No better proof can be
shown of the security in which the ministers think themselves on this
head, than that they have not thought it worth while to give us a
conference on the subject, though, on my arrival, we exhibited to them
our commission, observed to them that it would expire on the 12th of
the next month, and that I had come over on purpose to see if any
arrangements could be made before that time. Of two months which then
remained, six weeks have elapsed without one scrip of a pen, or one word
from a minister, except a vague proposition at an accidental meeting.
We availed ourselves even of that, to make another essay to extort some
sort of declaration from the court. But their silence is invincible.
But of all this, as well as of the proceedings in the negotiation with
Portugal, information will be given you by a joint letter from Mr. Adams
and myself. The moment is certainly arrived, when, the plan of this
court being out of all doubt, Congress and the States may decide what
their own measures should be.
The Marquis of Lansdowne spoke of you in very friendly terms, and
desired me to present his respects to you, in the first letter I should
write.
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