which I enclose you a printed copy.  I therein entered into more details, than the question between us seemed rigorously to require.  I was led to them by other objects.  The most important was to disgust Mr. Necker, as an economist, against their new fishery, by letting him foresee its expense.  The particular manufactures suggested to them, were in consequence of repeated applications from the shippers of rice and tobacco:  other details, which do not appear immediately pertinent, were occasioned by circumstances which had arisen in conversation, or an apparent necessity of giving information on the whole matter.  At a conference, in the presence of M. Lambert, on the 16th (where I was ably aided by the Marquis de la Fayette, as I have been through the whole business), it was agreed to except us from the prohibition.  But they will require rigorous assurance, that the oils coming under our name are really of our fishery.  They fear we shall cover the introduction of the English oils from Halifax.  The Arret for excepting us was communicated to me, but the formalities of proving the oils to be American were not yet inserted.  I suppose they will require every vessel to bring a certificate from their Consul or Vice-Consul residing in the State from which it comes.  More difficult proofs were sometimes talked of.  I supposed I might surely affirm to them, that our government would do whatever it could to prevent this fraud, because it is as much our interest as theirs to keep the market for the French and American oils only.  I am told Massachusetts has prohibited the introduction of foreign fish-oils into her ports.  This law, if well executed, will be an effectual guard against fraud; and a similar one in the other States, interested in the fishery, would much encourage this government to continue her indulgence to us.  Though the Arret, then, for the re-admission of our oils is not yet passed, I think I may assure you it will be so in a few days, and of course that this branch of commerce, after so threatening an appearance, will be on a better footing than ever, as enjoying, jointly with the French oil, a monopoly of their markets.  The continuance of this will depend on the growth of their fishery.  Whenever they become able to supply their own wants, it is very possible they may refuse to take our oils; but I do not believe it possible for them to raise their fishery to that, unless they can continue to draw off our fishermen from us.  Their seventeen ships, this year, had one hundred and fifty of our sailors on board.  I do not know what number the English have got into their service.  You will readily perceive, that there are particulars in these printed observations, which it would not be proper to suffer to become public.  They were printed, merely that a copy might be given to each minister, and care has been taken to let them go into no other hands.