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Sir:

Since the conclusion of the peace many merchants of the United States, have made adventures to China and they are in a disposition to renew them and to extend that branch of commerce. But they have represented about the middle of last year, that the thirteen States having no ports in the East that they could put into, on their voyage to China; they requested that his Majesty would permit them to enter into the Islands of France and Bourbon: The King informed of these circumstances, has determined in Council, that the American Vessels should have permission to put into those Islands where they will find every protection and liberty. This admission Sir, will prove to the United States, that we wish to extend and

and facilitate their commerce and increase as much as depends upon us, the friendship which subsists between the two Nations. Those measures being important to the commerce of the thirteen United States, I have not been willing to defer giving you an act. of it. Tho' it has not been yet officially communicated to me. The Delegates who compose the Committee of the States may in the meantime, if they think proper inform their States of it, in a private manner.

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