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AN ABSTRACT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EVIDENCE 
 
 LATELY TAKEN IN 
 
 THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, 
 
 AGAINST 
 
 THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL 
 
 ^ BEING 
 
 A SUMMARY OF THE FACTS THERE PROVED, 
 
 RESPECTING 
 
 THE PRESENT STATE OF THE COMMERCE AND 
 MANUFACTURES OF THE COUNTRY. 
 
 4. \l\^] I'l l . IK" ' i_ 
 
 Or 
 
 Hoiition: 
 
 PRINTED BY J. M^CREERY, BLACK.HORSE-COURT, 
 FLEET^TREET. 
 
 1812. 
 
.As 
 
 SPfiECKELS 
 
SPREdKEtS 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 THE following pages contain a plain and faithful, though 
 a very concise abridgment of the important body of Evidence 
 now before the House of Commons, against the Orders in> 
 Council. The original consists of 480 folio pages, and con- 
 tains the examination of 82 Witnesses. A number of ques- 
 tions were unavoidably put to these witnesses, which had no 
 tendency to illustrate the subject, and could, at the best, only 
 lead them into matter of argument or opinion. It is the ob- 
 ject of this abridgment to exhibit the matters of fact detailed 
 in this long and painful inquiry. 
 
 With respect to the arrangement, all the pains have not 
 been taken, which a greater command of time might have 
 afforded the means of bestowing ; and in order to render it 
 complete, much repetition would have been unavoidable, as 
 the various heads of the inquiry were in many particulars 
 necessarily connected together. But a few words may suf- 
 fice to shew the reader the plan here pursued. 
 
 The inquiry commenced with a very extensive proof of 
 the present unexampled distresses in the various manufac- 
 turing districts. The state of the manufactures accordingly 
 forms the first branch of the evidence ; this is detailed in suc- 
 cession, not in the very order in which the witnesses were 
 called, or the different kinds of manufactures were taken, but 
 in a somewhat more convenient form. The manufactures of 
 Birmingham, and the neighbouring districts come first, then 
 those of Sheffield, which completes the evidence relating to 
 
 a2 
 
 
( iv ) 
 
 the great staple of Hardware ; next follow the Potteries of 
 Staffordshire, and then the Woollen and Cotton Trades in 
 Yorkshire and Lancashire, comprehending Leeds, Rawdeu, 
 Wakefield, Halifax, Dewsbury, Saddle worth, Rochdale, 
 Bury, Manchester, Stockport, and Bolton. The Carpet 
 Trade of Kidderminster, the Stocking Trade of Leicester and 
 Hinckley, and the Worsted Trade of Warwick come next, 
 then the Glass Trade, the Salt Trade of Cheshire, the Linen 
 Trade of Scotland, the Cloth Manufacture of the West of j| 
 England, and lastly, the Spital Fields Trade. 
 
 Under each head, the witnesses are arranged in the order 
 of their importance to the proof derived from their depo- 
 sitions; and each statement, given as much as possible in 
 the very words of the witness, is authenticated by a refe- 
 rence to the Minutes printed by the House of Commons. 
 
 The points proved by this branch of the evidence are, 
 chiefly the distressed state of the Manufacturers, both Mas- 
 ters and Workmen ; the connexion of this with the loss of 
 the American Market ; the depression of the Home Market 
 from that circumstance, and the want of other vents to supply 
 these deficiencies. It is also shewn, that whatever the ene- 
 my's measures may have done to cramp our Manufactures, by 
 closing the Continent to them, the Orders in Council have 
 not relieved us, as was predicted and expected ; and that vast 
 orders for goods to America are now in hand, with instruc- 
 tions to execute them as soon as the Orders in Council are 
 removed. These are the points principally intended to be 
 established by the first and chief branch of the evidence. 
 But it necessarily involves also many of the proofs that be- 
 long to the mercantile part of the question, such as the state 
 of American manufactures. 
 * 
 
 The next general head is that of Commerce. In so far 
 
i V ) 
 
 as this is not handled under the first division, it is here de- 
 tailed by evidence of the state of Liverpool and London, and 
 of the Merchants carrying on the American and Continental 
 Trade. The attempts to find substitutes for the American 
 market in South and North America, and elsewhere, are^ 
 fully explained in the first division. 
 
 The evidence touching the American Manufactures, in so 
 far as it does not come under the first head, is reserved for a 
 |b separate division, vvhich closes this abstract. It clearly ap- 
 pears, that those manufactures have been greatly promoted by 
 the interruption of intercourse with this country, and that 
 unless that intercourse be speedily restored, the United States 
 will be able to manufacture for their own consumption. 
 
 There will be an abstract of the evidence on the other side 
 of the question prepared and circulated, if possible. It con- 
 sists almost wholly of opinions and arguments, in many parti- 
 culars not very consistent, given to the Committee by the se- 
 veral witnesses ; apprehensions of bad eflfects from allowing 
 the enemy to export freely his manufactures, and import the 
 raw materials of them ; particularly fears of French and Ger- 
 man wares underselling those of Great Britain, and various 
 other ideas founded chiefly upon a supposition that the Orders 
 in Council do actually blockade the whole Continent, which they 
 in no sense pretend to do — and that British industry, skill, and 
 capital, stand in need of such a blockade and monopoly to re- 
 sist foreign competition. The few facts which this evidence 
 contains, relate to the alleged increase of trade in British Ame- 
 rica, the Mediterranean, and South America, an increase 
 which no one of the witnesses pretended was in any respect 
 equal to the trade of the United States, and which it was also 
 
 % 
 
( vi ) 
 
 admitted; did not compensate for the diminution of die foreign 
 European market. 
 
 An example of this may suffice : all the gentlemen exa- 
 mined in favour of the Orders in Council, rested their chief 
 defence on their preventing France, and the countries subject 
 to her, from either importing cotton, &c. for their manufac- 
 tures, or exporting goods to rival our own. Yet these gentle- 
 men all admitted, when farther pressed in examination, that the 
 Orders in Council do not prohibit either importation or ex- 
 portation through the ports in the North of Europe, and South 
 of Italy ; and that the best vent for most of those articles is 
 through the ports left free by the Orders — such as Altona and 
 the Baltic. They also allowed that France herself imposed a 
 duty of 3s. or 4s. a pound on cotton, instead of appearing to 
 feel the effects of our prohibiting its importation. See evi- 
 dence of Messrs. Finlay, Wilson, Gladstone, and others. 
 
It was intended to have added to this Abstract an Abbreviation 
 of the Evidence given at the Bar of the House of Lords ; but, 
 although repeated appHcations were 4iiade, it was found im- 
 possible to procure the Minutes in time ; this disappointment 
 is much to be regretted, for many additional facts are there 
 stated in proof of the ruinous effects of the Orders in Council. 
 
( vi ) 
 
 admitted, did not compensate for the diminution of tlie foreign 
 European market. 
 
 An example of this may suffice: all the gentlemen exa- 
 mined in favour of the Orders in Council, rested their chief 
 defence on their preventing France, and the countries subject 
 to her, from either importing cotton, &c. for their manufac- 
 tures, or exporting goods to rival our own. Yet these gentle- 
 men all admitted, when farther pressed in examination, that the 
 Orders in Council do not prohibit either importation or ex- 
 
 Tirkri'nti*^" tVirrvunrU *V%a r\r\wira in ihck M^„«l- - -^ "«^ 
 
ERRATUM. 
 
 Mr. Whitehouse's evidence (corrected 125), instead of, 
 wages being reduced from 7^ to 10 per cent, ought to be from 
 15 to 20 per cent. 
 
 OMITTED 
 
 In Mr. Baylei/s Evidence, p. 11. — The demand for Sheffield 
 goods in the home trade has considerably decreased; the falling 
 off in several of the large towns has been one-fourth. (134) 
 
MANUFACTURES. 
 
 K 
 
 (l.j Birmingham and the Neighbourhood, 
 
 Mr. THOMAS ATT WOOD, the High B^iW oi Birmingham, 
 stated the population of Birmingham^ and the neighbouring ma- 
 nufacturing districts to be 400,000 souls, all employed in the Iron 
 trade, in Hardwares, and similar descriptions of manufactures 
 {Com. Evid. p. 1). Every branch of the Iron trade in a deplor- 
 ably state, master manufacturers turning off their workmen ; la- 
 bourers, that 12 months ago could obtain in the Iron works 20s. a 
 week, cannot now obtain more than 10s. or 12s. Manufacturers of 
 iron working without any profit (2). Export trade of Birmingham 
 chiefly confined to the United States of America; the stoppage' 
 of which has reduced the manufacturers to a state of grievous 
 affliction (3). Manufacturers of Birmingham have absorbed the 
 principal part of their capital in stock, and if the trade is not 
 re-opened, will be compelled to discharge probably one-third of 
 their hands, and limit the remainder to one-half or two-thirds 
 work; at present they have not above half employment (5). The 
 value of these manufactures consists almost entirely of labour ; 
 attributes the cessation of intercourse with America principally 
 to the Orders in Council (6). Labouring mechanics of Birming- 
 ham and the neighbourhood, in a state of dreadful distress (15) ; 
 believes the greater part arises from the stoppage of the trade to 
 America (16). The exportation of Birmingham goods to the 
 continent of Europe very small (IS). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM WHITEHOUSE, Nail Ironmonger, of West 
 Bromivich, near Birmingham, never knew the Nail trade in so 
 bad a state. Greatest depression began in August, 1810, and has 
 since been continually increasing. Formerly employed from 
 1,200 to 1,500 persons, men, women, and children ; now em- 
 ploys from 500 to 700 ; began to turn off his hands six months 
 ago (19). If trade continues in its present state, must discharge 
 more hands. In the Nail district, from 25^000 to 30,000 per- 
 
