I hasten to forward to you a decree of the Senate of this Republic prohibiting the entry of all goods the produce of England & her Colonies. I hand you also a Copy of a note which I have addressed to this government with some remarks which I have thought necessary on the occasion, to which I have as yet had no answer. I think it of importance to acquaint you with this Circumstance for the information of the Trade of the Un: States. I must however observe that, as this Government has adopted this general measure; probably against his inclination, I am persuaded that if any American Vessel was to arrive here with British East or W. India prod⟨uce⟩ they could be entered & admitted without danger.

I am sorry on the other hand to say that as the contending Powers seem bent on employing every means in their power, however extraordinary, to injure their Enemy’s trade reciprocally, I fear this port may be blockaded by the English in consequence of this measure & of the more aggravating Circumstances of the arrest of the Lieutenant & 2 Seamen from a Ship of War who came in here a few days ago with a flag of Truce to offer the release of some Genoese seamen taken on board of french Vessels—The Ligurian Flag having hitherto passed unmolested by the English.

The only American Vessel that has come to this port during th⟨e⟩ first semestre of the present year is the Brig Favorite Capt. Thos. Ridge of & from Philada. by whom I send the present.

It grieves me to say that several considerable losses sustained in my mercantile concerns in consequence of the late general Peace which have greatly increased by the renewal of Hostilities ha⟨ve⟩ obliged my Partnership in Trade to declare a State of Bankruptcy about two months ago. I hope we shall in a few days make an amicable settlement with our Creditors who are convin⟨ced⟩ of the equity of my Conduct. Interim having ever exerted my utmost endeavors for the promotion of the Trade of the United States & having given Satisfaction I hope as well to the Government as to individuals of the Un: States who have had any concerns with me in the discharge of my office, altho’ I fear this circumstance will be represented to you or to H. E. the President to my disadvantage by malicious invidious people who may be desirous to replace me, I flatter myself that the Executive Power will not remove me from this office without a more sufficient cause of neglect of Duty, or other improper Conduct; I am the more desirous of retaining my Post in my present Circumstances as it being of little or no other emolument, it is, ⟨a⟩ very great mercantile introduction & during the present War, the neutrality of the Un: States would enable me to extend a considerable branch of Trade here from thence, & being well acquainted w⟨ith⟩ this Place & its ressources by 18 years residence, having at the same time gained the good will of the Government & Inhabitants, I deem myself better able to give general Satisfaction than a new comer.

I should also be very desirous to have leave to visit the Un: States to settle some claims & see my friends there for the promotion of trade to this Country; on leaving proper instructions with my Vice Consul & Secretary two very able Men who are fully equal to replace me & for whose Conduct I Should of Course be responsible during my absence.

I shall be very desirous to receive your reply on this head & peculiarly glad in case of the consent of the Hble President to have thereby an opportunity to make your personal acquaintance & make you more particularly acquainted with the local advantages of the Trade of this Port. In hopes of being favored with Your Protection & Countenance I have the honor to subscribe myself with due Respect, Sir your very humble & most obedient Servant