Previous to Col: Lenox’s coming into ⟨o⟩ffice I had, from time to time, disbursed money for American Seamen ⟨in⟩ cases which the consular Act passed 14th. April 1792 does not warrant, ⟨a⟩nd for which I never have received payment. Seeing the power you are [. . .] with by the Act of 18th. April 1798 I pray you will avail me of that ⟨by⟩ directing the Agent who May succeed Col: Lenox, or the Minister, to ⟨m⟩ake me payment of it, or of such part thereof as shall appear reasonable. The whole Amount is £101. 2. 5 of which £36. 10. 9 has been expend⟨ed⟩ in burying poor Seamen £12. 17. 3 1/2 in cloaths for shipwrecked or ⟨de⟩stitute, the principal part of the remainder for board and allowances ⟨bey⟩ond what is prescribed by law.

The definitive Treaty does not seem to have produced any material change in these Markets for Imports from the U.S.A. Wheat previous ⟨to⟩ that had been falling in price and now is about 10/⅌ 70 lb with the prospect of its continuing to lower: Flour 38/ or 39/ ⅌ Barrel.

The King was vested by parliament on the 24th. past with th⟨e⟩ power of suspending or ceasing the countervailing duties on our Ships and the goods Imported in them for twelve months; but as that power has not yet been used, I cannot at present say how it is likely to Affect our Shipping; as things now are, the countervailing duty on Tobacco in particular, will in a great measure deprive us of the Freig⟨ht⟩ of that article for this country. I have the honor to be with perfect Est⟨eem⟩ Sir Your most Obedient Servant