas, render it probable that he will not survive the winter. The
Queen's influence, it is thought, will increase by the birth of the
Dauphin, and the death of this Minister. Permit me to conclude with
the flattering hopes of a brilliant close of the campaign, which the
well concerted plan of our General and allies communicated to me by
the Count de Montmorin, renders highly probable. The success of this
operation, and what is expected, may perhaps render Mr Jay's next
information more agreeable and interesting to Congress, to whom I beg
leave to present my humble respects.

I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

FOOTNOTES:

[12] Missing.

* * * * *

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

Philadelphia, December 20th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

Your letters of the 16th of August, and 5th of October, came to hand.
They were read in Congress, and handed over to this office, which will
in future, agreeably to its institution, receive and make all
communications to and from Congress, conformable to their ordinance,
of which I enclose a copy, having omitted it in my letters to Mr Jay.
The importance of early and regular intelligence from Europe is so
much felt here, that you have full credit for all the communications
you make. I wish you would extend them so far as to permit no vessel
to sail without letters and papers. Spanish gazettes may sometimes be
serviceable to us.

The expedition of the Duc de Crillon is important in many views;
should it succeed, it will be such a blow to the British as must
hasten a negotiation, though it may probably obstruct a peace; at any
rate, the possession of the Island must cut the sinews of their
Mediterranean trade. Your apprehensions about being sent to Corunna,
will, I hope, have been groundless, as Captain Gillon's ship is not
the property of, or under the direction of the United States. So far
as Mr Jay's good offices can be serviceable, they undoubtedly will be
extended. He will not think himself obliged to involve the United
States in the expense or disgrace of Captain Gillon's misc