1141. CARMICHAEL (William), Character.—
Mr. Carmichael is, I think, very little
known in America. I never saw him, and
while I was in Congress I formed rather a
disadvantageous idea of him. His letters *
* * showed him vain, and more attentive to
ceremony and etiquette, than we suppose men
of sense should be. I have now a constant
correspondence with him, and find him a little
hypochondriac and discontented. He possesses
a very good understanding, though not of the first
order. I have had great opportunities of
searching into his character, and have availed
myself of them. Many persons of different
nations, coming from Madrid to Paris, all speak
of him as in high esteem, and I think it certain
that he has more of the Count de Blanca's
friendship, than any diplomatic character at
that court. As long as that minister is in
office, Carmichael can do more than any other
person who could be sent there.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. ii, 107.
Ford ed., iv, 365.
(P.
1787)
