You will receive by a Dutch courier addressed to Messrs. Berkenrode and Brantsen a packet in your pouch and that of Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson. It contains the king’s observations on the counterproject of the 403 treaty of commerce,1 which was sent to me by you in November of last year. Please accept that in my role as your former colleague, always grateful for the friendship you showed me during your stay at The Hague, I take the liberty of speaking to you quite frankly. The observations on Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 12 of the counterproject are viewed at Berlin as too essential to dispense with the proposed changes and additions. I will not even conceal, sir, that judging from my instructions, the successful conclusion of the treaty will depend on them, according to all appearances. The later remarks will contribute only to making some articles clearer and more precise. Please be so kind, sir, as to envision all this not as a ministerial declaration but simply as a token of my trust and the desire that motivates me to ensure the success of our common labors and to remove all that could give rise to substantial obstacles, so that I might hope to surmount them. A response on your part would give me great pleasure. Please be assured of the most distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant