IM
��v.ould acquire an unequalled popularity, aud per- haps draw from it some advantai^eous conditions on the subject of the pirates, a point which I had only been able to oblain in part; or some promise (though that wouUl have been no security,) that they would not acknowledge the independence of the ultrama- rine revolted provinces, until other nations had done so.
In the montli of April last, the Express Avhom I had despatched with the treaty, arrived at Ma- drid, and in the August following, before the period fixed for the ratification had elapsed, I arrived my- self. His Majesty received me with his charac- teristick goodness; did me the honour of telling me that he was well satisfied with my services, and that he had seen with particular approbation, that I had done every thing that depended upon me for the interests of the Nation. The provisional Mi- nister of State, and the rest of the Cabinet, repeat- ed to me that 1 had faithfully fulfilled the orders that had been transmitted to me, and so far from there being any charge against me, all acknowledg- ed my zeal, prudence and activity in the negotia- tion. The determination, nevertheless, which had been some time before formed by the ministry and Council of State, to suspend the ratification of the treaty, was persevered in: not a single word was asked me about it, nor were the motives explained to me which had led to this determination^ approv-
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