From François Gianolio
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Turin, November 12, 1777, in French: I have long wanted to
establish commercial contact with America, but am unable to
go there; so I am asking your assistance. Congress, I know,
has established agents in Europe for importing American and
exporting European products; and I should like to be added to
this fortunate group. America has plenty to offer northern Italy
in the way of medicinal herbs, furs, minerals, etc., and to receive
in the way of silk cloth, thread, ribbons, etc. Here is the
center of the silk trade, and twenty years in the business,
working on my own or on commission, have equipped me to
be useful in selling what is sent me or in shipping what is
manufactured locally. If Congress is unwilling to engage in
such commerce, I should be grateful to have you put me in
touch with merchants in the United States.>
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