I received yesterday Evening you favor of the same day; & have to reply that 1º: In very severe Winters the Rivers near the Head of Bay are frozen up—This happens but seldom & it rarely happens instead that a Vessell cannot make a safe Port in some part or other of the Bay & seize the favorable moment of getting into the River she may destined for Expeditions are made at all seasons of the Year to and from the Cheseapeake—upon the Coast of America as upon all other Coasts the Winter is the most tempestuous Season— 2º. Mons. W T Franklin il a la Hardiesse de dire “Oui” 3º. A Contract made by the United States can have no effect as to interrupting the Commerce of Individuals. The Trade of America is entirely free and if Congress wants of the produce of Any one of the United States it can only be considered as an Individual, must go Market as such & is equally as liable to be out bid, or lose a preference—Their business must be done by Agent or Agents.—Peace must have an Effect on all kinds of produce—It cannot be expected the price will continue so high as when a premium of Insurance is paid at 25 per Cent and a freight @ 50 per Ct. The price in Europe must always depend on the quantity for Sale. 4t. The Articles proposed to be sent are good except Bar Iron of which great quantities are exported from America. It is necessary to observe that great care should be taken in the choice of the Articles that they are well bought & that the Fashion is suitable to the Country, particularly the Glass & Earthen Ware—Cheapness is very to attend to as People always will seek the cheapest & best.

Candour impels me to say that great caution is necessary at this time in business—In Peace Returns may be slower than in War as there will naturally be more goods for Sale—The profits every one must be sensible will be less—I should be sorry that my House should reap advantages from the Consignment of a Vessell that might lead the concerned into any difficulties or disappoint them—particularly with Friends of yours—All that can be done by us, to fulfill the expectations of those who are pleased to have Confidence in the House, will be exerted.

Inclosed you have your Friends Letter: [I] wish what Information I have given may be satisfactory.

I am sorry to be deprived of your Company through your Indisposition, and flatter myself it will not be of Continuance. Mrs. Ridley joins me in kind Wishes—I am Dear Sr. Your Aff: Humb. Sert.