Publication InformationFlorence June 15 66

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Dear Powers

I have drawn the attention of the State Dept to the objectionable character of our tariff discrimination on objects of art, but it would not be quite the thing for me to enter into a correspondence with members of Congress on the subject. Letters from you or any other well-known artists, would be heeded, and I think you will do well to write to members of Congress or other influential persons known to you, and also to memorialise the government on the subject. I much doubt whether the Italian parliament will meddle with it this session, and if I am right in this, it should be considered by those most in interest how far it is expedient for to wake a sleeping lion.

You can easily ascertain through Valerio or others whether any thing is really brewing, and act accordingly

I have no doubt a treaty will be concluded on principles of strict reciprocity in time for our Senate to act on it next session, & if this is done, then all the efforts of the artists & their friends will be required to bring down the duty to a fair rate. I do not believe that works of art will be admitted free at present. Of course this question interests the Americans at Rome as well as at Florence, & it seems to me that there ought to be some agreement between them as to what would be an admissible arrangement, before much is done to stir up feeling in relation to it.

We go to Monsummano today. Mrs M. joins me in kind regards to you all

Yours trulyG. P. Marsh

H Powers Esq.