the first article of their treaty with France of July the 23rd, 1773, which is in these words. ’Les sujets des E. G. des P. U. des Pays-Bas ne seront point assujettis au Droit d’Aubaine dans les Etats de S. M. T. C. This favor, then, being granted to the English subsequent to our treaty, we become entitled to it of course by the article in question.  I have it not in my power at this moment to turn to the treaty between France and Russia, which was also posterior to ours.  If by that, the Russians are exempted from the Droit d’Aubaine, ’dans les Etats de S. M. T. C. it is a ground the more for our claiming the exemption.  To these, you will be pleased to add such other considerations of reason, friendship, hospitality, and reciprocity, as will readily occur to yourself.

About two or three weeks ago, a Mr. Campbell called on me, and introduced himself by observing that his situation was an awkward one, that he had come from Denmark with an assurance of being employed here in a public character, that he was actually in service, though unannounced.  He repeated conversations which had passed between Count Bernstorff and him, and asked me when a minister would be appointed to that court, or a character sent to negotiate a treaty of commerce:  he had not the scrip of a pen to authenticate himself, however informally.  I told him our government had not yet had time to settle a plan of foreign arrangments; that with respect to Denmark particularly, I might safely express to him those sentiments of friendship which our government entertained for that country, and assurances that the King’s subjects would always meet with favor and protection here; and in general, I said to him those things which, being true, might be said to any body.  You can perhaps learn something of him from the Baron de Blome.  If he be an unauthorized man, it would be well it should be known here, as the respect which our citizens might entertain, and the credit they might give to any person supposed to be honored by the King’s appointment, might lead them into embarrassment.

You know the situation of the new loan of three millions of florins going on at Amsterdam.  About one half of this is destined for an immediate payment to France; but advantage may be gained by judiciously timing the payment.  The French colonies will doubtless claim, in their new constitution, a right to receive the necessaries of life from whomever will deliver them cheapest; to wit, grain, flour, live stock, salted fish, and other salted provisions.  It would be well that you should confer with their deputies, guardedly, and urge them to this demand, if they need urging.  The justice of the National Assembly will probably dispose them to grant it, and the clamors of the Bordeaux merchants may be silenced by the clamors and arms of the colonies.  It may cooperate with the influence of the colonies, if favorable dispositions towards us can be excited in the moment of discussing this