• No.88
p. 103-105
St. Petersbourg, November 4-15 1774
Earl of Suffolk

My Lord
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It is now supposed here, that the Porte will open the Navigation of the Black Sea: Your Lordship will therefore, I dare say, of opinion that it is become an object worth our attention to be before hand with the French, in any propositions to this court towards a commercial establishment in those parts. They will very probably be glad of such opening for drawing nearer to this court and even without any prospect of commercial advantages, sacrificing something to friendly appearances. I do not indeed find from all the lights I have hitherto been able to get on this head, that the establishing an English Factory from hence would be feasible; the danger and difficulty of such an undertaking, considering the barbarous neighbourhood of those coasts would be great and the profit not considerable enough for any number as a factory. But perhaps the grant of particular indulgences and exclusive privileges from this court (if they could be obtained) would induce some private adventurers of our nation to settle there. Whether the Turkey Company might not take advantage of it towards re-establishing their decaying commerce, I humbly submit to Your Lordship as a mere Idea, my knowledge of their trade, and of the local circumstances of the Placesin Question being too limited to permit me to form any judgment upon it.
….

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