 B 
 
( 2 ) 
 
 sons were employed in the Nail trade ^heh it was in a flourish- 
 ing state. About two- thirds or three -fourths of this number 
 now employed, but at wages reduced about 7^ and 10 per cent. 
 Required to work from five or six in the morning till eleven or 
 twelve at night to earn the average wages of 12s. per week (20). 
 Nails are not an article of export to the continent of Europe. 
 On a restoration of the intercourse with the United States, he 
 would take back the hands which he has discharged, and could 
 keep them in full employ (22). Is sure that if the export trade 
 to America was again opened, the whole of the manufacturers 
 in West Bromwich, in the Nail trade, would find employ- 
 ment (24). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS POTTS, Merchant of Birmingham.-^Vrom 
 20,000 to 25,000 men in Birmingham, who have now only half 
 work (28). General state of the town extremely depressed, and the 
 distress universal. Manufacturers have been keeping their men 
 employed in creating stock, nearly to the extent of their capital, 
 and many of them are in consequence in extreme difficulties. 
 If no favourable change takes place, the manufacturers will be 
 obliged within two months, to dismiss two-thirds of their hands, 
 and some of them the whole. Large quantities of Birming- 
 ham Goods have been lying in Liverpool, waiting for shipment 
 for 12 to 15 months past (29). The American Market, a 
 steady and increasing one, and the payments which have been 
 regularly improving, now very good (30). Since the prohibi- 
 tion in America, goods have been sent to Canada, but they 
 have sold there for less than their cost in the manufacturing 
 towns (31). Has tried the South American Market with very 
 indifferent success, and has concluded never to make another 
 shipment to that country, as he believes those shipments have 
 not yielded 25 per cent (32). Manufactures in America have 
 made an alarming progress within two years, but thinks that if 
 the intercourse was speedily thrown open, they would be effec- 
 tually checked. Would ship his goods to America the moment 
 the Orders in Council were rescinded, having positive and spe- 
 cific instructions from his correspondents to that effect (33). 
 Knows Houses in Birmingham, who have goods ready to ship to 
 
( 3 ) 
 
 America, which cost them «£70,000. ^50,000. c£45,000. i:20,000. 
 and c£35j000. Workmen bave emigrated from Birmingham to 
 Amerioa (34). Has no doubt, that if the American Trade was 
 opened, the distress in Birmingham would instantly cease 
 (36). 
 
 Mr. JOSEPH SHORE, Merchsint o^ Birminghcwi, and Exporter 
 of Hardwares to the Continent of Europe, and formerly shipped 
 to the amount of o£'50,0CK). to <£80,000. per annum. This trade 
 has decreased very materially ; it has diminished within the last 
 three or four years, and especially during the last year (36). 
 Has shipped to South America, but will never export any more 
 to that part of the world. Some of his neighbours, in addition 
 to the total loss of their goods, have had charges to pay upon 
 them. Workmen of Birmingham, and the neighbourhood, in 
 a state of great distress although the manufacturers have till now 
 given them partial employment, in the hope that the American 
 Trade would be opened (37). In 1808, took an estimate, in 
 conjunction with other gentlemen, of the number of workmen 
 employed in Birmingham and the neighbourhood, for the 
 American Trade. Found the number to be 50,009, exclusive of 
 those employed in the Nail Trade, which were about 30,000, 
 and two-thirds of these being employed for America, made the 
 total number about Seventy Thousand (38). Goods similar to 
 some made at Birmingham, are manufactured on the Continent, 
 cheaper than ours, but much worse in quality (39). Thinks 
 the manufacturers of Birmingham would not fear the competi- 
 tion in any Foreign Market (40). 
 
 Mr. JAMES RYLAND of Birmingham, Manufacturer of plated 
 coach harness and saddle furniture. — Principal part of his manu- 
 facture exported to the United States. Previous to 1808 the 
 export was very considerable and increasing, the returns prompt, 
 and payment sure. Workmen who formerly earned 30 to 40s. 
 per week, now get about 20s. ; and those who used to get 20s. 
 now earn about 11 or 12s. Shelves loaded with stock, and the 
 greater part of his capital absorbed in it (48). Two-thirds of 
 the workmen employed in this business must be discharged if no 
 
(4 ) 
 
 favorable change takes place. Since the falling off of the Ame- 
 rican market has opened a house in London, but has found so 
 many persons flocking to the same market that he has been able 
 to carry it on with very little success. Previous to the Orders in 
 Council, the trade was in a very flourishing state : they were 
 full of orders, and their men full of work (49). Has received no 
 relief from the South American market ; and knows no market 
 equal to that of the United States, for the sale of this manufac- 
 ture (51). 
 
 Mr. RICHAKD SPOONER, Banker of Birmingham, and con- 
 nected with the nail trade. — The trade of Birmingham in a most 
 deplorable state ; and never recollects a period of similar distress 
 (52). Merchants and manufacturers have accumulated great 
 stocks of goods, and many of the manufacturers reduced to great 
 difficulties. Knows it to be their intention to discharge their 
 workmen in the event of things not taking a favorable turn (53). 
 Emigration of workmen from Birmingham to America increased 
 very rapidly of late (54). Loss of foreiga trade has created a 
 competition which has destroyed the profit of the home trade 
 (55). Manufactures of Birmingham sent to America, were 
 chiefly for the consumption of that country, and not for re- 
 exportation (59). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM BLAKEWAY, Lamp Manufacturer of £?m- 
 ingham. — Goods principally sent to America. — Trade so much di- 
 minished that he would have stopped his trade altogether, had it 
 not been for regard for his workmen, by whom he has been 
 gaining money for twenty years. Stock so much accumulated 
 that nearly the whole of his capital is absorbed by it (59). Unless 
 the American market is opened cannot keep on his hands at all* 
 Has hitherto borne the sufferings of his workmen himself, but 
 will be compelled to discharge them, however reluctant to do so. 
 Has sought but not found relief in any other market. Recollects 
 the scarcity in 1800 and 1801, but the distress was not at all 
 equal to the present, because there was plenty of work (60) . 
 
 Mr. THOS. MESSENGER, Brass Founder, of Birmingham,-^ 
 
{ 5 ) 
 
 About half of his manufacture for the American market (63). 
 Has considerably reduced the number of his hands. Workmen 
 require considerable time to learn this business; masters will not 
 take apprentices under the present state of things ; so that if the 
 trade revived he is convinced orders could not be executed for 
 want of workmen. Trade to America in this line a very increas- 
 ing one (64). In good times 4,000 to 5,000 persons engaged in 
 the Brass Foundry trade. Other manufacturers suffering full 
 as much as himself. Home market is unimportant among the 
 numbers which contend for it, and will not defray the expences 
 of the trade : it was much greater before the American trade was 
 lost (65). 
 
 Mr. JEREMIAH RIDOUT, Merchant of Birmingham. Has 
 goods to the value of 20,0001. prepared for the American market, 
 which he would instantly ship if the Orders in Council were 
 removed, being so advised by his partner in America (67). 
 The workmen very much distressed ; '' I have seen people shed 
 *' tears; I have confined myself behind the door for fear of 
 " seeing those people, lest they should importune me to give 
 " them orders ; they have told me they did not know what to 
 *' do. One man said, what can I do; if I go to the magistrate 
 " he will tell me to go for a soldier ; I am a married man, and 
 <' God knows what I must do unless I steal, and then I shall go 
 " to Botany Bay. — I do not like to hear such words, I cannot 
 " bear it (68)." 
 
 Mr. GEORGE ROOM, Japanner o? Birmingham, has manufac- 
 tured principally for America, which is the best market he ever 
 knew after trying every one (72). Workmen in general have 
 not more than half work. Has tried the home trade, but the 
 competition is so great, and the prices so much reduced that it 
 is not worth going after (73). Has found very little relief from 
 the trade to Sicily and Portugal, which is the only foreign Eu- 
 ropean trade they have had, and which does not bear any thing 
 like a comparison to the American trade (74). From 600 to 
 1,000 hands employed in this business in Birmingham alone, 
 
C 6 ) 
 
 And there are great manufactories in Bilston and Wolver- 
 hampton (75). 
 
 Mr. ROBERT FIDDIAN, Manufacturer of Brass Candlesticks, 
 &c. at Birmingham, chiefly for home consumption. Trade much 
 diminished within the last 12 months, and earning-s of work- 
 men reduced one-fourth. Had a conversation with some of his 
 men on the subject of dismission : they intreated him not to 
 dismiss them, saying, " you know we cannot get employment 
 *' elsewhere,'' and begged that I would apportion the work 
 among them, and let each bear a share of the burden. 
 Stock very much increasing, and will be obhged to dismiss a 
 number of his men, unless an alteration takes place speedily 
 {77). Has no doubt that his trade would be put into its former 
 profitable situation, if the American trade was stgain open- 
 ed (79). 
 
 Mr. JOSEPH WEBSTER, Wire Manufacturer of Birmingham, 
 Half his manufacture for the American market, and half for the 
 home trade. The demand very much diminished, so that although 
 his manufacture is reduced, his stock is much increased. Has 
 orders from America which would exhaust all his great stock on 
 hand, if the Orders in Council were repealed. If no favourable 
 change takes place, he shjlU feel himself compelled to discharge 
 a great number of his men (80). 
 
 Mr. BENJAMIN COOK, Jeweller and Gilt Toy Maker, Birming- 
 ham. The greatest part of the goods he has manufactured since the 
 fall of ISIO, has been for stock: used to employ between 40 and 
 50 hands before the stoppage of the American trade : has now 
 only two apprentices, and one woman and a man occasionally. 
 Supposes more than 7,000 hands used to be employed in these 
 branches of business (87). Other masters in the trade, generally 
 speaking, in the same state as himself. The Gilt Toy trade the 
 worst of all to lay by a stock in ; the change of fashion such, that 
 if goods are kept a year or two, some of the articles, which were 
 tvorth 20s. would not be worth 20d. Americans have been 
 forced to begin manufacturing these articles for themselves (88). 
 
( 7 ) 
 
 Near 17,000 houses in Birmingham, 11,000 of which do not pay 
 poor rates or taxes. The raw materials form a very small propor- 
 lion of the value of Gilt Toy goods (89). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS ILLIDGE, Japanner, Wolverhampton — Manu- 
 factures partly for the American and partly for the country trade. 
 Trade fallen ofFconsiderably since 1810. Has been working the last 
 six months principally for stock. In one branch of the business, 
 has since Christmas restricted the work given to his men about 
 two-thirds. Believes the other masters in the same trade at Wol- 
 verhampton, are working for stock : the state of trade very bad. 
 Has tried the market of Canada, but lost considerably (92). 
 Made a shipment to South America ; the goods and expenses 
 about 2501. ; returns made in cotton, which only produced 281. 
 The goods were selected by a Portuguese, as suitable to the mar- 
 ket, and sent through the medium of a very respectable house in 
 Bristol. Country trade never in so bad a state with the witness. 
 (93). A greater number of manufacturers in the Japanned line 
 at Bilston, about 3 miles from Wolverhampton, who are in a still 
 more distressed state. If there be not an alteration in the state 
 of the trade, must dismiss a great part of his hands (94). 
 
