[Extract]

. . . The Subject which I alluded to in my last, is in regard to the Sale of our Produce, which the French Merchants at present absolutely refuse to purchase for the European Market; as many of their Vessels have been already visited, & American Produce which has been found therein, taken out & confiscated. This is a Matter of a very alarming Nature, Strikes deep at the Root of our Commerce with the West Indies, & indeed will effectually put a Stop to it. I am considerably in Debt here on Account of the Congress, & have no other method of paying, but by the Sale of Produce which is remitted me, if this should fail, I shall find myself in a critical Situation.

Surely, the French Nation will not put up with Such a wanton Exertion of Authority which the English assume to themselves; Surely, they will not permit so gross an Insult to be offered to their Flag, without resenting it. Besides, it is as unjust, as arrogant, to confiscate the Goods belonging to the French Merchants, because they are the Produce of America, & purchased of those whom they call Rebels; for having once paid a valuable Consideration for them, they effectually become the Property of the Possessor; However as these Matters are adjusted rather by the Law of Force, than of Reason, I cannot but think that the Complaints of the French Merchants, who exclaim loudly against these Proceedings, will be duly attended to by Government; especially, in the present Situation of Affairs.

There have been no late Arrivals from America. The inclosed Paper will inform you of the latest News received from thence. I have the honor to be with unfeigned Regard &ca