Today, sir, I fulfill the request that you made me a little while ago concerning the likelihood of consumption in the king’s realms of Virginia tobacco, indigo, and spermaceti oil.1 Here is what I was told. As for the first article, that is to say Virginia tobacco, it is certain that this object merits particular attention, and that the United States of America may expect very considerable export to the dominion of His Prussian Majesty. The export of your tobacco to our factories can reach an annual rate of one and a half million pounds, but it is imperative to this end that the combination be well composed and proportioned according to the needs of our country. Thick and dry is preferred, brown and yellow tobacco leaves from Maryland, as well as a certain quantity of leaves from New York. A precaution we urge above all is that the selected tobacco leaves not be freshly harvested, as they are prone to warming in transit and consequently to deterioration.

The article of indigo would perhaps not encounter as steady an export to the king’s realms, at least not right away. Our manufacturers and dyers, accustomed to the indigo of St. Domingo and well acquainted with its properties, will not be easily persuaded to replace it with indigo from Carolina; yet if the high quality of the latter were eventually recognized, and if a significant difference in price were to be noted, it is possible that sooner or later this object would become a new branch of commerce.

Finally, in regards to spermaceti, it is not obvious that any degree of usage may be introduced into my country. This substance would be too expensive to be used in public lanterns, all the more so as oils that are natural products of several of our provinces may supply them, and whale oil is only partly used. Spermaceti candles would also make limited gains, since one may find wax candles produced here, products of our own cultures, at a much lower price.

Such, sir, are the clarifications I was able to gather for you, which you will surely utilize in the way which seems most suitable to you. You will always find me amenable to collaborate with you in continually extending and favoring the commercial ties which ought to be established between 422your nation and mine, and I shall work unceasingly in assisting, as much as is within my power, that enlightened zeal which drives you for the reciprocal benefit of our royal subjects and the citizens of the United States of America.

With the most distinguished consideration, I have the honor to be, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant