doi:10.7916/cwye-mt27Document, 1787 January 04correspondencetextUnited States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783Jay, John, 1745-1829He entrusted his last letter to Carmichael to Rendon, who was supposed to take passage in a Spanish frigate about to leave from Philadelphia. Rendon was forced to postpone his voyage because of icy weather and now expects to leave New York in a few days. Congress has recalled Lamb and has written to Adams and Jefferson to that effect. An enclosed letter for Lamb is to be forwarded to him by Carmichael. He believes that the French ambassador at Madrid will support Carmichael's application relative to the demands of South Carolina for the use of a frigate that is French owned. Carmichael has undoubtedly heard of the commotions in Massachusetts. Although the government has been very moderate and condescending with the malcontents it is still uncertain how far the disturbances will extend and what the end results will be. Jay states that the inefficiency of the federal government "becomes more and more manifest" but there is not decision or consensus on how to remedy the situation as yet, though the problem engages the serious attention of the "best people in all the States." He hopes the obstacles to a commercial treaty with Portugal will not prove insuperable. He views a commercial treaty with both Portugal and Spain as beneficial to all the parties concerned. Enclosing some letters to be forwarded to Mr. Montgomery at the port of Alicante.