f peace between the
nations of Europe, I can be acquainted with the time of every vessel's
sailing, either from England or Portugal, and by despatching little
vessels armed from hence, and to appearance property of the citizens
of the United States of America, to seize them while unsuspicious on
this coast, and to stand directly for America with them, great
reprisals may be made; and persons of the first property have already
solicited me on the occasion. Indeed they have such an opinion of my
power, that they have offered to engage in such an adventure, if I
would authorise them with my name; but this might as yet be rather
dangerous; it is certainly however a very practicable and safe plan to
arm a ship here, as if for the coast of Africa or the West Indies,
wait until some ship of value is sailing from England or Portugal,
slip out at once and carry them on to America. When arrived the armed
vessel increases your navy, and the prize supplies the country.

It is of importance, as I have mentioned in my former letters, to have
some one deputed and empowered to treat with the king of Prussia. I am
acquainted with his agent here, and have already through him received
some queries and proposals respecting American commerce, to which I am
preparing a reply. I have also an acquaintance with the Agent of the
Grand Duke of Tuscany, who proposes fixing a commerce between the
United States and Leghorn, but has not as yet given me his particular
thoughts. France and Spain are naturally our allies; the Italian
states want our flour and some other articles; Prussia, ever pursuing
her own interests, needs but be informed of some facts relative to
America's increasing commerce, to favor us; Holland will pursue its
system now fixed, of never quarrelling with any one on any occasion
whatever. In this view is seen at once the power we ought to apply to,
and gain a good acquaintance with. Let me again urge you on the
subject of tobacco. Receive also from me another hint. It is this; if
you would apportion a certain tract of the Western Lands, to be
divided at the close of this war among the officers and soldiers
serving in it, and make a generous allotment, it would I think have a
good effect in America, as the poorest soldiers would then be fighting
literally for a freehold; and in Europe it would operate beyond any
pecuniary offers. I have no time to enlarge on the thought, but may
take it up hereafter; if I do not, if is an obvious o