Since the date of my letter by the Atlantic (Ct. Howard)1 no advance has been made towards the proposed negociation, the Spanish Minister (Isquierdo) stands aloof from us and from the business, and apparently with the design of accomodating his conduct to such new condition of Europe, as may be the result of a general pacification. This circumstance is not calculated to make me easy or idle, but from causes yet unexplained, I have hitherto been unable to engage this Government in giving to the business a fresh impulse & still less, a determinate character and form. It might be indiscreet at this time to say all I believe or all I fear, and the more so as I am in the course of an experiment which may terminate everything soon and happily. Of experiment, however I shall not be the dupe, any more than I am of the policy which has made it necessary. You shall be seasonably and thoroughly informed of every fact necessary to your future decisions. I have the honor to be Sir, with high respect & consideration, your most Obed. hum. servant