I wasted no time in bringing to the attention of my lord the king the dispositions of the United States of America for the conclusion of a treaty of friendship and commerce, of which you informed me, gentlemen, in the letter with which you honored me dated 9 September last. His Majesty judged it proper to furnish me with the full powers necessary to give the said treaty all the consistency desirable. I am hastening to transmit to you a copy.2 I will always remember with special satisfaction the privilege that was conferred on me of contributing to the formation of the bonds that will subsist in the future between the Prussian nation and the citizens of the United States of America. It appears to me superfluous, gentlemen, to address to you a copy of the treaty of commerce in question, which has been the object of the combined efforts of Mr. Adams and myself, the more as I have no doubt at all that that minister preserved the copy that I saw in his hands.3 I will make it a duty to press the conclusion of this negotiation, and I flatter myself, gentlemen, that you will be willing to communicate to me your ideas on the manner in which you will want to consult with me. The king in addition will learn with pleasure the choice of the United States indicating a preference for one city or another where the exchange of commerce between merchants of the two nations might take place. Stettin or Emden, Prussian ports of trade, as well as several Dutch or French ports could equally serve this end.

I have the honor of being with the deepest consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant