Article 3.  They will probably restrain us to their dominions in Europe.  We must expressly include the Azores, Madeiras, and Cape de Verde Islands, some of which are deemed to be in Africa.  We should also contend for an access to their possessions in America, according to the gradation in the 2nd article of our instructions, of May the 7th, 1784.  But if we can obtain it in no one of these forms, I am of opinion we should give it up.

Article 4.  This should be put into the form we gave it, in the draught sent you by Dr. Franklin and myself, for Great Britain.  I think we had not reformed this article, when we sent our draught to Portugal.  You know, the Confederation renders the reformation absolutely necessary; a circumstance which had escaped us at first.

Article 9.  Add, from the British draught, the clause about wrecks.

Article 13.  The passage ‘nevertheless,’ &c. to run as in the British draught.

Article 18.  After the word ‘accident,’ insert ’or wanting supplies of provisions or other refreshments.’  And again, instead of ‘take refuge,’ insert ‘come,’ and after ‘of the other,’ insert ’in any part of the world.’  The object of this is to obtain leave for our whaling vessels to refit and refresh on the coast of the Brazils; an object of immense importance to that class of our vessels.  We must acquiesce under such modifications as they may think necessary for regulating this indulgence, in hopes to lessen them in time, and to get a pied a terre in that country.

Article 19.  Can we get this extended to the Brazils?  It would be precious in case of war with Spain.

Article 23.  Between ‘places’ and ‘whose,’ insert ’and in general, all others,’ as in the British draught.

Article 24.  For ‘necessaries,’ substitute ‘comforts.’

Article 25.  Add ‘but if any such consuls shall exercise commerce,’ &c. as in the British draught.

We should give to Congress as early notice as possible, of the re-institution of this negotiation; because, in a letter by a gentleman who sailed from Havre, the 10th instant, I communicated to them the answer of the Portuguese minister, through the ambassador here, which I sent to you.  They may, in consequence, be making other arrangements, which might do injury.  The little time which now remains, of the continuance of our commissions, should also be used with the Chevalier de Pinto, to hasten the movements of his court.

But all these preparations for trade with Portugal will fail in their effect, unless the depredations of the Algerines can be prevented.  I am far from confiding in the measures taken for this purpose.  Very possibly war must be recurred to.  Portugal is at war with them.  Suppose the Chevalier de Pinto was to be sounded on the subject of an union of force, and even a stipulation for contributing each a certain force, to be kept in constant cruise.  Such a league once begun, other nations would drop into it, one by one.  If he should seem to approve it, it might then be suggested to Congress, who, if they should be forced to try the measure of war, would doubtless be glad of such an ally.  As the Portuguese negotiation should be hastened, I suppose our communications must often be trusted to the post, availing ourselves of the cover of our cipher.