Since Bonaparte's accession to the government of France, the Dutch have been less harassed than formerly with contributions and exactions. A loan was indeed attempted to be negociated at Amsterdam in favour of France, but without the success that was expected. It did not entirely fail, but only an inconsiderable sum was subscribed. The last requisition made to the Dutch was for a quantity of cheese and butter, for the use of the French fleet at Toulon; and five large swift-sailing cutters, laden with these commodities, for the above-mentioned destination, sailed from the Maese on the day that we entered that river. Other vessels of a similar construction, and with the same cargoes, had put to sea a few days before.
The amount of the contributions, under various forms, levied by the French on the Dutch, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain. A merchant of the greatest respectability, whose accuracy and information I have every reason to confide in, conversing
