Title
Document, 1780 September 14
Library Location
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Floridablanca, José Moñino y Redondo, conde de, 1728-1808 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
1780 September 14
Physical Description
0 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Same as DNA: 4135, Papers of the Continental Congress, Item 110, vol. 1, but the letter is written in French and is entitled "translation of a letter from M. Jay to M. le Comte de FlorideBlanche of 14 September 1780." A second letter is also included and is entitled "translation of the letter sent by M. Gardoqui as a reply to the preceding letter." The following reply has been dictated in the name of "his excellency" by Don Bernardo del Campo. Spain does not intend to cut off assistance to the U.S., but it will be impossible to furnish them money in Europe because that which would have come from America this year will not come, and "the one who have procured a negotiation already advanced will probably be lacking and that largely thanks to the intrigues of several persons of a distinguished rank in France." Since the States did not assure themselves from the beginning of Spanish consent, the King could not have taken measures in advance to assure the acceptance and the payment of the letters that they drew. For these reasons and also because Congress has given no security of his recognition, the King would have had just subjects of discontent. However, if the U.S. desires to borrow up to the sum of 100 or 150 thousand dollars, the King will be responsible for the payment of this sum in the period of three years. He also will make all efforts possible to furnish clothes and other objects to the colonies. It is necessary that they propose means of reciprocal compensation in order to establish a solid friendship and confidence.
Identifier
columbia.jay.04014