Sir —
I have not heard from Berlin relative to their determination about opening their ports to our Cruisers.
The Abbé Raynal, who has just returnd from a tour in England, tells me that nothing disgusts the English Nation so much with the continuance of the war, as the seeing their ports filled with french Ships to carry on their Commerce with other Nations. Their Merchants are obligd to have recourse to this expedient to screene their merchandize. I say screene, because they cannot expect, that according to the Law of Nations, it will be a protection when discovered. They have been driven to this necessity by the number & success of our Cruisers in & about the channel; which has raised Insurance so high, that their Manufactures are in danger of being augmented thereby in their Price too much for the European Markets.
I thought it would be useful to inform you of these facts to show the utility of continuing & encouraging Cruisers in these Seas, as they may perhaps be so discouragd by the late measures in this Country, which I trust will not be of long continuance, as to confine their Course to the american Seas. I have the honor &c.
