I am authorised to announce to you, that it is the intention of his Majesty, to grant to the United States the ports of L'Orient and Bayonne as free ports; and besides these, that of Dunkirk and that of Marseilles, the first of which enjoys absolute freedom, and the other is restrained in the exercise of that freedom only with regard to tobacco, which is there subjected to a duty. The Americans may from this moment send their vessels to those four ports, where they will not meet with any kind of difficulty. You may, if necessary, explain what is meant by _free ports_, agreeably to the signification thereof given by M. de Vergennes, in his letter of the 29th of June last.[17] The Americans will find, above all at Dunkirk, all the facilities they can desire for the sale of their leaf tobacco, their rice, their timber, and other merchandise, as well as for the purchase of what they want; such as linens, woollens, brandy, &c. It is proposed to establish stores and magazines there, which shall be well supplied, on terms very advantageous for their commerce. I have given orders to the Farmers-General to treat in preference, and at a reasonable price, for the purchase of the tobaccoes of North America. And, moreover, the United States will be as much favored in France, in matters of commerce, as any other nation. The complaints, which they may make to you, or which Dr Franklin and the other American Ministers, whom I should be very glad to see, may transmit to me on their behalf, shall be examined with great attention; and government will not suffer them to experience any kind of vexations. Every possible precaution will also be taken to prevent the sending out bad merchandise, which if it has hitherto taken place, can only be attributed to the avarice of some merchants of the lowest order. I am going immediately to examine what relates to the customs and duties, which hurt commerce. This is an important subject, and requires great attention. In fine, Sir, you may rely, that I shall be always disposed, as well as the Marshal de Castries, and the Count de Vergennes, to receive and listen with attention to the demands and further representations, which you shall think proper to make in favor of the commerce of America. I have the honor to be, &c. DE CALONNE. _P. S._ The ports of Bayonne and L'Orient will be made similar to that of Dunkirk with regard to entire freedom. FOOTNOTES: [17] See above, p. 170. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Annapolis, January 29th, 1784. Sir,