Sovereign by the French Minister, that it would be impolitic in him to
incur the ill will of England, by precipitating an acknowledgment of
our independence previous to its being acknowledged by the rest of
Europe. I wait with impatience for your instructions and information.
In the month of December, all our public accounts here will be
arranged, when I shall do myself the honor to transmit copies. I
cannot conclude, without mentioning that a Mr Littlepage, from
Virginia, has acquired reputation by his gallant conduct in the
expedition against Mahon, where he served as Aid-de-camp to the Duc de
Crillon, and since at Gibraltar, where he acted in the same capacity.
The Prince de Nassau, with whom he served as a volunteer on board his
floating battery, rendered public justice to his character at Court.
You will permit me also to mention Mr Harrison to you as one, who, by
his conduct, which has acquired him universal esteem, merits the
attention of Congress whenever it shall be judged proper to appoint a
consul at Cadiz, of which place he now performs the functions, with
great trouble and considerable expense.

I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

* * * * *

COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

Translation.

St Lorenzo, October 14th, 1782.

Sir,

The king has resolved that the English frigate, the Lord Howe, carried
into Cadiz by some Americans and part of the crew, shall be publicly
sold, ship and cargo, and the value of both be deposited, at the order
of Congress and yourself. I communicate this to you, that being
thoroughly informed, you may take such measures as you think proper,
and determine immediately what is to be done with the American and
English seamen on board the said vessel. I wish for occasions to
serve you, and that God may preserve you many years.

COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Madrid, October 29th, 1782.

Sir,

The state of uncertainly in which every one here has been for some
time, respecting the motions of the combined and British fleets, to
relieve, or prevent the relief of Gibraltar, joined to a general
embargo at Cadiz, and