LETTER of the Minister to the Administrators, on the necessity of admitting the nègres brought by Neutrals, and even by Enemy Vessels

You inform me by your letter of 1 December last, no. 55, that a Danish Frigate has arrived at Saint-Domingue, escorting three Vessels of the same Nation loaded with provisions, and that you impressed upon the Officers of this Frigate how advantageous it would be for the Commerce of their Nation to bring nègres into Saint-Domingue. It would indeed be very desirable for neutral Nations to direct their ventures to this branch of Commerce. The interest of the Colony requires that Black people be received, even by enemy Vessels. In this regard, I warn you in advance that passports will be issued to Vessels that will depart from the ports of England. The intention of the King is that in admitting them you provide them the facilities that depend on you, and that you permit them to take cargoes of colonial goods, bound for the ports of France, where they will pay the duties of the Domaine d’Occident, as will be stated in the passports. You will judge that Neutrals deserve an even warmer welcome.