Folios 113-117. Letter dated [March 7-8 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to...

Folios 113-117. Letter dated [March 7-8 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to the King. His baggage having now arrived, Lord Portland had planned to make his entry the day after next, but he has been advised that the King desired the carriage of the Duchess of Verneuil to attend his entry and consequently come in front of his. The same proposal had been made to various ambassadors, none of whom have allowed it, and he was forwarned. Lord Portland indicated that he would not consent, and if it were nevertheless attempted he would seek to prevent it or stop his carriage, not making his entry until he had been able to communicate with the King and receive his orders. He has seen Monsieur de Pomponne and spoken to him about the various points in his instructions, but did not mention commerce or the post as the King ordered him to respond to these points when they introduced them, which they apparently do not intend to do. Lord Portland is unsure whether he is deceived when he is told the general opinion there is that England stands in greater need of trade with France and cannot do without it, and that therefore they contemplate raising the duty on English tin and lead. He has just received a letter (enclosed in copy) removing the obstacles to his entry.