Paris 17 July 1798

Dear friend Hopkins, -

If Wm Lee should be in want of an
additional support to the letter of credit which he had from
me to enable him to pursue the speculation he had in hand
will it not suit you to come into the place of Robert & help
the matter out by means of your powerful friend? - If it
should be in your power to join us you might in my opinion
count upon a pretty sure & great profit. Prices here & in
Rotterdam are very high & rising. Lee will explain the whole
subject.-

It is my clear opinion that this govt does not intend a war
with the U. S. not withstanding all the provokations that
they have from your side, & we have your news to the 6 June.
Will you not send me commissions? if you were to do it, &
they were not Englishmen, all would be well, provided they
come soon.

Adieu. Mrs B. joins in best wishes for you. your friend

M. Sam. M. Hopkins
New York

J. Barlow

Samuel Miles Hopkins (1772-1837), jurist, was born in Salem, Connecticut, and died in Geneva, N. Y. He moved to New York in 1794, and became a successful lawyer, member of Congress, 1813-1815, and received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Yale in 1828. He was the author of "Chancery Records" (1827), and of "Temperance" (1836).