Dispatches of Congress, forwarded to him by Jay, were opened in transit. Has learned that Jay is shy and reserved toward the Marquis d'Yranda-whose influence at Spanish court Franklin commended to Jay, and with whom Franklin established a credit on behalf of Jay. Complains to Jay that Congress should establish consular posts in France to relieve the Minister of commercial details. Encloses papers c oncerning what passed in writing between the Danish court and him. If American ships arrive at Danish ports flying French flags, they will be welcomed. The Danes have given up the American prizes to the English, as they claim they were bound to do under the provisions of their treaty-they are embarrassed about this but do not seem to know how to rectify it. Portrait of Franklin to Sarah Jay. Comment on extravagance of French expressions of praise.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829