• No.72
p. 50-52
St. Petersbourg, September 12/23 1774
Earl of Suffolk

My Lord
….
Mr. Durand has insinuated to the Russian Minister, how gladly his court would cooperate with them in opening any new branch of trade to the Black Sea, and contribute every thing in its power to the facilitating it, throwing out distant hints of his desire to negotiate a treaty of commerce with Russia. The answer made to this was a civil but vague one. I endeavoured to sound M. Panin in our discourse what the views and designs of this court might be with regard to this new channel for the exportation of the products of this country; but by what I could perceive, it is scarcely yet become a subject of deliberation: they propose waiting for the arrival of Prince Reppin at the Porte before any plan for it is taken into consideration; he is to be instructed to endeavour to obtain all the information he can there, and in other parts of the Levant upon this subject. The court of France will, I doubt not, be very alert upon this occasion, and if, possible, lead this court into some commercial engagement.
….

I have the honour to be with great respect
My Lord….
Gunning