Acknowledges receipt of 16 August. In refusing the mediation of Spain, Britain is allowing herself to be deluded by past successes. Mr. Gerard is of the opinion that Britain will receive no help from other powers. It is indeed unlikely that assistance would be forthcoming from Turkey, the Porte, Germany,Portugal, or Holland. Last May John Jay heard from the intelligence agent mentioned in his lette r of 28 March 1779, that he would soon be in Philadelphia. He did not appear, nor has John Jay any news from him since then. Now John Jay suspects that the agent may have given up his task because he had expressed the opinion that it could not be done except under Washington's immediate direction. John Jay has a high opinion of the man's usefulness, and thinks he might resume his work if Washington would encourage him to proceed.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829