As long as this minister is in office, Carmichael can do
more than any other person who could be sent there.
You will see Franks, and doubtless he will be asking some appointment. I
wish there may be any one for which he is fit. He is light, indiscreet,
active, honest, affectionate. Though Bingham is not in diplomatic
office, yet as he wishes to be so, I will mention such circumstances of
him, as you might otherwise be deceived in. He will make you believe he
was on the most intimate footing with the first characters in Europe,
and versed in the secrets of every cabinet. Not a word of this is true.
He had a rage for being presented to great men, and had no * * * in the
methods by which he could effect it. * * * * *
The Marquis de la Fayette is a most valuable auxiliary to me. His zeal
is unbounded, and his weight with those in power, great. His education
having been merely military, commerce was an unknown field to him.
But his good sense enabling him to comprehend perfectly whatever is
explained to him, his agency has been very efficacious. He has a great
deal of sound genius, is well remarked by the King, and rising in
popularity.
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