From Bérard Frères & Cie.
als: American Philosophical Society
<Lorient, December 20, 1776, in English: When our friends in
Nantes told us of your arrival with a consignment of tobacco,
we ordered them to buy it if for sale. Your agent cannot treat,
they tell us, “without your answer expected.” We will give
you the best bargain you can anticipate. You may find out
about our firm from Germany, Girardot & Cif. or Tourton &
Baur, the two leading bankers in Paris. We will pay in cash
or in drafts on Paris, Amsterdam, or London; and on whatever
terms may be fixed between us we will thereafter, for the duration
of the war, take any amount of leaf tobacco delivered at
Lorient. We offer a higher price than the farmers general, and
assured means of payment. Your ships will be safe here from
the government, and we can supply all the articles that the
colonies may require. Please tell us your price and conditions
of sale, and do not dispose of the consignment until you have
our answer.
We should be glad to talk with you, as we have proposals
that cannot be committed to paper. If you are returning to
Nantes, one of us will meet you there. If you winter in Paris,
Germany, Girardot & Cie. will communicate our views. We
stand ready to make advances at any time, and you may
trust us.>
627246 = 023-048a.html