 Mr. JOSHUA SCHOLFIELD, American Merchant, Birming- 
 /<«»!.—- Trade first began to fall off in 1808. In 1809, rather better 
 but still very limited. In 1810, very large shipments for one 
 season (98). The goods for 1811 now lying in Liverpool. Has 
 orders from America to ship as soon as the Orders in Council 
 are removed, as soon as the Trade is opened. Has had frequent 
 advices from their agent resident in America, that manufac- 
 tures are very fast increasing there, and has reason to know it 
 from particular circumstances. One particular article now in 
 great demand is Card Wire, for the manufacture of Cotton and 
 Wool Cards, which is wanted for their machinery. Has had 
 the article of Nails countermanded on the ground that they can 
 be manufactured cheaper in America than they can be import- 
 ed (99). Has had many painful opportunities of witnessing the 
 distress which prevails among the lower orders of the people in 
 Birmingham, believes it to be extreme. Has a Warehouse in 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 Wolverhampton, the lower orders in quite as great distress there;, 
 their goods may be bought at any price ; there are many small 
 manufacturers there, who are selling some of their stock at, he 
 believes, a lower rate than it cost them (100). Attributes the 
 distresses of the Trade and Manufactures principally to the 
 Orders in Council, believing them to be the cause of the Non- 
 intercourse with America (102). Has the most painful forebod- 
 ings that the continuance of the restrictions upon the American 
 Trade will give great ericouragement to the increase of manu- 
 factures in America (104). 
 
 . Mr. HENRY DUNBAR, Button Maker, BzVmm^^am.— Manu- 
 factures chiefly for the American market. Trade first began to fall 
 off in 1808. Used to employ about 70 hands : has discharged some, 
 and others have left him. Allows only from three to four days' 
 work a week to those he now has : they used to work six days a 
 week, sometimes fourteen hours a day: they now work only 
 about eight. Those hands who used to get from 40s. to 50s. per 
 week, now earn only from 10s. to 15s. The goods he has been 
 making are now in his warehouse. If things should not take a 
 favourable turn, must discharge his workmen, and sell his goods 
 by auction. Has not capital to go on any further. Has kept on 
 so many of his hands partly out of charity, and partly because 
 he expected the trade would get better. Has been obliged to 
 keep some valuable hands at a great expense, because of the dif- 
 ficulty of getting such hands if the trade opened again. A great 
 number of hands employed in this trade in Birmingham (105). 
 Has attempted to get relief from the home market ; but there 
 are so many competitors in it, that it is very bad. The distresses 
 of his workmen are now very great indeed. On a Saturday 
 night he is obliged to get his foreman to pay ; it is so hurtful to 
 his feelings to see people with such calamitous stories. Believes 
 all the other houses in the same line of business, connected with 
 the American trade, are much in the same situation as himself, 
 and conceives that most of them are more or less so connected. 
 Supposes more than half of the whole trade is for the American 
 market. If the trade to America were opened, could dispose of 
 all the stock he has laid up since Feb. 1811 (106). 
 
' ( 9 ) 
 
 WM. BANNISTER, Plater, B/mm^/mm.— Seven-eighths of 
 his manufacture for the American market. Has been in that 
 line of business 34 years ; used to employ 120 hands. Trade 
 fell ofFin 1808. Has had nothing to do for America since Fe- 
 bruary and March 1811 (106). Has discharged one-third of 
 his hands, and does not give those who remain more than one- 
 half work. Those who used to earn 45s. per week, do not now 
 get above 20s. or 21s., which is very low wages indeed for that 
 kind of work, which requires very much practice and learning. 
 By keeping on his hands, has accumulated stock to the amount 
 of 5,0001. When trade is open, has no stock at all. Knows a 
 great many others in the same trade who are similarly circum* 
 stanced : does not know one that is full of work. Not a con- 
 sumption in the country trade. Supposes near 2,000 hands are 
 employed in Birmingham in this line. If things do not take a. 
 favourable turn, intends to discharge all his hands excepting the 
 apprentices: cannot employ them for want of capital. Has 
 orders now in the warehouse which, if the American trade was 
 opened, would take off almost all his stock (107). 
 
 JOSEPH STANLEY, Screw Maker, Wolverhampton. Half of 
 his manufacture for the American market. The country trade 
 fallen ofF. A great number of workmen in this branch of busi- 
 ness dismissed (95). Since February 1811, has not had three 
 months employ for the generality of his hands, although he has 
 reduced their work about one-fifth. Has done every thing he 
 could to support some servants he has had for twenty years, 
 who knew not where to get employment elsewhere ; for this 
 purpose has risked every penny he is worth, notwithstanding he 
 has a family (96). 
 
 THOMAS OSLER, Glass Toy and Button Maker, Birmingham, 
 Trade began to fall off in the beginning of 1808. Manufactured 
 chiefly for the American market. Previous to that time the 
 goods were sent in a finished state to America. Since 1808 he 
 had orders to a considerable amount for articles in an unfinished 
 state. Throughout 1808 and the greatest part of 1809 there 
 was such a defalcation in the whole trade as induced him to 
 
 C 
 
f 10 ) 
 
 turn his hands into another line of business. Went into the 
 Chandeher Furniture line for the home trade. Found relief in 
 that business at first, but it has since fallen off very greatly. 
 Has not had any orders for the American market since 1810. 
 Has continued to employ his hands, from 80 to 100 (96). Has 
 been working chiefly for stock. Unless some favourable change 
 of circumstances takes place, cannot continue to go on much 
 longer, his capital being almost entirely absorbed. Is assured 
 that the situation of others in the same line of business is similar 
 to his own. Will be obliged to turn off his hands if the present 
 state of things continues. Before the Orders in Council were 
 issued had a good trade, since then has had none, comparatively 
 speaking. Believes the loss of his trade has arisen from the 
 Orders in Council. Has not received American orders in the 
 same way he used to do previous to the Orders being issued. (97.) 
 The business of the Chandeher Furniture making, in which he 
 engaged for the home trade has been so divided that he has not 
 a tenth part-of whathe used to have. Thinks there are as many 
 articles made ; but there being so many persons in it in conse- 
 quence of the state of the Glass Toy Trade, the pressure is as 
 great upon those who are engaged in it as if there were not a 
 a tenth part made (97). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS CLARKE, Manufacturer of Webbing, Bra- 
 ces, and Toys, Birmingham. Has employed as many as a 
 hundred and fifty hands. Now employs between 70 and 80; 
 discharged the others in consequence of not being permitted to 
 execute the orders on his books for the American merchants. 
 A very large proportion of his trade tor the American market. 
 Upwards of a thousand hands employed in the same line in 
 Birmingham. Has no doubt that others in the same trade are 
 similarly situated as himself. The prices of almost every article 
 in the Country Trade have been lowering in consequence of 
 competition, which has increased. Notwithstanding the dimi- 
 nution of hands, has accumulated stock very considerably (108). 
 
 Mr. BENJAMIN SMITH, Manufacturer of Heavy Steel 
 Toys, Birmingham. — More than one-third of his manufacture 
 
/■ 
 
 ( 11 ) 
 
 for foreign markets, chiefly for the American (108). Has a great 
 stock on hand. Has kept on his hands, hoping that something 
 would increase the trade by-and-by. The home trade very much 
 on the decline. Within these six months, has had one person 
 twice, and another once, in London to endeavour to get orders, 
 who have scarcely paid their expenses. Has got some orders, 
 buc there has been no profit attached to them when the expense 
 was paid. Those he had spoke to on the subject, in the same 
 trade, seemed to be in the same situation. Since the defalcation 
 of the American trade, the home trade has become unprofit^ 
 able (109). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS MILWARD, Spoon Maker, Birmmgham.— 
 Trade began to fall off in 1808. Was last year very bad, and is 
 still so. Has got plenty of 9rders in the warehouse, which he is 
 directed by the merchants to send in immediately the Orders iti 
 Council are repealed. A few hands in this business get up a 
 good deal of work. Believes other Spoon manufacturers are in 
 the same situation as himself. In 1810 the trade very good (110). 
 Has a greater stock of goods on hand than ever he had. All the 
 variations of his business were dependent upon whether there 
 was or not at the time an open intercourse with America. Sells 
 very little except to the American merchants (111). Had con- 
 ditional orders to send in, the moment the Orders in Council 
 were repealed : could not get goods enough in that case (113}a 
 
 (2) Sheffield, 
 
 Mr. JOHN BAILEY, Merchant, of 5A#cZd— The manufacv 
 tures of Sheffield for the supply of the market of the United 
 States, employ 6,000 persons, besides others dependent on that 
 trade. The export to America is about one-third of the whole 
 manufactures of Sheffield (132). About one-tenth of the 
 usual spring shipment was made in 1811, and none since (133). 
 Stock of goods has been increasing in Sheffield to a consider- 
 able extent; but there are orders for shipment to America,, im- 
 mediately on the rescinding of the Orders in Council (134). In« 
 
K i2 ) 
 
 l^rmation from a large manufacturer, that he now pays one-sixth 
 part of the wages which he did when the American trade was 
 open ; and that one-half of what he has manufactured for the 
 last fifteen months, is now dead stock. Another of the principal 
 manufacturers informed him, that he now employs only half of 
 his usual number of men, whom he employs only four days in a 
 week; that he retains them from a principle of humanity, as 
 they have grown old in his service, and that he still holds in stock 
 all his goods made in the last eighteen months. Believes this to 
 be a fair specimen of the general state of manufactures in Shef- 
 field. His orders for shipment, on the removal of the Orders in 
 Council, amount to the whole twelve months* shipments (135). 
 The amount of Sheffield goods ready for shipment to America 
 400,0001., and orders on hand to the same amount. Poor rates 
 of Sheffield, year ending 1807, 11,0001. ; now 18,0001. Work- 
 men's wages not reduced, but they are now only employed about 
 three days in the week. Every man fully employed before the 
 loss of the American trade. Lower classes never so much dis- 
 tressed as at present (136). Some articles which were formerly 
 exported from Sheffield, are now manufactured in America (138). 
 
