of the whale-fishery, of which they knew little but from the partial information of their Dunkirk adventurers.  I therefore wrote the observations (of which I enclose you a printed copy), had them printed to entice them to read them, and particularly developed the expense at which they are carrying on that fishery, and at which they must continue it, if they do continue it.  This part was more particularly intended for Mr. Necker, who was quite a stranger to the subject, who has principles of economy, and will enter into calculations.  Other subjects are incidentally introduced; though little connected with the main question, they had been called for by other circumstances.  An immediate order was given for the present admission of our oils, till they could form an Arret; and, at a conference, the draught of an Arret was communicated to me, which re-established that of December the 29th.  They expressed fears, that, under cover of our name, the Nova Scotia oils would be introduced; and a blank was left in the draught for the means of preventing that.  They have since proposed, that the certificate of their consul shall accompany the oils, to authorize their admission, and this is what they will probably adopt.  It was observed, that if our States would prohibit all foreign oils from being imported into them, it would be a great safeguard, and an encouragement to them to continue the admission.  Still there remains an expression in the Arret, that it is provisory only.  However, we must be contented with it as it is; my hope being, that the legislature will be transferred to the National Assembly, in whose hands it will be more stable, and with whom it will be more difficult to obtain a repeal, should the ministry hereafter desire it.  If they could succeed in drawing over as many of our Nantucket men as would supply their demands of oil, we might then fear an exclusion; but the present Arret, as soon as it shall be passed, will, I hope, place us in safety till that event, and that event may never happen.  I have entered into all these details, that you may be enabled to quiet the alarm which must have been raised by the Arret of September the 28th, and assure the adventurers that they may pursue their enterprises as safely as if that had never been passed, and more profitably, because we participate now of a monopolized, instead of an open market.  The enclosed observations, though printed, have only been given to the ministers, and one or two other confidential persons.  You will see that they contain matter which should be kept from the English, and will therefore trust them to the perusal only of such persons as you can confide in.  We are greatly indebted to the Marquis de la Fayette for his aid on this, as on every other occasion.  He has paid the closest attention to it, and combated for us with the zeal of a native.

The necessity of reconducting my family to America, and of placing my affairs there under permanent arrangements, has obliged me to ask of Congress a six months’ absence, to wit, from April to November next.  I hope, therefore, to have the pleasure of seeing you there, and particularly, that it will be at New York that I shall find you.  Be so good as to present my sincere esteem to Mrs. Adams, and believe me to be, with very affectionate attachment, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,