s the
government was pleased to desire the publication of that order to
induce the merchants to bring tobaccos here, it would be very
satisfactory to make known also the execution of that order. If the
Farms can verify that they have strictly executed it, all discontent
will cease and the merchants become sensible that the present glut is
occasioned by their importing too much. On the other hand, if it shall
appear, from the list of purchases made by the Farms, or from other
evidence, that they have not purchased the whole quantity on the
conditions prescribed by government, they will doubtless be instructed
to do it, and that too without delay, as the duration of the contract
with Mr. Morris, and of the order of Bernis, formed on that, will soon
expire.

A parcel of gazettes and magazines sent to me from America, for my own
use, and detained in the syndic chamber, obliges me to trouble your
Excellency for an order for their delivery.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, your Excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant.

TO MONSIEUR LIMOSIN.

PARIS, Sept. 9, 1787.

SIR,--Immediately on the receipt of your favor of the 31st of August, I
waited on the person who is charged with the superintendence of the
conduct of the Farms, and informed him that the customhouse officers
had required the ancient duties on a cargo of pearlash, arrived at
Havre. He observed to me that the duties promised to be abolished by
the King were only those due to himself or the Farms; but that there
were _droits loceaux_, which he could not abolish; that the officers of
the customs might have demanded the droits loceaux, but that it was
impossible they should have demanded any other duties. If they have
done so, I will beg the favor of you to send me such evidence of the
demand as will enable me to press for a proper notice of the Farms, if
they have failed to give orders, or a punishment of the officer, if he
has failed to obey them.

No further changes in the government since my last. The office of
Directeur du tresor royal was offered to M. de La Borde and refused by
him. Had no accident intervened, I think the affairs of the Dutch would
have been arranged without producing any war immediately. They are even
at this moment in a train of negotiation. But, in the meantime, a war
has broke out between the Russians and Turks. We have no news yet of
any action, but the Turks have imp