 Mr. GEORGE NAYLOR, Merchant and Maker of Knives 
 and Forks, in Sheffield. — His mercantile business almost wholly 
 to the United States, and about five-sixths of his manufacture. 
 During the free trade, employed about 250 hands ; now employs 
 about 98, of whom 57 are half employed, 29 one-third, 8 one- 
 sixth, and 4 one-eighth. The change took place about the 
 middle of 1811 (145). Stock has been accumulating since the 
 end of 1810. Has orders to ship goods to America on the repeal 
 of the Orders in Council, and read four letters from his corres- 
 pondents in America to that effect (146, 147). If this inquiry 
 should end unfavourably, would dismiss every workman. Stock 
 of goods equal to the sales of one year, and the other persons in 
 the same business cannot continue their workmen much 
 longer (148). 
 
 Mr. EBENEZER RHODES, Manufacturer of Cutlery and 
 •Dealer in Manufactures at SAe^e/rf.— Trade fell off in 18II. In 
 ■one branch of business, he has discharged one-fourth of his 
 
C 13 > 
 
 hands, and in another a half. Increase 6t st^Mti bnfc branch 
 two-thh-ds; in another business about one-fourth. Great distress 
 prevaihng in Sheffield for want of employment (154). 
 
 (3) The Potteries. 
 
 Mr. JOSIAH WEDGWOOD, of the Potteries.-— The distress 
 in the Potteries greater than it was ever known before. Till the 
 latter end of 1807, one-third of his manufacture for the European 
 market ; the remainder for the home trade. Since then the ship- 
 ment has been inconsiderable, and the competition being great, 
 the price in the home market very much reduced ; say from 20 
 to 25 per cent. Tliis has chiefly occurred since the loss of the; 
 American market. His shipment to Heligoland has been at- 
 tended with a loss (157). Understands about one-third of the 
 bulk or number of packages of goods manufactured in the Pot- 
 teries, are for the American market, and one-fourth of the 
 value (160). 
 
 Mr. RALPH STEVENSON, of the Potteries About one-half 
 
 his manufacture for the American market, which has been closed 
 since February 1811. The home trade also depressed. In full 
 times employs about 150 hands (161). Now about 100 at two- 
 thirds work. The Potteries employ about 14,000 hands ; now 
 employ about 10,000 at about two-thirds work. Has consider- 
 able orders from America to be executed the moment the Orders 
 in Council are rescinded, and funds are ready for the payment. 
 Shipped to Holland and Germany till the end of 1806. Ha^ since 
 shipped to Heligoland, on which there was a loss of 50 per cent. 
 Shipments to Rio Janeiro have been a total loss, paying only 
 freight and charges, and in some instances not that (162). At 
 Buenos Ayres the market glutted, and his accounts state that 
 some British manufactures would not pay for the warehousing. 
 Trade to the West Indies declined, and in a very bad state. Has 
 shipped to British America, but the speculation has not succeed- 
 ed. Has shipped to Sicily and Malta, where the loss was 25 to 
 
( 14 ) 
 
 30 per cent. (163). The number of Potteries formerly about 
 140, of which about 35 have completely stopped within the last, 
 two years. Fifteen or sixteen failures have occurred within the 
 last eighteen months, being a greater number than during the 
 ten preceding years. Stocks of goods very large, and if foreign 
 markets are not opened, many more hands must be discharged. 
 One-third of the Potteries was employed for America (164), and 
 has no doubt that if the American trade was opened, all the 
 goods suited for that market would be taken off as fast as they 
 could be packed (165). The American market was an increas- 
 ing one, both in quantity and value ; the payments very good, 
 and infinitely better than the home trade. A great part of the 
 bulky materials for this manufacture, are brought coastwise from 
 Gravesend, from Dorsetshire and Devonshire to Liverpool, 
 which in good times amount to 40,000 tons yearly ; and this 
 coasting trade is decreased owing to the present state of the Pot- 
 teries (167). An open trade to America would remove the dis- 
 tress of the Potters in Staffordshire. Has heard of two Potteries 
 established in America ; that large offers have been made to 
 workmen to leave this country for America, and that some havQ 
 actually gone. 
 
 (4) Woollen Manufactures of Yorkshire. 
 
 Mr, WILLIAM THOMPSON, Woollen Manufacturer, of 
 Raxvdcn, near Leeds. — Has been in business 30 years. In 1810 
 employed 650 hands, and manufactured 6,000 pieces of goods 
 for the American market (229). In the last year made 4,000 
 pieces, and has dismissed 200 hands. His stock of goods worth 
 upwards of 90,0001. being much greater than at any former pe- 
 riod. The remaining hands have not more than one-third work* 
 In good times his men earned from 16s. to 30s. a week (230) ; 
 and now only one-third. Never knew the poor in so distressed 
 a state before ; not even when corn was dearer in 1800, they 
 had plenty of work at that time. " The distress of the workmen is 
 *^ very evident by their countenances, and by the raggedness of 
 " their dress : they are evidently in a worse situation than I ever 
 
{ 15 ) 
 
 "knew them before.'* If a favourable change does not take place, 
 must dismiss the whole of his hands, as the heavy stock of goods 
 renders it out of his power to continue them. Made a small 
 shipment to South America about twelve months ago, but has 
 not yet received any returns; and will not ship farther at pre- 
 sent (231). Made a shipment to Canada, value 30,0001. about 
 fourteen months ago, for which he has not yet received one- 
 sixth ; and those goods that did sell were to a considerable loss, 
 say from 25 to 30 per cent. (232). If there was an open trade 
 to America, all the distresses would be very shortly removed : 
 ** activity would be resumed, and the countenances of the poor 
 '* would change very fast : if that were once effected, it would give 
 *' a general spring to our neighbourhood" (235). Has orders from 
 America for the whole of his goods, provided the Orders in 
 Council were rescinded (236). 
 
 Mr. JOSEPH WALKER, Merchant, of Leerfs.— Shipped to 
 America in 1808 to the value of 42,0001. Trade as good as he 
 could wish it in 1810. Has not shipped a bale for seventeen 
 months past, and his stock is now upwards of 25.0001. Shipped 
 to Canada in 1808, and for goods amounting to 4,0001. received 
 1,0001. and never expects to receive any more (239). The accu- 
 mulation of stock is common to all persons trading to America. Has 
 orders from America for double the amount of his stock, on the 
 Orders in Council being revoked (240). From observations made 
 with others, believes that the Woollens shipped from Yorkshire to 
 America, are of the value of two millions yearly (241). Price of 
 goods suited to the American market has fallen about 8 or 10 per 
 cent, within the last twelve months (242). 
 
 Mr. CHRISTOPHER LAWSON, Woollen Merchant, of Lcerf^. 
 — In good times exported to America, to the value of o£'80,000. 
 annually. Present stock of goods <£40,000. Made a shipment to 
 Amelia Island, in 1811, under the idea that it might get into 
 America, but it remains there at present (242). Conceives all 
 the merchants trading to America are in the same state. The 
 .common calculation is, that Yorkshire goods are exported to 
 America to the amount of two millions annually. Great com- 
 
( lo 
 
 plaints have been made of the home market for the last six* 
 months (243). Has orders for goods to be shipped to America 
 on the repeal of the Orders in Council (244). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS DENNISON, Woollen Manufacturer, and 
 one of the Trustees of the Cloth Hall at Leeds. — In the district 
 where he resides, there is a population of 2,000 to 3,000 persons, 
 a great part of whom are in the Woollen Manufacture, and 
 about two-thirds were for the American Market, the rest for the 
 Home Trade (245). In the latter end of 1810 the market failed 
 and has been very flat ever since. The stock on hand is very- 
 great, and very many hands have been turned off. About two 
 months ago, the quantity of cloth manufactured was not more 
 than one-third the usual quantity, and one-half of the men were 
 out of employ ; if they could get a little work in any other em- 
 ployment, they regularly attended to it to get a little bread 
 by it. The making of army clothing has been an alleviatioa 
 (245). The state of the poor, and of the lower orders in his 
 district is such, " that if you were to see the very many of their 
 " pale faces, and their ragged coats, you would be struck with 
 " the sight of it. The distress is so great I cannot express it, it 
 " is impossible. I have [been a manufacturer for 28 years, and 
 " I never saw any think equal to it, at any time." According 
 to a statement returned by the rest of the Trustees, believes 
 about eleven or twelve districts, out of the fifteen, nearly bear a 
 similar appearance of distress. It appears that the distresses in 
 the district, and the want of Trade, arise principally from the 
 want of intercourse with America, for when this intercourse 
 was open, the goods when manufactured, were brought to mar- 
 ket, and met readily with a market, and since the intercourse 
 has been shut, it has been the reverse (247). 
 
 Mr. JOSHUA BECKETT, a Trustee of the Cloth Hall at 
 Leeds, for the district of Dewsbury. — In this district abont 3000 
 persons are employed in the Clothing Trade (247). Stock of 
 goods is not great, because the manufacturers have been long 
 sinking, not being able to sell their goods at prime cost. About 
 four years ago considered that more than half of the manufac- 
 
tures were for the American market, which is now shut hp* 
 Poor Rates doubled since 1807. Manufacturers have been 
 obliged to sell goods for 10 per cent, less than prime cost: 
 From the observations which he has made, and the general reA 
 turns of the other Trustees, believes that ten or eleven out of the 
 fifteen districts are in a worse situation than the district of 
 Dewsbury (248). 
 
 Mr. JOHN OXLEY, Woollen Merchant of Wakefield. ^Wi$ 
 examined four years ago upon the Orders in Council. Principal 
 part of his trade to America. Stock on hand value upwards of 
 c£30,000. much greater than at any former period. The Home 
 Trade never so bad as at present (249). Never knew the lowet 
 class of people, in the district where he resides, in so bad a 
 state as at present (950). 
 
