Gentlemen at Nantes to the American
Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Nantes, January 21, 1779: We thank you for your letter of
January 13 and its enclosures. The weather here has suddenly
turned severe, rendering navigation on the river impossible.
We have had to haul our vessels onto shore, but not before
they suffered considerable ice damage, which unfortunately
cannot be repaired until the river opens. Repairs should take
only a few days. We thank you for your efforts on behalf of
the convoy, and for the copy of the Treaty of Commerce,
which is the first we have seen. Your referring us to the newspaper
version comes as a surprise; surely you cannot imagine
that for a transaction so important we should trust such a
mode of communication. Now that the treaty is ratified, please
inform us which ports are made free according to the 30th
article. And as the Barbary corsairs concern us, let us know
the consequences of the promises made in the 8th article, and
advise us how best to proceed. French subjects trading with
the United States can readily obtain an account of the imposts
for which they are liable; we deem this knowledge to be essential
for commercial intercourse. We do not complain of
these impositions, and submit to this kingdom’s system of duties
and finances. You may be confident in our assurances of
patience and perseverance.>
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