PARIS, July 21, 1787.
SIR,--I am this moment honored with your letter of the 16th, and wish
it was in my power to give you the information desired on the subject
of tobaccos.
The complaint has been universal that the Farmers General have not
complied with the order of government. I have, therefore, desired that
they may be called on to report precisely what tobacco they have
purchased on the terms prescribed by the order, that if it shall appear
they have not bought the whole quantity, they may be compelled to do it
immediately. It is impossible to foresee whether any new regulations
will be made to take place on the expiration of the contract of Mr.
Morris. I shall certainly press for something to be done by way of
antidote to the monopoly under which this article is placed in France.
The moment anything is decided which may be interesting to our
commerce, I shall take great care to communicate it to them through Mr.
Bondfield; though I do not expect anything interesting to take place
very soon. I am, with much regard, Sir, your most obedient humble
servant.