 Mr. GEORGE RAWSON, Stuff Merchant of Leeds.— Vor- 
 merly engaged chiefly in the German Trade, which closed in 
 1806, and then increased his connexion with America. This 
 trade was very considerable in 1808, but the greatest profits 
 were in 1810. Has made no shipment since January 1811. 
 Stock of goods has accumulated to the value of cf .10,000, and 
 has orders for the whole for the American Market, on the re- 
 scinding of the Orders in Council (253). Has made no ship- 
 ment to the Continent since 1806, knowing that the attempts of 
 others have failed. Made a shipment to South America about 
 three years ago, of goods prepared by order for the Lisbon 
 Market, on the closing of which they were sent to Rio Janiero. 
 " The goods were on hand upwards of two years, and then our 
 " agetit at Rio Janiero made a trial with one bale to Buenos 
 " Ayres, and the bale was there sold at a very great loss ; it 
 '' was valued at 06". 160, and the net proceeds were 41. 18s. 8d. 
 " the other six bales were consequently returned home. The loss 
 " upon the whole shipment was nearly c£500^' (254.) The state 
 of his trade is common to all the houses in the Stuff Trade, and 
 some feel it still more seriously, being limited entirely to the 
 American trade. Number of persons employed in the Stuff 
 Trade supposed to be about 10,000, including, men, women, 
 
 D 
 
(( 18 ) 
 
 and children. Has orders for double the amount of his stock, 
 provided the Orders in Council .were resciuded (255). Somt 
 houses in the Stuff Trade, who have shipped to South America, 
 have had no returns whatever. Continues to purchase from the 
 little makers every week, but his stock is increasing, and shall 
 be obliged to decline it shortly, not having the means to continue 
 to take in goods. Wages of Stuff Weavers of low goods about 
 9s. a week, fine goods nearly double, but the average about 12s. 
 (256). Has reason to conclude, that if the Non Importation 
 Laws in America were repealed, a great part of the distress 
 iaimong the manufacturers of Yorkshire would be removed. Can 
 now buy goods for 10 per cent, less than they were six months 
 ago, and 15 per cent, cheaper than they were in 1810 (257). 
 Conceives the American Market takes off one-fourth of the ma- 
 nufacture of stuffs (259), and that one half is for home con- 
 sumption (260). 
 
 Mr. DAVID SHEARD, Blanket and Flushing Manufactu.- 
 rer, of the parish of Dewsbury. — In good times employed about 
 800 hands, 100 of them are now quite out of employ, and the 
 remainder have one-third or one-fourth work. The average 
 wages of men, women, and children in good times were lis. a 
 week, and are now 3s. 9d. The manufacturers have given over 
 accumulating stock ; they do not wish to run into debt, and the 
 money they have is all made up into goods. Weekly wages paid 
 in the hamlet, in good times, used to be 4691.. now 2941. Thinks 
 the home trade as good as it was. Trade began to fall off in 
 the beginning of 1811, and among the lower orders of people 
 there is very great distress indeed (260). If favourable circum- 
 stances do not turn up, will be obliged to turn off half of the 
 700 hands he now employs. Had a good trade before the inter- 
 course with America was stopped (261). 
 
 Mr. FRANCIS PLATT, Merchant, and Woollen Manufac- 
 turer, of Saddleworth. — ^The trade has fallen off very consider- 
 ably since 1810, owing to the want of the American trade. His 
 own stock of goods larger than it ever was before, being nearly 
 30,0001. (454). The district of Saddleworth contains a popula- 
 
( 19 ) 
 
 tion of nearly 19,000 persons, most of whom are engaged in the' 
 Woollen business, and they do not now get half the work they 
 used lo have. His capital absorbed in goods, and if there is not 
 a market soon, must discharge his men in toto ; which is the case 
 with the manufacturers in general in that district. In 40 or 50- 
 years, he has never known the distress equal to the present. 
 Great numbers of the people never taste animal food at all j their 
 principal food is oatmeal boiled in water (455) ; and sometimes 
 potatoes for dinner. Was informed, " by a very honest man, 
 " that he, his wife, and all his children, had to go to bed> and 
 " had not even a morsel of that oatmeal and water to put into- 
 " their mouths. Was also informed by another that he had got 
 " some little oatmeal, and boiled it in water; that he had to wet 
 ** it in water, instead of milk, or any other liquid, with his food." 
 The people have been very peaceable in this parish, and is cer- 
 tain they will remain so, provided they could get employment, 
 or any thing near full employment : they have no disposition at 
 all to riot. Was in America from September 1810 to February 
 1812. Saw the Merino Wool which is raised in America; it 
 was good Wool for making a cloth of 18s. a yard. It was re- 
 marked to him that the Merino Wool seemed to improve in 
 America : had samples shewn to him which appeared very good 
 wool, and as if it might have improved. The quality of the 
 Wool of the American sheep in general is not fine (456). Be- 
 lieves the Americans did not pay much attention to the growth 
 of Wool till within the time that these restrictive measures had 
 taken place between the two Governments. Previous to that, 
 they imported their Woollens, which they conceived to answer 
 their purpose better than to manufacture them ; and that it 
 answered their purpose better to cultivate their corn, and to im- 
 port their manufactured articles (457), Has inquired in some ins- 
 tances whether the poor have received parish relief, but beMeves 
 that" in the principal part of the manufacturing districts, the poor 
 " would nearly starve, probably not to death, but pretty close to 
 " it, before they went to the parish : for this reason — they have 
 " not been accustomed to it, and it is a kind of disgrace or 
 *' something of that kind, and they will not go to it if they can 
 *' get half work and half wages : they will take every means in 
 
( 00 ) 
 
 ** their power to keep off the parish" (458). Oatmeal is 3|d. to 
 4d. a pound, or double the usual price. Potatoes are about the 
 same proportion : never knew them any thing like so high as 
 they are at present (459). Has no doubt that if goods could be 
 shipped to America, there would be work. The poor are not 
 well clothed (461). 
 
 , Mr. JOHN BUCKLEY, Manufacturer, of Saddleworth.— 
 His men at present not half employed. From 200 to- 300 per- 
 sons of small capital are engaged in the manufacture of Saddle- 
 worth, and many of them have now all their capital in stock. 
 The distress among the lower orders is very great ; it is beyond 
 description. Two-thirds of the manufacture of this district were 
 for the American market, and has no doubt that the distress arises 
 firom the want of that market. Shipments have been made to 
 Halifax and Canada, which have not succeeded. If the American 
 trade was open, it would put the labourers in full employment 
 again (462). 
 
 Mr. THOS. GREENWOOD, Cotton and Woollen Manufac- 
 turer, of Halifax. — ^The trade bad at present. Woollen trade 
 fell off nearly one-half in 1811, and the Cotton trade affected a 
 little (127). When trade was in a prosperous state, probably 
 employed from 800 to 1,000 workmen; but the faUing off in 
 1811 has reduced them to about 600 to 700 (130). 
 
 (Cotton.) 
 
 Mr. JAMES HOLFORTH, Cotton Spinner at Leeds.—Em- 
 ploys about 200 hands, to whom he gives one -half labour, and 
 if there is no favourable change, intends to stop his works when 
 the Cotton now on hand is worked up. Therfe are four similar 
 establishments in Leeds and the neighbourhood, two of which 
 are now standing still, and a third is only working three days 
 in a week. For the last twelve years has sold about 400 bundles 
 of Twist a week, and now sells not more than 50. His cus- 
 tomers inform him their Stocks of goods are increasing very 
 fast, so much so, that their means and their credit are almost 
 
(r 21 ) 
 
 exhausted (263). Their goods were sold principally for expor-t 
 tation. — " I had a very heavy stock on the first of January, since 
 ** which it has been considerably increased ; I have now many 
 *' thousand bundles of Twist on hand. The people to whom I 
 '^ sold cannot pay, and a number to whom I sold have failed and 
 " become bankrupts, or made assignments. Within the last 
 " twelve months I have had very heavy bad debts, in conse- 
 " quence of which I am reduced to the disagreeable necessity 
 ** of spinning three days a week, which I shall do till the whole 
 *^' of my materials is worked yxj^, ajod then stop 4xe con-* 
 " cem (264). >f\i ot immn'uW^ .Uo^.^'frndlaiU 
 
 (5) Rockdale, 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM MIDGLEY, Woollen Manufacturer of Roch^ 
 dale, Lancashire. — The Parish contains about 36,000 inhabitants 
 (195), of which about one half is employed in this manufacture. 
 He formerly employed about 600 hands, now about 400. Began 
 to turn off his hands when his stocks became very large, about 
 six nionths ago (196). Stock is still increasing, and larger than 
 it ever was before, and the home trade is fallen off very much 
 indeed. Has in a considerable degree exhausted his capital in 
 trade, " and if there be not an opening it is impossible to keep 
 " on my work people ; and I am distressed about the poor peo- 
 " pie, for they have not, many of them, half victuals now." If 
 the market continues as it is now, must turn off 200 of his hands, 
 and if they are turned off, does not see where they can get work 
 any where else (197). Has lived in Rochdale most of his life- 
 time, and been in business thirty years, but never knew the dis- 
 tress so great as at present. " The distress is to be seen in the 
 " people's countenances, every week getting thinner and looking 
 " worse ; those that had a little money have had to take to iti 
 *' and they are almost run out of it ; they have spent what Httle 
 "they had to buy bread." About two-fifths of this manufac- 
 ture for the United States of America, and none for Foreign 
 Europe (198). Has very large orders for America, which should 
 
C 23 ) 
 
 have gone off more than 12 months ago. Has found that mar- 
 ket, a steady, sure, and increasing one (199). Workmen's 
 wages reduced. Price of Oatmeal twelve months ago 2d. per 
 pound, now 3d. (200). If the Trade to America was opened, 
 there would be fair employment for the manufacturers of Roch- 
 dale (201). : > 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM WALKER, Woollen Manufacturer of Roch- 
 dale. — Trade formerly to the Continent of Europe, now entirely 
 lost (202). Shipment to South America has yielded about two- 
 thirds the Invoice cost. Shipment to the United States has suc- 
 ceeded very well. Distress of the lower orders never so great as 
 at present. Master manufacturers have employed their people 
 till they have immense stocks on hand, and it is not possible to 
 give them employment much longer (203). Value of goods held 
 by the manufacturers of Rochdale many Hundred, Thousand 
 Pounds (204). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM HASTINGS, Woollen Manufacturer of Hoch^ 
 dale. — In good times employ 700 to 800 hands, now employs 
 500 to 600, at about one-third work. About two-fifths of hi& 
 Trade was for the American market, and the home trade has 
 fallen off nearly one-half. Great distress prevailing in the dis- 
 trict of Rochdale. Stock greater than at any former period, 
 and accumulating daily (203). Has lately witnessed the state 
 of the manufacturing districts from Manchester to Inverness, 
 •and found it most distressing. Must turn off all his hands if 
 things do not improve. Attributes the failure of trade to the 
 loss of the American Market, and is of opinion that if the Ame- 
 rican Trade was free, the Trade of Rochdale would be as good 
 as at any former period (206). 
 
 Mr. HENRY HOYLE, Woollen Manufacturer at Rosendale 
 nt^x Jtochdale. — When the trade was good employed 100 hands, 
 now not 50 (209). They are not at full work, and if no change 
 takes place, will be obliged to turn them all off immediately. 
 The district of Rosendale contains about 10,000 inhabitants, of 
 whom about one-half are in the Woollen Manufactory. Many 
 
( 2S ) 
 
 workmen out of employ, and the distress much greater than at 
 any former period (210). 
 
