em prepossessed by the
partial information of their Dunkirk fishermen; and therefore thought it
necessary to give them a view of the whole subject in writing, which
I did, in the piece, of which I enclose you a printed copy. I therein
entered into more details, than the question between us seemed
rigorously to require. I was led to them by other objects. The most
important was to disgust Mr. Necker, as an economist, against their new
fishery, by letting him foresee its expense. The particular manufactures
suggested to them, were in consequence of repeated applications from
the shippers of rice and tobacco: other details, which do not appear
immediately pertinent, were occasioned by circumstances which had arisen
in conversation, or an apparent necessity of giving information on the
whole matter. At a conference, in the presence of M. Lambert, on the
16th (where I was ably aided by the Marquis de la Fayette, as I have
been through the whole business), it was agreed to except us from the
prohibition. But they will require rigorous assurance, that the oils
coming under our name are really of our fishery. They fear we shall
cover the introduction of the English oils from Halifax. The _Arret_ for
excepting us was communicated to me, but the formalities of proving the
oils to be American were not yet inserted. I suppose they will require
every vessel to bring a certificate from their Consul or Vice-Consul
residing in the State from which it comes. More difficult proofs were
sometimes talked of. I supposed I might surely affirm to them, that our
government would do whatever it could to prevent this fraud, because it
is as much our interest as theirs to keep the market for the French
and American oils only. I am told Massachusetts has prohibited the
introduction of foreign fish-oils into her ports. This law, if well
executed, will be an effectual guard against fraud; and a similar one in
the other States, interested in the fishery, would much encourage this
government to continue her indulgence to us. Though the _Arret_, then,
for the re-admission of our oils is not yet passed, I think I may assure
you it will be so in a few days, and of course that this branch of
commerce, after so threatening an appearance, will be on a better
footing than ever, as enjoying, jointly with the French oil, a monopoly
of their markets. The continuance of this will depend on the growth of
their fishery. Whenever they become able to supply their own