In reply to your second, third and fourth questions, I would only briefly observe, that we are yet scarcely sufficiently acquainted with the coarse French woollens and their lowest price, to determine how far they can come in rivalship with those of Britain. The prevailing opinion is in [favor of] the latter: but I see no reason why the former, when calculated for the particular purpose may not be made equally cheap and good. As to other articles of importation, directly from France, they might consist in superfine Broad Cloths (particularly blue, which can be imported cheaper and better than from England) Glass, Gloves, Ribbons, Silks, Cambricks, plain Lawns, Linens, Printed Goods, Wine, Brandy, Oyl, Fruit, and in general every thing necessary for carrying on the Indian Trade: from the Islands, Sugar and Coffee, in addition to the Molasses and Rum which alone are permitted to be exported to the United States at present. Our produce in Return to Europe might comprehend Tobacco (as the staple from this State) and from the States aggregately wheat, Rice, other Grain, Bread, Flour, Fish, Fish Oyl, Pot ashes, Pearl Ashes, Skins, Furs, Peltry, Indigo, Madder, different dyeing Woods, Lumber, Naval Stores, Iron, Coals, and Ships ready-built: to the Islands, Lumber, Bar-iron, Coals, Live stock and Provisions of all kinds.

    It may be mentioned here as a first principle of extending the intercourse, and as a theory which will be found incontestably true in experiment, That in proportion as France shall increase the facility of our making remittance, in the same ratio shall we encrease the consumption of her produce and manufactures . Common Sense and sound Policy speak thus on our part: "We can furnish new materials of great value and our ability to do it will augment with our population everyday: we want no money for them and we desire no credit may be given to us: we cannot manufacture fine articles so cheaply as we can import them and must while we continue an agricultural People, be supplied from some quarter: we offer you the preference, and will take in different Goods, to the amount received from us in our staple Commodities."

    This Doctrine has been already verified so far as an opportunity has been afforded to observe the effect. The use of French Brandy, in common Taverns, as well as private Houses, has been substituted, for two or three years past, very much in the room of Jamaica Rum. Probably not less than 24,000 gallons have been imported into this State, in one year. The consumption of French wines is also much greater than it has formerly been; and may by a moderate calculation amount to between one half and one third of all that is imported. The demand for both these articles might still be extended with the means of making remittance. Not much French salt is made use of for curing provisions in Virginia. The opinion is, that it is not so clean as that imported from other parts of Europe. If it was properly purified it might and certainly would be brought out as ballast in great quantities, and find a ready market.

    About half the exports from Virginia are carried in American bottoms, the remainder principally in British bottoms. There are, however, a number of other foreign vessels employed in the trade.

    I know not of any other equivalents, than those to be derived by France from the extension of her commerce, which we can give for any new favours in your Islands. Under the present rigorous restrictions it is thought that trade is unprofitable for us and will decay or be disused as soon as other avenues for receiving our produce shall be gradually opened. The Maritime Genius of this Country is now steering our Vessels in every ocean; to the East Indies, the North-west Coasts of America and the extremities of the Globe. I have the best evidence, that the scale of commerce, so long against us, is beginning to turn in our favour, and that (as a new thing in our new world) the amount of exports from one State, last year, exceeded that of the imports, more than 230,000 Pounds.

    What change in systems and amelioration in the general complexion of our affairs, are likely to be produced in consequence of the national government, which is on the eve of being established, I will not undertake to predict, I hope and trust the ties which connect this Nation with France, will be strengthened and made durable by it. In the mean time, there are three things, which I flatter myself will counterbalance, on the side of the French commerce, the three advantages, of which I conceive the British Merchants to be possessed. The circumstances to which I allude are, 1st, The encreasing prejudices of this country against a commercial intercourse with England, occasioned by provocations and augmented by impositions on her part; 2ndly. The facility given in many instances by the French government for our making remittances in the staple commodities of this Country; and 3dly. the change of taste in favor of articles, produced or manufactured in France, which may indeed in a great degree be attributed to the affection and gratitude still felt for her generous interposition in our favor.

    I should be truly happy to learn that this Country and Inhabitants have become agreeable to your Excellency upon acquaintance. For you may be assured, Sir, no one can be more zealous than myself in promoting a friendly connection between our Nations, or in rendering your situation perfectly satisfactory, while the United States shall enjoy the benefit of your residence in them. With the highest consideration &c. ⁴⁷

[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers . ]