Received Jay's letter of July 1 on the 25th of this month. He is just as anxious as Jay to settle in the most satisfactory and expeditious manner the accounts they have both managed on behalf of the United States in Spain, and at first thought of complying with Jay's request that he go to Paris with all the account books and papers. But on second thought he decided not to go because Congress has ne ver changed his original instructions. Montmorin agrees that Carmichael should remain in Madrid. He observes that he has letters from Mssrs. Morris and Livingston written months after Barclay's commission, in which the former advises him of bills drawn on Carmichael and the latter directs him "to continue such a conduct as will render me most acceptable to the Court of Spain." Barclay appointed Ridley to aid him in the settling of accounts because Congress empowered him to make whatever appointments he thought proper to aid him in this business. He believes an arrangement made on the spot is the most satisfactory and adds that he will willingly second any measures proposed by Jay not inconsistent with Carmichael's sense of duty.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829