The middle ground held by France
between us and Spain, both in friendship and interest, requires that
we should communicate with her with the fullest confidence on this
occasion. I therefore enclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Carmichael,
and of the papers it refers to, to be communicated to Monsieur de
Montmorin, whose efficacious interference with the court of Madrid you
are desired to ask. We rely with great confidence on his friendship,
justice, and influence.
A cession of the navigation of the Mississippi, with such privileges
as to make it useful, and free from future chicane, can be no longer
dispensed with on our part: and perhaps while I am writing, something
may have already happened to cut off this appeal to friendly
accommodation. To what consequences such an event would lead, cannot be
calculated. To such, very possibly, as we should lament, without being
able to control. Your earnestness with Monsieur de Montmorin, and
his with the court of Spain, cannot be more pressing than the present
situation and temper of this country requires. The case of St. Marie
happens to be the incident presenting itself in the moment, when the
general question must otherwise have been brought forward.. We rely, on
this occasion, on the good offices of the Marquis de la Fayette, whom
you are desired to interest in it.
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