From Richard Holmes (unpublished)

May it please yre. Excellence

Naples the 18 Ocr. 1783
Sir

The Petition of Richard Holmes a Native of Great Britain, and of Domenick Romero of Italy, humbly Representeth, that having both been sometime employ’d in a Woollen Manufactury, Erected in this City by them, of which they were Directors; being the said Holmes, and Romero perfect Masters of Manufacturing all sorts of Woollen Goods, such as Superfine Cloths, flower’d Dto. and such which are most suitable for Cloathing the Troops, as also of Dying Scarlets, Blue, and all fine, or Inferiour. Colors whatsoever, but the Merchant in whose Employ they were in, having fail’d, thro’ some Misfortunes in Trade, they are left without any Occupation at all; But Considering how Advantageous, and Benificial would their Arts be to the United States of America, where they could wish to Exert them, Wherefore they humbly Implore your Excellence seriously to Consider, what Use their Abilities might prove to the New Empire, as they with the greatest facility flatter themselves, to be able to Carry on that Manufactoring, were they but thought worthy in Your Light, to be with a Passage to Philadelphia provided from hence, in what manner So ever should be most to your pleasure, having no more of family, but themselves; Humbly beseeching your Excellence, they may be favour’d with an Immediate Answer Intirely trusting to Yr. Goodness, hopeing they may meet with what will be Necessary, when the Person here Appointed by your Exe. is fully convinced they are the Men of that Ability which they Pretend. Ut Deus

Please to Direct to Ricd. Holmes Naples
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsr. Franklin. / a / Paris
Endorsed: Holmes 18 Oct. 1783
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