March 9th, 1781.
Sir,
You will herewith receive gazettes and journals, also a resolve respecting the complete ratification of the articles binding the Thirteen States as a confederated body. The delay of that business appears now like all the other circumstances of our rise and growth; for the present is really the best of all times for that particular event. Our enemies have been ripening themselves for this capital mentitis.
We have no letters from you or Mr Carmichael later than those mentioned in my last, a copy of which attends this.
I am, Sir, your friend and humble servant,
JAMES LOVELL.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Madrid, March 22d, 1781.
Sir,
I ought, and wish to write your Excellency a long letter, but not by the post. The French fleet is not yet sailed. It will, in my opinion, be late in the summer before the fleet at Rhode Island will be reinforced. This Court has promised me one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Some clothing is now shipping on account of Congress from Cadiz.