Relieved that his explanation of the reasons why he could not leave Madrid in answer to Jay's call has met in part with Jay's approval. He could not leave the Court because he daily expected to be presented to the King and the royal family. He also had to remain here because he was expecting important communications from the Court relative to the treatment of American vessels in Spanish ports. Afte r the confiscation of an American vessel by Spanish port officials on the grounds that Americans no longer enjoy the privileges they once enjoyed as British subjects, Carmichael was able to extract the promise that henceforth American commerce will be treated as favorably as the most favored nation. The Spanish minister to the United States will not proceed to the United States until Congress names another Minister to Madrid. Jay had informed Aranda that he was not returning to Madrid, but had failed to tell Carmichael this.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829