 Mr. RICHARD TURNER, Flannel Manufacturer, Hesling- 
 den, near Rochdale, His manufacture about half for America 
 and half for the Home Trade. Present stock of Goods 50,0001. 
 being much greater than it ever was before. Employs about 
 2,000 hands, and if no favorable change takes place, will be 
 obliged to discharge the greatest part (478, 479). 
 
 (6) BurT/, Lancashire. 
 
 . Mr. JAMES KAY, Cotton and Woollen Manufacturer, near 
 jBttry, Lancashire. — In full times employs in his Trade 2,500 to 
 3,000 hands, and has not turned off any considerable proportion 
 of them, as he is waiting the result of this inquiry. Stock in Fe- 
 bruary, 1811, about c£'10,000. to c£'15,000. now nearly c£50,000., 
 being greater than it ever was before (217), and is very fast in- 
 creasing. About one half his Cotton manufacture is for America, 
 Jess than a fourth for the home market, and the remainder 
 ^or the Brazils, Spain, and Portugal. Price of Manufactur- 
 ing Cottons per piece, (called Blackburn Supers) May, 1805, 
 6s. May, 1806, 6s. Nov. 1807, 5s. 6d. Dec. 1807, 5s. 
 Jan. 1808, 4s. 6d. May, 1808, 4s. ; when the people were 
 much distressed and rioting. May, 1809, 4s. March, 1810, 
 7s. April, 6s. May, 1811, 4s.; now 4s. 6d. ; the advance on 
 account of the disposition to riot, and the committee of masters 
 recommending it (218). Price of Calicoes after Mr. Erskine's 
 arrangement, 17s. to 18s. a piece ; the same quality at present 
 lis. 6d. ; a few months ago when there was an expectation of 
 an opening to America, the price 13s. 6d. the price of cotton, 
 and the wages being the same as now. If the market con- 
 tinues as bad as it is at present, shall dismiss 1,200 to 1,500 hands, 
 when the decision of the House is known about the Orders in 
 Council. His situation with respect to the accumulation of 
 stock, &c. a very common one with respect to many of his neighs 
 hours. Motives of humanity induce him to employ his work- 
 
( 34 ) 
 
 men ; has been in business 23 years, and never knew distress 
 equal to the present. In 1800 and 1801, there was distress on 
 account of the high price of provisions, but none from want of 
 work (219). Exported a few Woollens to South America to try 
 the market, but lost 50 per cent, upon them, and two years' in- 
 terest. The bread of the poor manufacturers is generally made 
 froni Oatmeal (220), and the price of meal at Rochdale, which 
 used to be about 40s. per load of 240 pounds, is now 72s. to 80s. 
 A Weaver can now earn 7s. 8s. or 10s. a week, and although 
 the principal food is oat -bread and potatoes, he cannot now 
 support himself, his wife and three children, without assist- 
 ance from the parish. This is the general situation of the wea- 
 vers, and many of them have parochial aid, and a number are 
 relieved by voluntary subscriptions. A child of 10 years of age 
 can weave, but less than the father. A female of 15 to 20 can 
 earn nearly as much as a man. In the spinning concern they 
 are at present better off than in the weaving (321). Children 
 of 8 to 10, earn Is. to Is. 6d. per week, from 10 to 12, 4s. and 
 5s. a week. Weavers generally cannot find their children shoes 
 and stockings. Is quite convinced that if there was an open 
 trade with America, there would be no want, with the other 
 trade of the country (222). Present wages paid to females em- 
 ployed in spinning, 16s. to 20s. a week, and warpers, 14s. and 
 18s. (223). 
 
 Mr. JOHN GRUNDY, jun. Woollen Manufacturer of Bury, 
 Lancashire. — In good times employs about 600 hands ; now 
 employs about 530, having turned off 70 since the latter end of 
 last summer (213). Rate of wages reduced about 5 or 10 per 
 cent., but the employment is also reduced, so that a weaver 
 who received in 1810 a guinea a week, can now only earn half 
 a guinea to 12s. Stock very much increased; in January 1811 
 It was 1,600, pieces, now 7,000, pieces, worth 20,000l., being a 
 greater stock than he ever had before. About one-half his trade 
 is for the American Market, the other half for the Home Trade, 
 which is also much depressed (214), as he has not now an order 
 for a single piece of goods, which never occurred before since 
 he has been in business. If no favorable change takes place. 
 
( 2d ) 
 
 must turn off half his present hands. Has orders for one-third 
 of his stock on the opening of the American Trade. The lower 
 orders of people in a state of greater distress than he ha^ ev€r 
 known before, during 21 years that he has been in business. 
 Distress arising from scarcity in 1800 and 1801 not so great as 
 at present, because there was plenty of work. The motive for 
 employing his present hands is, that many of them have been 
 weavers for his father these forty years, and motives of charity 
 compel him to keep them on, although very injurious to him- 
 self (315). 
 
 (7) Manchester. 
 
 Mr. SHAKESPEAR PHILLIPS, Merchant of Manchester.^i^ 
 Was examined by the House four years ago upon the Orders in 
 Council. Is an exporter of manufactured goods to the United 
 States of America, when the trade is open. Has a great stock 
 of goods on hand, which is the case with the manufacturers ia 
 general. Has orders to a very large amount to be shipped in 
 the event of the Orders in Council being rescinded (434). Has 
 no doubt that orders of this kind which are now in Manchester 
 would, if executed, greatly relieve the distress of that place. 
 Read an important letter from his agent, an Englishman, in 
 America, stating that manufactories are increasing there very 
 materially, in consequence of the non-importation system 
 (vide Appendix) (435). The state of the workmen in Manches- 
 ter and the neighbouiliood is very deplorable, they are deficient 
 in work, and are working at extremely low wages (436). If the 
 American Trade was open, would not fear the competition of 
 the American manufacturers in the market, as he conceives 
 they are only forced into that measure. Several adventures 
 which he has made to South America have left a considerable 
 loss. Cannot state the proportion which the American Market 
 bears to the general manufactory of Manchester tind its neigh- 
 
 E 
 
( 26 ) 
 
 bourhood, but from his general knowledge of its vast influence 
 lipon the manufacture in general, is convinced that the exports 
 annually amount to an enormous sum. Has no doubt that if 
 he American Market was freely open, there would be full em- 
 ployment for the labouring manufacturers of Manchester (437). 
 When the trade with America from France and this Country 
 were both open, did not experience the least competition in 
 the Cotton Manufactories on the part of France, and has not 
 the least apprehension of any. The present duty on raw Cotton 
 in France being about 3s. a pound, amounts to a prohibition ; 
 and any country imposing such a duty cannot seriously intend 
 to estabhsh any great manufacture (439). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS WITHINGTON, Merchant, of Manchester,-^ 
 Stock of goods 50,0001. the whole for the American market, 
 and SO,OOOL of them are actually packed and cased for Ame- 
 rica, and will go the very day there is an opening. Has 
 written orders to ship them the day he hears of America having 
 taken off her Non- importation Act, or the Orders in Council be- 
 ing repealed. The manufacturers in general are making serious 
 complaints ; many of them have a twelve month stock of goods 
 on hand, and cannot dispose of them (289). Price of goods in 
 Manchester was never so low as the latter end of last year, and 
 the beginning of this. The lower orders in a state of great dis- 
 tress ; and in one line, the poor people whom he employs assure 
 him they have not one-third work. About 2,500 fustian cutters 
 in Manchester, who are about one-third employed. Was in the 
 United States of America during the year 1810: manufactures' 
 were increasing, but did not bear any comparison to the manu- 
 factures of this country (290). The increase of manufactures 
 was not much noticed till the prohibition of importation. They 
 make very good twist, and weave very good common goods, and 
 make small wares. If there was an open trade to America, would 
 not apprehend any danger from the competition of American 
 manufactures, unless they were to do that which they talk ot lay 
 an additional duty on importation. At present French goods, 
 especially silk?, are selling very low in America. There has been 
 
( 27 ) 
 
 a great importation of them since the British importation was 
 prevented. As a practical man, should have no apprehension 
 from competition (291). 
 
 Mr. GEORGE PALFREYMAN, Manufacturer and CaHco 
 Printer, of Manchester. ^His works at Macclesfield, in Cheshire. 
 Used to employ about 700 hands, but has turned off many dur- 
 ing the last year, and now employs from 200 to 230, who are att 
 full wages, but not full work. Retains more men than he has 
 work for, and is thereby the loser (296). The houses who were 
 engaged in the American trade in a state of great depression ; 
 believes the American trade took off one-third of the goods.. The 
 prices of Calicoes for the last fifteen months lower than they ever 
 were before. Considerable distress in consequence of the num- 
 ber of hands turned out of employment. Has shipped to Heli- 
 goland, but the goods came back, as they could not be got into 
 the Continent (297). The trade last year was not more than 
 one-third what it had been upon the average of two years pre- 
 ceding. His own trade is now less than 40>0001. per annum, and 
 for the two preceding years was more than 100,0001. per annum. 
 Ascribes the whole reduction of his trade entirely to the loss of 
 the American market (298). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS CARDWELL, Manufacturer of Small Wares> 
 at Manchester, — In 1800 employed upwards of 1,000 hands ; now 
 employs 500. One-fourth of the trade was for the American mar^ 
 ket (282). Small amounts are shipped to South America, and to 
 British North America. In the home market, the demand has 
 been tolerably good, the profit very bare, since the American 
 trade fell off. The 500 hands which he now employs are at short 
 work : the wages are considerably reduced on some articles, and 
 in one from lOd. to 6d. a yard. The distress among the lower 
 ©rders greater than he ever knew it before. There is consider* 
 able emigration of workmen, (weavers and printers of Cottons and 
 Calicoes) to America, where they expect to be better employed 
 than in this country (283). Is informed that at a cotton printing 
 concern established in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia ; two 
 men who left this country, have in full employ thirty of the mea 
 
( 28 ) - 
 
 who were apprentices with them in this country in printing with 
 rollers. Is of opinion that if the manufacturers were fully em- 
 "ployed, and had plenty of work and wages in this country, they 
 would not emigrate. Attributes the falling off of this trade, prin- 
 cipally to the loss of the American market (284). Believes that 
 the four or five houses immediately in the same trade as himself, 
 have reduced their business in the same proportion (285). The 
 Umbrellas and Braces sent from Manchester to America, amount 
 to 60,0001. to 70,0001. a year (288) . 
 
