While the advantages of an increase of revenue to the crown, a diminution of impost on the people, and a payment in merchandise instead of money, are conjectured as likely to result to France from a suppression of the monopoly on tobacco, we have also reason to hope some advantages on our part; and this hope alone could justify my entering into the present details.  I do not expect this advantage will be by an augmentation of price.  The other markets of Europe have too much influence on this article, to admit any sensible augmentation of price to take place.  But the advantage I principally expect, is an increase of consumption.  This will give us a vent for so much more, and, of consequence, find employment for so many more cultivators of the earth:  and in whatever proportion it increases this production for us, in the same proportion will it procure additional vent for the merchandise of France, and employment for the hands which produce it.  I expect too, that by bringing our merchants here, they would procure a number of commodities in exchange, better in kind, and cheaper in price.  It is with sincerity I add, that warm feelings are indulged in my breast by the further hope, that it would bind the two nations still closer in friendship, by binding them in interest.  In truth, no two countries are better calculated for the exchanges of commerce.  France wants rice, tobacco, potash, furs, and ship timber.  We want wines, brandies, oils, and manufactures.  There is an affection, too, between the two people, which disposes them to favor one another.  They do not come together, then, to make the exchange in their own ports, it shows there is some substantial obstruction in the way.  We have had the benefit of too many proofs of his Majesty’s friendly disposition towards the United States, and know too well his affectionate care of his own subjects, to doubt his willingness to remove these obstructions, if they can be unequivocally pointed out.  It is for his wisdom to decide, whether the monopoly, which is the subject of this letter, be deservedly classed with the principal of these.  It is a great comfort to me too, that in presenting this to the mind of his Majesty, your Excellency will correct my ideas where an insufficient knowledge of facts may have led me into error; and that while the interests of the King and of his people are the first object of your attention, an additional one will be presented by those dispositions towards us, which have heretofore so often befriended our nation.

I avail myself of this occasion to repeat the assurance of that high respect and esteem, with which I have the honor to be

your Excellency’s most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XCIII.—­TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES, August 17, 1785

TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.

Sir,

Paris, August 17, 1785.