ify this Court, and to calm the resentment, which at
Versailles, it was supposed, might be conceived here on this account.
The means employed prove that the French Ministry apprehended this
resentment, but were in no manner sufficient to answer the purpose
they were intended to serve. The Count de Florida Blanca, speaking of
France upon this occasion, said to a friend of mine with some emotion,
the French Ministry was too precipitate in beginning the war, and is
equally so in their endeavors to conclude it. M. Musquiz, the Minister
of Finance, and M. Del Campo have expressed the same sentiments, and
have insinuated to some, that France concerted this measure with our
Commissioners to force Spain to a peace. To others they expressed
their apprehensions that Lord Shelburne had duped the French cabinet.
They fear the duplicity of the latter Minister, and this fear joined
to their present situation has, probably, rendered them more
reasonable in their demands and concessions. They will now style this
conduct moderation. I conjecture this, because the Count de Florida
Blanca, speaking to the Russian Minister on the subject of the peace,
told him, that were the propositions on the part of Spain towards an
accommodation known, all Europe would be convinced of the moderation
of his Catholic Majesty, and that for his part, he should have no
objection to make them public.

On the 28th instant a courier was despatched to Paris, with
instructions to the Count d'Aranda. On the 18th, one was sent to the
same Minister, with propositions which were then regarded as their
ultimata. It is now rumored in the palace, that Spain had consented to
leave Gibraltar in the possession of England. Since the departure of
this courier the Count de Florida Blanca has spoken of the peace as
certain, if the British Ministry are candid. As soon as I received
advice of the treaty above mentioned, I consulted the French
Ambassador on the part I had to act here. I apprehended that it would
be improper for me to act longer in a public character, after the
acknowledgment by Great Britain, without being received in all
respects as such. He felt the delicacy of my situation, and advised me
to remain tranquil until the fate of a negotiation for a general
pacification was known. In consequence, I have confined myself to mere
personal civilities, and have neither addressed nor solicited the
Minister on any affair since.

The affair of the Dover cutter remains i