I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 24th. Ult., which did not come to my Hands ’till some time after its arrival.1

The Sentiments which his Majesty is pleased to entertain of me, together with the polite manner in which your Excellency has been so obliging as to express them, demand my warmest Acknowledgements; and give additional Force to the many motives, which render me desirous of a permanent Union between his Majesty and the united States.—

The Honor and Probity which have ever characterized the Conduct of Spain, together with the exalted Reputation which his Majesty has acquired by being an eminent Example of both, have enduced the People of the united States to repose the highest Confidence in the Proofs they have recieved of his friendly Disposition towards them; and to consider every Engagement with this Monarchy, as guaranteed by that Faith, and secured by that Ingenuousness, which have so gloriously distinguished his Majesty, and this Kingdom, among the other Princes & nations of the Earth—

Permit me to request the Favor of your Excellency to assure his Majesty, that the People of the united States are convinced, that Virtue alone can animate and support their Governments; and that they can in no other way establish and perpetuate a national Character, honorable to themselves & their Posterity; than by an unshaken Adherence to the Rules, which Religion Morality and Treaties, may prescribe for their Conduct. His Royal Mind may also be persuaded, that Gratitude will never cease to add the Influence of Inclination to the Power of Duty, in rendering ^them^ sollicitous for the Happiness & Prosperity of those generous nations, who nobly strengthened their Opposition to a Torrent of oppression, and kindly aided in freeing them from the Bondage of a nation, whose arrogance and Injustice had become destructive to the Rights of mankind, and dangerous to the Peace and Tranquility of Christendom.

Having therefore the most perfect Conviction that the Candor and Benignity of his Majesty’s Intentions, are equal to the Uprightness and Sincerity of those of Congress; I shall set out in a few Days for Madrid, with the pleasing Expectation that there will be little Delay or Difficulty, in adjusting the Terms of a Union, between a magnanimous monarch and a virtuous People, who wish to obtain by an Alliance with each other, only reciprocal Benefits and mutual Advantages— I have the Honor to be with perfect Respect & Consideration your Excellencys most obedient & most hble Servant