Philip Mazzei to Benjamin Franklin, May 24, 1781

Florence, May 24th, 1781

Sir,

I understood long time since that Your Excellency had recd. a letter for me from America, 2 & had been so obliging as to tell Mr. Favi at Versailles, 3 that you would take the trouble of sending it to him, in consequence of which he had given you his direction. Having heard nothing more of it as yet, I am apt to think that there must have been some misunderstanding, to clear which I hope you will excuse me for the liberty I take of addressing myself to you, as well as for the trouble I gave you with me preceding from Genoa the 19th. of August last by Mr. Celesia, whom I hope you found to be worth your acquaintance. 4 Mr. Favi, who has succeeded his uncle Abbé Niccoli 5 in the Tuscan Agency, lives a l’hotel de Mirabeau rue de Seine faub. St. Jermain , where I wish you would please to direct your commands for me, The honour of which I would receive with pleasure at any time, & do my best endeavours to execute them to your satisfaction. I would be extremely obliged to your Excellency for the favour of the last accounts of our american affairs, especially in the southern States; & I have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt. & most humble Servant

Philip Mazzei

His Excellency Dr. Ben. Franklin Minister Pleny: &c. at Passy