To G. W. Erving.

DEAR SIR,—By Mr. Smith, to whom this is committed, you will receive the public letter in which the course approved by the President is marked out for your conduct at Madrid. The grounds for it are strengthened by the posture of things in Europe, and by the approach of the session of Congress. The impression made on this country by the proud and perverse conclusion given by Spain to the endeavours of Mr. M and Mr. P to adjust our differences, ought, if faithfully reported to her, to teach her a lesson salutary at all times, and particularly so at the present moment. She may be sure that she will never better her stipulations with this country by delay. If she calculates on the friend at her elbow, or be jogged by him into follies not altogether her own, she is so far to be pitied or despised as she avails herself of such explanations. But here, again, she receives a lesson from the scene which appears to be opening in Europe against the Imperial career of France. England seems as ready to play the fool with respect to this country as her enemies. She is renewing her depredations on our Commerce in the most ruinous shapes, and has kindled a more general indignation among our Merchants than was ever before expressed. How little do those great Nations in Europe appear, in alternately smiling and frowning on the U. States, not according to any fixed sentiments or interests, but according to the winds and clouds of the moment! It will be the more honorable to the United States if they continue to present a contrast of steady and dignified conduct; doing justice under all circumstances to others, and taking no other advantage of events than to seek it for themselves.

For our domestic news, I refer to the Newspapers which go by Mr. Smith. Congress do not meet till December. Their session will involve important questions and measures relative to the transactions of Europe having unsettled relations to this Country, or committing wrongs against it.

The attention which you have been so good as to pay to sending to us publications useful for the Department of State induces me to request that you will, during your stay at Madrid, procure whatever Books on diplomatic and commercial subjects deserve a place in the office shelves; also, such as may relate to America generally, and particularly the Ordinance, &c., relating to the Indies and Islands belonging to Spain. This general intimation will readily be applied by your own judgment to the pertinent objects.