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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
British court delivers memorial to French Foreign Minister Count de Vergennes warning against French vessels supplying excess goods to English colonies in America, threatening seizure; copy distributed to French traders in Paris to prevent illicit trade amid American disobedience.
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"Our Deputy of Trade at Paris has just sent us the copy of a memorial which the Court of England has caused to be delivered to Count de Vergennes, that orders may be given to all owners of vessels and French privateers trading to America not to approach the English colonies; as the ships of war stationed in those seas will receive orders, if they meet with them, to inspect them, and if they find more merchandise and manufactures than are for the consumption of the colony to which they are bound, they will be seized, and the profit given to the vessel that takes them; that the great quantity which has already been exported to the colonies has encouraged the Americans to persist in their disobedience, from the hopes of being always supplied in this manner; that his Britannick Majesty does not suppose the French Minister would countenance this illicit trade, which proceeds only from the peculations of the merchants who seize all opportunities of gain; and that those who shall continue this traffic may take notice, that they have been informed of his Britannick Majesty's intentions, who only requires an observance of the treaties, and would not send any orders before he had acquainted his most Christian Majesty, that he might signify that for all offences of this kind the loss will fall solely upon those who engage in them, without becoming a national concern, or disturb the union and concord which subsists between these two powers. This copy has been distributed upon 'Change to all owners of vessels and privateers, that they might not pretend ignorance, it being confirmed by his most Christian Majesty."
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Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Paris
Event Date
Nov. 16
Key Persons
Outcome
french vessels and privateers warned not to approach english colonies with excess merchandise; such ships to be inspected and seized if found in violation, with profits to captors; copy distributed to traders to ensure awareness and prevent illicit trade claims.
Event Details
Deputy of Trade at Paris sends copy of English memorial to Count de Vergennes, ordering French vessel owners and privateers trading to America to avoid English colonies; British warships will inspect and seize ships carrying more goods than for local consumption, attributing American persistence to prior supplies; Britain denies French ministerial support for illicit trade by greedy merchants, insists on treaty observance, notifies French king that violations are individual risks without national repercussions.