 , Mr, JOSEPH WEIGHT, Manufacturer and Buyer of Cotton 
 Goods, 9t' Manchester, — One concern which he conducted em- 
 ployed from 200 to 300 hands, which are now reduced to 20 
 ■(376). In many cases the manufacturers are selling goods for 
 less than the prime cost, which has been more particularly the 
 case within the last year (277). In 1806 and 1807, from the 
 wages given, a weaver by the labour of three weeks and a half, 
 was able to buy a load of flour weighing 240 lbs. From the pre- 
 sent rate of wages and price of provisions, he must work ten 
 weeks for the same quantity. The weavers seldom, or perhaps in 
 a very few instances, taste any kind of meat, but subsist entirely 
 on what is made from oatmeal, and on potatoes (278). The ma- 
 nufactures of Manchester in a state of great depression at pre- 
 sent (280). There has been a reduction in wages as follows : in 
 Sept. 1806, 14s. were paid ; in January 1807, 12s. and at pre- 
 sent only 8s. for the same article. The home market is reduced 
 in price, owing to the loss o^he American trade (280). 
 
 Mr. TIMOTHY WIGGIN, a General Exporter of Manufac- 
 tures to America (321). Has been in business 13 years, and in 
 1810 his export was 100,0001. In January 1811, shipped nearly 
 70,0001. Has since shipped nothing to the United States; but his 
 present Stock is about 50,0001. During the last two years, the 
 article of Nankeen has been almost totally omitted in his orders : 
 a smaller quantity of Cotton Shirting has also been wanted, 
 in consequence of goods of that description being manufactured 
 in or near the place to which he exported them (322). Since 
 the American trade fell off, the fall in the price of goods, and 
 
in the rate of exchange, has enabled him to obtain nearly double 
 the quantity of such goods as he has chosen to purchase, for the 
 •ame number of dollars invested in exchange on London. The 
 exchange betwen America and England, in common times, sel- 
 dom varied more than 5 per cent, above or below par. It was 
 high during the embargo, and is now 2lf per cent, against this 
 country (323). French manufactures are plentiful, and selling 
 low in America. The increased price of insurance within the 
 last two or three years, upon produce going from America to 
 France, would make a penny a pound upon the price of sugar, 
 something less upon a pound of cotton, and ashes 4s. 6d. a hun- 
 dred weight (325). The manufacture of Hats ahanost excludes the 
 importation of British Hats (328). The extra tonnage duty paid 
 by British ships in America is the same as is paid in this country 
 by American ships. Higher duties are paid in America on good* 
 in British than in American ships (329). And in British ports 
 there is a difference of duty in favour of goods imported in 
 British ships, and in the article of cotton, that difference is a 
 penny a pound. Salt in America, imported from Great Britain, 
 pays no duty, either in American or British ships (330). The 
 prime cost of bowed cotton in America is 4d. to 5^d. per pound ; 
 the freight and insurance in Bordeaux would make it 9d. a 
 pound. So that cotton might be delivered in Bordeaux at about 
 9d. a pound, exclusive of the duties in France. This quality of cot- 
 ton has been lately sold in Liverpool at 14d. to 16d. British ma- 
 nufactured goods are selling rather dear in America, and French 
 manufactured goods cheap : being of a different description, 
 they do not interfere (331). The means of making insurance 
 are very good in the great towns of America : does not know of 
 any one loss with them, in the course of his business ; would 
 trust them much sooner than Lloyd's, and puts them on a par 
 -with the insurance companies here. Cotton imported into this 
 country from America, exclusive of duty, would cost 7d. a pound, 
 and 9d. in France exclusive of duty (332). Conceives it would 
 not be possible to substitute French manufactures for English in 
 America (333). The French goods used in the United States 
 nee of a different kind from those manufactured in Great Britain. 
 
( 30 ) 
 
 (8) Stockport 
 
 Mr. JEREMIAH BURY, Cotton Manufacturer of Stockport. — 
 The population of Stockport is upwards of 20,000 ; the neigh- 
 bouring villages and hamlets about 20,000 more, and about 
 three-fourths of the whole are employed in the cotton concern. 
 The trade began to fall off about the beginning of 1811, and for 
 the last eighteen months has been in a very low state indeed. A 
 Yery good trade to America in 1810. The work people are very 
 much distressed indeed, but not many quite out of employ, as a. 
 great many work three or four days in a week. The reduction 
 of wages more than one-half of what was given two years ago 
 (266) ; but varies in different branches : in some cases where 
 34s. or 25s. were given, only 9s. or 10s. are now given ; and in 
 others 8s. are now given instead of 24s. Rate of wages reduced 
 about 15 per cent, besides the reduction in employment. Many 
 weavers have gone out of the trade, they have been so poorly 
 paid (267, 480). The home trade has diminished as well as the 
 foreign trade. A number of houses have stopped and turned ofT 
 their hands, and those that have not done so have reduced the 
 employment of their people to eight hours in a day. A great 
 stock of goods accumulated : many stocks have been sacrificed to 
 a very considerable loss (269). Two instalments are paid of the 
 loan of Exchequer Bills, and the manufacturers must sacrifice 
 their stocks to pay the remainder, provided an opening does not 
 take place. The manufacturers he was concerned with will keep 
 on their hands as long as they can, for the sake of preserving 
 peace in the country, for the country is in a very disturbed state 
 indeed. Has known the trade for thirty years, but has never 
 known distress at all equal to the present ; both, as it respects 
 the masters and their workmen. Before 1807, made goods for 
 the continental market. Shipped goods to South America, to 
 the value of 4,0001., and after three years loss of interest, got 
 a return of only one-half. The poor people live in cottages, 
 and have been unable, since 1811, to pay any rent. " I have 
 " gone to my own tenants to ask them to pay their rents, and I 
 ** have seen them sit down to dinner off a dish of meal and 
 
( 31 .) 
 
 •' porridge, as they call it in Lancashire, meal and water before- 
 *' them ; and I have gone away without asking them for rent. 
 " Potatoes are so dear they cannot buy them" (270). Believes 
 that if there was an opening to America, there would be a suf- 
 ficient market for the goods. When the continental market was . 
 lost, there Was the American trade to depend upon ; and this be^; 
 ing now lost, there is no trade to depend upon (273), If the* 
 Orders in Council cause the difference with America, they are 
 the cause of the want of trade; for the shutting up of that trade 
 has been the cause of our immediate distress (273). 
 
 ' Mr. JOHN BENTLEY, Muslin Manufacturer, of Stockport. 
 Used to employ 400 to 500 hands ; now employs 350. Has been 
 in trade thirty years, and never knew it so depressed, or the 
 poor as badly off as they are. at present. Wages about 15 per 
 cent, lower than they were 18 months ago. His stock is greater 
 than it ever was before, having cost upwards of 20,0001. (273), 
 and being ten times as great as it is in ordinary times. Potatoes 
 were two years ago 7s. to 8s. a load of 2401bs. and are now 148. 
 and 15s. per load. The lower classes live principally on oatmeal 
 and potatoes, and a little milk. Oatmeal is about a third higher 
 than it was two years ago, and flour double the price. The rates 
 paid to weavers for making a piece of Cambric, have varied as 
 foUows:— in 1802, 25s.; 1803, 19s.; 1804, 15s.; 1805, 18s.; 
 1806, 15s.; 1807, 13s.; 1808, 12s.; 1809, 13s.; 1810, 12s.: 
 1811, 10s.; 1812, 10s. If no favourable change takes place, 
 must turn off a great many hands. Before the last eighteen 
 months, sold one-half of his goods to merchants for shipment, 
 principally American merchants (275). The foreign market 
 has been stopped since the stoppage of the intercourse with the 
 United States of America, so that he believes a very great por- 
 tion of the goods for the foreign market, were for the United 
 States of America (276). 
 
 (9) Bolton in the Moors. 
 Mr. JOHN WOOD, Cotton Manufacturer and Spinnefr of 
 
( 32 ) 
 
 Bolion'in'th€-Moorg,^^The township of Bolton contains 28,000 
 persons, of whom 10,000 are engaged in the Cotton Trade. 
 Great numbers of men have been turned off within the last 18 
 months ; considerable numbers are kept on in the hope of a 
 favourable change in the trade ; but if such change does not 
 happen, many more must be turned off speedily. The lower 
 orders in Bolton in a most wretched state (223). Distress of 
 1800 and 1801 not equal to the present, as there was then plenty 
 of work, and wages were double. Oatmeal and potatoes the 
 principal food of the poor at Bolton, of which they have had a 
 very short allowance of late. " Strangers who have been former 
 *« inhabitants of Bolton and have left the town, but who have 
 " seen the lower orders within these few months, have expressed 
 " their horror at the general distress of the town, the general 
 " want of spirit in the manufacturers to employ the poor, and 
 *' the general state of distress of the poor." There has been one 
 appearance of a riotous disposition ; but so long as the wage* 
 of the workmen were pretty good, and their employment con- 
 stant, they were very peaceable. From May 1807 to May 1808, 
 328 families were relieved, and the poor rates were 29351. From 
 1811 to 1812, 565 families were reheved, and the poor rates 
 upwards of 50001. and this has not been efficient relief. An 
 fWJtive good weaver used to get, in good times, 30s. a week, now 
 10s. to I3s. but most of them only 8s. to 10s. (224). There is a 
 general stagnation in all business at Bolton, especially the Cot- 
 ton Business, and a great difficulty in letting buildings and pre- 
 mises for manufactures. The workmen live chiefly in cot- 
 tages, and the landlords have excessive difficulty in collecting 
 the rents. The poor very much in want of clothing (225). 
 Sells the twist which he manufactures to houses in Blackburn, 
 who sell great quantities of goods to persons trading to Ame- 
 rica (226). 
 
