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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1785.
Congress assembled. Present as yesterday.1
[Note 1: 1 On this day, according to Reports of the Secretary of Congress, the recommendation of the Secretary on the matter of Mr. Barré's letter of June 29 was approved and the matter referred to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs to take order.]
Office for Foreign Affairs, 6th. October, 1785.
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs to whom was referred a Letter of the 8th. October last from the Count de florida Blanca to his Excellency the President of Congress, reports--
That in his Opinion the following Answer would be proper vizt.
New York, October, 1785.
Sir: Your Excellency's Letter of the 8th. October last was delivered to me by Sr. Dn. Diego De Gardoqui immediately on his Arrival.
Being soon after much indisposed, it became necessary for me to retire from Congress for the Recovery of my Health, and that Circumstance deprived me of the Pleasure of writing to your Excellency by a more early Conveyance.
The appointment of Mr Gardoqui gave great satisfaction to the United States, and I flatter myself that the manner in which he was received, and will continue to be treated, will be perfectly agreeable to his Catholic Majesty.
Be assured Sir, it is the sincere wish of this Country not only to be on good Terms with, but to cultivate the Friendship of the Spanish Monarchy; and I am Authorized to add, that the United States will cheerfully join in concerting and concluding such friendly and commertial Connections with his Majesty, as by properly settling territorial Questions, and regulating the Intercourse of the two Nations on Principles of Reciprocity, may produce and perpetuate mutual Harmony and good Will between them.
I have the honor to be etc.
All which is submitted to the Wisdom of Congress.
John Jay.2
[Note 2: 2 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 81, I, folio 429.
According to Committee Book No. 190 it was rendered this day. No. 16, President's Letter Book, shows that this draft was this day used, verbatim, by Richard Henry Lee, President, and sent to Florida Bianca.]
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