Letter signed version of document 7926. Ciphered passages not decoded. Endorsed by Jay: " Recd 5 Feb 1781 from Mr Del Campo." This copy of the letter includes this postscript, not present in document 7926: "Be pleased in future to number all your official dispatches to me. The dots which are in this letter under several figures having been put by mistake, are not to be minded."Livingston apologizes for last letter sent by the Marquis de Lafayette; mistake with the cipher now rectified. The British have since retreated from the fort at Wilmington, North Carolina, leaving their partisans as unprotected as York's defeat left those in Virginia. Important post for the British as blocked both commerce and communication. British will probably evacuate Savannah, as weak there; thinks that when General St. Clair joins the southern army attack will be successful unless reinforcements arrive from New York. Jay's letter received by Congress; no response so continue the assignment. Although not in Congress at the time, heard that Jay's instructions arose from local politics rather than from any distrust of Jay's abilities. Remarks on extreme difficulty in getting each state to agree to sacrifice something. Peace seems to be in France's power; would prefer to "interest her generosity than give her a plea to do as she chose." Letter from Count de Vergennes revealing his minister's content in the trust given to him and promises to not make any sacrifice of American interest unless utmost necessity requires it. Franklin accepted the commission; has not heard from Adams. Congratulations on Spain's decision to "open the way to a treaty" but does not have great hopes of success. Heard that Jay offered navigation of the Mississippi but does not know conditions and concerned about delay in response. Thinks last letter would be useful if Jay thinks Spain truly wants to be allied with America and resists merely to make the latter more in need. Wants Jay to write more frequently and promises to do the same. Encloses packet of newspaper, including Congressional resolution about capture of British goods not taken as prizes. Might have to negotiate with the Spanish court over these goods' shipment to America.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829