By the treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and his Most Christian Majesty made and concluded at Paris under the auspices of your Excellency it is provided in the 11th. Article “That the subjects of the United States shall not be reputed Aubains in France and consequently exempted from the Droits d’aubaine &c.” The extent of this humane provission has been the subject of much debate, and by an arbitary and illiberal Construction it has been made to apply merely to the Continental dominions of the most Christian King; the subjects of these states residing in the French Colonies, having been Cruelly denied its benefits, their estates on their decease confiscated, and their heirs divested of their right of inheritance.

Will you permit me to ask your opinion whether this local application was the design of the contracting parties?

The Liberty I have taken in thus troubling your Excellency I flatter myself you will readily excuse. I have been some years commercially establish’d in St. Domingo, and unwilling to allienate my allegiance from my Native Country, I have hitherto forborne and shall still suspend any endeavours to obtain letters of naturalization for the security of my property, untill impell’d by your Reply. I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble Servant