Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815 to Earl of Stanhope
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04661.02 Author/Creator: Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815 Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter Date: 1798/04/10 Pagination: 26 p. : Height: 25.3 cm, Width: 19.8 cm Order a Copy
Explains to Stanhope the various reasons that his canal system will be so profitable. Argues that it will speed transportation and increase commerce. Says that it will earn an extra 84 million sterling per year for France if they replace their roads with his canals and that the country will need only to tax shipping to make money. Also argues for the freedom of trade, claiming that if each country produces only what it does best this will force them all to trade freely and fairly and even bring an end to all wars. He closes by saying "superior riches is only to be found in home improvement and the free exchange of produce," his canal system being a perfect example of the former.
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