[Extract]
Dear & hond Sir

I am highly pleased to find that my Inclination to settle in France meets with your approbation, and I will do my best endeavours to preserve the good opinion you are pleased to .honour me with. This place seems to me the best calculated for carrying on the american Trade, especially in time of war. I understand that all vessells that come on this coast are obliged to make Belle isle, which being just off the mouth of this River, an immediate shelter is near either in case of Chase or bad weather; while those Ships that are bound to Bordeaux or other places, have a turbulent Bay to cross, & a dangerous Coast to sail along before they can reach their port. The shallowness of the River near the Town is the only disadvantage, but where operations are to be conceal'd, the Ships being at some distance is not amiss, & with proper management & previous arrangement, this circumstance may not lessen the Dispatch. The extent of the Loire is a great Benefit, it communicates to many manufacturing Towns & by Canals joins the Seine & so goes even to Paris. it has a very rapid Stream which is the means of quick transportation, Re the Goods not being jolted by land Carriage may if properly packed come in great preservation. . . .