I think it most probable, that one or both of those Courts will begin a negotiation with us, in a very little space of time after the peace between them is finally settled; however, for the present the King of Prussia has formally engaged, by a letter from his Minister, who writes in the King’s name, the 17th instant, “that the merchants of North America, who should come with their merchant vessels into the ports of his Majesty to trade there, in merchandise that is not prohibited, should have full liberty, and should be received in all respects, as the merchants of other countries.” This looks to me, as if they wished the trade to be commenced between America and the Prussian dominions, but the European merchants, and especially those who are not accustomed to a foreign commerce, which is almost universally the case with the merchants in the Prussian dominions, are cautious, and do not care to venture hastily in a trade, which they do not understand. A vessel or two from America, arriving in the port of Emden, would convince the Prussian merchants more of the practicability of this commerce, than a volume of the most demonstrative reasoning, that ever was written. You will judge then of the propriety of encouraging the American merchants to undertake a trial of this commerce. This will be delivered to you by Samuel W. Stockton of New Jersey, who has been with me some months, in the capacity of Secretary to the Commission, at the Courts of Vienna and Berlin, for which purpose he left London in May last, where he had been some years pursuing the study of the law. He now returns to his country, because we do not see clearly how the expense of a Secretary is to be supported, since the American Commissioners at the Court of Versailles have lately demurred at paying my draft on them for my expenses, conformably to the resolve of Congress, and though they have allowed me some money, I am given to understand, that it is the last I am to expect from them; therefore, if you should agree in opinion with most others on the propriety of keeping up the Commissions in Germany, it will be quite necessary to establish some sure funds to support the expense. Mr Stockton has received from me 3732 livres for his expenses, and I am obliged to refer him to Congress for such further consideration as they may judge he deserves, not having it in my power to make him that compensation for his services to the public, which I think him entitled to. However, justice calls upon me to say, that he merits consideration and esteem for his zeal and readiness to serve his country, whenever it was in his power, and therefore I am sure Congress will render him ample retribution.