154 TRAVELS THROUGH 

 are circumftances of confequence, yet do 

 they not more than make amends for the 

 lofles which they have fuftained in their ex-? 

 ports to the Levant and the Baltic. / 



COMMERCE. 



IMMEDIATELY upon the conclufion 

 of the peace, France faw abundance of 

 publications upon the liberty of commerce, 

 In corn, which had gradually fuch an 

 effect, that the Miniftry were fuppofed to be 

 convinced, and allowed a free commerce of 

 corn, by edict in 1764. But I had, from 

 other hands, an anecdote, which (hews 

 what fmall matters influence the greateft 

 sffairs. This edict was fuppofed to be gained 

 by means of the conviction which fo many 

 publications had brought upon the Mini- 

 iter: nothing, however, was farther from 

 the truth; he was, throughout the whole 

 affair, entirely contrary in his opinion. 

 But the miflrefs, who was then in oppofi- 

 tion to him, being informed of the whole 

 matter, in mere pleafantry faid, that France 

 fhould have a free commerce of corn. Thefe 



Words 



