missing. They have probably come through merchant vessels and merchants,
who will let them lie on their counters two or three months before they
will forward them. I wrote you on the 8th and 12th instant, by a private
hand, on particular subjects. I am not certain whether this will be in
time to go by the same conveyance. In yours of December the 23rd, you
suppose we receive regularly the journals of the National Assembly from
your secretary at Paris, but we have never received any thing from him.
Nothing has been addressed to him, his name being unknown to us.

It gives great satisfaction, that the _Arrêt du Conseil_ of December,
1787, stands a chance of being saved. It is in truth the sheet-anchor
of our connection with France, which will be much loosened when that
is lost. This _Arrêt_ saved, a free importation of salted meats into
France, and of provisions of all kinds into her colonies, will bind our
interests to that country more than to all the world besides. It has
been proposed in Congress to pass a navigation act, which will deeply
strike at that of Great Britain. I send you a copy of it. It is probable
the same proposition will be made at the next Congress, as a first step,
and for one more extensive at a later period. It is thought the first
will be carried: the latter will be more doubtful. Would it not be worth
while to have the bill now enclosed, translated, printed, and circulated
among the members of the National Assembly? If you think so, have
it done at the public expense, with any little comment you may think
necessary, concealing the quarter from whence it is distributed; or take
any other method you think better, to see whether that Assembly will
not pass a similar act. I shall send copies of it to Mr. Carmichael, at
Madrid, and to Colonel Humphreys, appointed resident at Lisbon, with
a desire for them to suggest similar acts there. The measure is just,
perfectly innocent as to all other nations, and will effectually defeat
the navigation act of Great Britain, and reduce her power on the ocean