Henry Wyld to Benjamin Franklin, January 2, 1782

Late from near Manchester now in Paris January 2nd. 1782

Most Excellent Sir

The Inditer hereof, void of Formalities in which he confesseth himself no Adept; with the greatest veneration for your Character, and the highest Esteem for that Government which you represent, being deputed to communicate to your Excellency, the resolves of a few persons who are Manufacturors, in the most lucrative Manufactures of Europe, and which they desire to Transplant, into the United States of America; and being equally Jealous of both the two great Belegerent Powers, with the greatest humility desires your Excellency to grant him a speedy and confidential Audience, and is with the greatest respect your Excellencies most humble servt.

Henry Wyld