To Benjamin Franklin from Felix A. Castrioto, 2 December 1777
From Felix A. Castrioto9
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Lisbon December the 2: 1777
Sir
This is to give you notice, that at my arrivel in this Capital I found the Court was gone to villa-viçoza: I thoght proper to go there, and deliver your Memorial1 to the Minister, inforcing it with all the reasons I could think of. The mater was to be considered, and he to send me an answer here; but till now he has not done it.2 In few days the Court will be bak, and then I will endeavour to get it and send it immediatly to you.
I desire that the Congress and you, Sir, should belive that nothing in my side will be wanting to bring this Negociation to a favourable conclusion. I remain with great estime and respect Sir your most obidiant humble Servant
Felix Antonio Castrioto
P.S. My name so as is here is sufficient for my adress.
Notation: Felix Antonio Castrioto Lisbon Decr: 2. 1777
9. See above, XXIV, 289–90.
1. Ibid., pp. 321–22.
2. The answer of the court, however, had already been sent. On Nov. 27 Sá e Melo instructed the Portuguese minister to France to convey a message to BF or Deane: treating the U.S. as independent would violate Portugal’s treaty obligations to Britain. The court was following the same course as other neutral powers; it had no desire for war, but its ships if attacked would meet force with force. Copy, AAE.