From — Bulet
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<La Charité-sur-Loire, September 14, 1777, in French: Now
that all rejoice over the success of your compatriots, allow an
unknown voice to congratulate you on their defending the
rights of humanity, that often reviled humanity that you honor.
Let me tell you of a plan that you may find useful. America
needs many things from friendly powers; I have some to offer.
My town is in the Nivernais, close to Berry, the hemp and
wool of which are well known. Nivernais iron products, now
that the manufacture has improved, are as good as any in
France—steel, sheet-metal, nails; these I offer you, some or
all. If you accept, please notify your agents in the ports, especially
Nantes; I will deal with you or them. No advance; you
pay on delivery or on agreed terms. I can supply you, faster
and more advantageously than any one else, with the manufactures
of two great provinces. Let me know what you think
of the idea. I am glad I had it, because it has allowed me to
assure you of my respect.>
628478 = 024-534a.html