From ———
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society
<Würzburg, January 3, 1778, in French: I am desolated that
the plan I proposed to you cannot be carried out. None of
those concerned in it bears you ill will, because on similar
occasions you may well have been let down; but I want to
prove my good intentions. Next spring or thereabouts I am
going to America at my own expense, with my wife, my only
son, and a brave officer as hostages to my good faith. Congress
will find use, I am convinced, for my military experience.
What should I take, and whom should I approach with my
plan? To recoup my expenses if I fail, I shall have with me six
or eight thousand florins’ worth of goods; what kinds are most
in demand, and how could I dispose of them? Would you give
me the addresses of some Americans who would put me on
the right path?
A friend who is determined to go with me, and settle in
America, has a nest egg of ten to fifteen thousand florins, and
would like to have the following questions answered: (1)Is
Boston or North or South Carolina the best place to set himself
up in business? (2)Should he go into agriculture or commerce
or both? (3)Is land free, and if not what is the price per
acre? (4)What would be the likely percentage of profit in selling
European merchandise in the three places mentioned? (5)Is
there a market for good strong wine, Rhenish or Franconian,
and how much does a bottle of Burgundy command? (6)Would
a Dutch or French ship be safer? (7)Is it expensive to build a
house? (8)What is the cost of a field slave? (9)Is trade in European
goods better carried on through mercantile contacts in
France or Holland, or by buying from incoming ships, and
what is the difference between the two methods? Please add
any other information needed by a man taking such an important
step.
I shall probably go from here to Holland to Nantes, and
there embark. I will let you know of my arrival, so that you
can tell me [remainder missing.]>
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