It is much to be
desired too, that this explanation could be given as soon as possible,
in order that it may be handed out with the _Arret_ of September the
28th. Great alarm may otherwise be spread among the merchants, and
adventurers in the fisheries, who, confiding in the stability of
regulations, which his Majesty's wisdom had so long and well matured,
have embarked their fortunes in speculations in this branch of business.
The importance of the subject to one of the principal members of our
Union, induces me to attend with great anxiety the re-assurance from
your Excellency, that no change has taken place in his Majesty's views
on this subject; and that his dispositions to multiply, rather than
diminish, the combinations of interest between the two people, continue
unaltered.
Commerce is slow in changing its channel. That between this country
and the United States is as yet but beginning; and this beginning has
received some checks. The _Arret_ in question would be a considerable
one, without the explanation I have the honor to ask. I am persuaded,
that a continuation of the dispositions which have been hitherto
manifested towards us, will insure effects, political and commercial, of
value to both nations.
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