Intercepted.
In answer to the favour of your last letter and to the information which you desire to have about the trade which could be engaged in with the Colonies of the North; the point is that the houses which are desirous to interest themselves in this business shall be capable of making advances, or shall have sufficient credit to supply the goods to me at terms of 6 and 8months. I should then find means to make some shipments which might amount to a million and more per annum.
According to the plan which I have formed, we should have no risk to run. The goods will be insured and, from the manner in which I shall give the orders for their sale, I am sure that it will give us, all expenses paid, a considerable profit.
An experiment may be made in the first place with a sum of 200 or 300 thousand livres. It is a good business and one which should be followed up if it be desired to carry it through, and which no one else will be able to undertake.
If that suits you, and if I am assured of the arrangements and conditions, I shall let you know the articles which it will be necessary to supply to me either at Nantes or at, Bordeaux. I feel flattered that you have anticipated my ideas: for I ought to arrange this speculation with some Dutch houses. I shall however await your reply.
As regards the private provisions which I have to make on the Continent you know that that is a matter between ourselves. I have houses all over Europe where I have credit sufficient to meet the demands which I make and for this purpose I have no need, although it is a matter of many millions, of any funds or advances. I have the honour &c.
[P.S.] According to the news which I have just received from London, I am notified that the King of England has lately proposed peace to the Americans.
I learn at the same time by a captain arriving from Cadiz who has spoken with a captain from New England that Lord Dunmore has been taken prisoner by General [Charles] Lee with 3,000 of his troops.
From another quarter I learn that the General Congress has issued a declaration in all the Provinces of the Thirteen United Colonies of Liberty and Independence. God grant that this news be true!
I shall have the honour to send you some furs. I am informed that there are some arrived at Bordeaux, where there are nine or ten insurgent ships.