Letter
Benjamin Franklin to Cristoforo Vincenzo Spinola, September 13, 1784
Benjamin Franklin informs Cristoforo Vincenzo Spinola that before Genoa appoints a consul in Boston, a formal treaty of amity and commerce must be negotiated to define the consul's powers and privileges. Franklin, along with Adams and Jefferson, expresses readiness to begin such negotiations on behalf of the United States. He emphasizes the importance of this treaty for facilitating free trade between the two nations.