TO RICHARD HARRISON.
Philadelphia, December 5th, 1782.
Dear Sir,
I have this moment learned that a vessel will sail for Cadiz in an hour's time. I beg to recommend to your particular care the letter for Mr Carmichael, which the captain will deliver to you. It contains a cypher, and must not therefore pass through the post office.
Congress, as yet, have done nothing in your affair, though it has been particularly recommended to them, and now lies before them. One obstruction is the difficulty of appointing Consuls, till some treaty or convention between us and Spain shall authorise it.
The season of the year admits of no military operations here; and the packet of newspapers sent herewith, will give you the current news. You will find by them, that we are still in suspense with respect to the fate of Charleston, though it is generally believed, that it cannot be long ere the evacuation will be completed. The French fleet are still at Boston, though prepared to sail. Nothing astonishes us more, than the effrontery of the British publications, which affirm boldly, that great tumults have been excited in the Eastern States, on account of their reluctance to the war, when there is not the slightest foundation in fact for such an assertion. This I suppose, is calculated to give a momentary popularity to Lord Shelburne.
I am, Sir, &c.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Office of Foreign Affairs, December 9th, 1782.