“I have particular satisfaction in acquainting you, that since I
last met you in parliament, the tranquillity of Europe has remained
uninterrupted, and that all foreign powers continue to express their
friendly disposition to this country.
“I have concluded a treaty of navigation and commerce with the Most
Christian king, a copy of which shall be laid before you. I must
recommend it to you to take such measures as you shall judge proper for
carrying it into effect; and I trust you will find that the provisions
contained in it are calculated for the encouragement of industry and
the extension of lawful commerce in both countries, and by promoting a
beneficial intercourse between our respective subjects, appear likely
to give additional permanence to the blessings of peace. I shall keep
the same salutary objects in view in the commercial arrangements which
I am negociating with other powers.
“I have also given directions for laying before you a copy of a
convention agreed upon between me and the Catholic king, for carrying
into effect the sixth article of the last treaty of peace.