[Draft] [Copy] Genl Maunsell Oct. 20: 1791 Mr. Pitt has authorised [sic] me to acquaint the minister of the United States of America, that Great Britain is anxious to establish and preserve the strictest amity and friendship with the United States, and that a person, properly authorized, will shortly be sent out, for the discussion of matters that may require it, in order to make the necessary arrangements for the above purpose. - Mr. Pitt has likewise authorised Gen M to procure for, and transmit to, him, what were the wishes [struck: of] and demands of America. As the President has, in his message to the Senate and Assembly of 14th. Feb:y 1791, mentioned that soon after he was called to the administration [inserted: He] has found it important to come to an understanding with the Court of London, respecting its disposition to enter into commercial arrangements with the United States on the principles of reciprocal advantages &c as mentioned in that message, for which purpose he authorized informal conferences with the British minister, from which he does not infer any dispositions on their part to enter into any arrangements [2] merely commercial. Gen:l M, tho' not diplomatically employed, hopes that the United States will, from the message he brings, be satisfied of the friendly disposition of the Court of London, and that this information will satisfy the government of the United States, that the disposition of Great Britain is favorable to a friendly intercourse with the United States. The foregoing is a copy of an unsigned paper delivered major Genl Maunsell in his britannic Majesty's service, to HKnox this 20th day of Octr 1791 - HKnox