PARIS, November 13, 1787.
DEAR SIR,--I received your favor of October 25, the day before
yesterday only. It would be needless for me, therefore, to add to what
you already know on the subject of peace and war. The principal
minister here is so intent on domestic improvements, and on peace, as
necessary to give leisure for them, that it will not be his fault, if
it be disturbed again. It will be equally unnecessary for me to give
you a formal attestation of your being a citizen of the United States.
Should any occasion for it arise hereafter, I shall be always ready to
certify it. With respect to tobacco, the contract with Mr. Morris and
the order of Berni cease with this year. I am obtaining an arrangement
for the five years which yet remain of the present lease to the Farmers
General, by which they will be obliged to take all the tobacco for
which they shall have occasion from America, except about one-fifth
northern, which they represent as necessary. They will be obliged to
take only such as comes directly from America, without having touched
at any European port in _French_ or _American_ bottoms, and to make the
purchase in _France_. It will be particularly watched that they
purchase not a single hogshead in England. By this I hope to have
completely effected the diverting so much of the tobacco trade as
amounts to their own consumption from England to France. I am glad to
find, also, by your letter, that this operation will have the effect to
raise the price of this commodity at the English market. 24,000
hogsheads of tobacco a year, less at that market than heretofore, must
produce some change, and it could not be for the worse. The order to
the farmers will name only 14,000 hogsheads a year, but it is certain
they must extend it themselves nearly or quite to 24,000, as their
consumption is near 30,000. I am endeavoring to bring hither also,
directly, the rice of America, consumed in this country. At present
they buy it from London. I am of opinion they could consume the whole
of what is made in America, especially if the rice States will
introduce the culture of the Piedmont and Egyptian rices also, both of
which qualities are demanded here in concurrence with that of Carolina.
I have procured for them the seed from Egypt and Piedmont. The
indulgences given to American whale oil will ensure its coming here
directly. In general, I am in hopes to ensure here the transportation
of all our commodities which come to this country in American and
French bottoms exclusively, which will countervail the effect of the
British navigation act on our carrying business. The returns in French
instead of English manufactures, will take place by degrees. Supposing
that these details cannot but be agreeable to you as a merchant and as
an American, I trouble you with them; being with much sincerity, and on
all occasions, dear Sir, your friend and servant.