are cordially felt by the President and the great body of our nation.  We wish no occasion to be omitted of impressing the National Assembly with this truth.  We had expected, ere this, that in consequence of the recommendation of their predecessors, some overtures would have been made to us on the subject of a treaty of commerce.  An authentic copy of the recommendation was delivered, but nothing said about carrying it into effect.  Perhaps they expect that we should declare our readiness to meet them on the ground of treaty.  If they do, we have no hesitation to declare it.  In the mean time, if the present communications produce any sensation, perhaps it may furnish a good occasion to endeavor to have matters re-placed in statu quo, by repealing the late innovations as to our ships, tobacco, and whale-oil.  It is right that things should be on their ancient footing, at opening the treaty.  M. Ternant has applied here for four hundred thousand dollars for the succor of the French colonies.  The Secretary of the Treasury has reason to believe, that the late loan at Antwerp has paid up all our arrearages to France, both of principal and interest, and consequently, that there is no part of our debt exigible at this time.  However, the legislature having authorized the President to proceed in borrowing to pay off the residue, provided it can be done to the advantage of the United States, it is thought the law will be satisfied with avoiding loss to the United States.  This has obliged the Secretary of the Treasury to require some conditions, which may remove from us that loss which we encountered, from an unfavorable exchange, to pay what was exigible, and transfer it to France as to payments not exigible.  These shall be fully detailed to you when settled.  In the mean time, the money will be furnished as far as it can be done.  Indeed, our wishes are cordial for the re-establishment of peace and commerce in those colonies, and to give such proofs of our good faith both to them and the mother country, as to suppress all that jealousy which might oppose itself to the free exchange of our mutual productions, so essential to the prosperity of those colonies, and to the preservation of our agricultural interest.  This is our true interest, and our true object, and we have no reason to conceal views so justifiable, though the expression of them may require that the occasions be proper and the terms chosen with delicacy.  The gazettes will inform you of the proceedings of Congress, the laws passed and proposed, and generally speaking, of all public transactions.  You will perceive that the Indian war calls for sensible exertions.  It would have been a trifle had we only avowed enemies to contend with.  The British court have disavowed all aid to the Indians.  Whatever may have been their orders in that direction, the Indians are fully and notoriously supplied by their agents with every thing necessary to carry on the war.  Time will show how all this is to end.  Besides the laws, journals, and newspapers, before mentioned, you will receive herewith the State constitutions, the census, and almanac, and an answer to Lord Sheffield on our commerce.  A cipher is ready for you, but cannot be sent till we can find a trusty passenger going to Paris.