No armed Vessels under our direction are at present cruising or intended to cruise on the Coasts of Britain: If there were any such we should certainly at your Request, order them to permit your Tobaccos to pass freely; as being the Property of our Friends. Cruisers coming directly from America to Europe may possibly in their Way take English Ships charg’d with your Tobacco. If they should bring it into France it will be delivered up to you here. If the Ships are sent to America, the Courts of Admiralty before whom the Prizes must be tried will certainly liberate the Tobaccos, on Proof that they belong to you. But as these Cruisers, not being acquainted with your Property in the Tobacco may possibly carry it to some other Market, or destroy it in burning the Ships; and tho’ restored after being carried to America the Inconveniences to you will be considerable; We think, (as you desire our Opinion) you would do well to oblige the English from whom you purchase, to deliver the Tobacco in France at their Risque; or otherwise that you insure it in London. I am, with great Respect, Sir,