This, I believe, was the
effect of a single person in the ministry. As soon as it was known to
me, I wrote to Monsieur de Montmorin, and had conferences with him and
the other ministers. I found it necessary to give them information on
the subject of the whale-fishery, of which they knew little but from the
partial information of their Dunkirk adventurers. I therefore wrote the
observations (of which I enclose you a printed copy), had them printed
to entice them to read them, and particularly developed the expense at
which they are carrying on that fishery, and at which they must continue
it, if they do continue it. This part was more particularly intended for
Mr. Necker, who was quite a stranger to the subject, who has principles
of economy, and will enter into calculations. Other subjects are
incidentally introduced; though little connected with the main question,
they had been called for by other circumstances. An immediate order was
given for the present admission of our oils, till they could form
an _Arret_; and, at a conference, the draught of an _Arret_ was
communicated to me, which re-established that of December the 29th.
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