 (10) Kidderminster. 
 Mr. HERBERT BROOM, Carpet Manufacturer at Kidder- 
 
( S3 ) 
 
 mms/dr.— Four years ago employed 650 to YOO hands, now 
 employs from 350 to 370, began to reduce the number in 1811, 
 «nd has been reducing them ever since. A very consider* 
 able proportion of the manufacture has been for America 
 (H8). Has reduced the employment of the men he now re- 
 tains, so that a man with a family, who formerly gained as 
 much as 30s. a week, now gains ITs. 18s. or 20s. and a 
 single man about one-half. Has a greater stock of goods than 
 he ever had before, and the prices so reduced, that he sells to a 
 considerable loss ; and if the present state of things continues, 
 he will not employ the reduced number of hands he has at 
 present. Distress among the lower orders greater than it ever 
 was before. The pawnbrokers have refused to continue their 
 advances, because they have pledged to the full amount of their 
 money in trade (119). The great distress in Kidderminster was 
 felt after the stoppage of the American Trade, and has con- 
 tinued to increase; if that trade was opened, it would materially 
 relieve the town. ITie home trade considerably less than it was, 
 (121). Orders for America would be given him to-morrow, 
 if that market was open (122), and in this case he should em- 
 ploy the number of men which he did two years ago (124). 
 
 Mr. RICHARD WATSON, Carpet Manufacturer, Kidder- 
 minster. — tJsed to employ 120 to 130 hands, and has now only 
 60 or 70, and these have not full employment. The home 
 trade fallen off, and he has found it impossible to keep it up (112). 
 In many instances a family does not get half its former earnings. 
 The trade being overstocked, the manufacturers are selling for 
 what price they can obtain, and at a loss. The poor rates ad- 
 vanced (113). The distress beyond conception. The pawnbroHers 
 inforiQ him they have expended their whole fund, and that none 
 of the jartieles pledged are redeemed. The population of Kid- 
 derminster 8,038 persons. About 1,200 persons employed in 
 the Carpet Trade, but 2,400 would be employed if the trade was 
 in the state it was some years back (114). Carpets were ex- 
 ported to the United States of America (115). If he was con- 
 vinced there would be no relief, would immediately turn off 
 twenty more hands; as the loss in manufacturing the article is so 
 
 F 
 
( 34 ) 
 
 great, that he should not consider himself justified in making it 
 at the present prices (116). Trade has generally been good 
 when the American , intercourse was free and open, and it has 
 never been so bad as since February 1811 (117), 
 
 (11). Leicester. 
 
 Mr. THOMAS LEACH, Manufacturer of Hosiery at Lei- 
 cester, — In a good state of trade the number of persons engaged 
 in this manufacture in the town and county of Leicester, is 
 about 20,000 or 21,000. In 1810, his own trade employed 
 about 400 hands. Has been turning them off ever since the 
 stoppage of the American Trade, and now employs rather 
 more than 300 (177). Warehouses in general are stocked with 
 goods, and the general belief of the master manufacturers is 
 that they must turn off their men, unless the American trade is 
 opened. The American Trade is five-sixths, or perhaps seven- 
 eighths of the foreign trade of Leicester. The Home Trade does 
 not yield half its former profit. Stock of goods 10,0001. A 
 shipment ib South America, made in consequence of the loss of 
 the market of the United States, left a loss of more than 20 per 
 cent. (178). Shipments to British America have not succeeded. 
 Has orders to ship to America to the amount of 10,0001. which 
 would take off his whole stock on hand, provided the Orders in 
 .Couijcil were rescinded (179). Read a letter from his corre- 
 spondents in America, directing him to ship goods when the 
 Orders in Council are removed (181). The market of the 
 United States a very improving one, the payments much im- 
 proved, and very good latterly. The demand for the Continent 
 of Europe inconsiderable (183). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM DRAYTON, Stocking Manufacturer of 
 Leicester. His trade about one-third for the American Market, 
 and two thirds for the Home Market. When the trade wag 
 good, employed 580 hands, now employs 400. The reduction 
 
{ « ) 
 
 owing to the loss of the American Market. Stock very much 
 accumulated in 1811 and 1812. A great number of order* on» 
 hand for America, to be shipped on the rescinding of the Orders 
 in Council, or an accommodation between the governments. 
 (184). Read letters to that effect. The home trade much de- 
 pressed, and the profit considerably lowered (185). Has tried 
 the market of South America, and received only lis. 6d. in the 
 pound. If the present interruption of the market of the United 
 States continues, cannot employ his present hands. His stock of 
 goods greater than it ever was in his remembrance, and that of 
 his neighbours is increasing and absorbing their capital. If there 
 was an open trade to America, the distresses of the manufac- 
 turers of Leicester and the neighbourhood would be removed 
 (190). 
 
 (12) Hinckley y Leicestershire, 
 
 Mr. THOMAS SHORT, Manufacturer of Hosiery at Hinckley, 
 in Leicestershire. — The total number of persons employed in this 
 naanufacture at Hinckley, and the adjoining villages, nearly 3,000, 
 about one-third to one-fourth of the manufacture is for the Ameri* 
 can market, and the value about 30,0001. per annum (190). In 
 good times employs upwards of 200 hands, now employs about 
 two-thirds the number. In consequence of the loss of the Ame* 
 rican market, the Manufacturers generally state they must turn 
 off one-half of their hands, if the demand is not greater than at 
 present. Twelve to fourteen hundred persons now unemployed 
 (191). The Home Trade is much injured by the competition of 
 persons formerly in the Foreign Trade, and it now affords no 
 profit (192). 
 
 .6 IIM) 
 
 (13) Warwick, 
 
 Mr. JOHN PARKES, Worsted Manufacturer, of Warwick,^ 
 About sixteen months ago employed 600 hands, now employs 
 
( 36 ) 
 
 500 (192). Accumulation of stock greater than at any 
 former period, although the hours of work are reduced. 
 Reduction of employment about one-third (193). Wages 
 of married women, and widows with children, in a particular 
 branch of the manufacture, reduced from 6s. 7s. and 8s. per 
 week to two shillings. Attributes the whole loss of his trade 
 entirely to the want of the American market. If the present 
 stagnation of trade continues, must either discharge his work- 
 men or find money till there is a trade opened ; " but when pro- 
 *' visions are so dear, and we see our work-people, who have 
 " been with us for so many years, and are faithful to us, want- 
 " ing food, it is a very painful thing, indeed, to think of dis' 
 '* charging them" (195). 
 
 (14) The Glass Trade, 
 
 Mr. THOMAS HOLT, of Liverpool, Proprietor of Glass 
 Works at Warrington (291) for the manufacture of Flint Glass 
 and Window Glass.-^Employs 130 hands, all either articled ser- 
 vants or apprentices. The market very considerably diminished 
 since the end of 1810. About two-thirds of his manufacture was 
 for.the American market ; the remainder for the West Indies 
 and the British settlements in America. The trade to Canada 
 has been an increasing trade, but not to a great extent since 
 the American market fell off. The home trade has fallen off 
 considerably within the last three or four months, which he as- 
 cribes to a great number of persons not being able to buy 
 glass who formerly did (292). There are glass manufactories in 
 America, and duties on the importation of foreign glass ; but al- 
 though these duties have existed for some years, the exporta- 
 tion of glass to the United States has been continually increasing. 
 The Americans import glass from Holland considerably cheaper, 
 but very inferior in quality to ours (293). There would bea 
 difficulty in training glass-makers in America, as,they.general|y^ 
 serve from seven to nine years. Is under no apprehensions that if 
 
( 37 ) 
 
 the trade to America was again opened, and the duties the same as 
 they were before the stoppage, but that his manufactures would 
 go off as usual; because in the year 810 the demand for 
 America took off all the glass they could make (394). 
 
 ( 1 5) Salt Works of Cheshire, 
 
 ■ . ■) 
 Mr. WM. OKILL. — The American market takes off a great 
 deal of salt when it is open. Supposes in the year 1810, it took 
 40,000 to 50,000 tons. A great many hands have been dis- 
 charged in the trade, namely, boilers, pansmen, lightermen, and 
 labourers of all descriptions. The stocks are very heavy, and the 
 manufacturers are selling to a loss. The? salt works consume up- 
 wards of 1.50,000 tons of coals annually. Unless there comes a 
 fresh demand for salt, the coal proprietors must dismiss their 
 men, because they have not a consumption, except in the salt 
 trade. In 1810 there was a very great demand for salt, and some 
 vessels from America went without cargoes in consequence 
 of the greatness of the demand. There is an export of salt to 
 the North of Europe under license, and if they had the Ameri- 
 can market in addition, they WQuld be aj)]e tp fiin-yy. 9n,busi»!ea9 
 to a profit (479). > iff* i.-jq/iiiib &jc zlonr/i otll 
 
 (16) Linen Trade of Scotland. 
 
 Mr. WALTER FERGUS— Extensively engaged in the Linen 
 Trade of Scotland for upwards of thirty years. ; The manufac- 
 ture is carried on to a considerable extent in Fifeshire, and the 
 neighbouring districts of Scotland. It began to decline in the 
 year 1808, and declined periodically till 1809. It revived again 
 in 1810, and since that time has failed very much indeed (475).' 
 Has never known the trade so low as at present. There are some 
 people, not many, thrown out of employment. The government 
 contract for a species of linen like Russia duck, serves to em- 
 
( 38 ) 
 
 ploy a part of them. Some of the workmen are engaged at di- 
 minished work and lower wages. The stock on hand has accu- 
 mulated very considerably. From the best of his knowledge, 
 one half of the mariufacture goes to the United States, but this is 
 now entirely stopped. In good times employed 500 weavers, 
 but since the year 1809, has been obliged to turn off 360 of 
 them. In the different districts of Scotland, the distress is con- 
 siderable, arising from diminished manufacture and low wages. 
 (476). 
 
 (17) Spital Fields. 
 
 Mr.JOHNHONYMAN, Churchwardenof the Parish of %Va/ 
 Fields. — The Looms employed in the manufacture of Spital 
 Fields, about 17,000 to 20,000, and about 5,000 of them are in 
 the parish of Spital Fields, where at least one-half of the 
 weavers are out of employment, and the lower orders in a most 
 deplorable state (299). More than one instance has occurred, 
 where they have died literally for want. Soup distributed, is 
 about 3,000 to 4,000 quarts a day. Has dismissed a consider- 
 able number of his hands, who were employed in the Silk Trade. 
 The light Silks of Spital Fields sell in America ; of other sorts, 
 the French are cheaper than ours (301). If the American 
 Trade was open, there would be an opportunity of sending a con- 
 siderable quantity of goods there ; has in the course of some 
 years, manufactured goods for the American market, principally 
 of the slight quality. Within these two years there has been no 
 trade to America, and therefore he was obliged to turn off his 
 liAiids employed for that particular trade ;. if the trade was 
 opened again, has no hesitation in saying those very articles 
 would find sale there ; and he would take back the hands he 
 has dismissed, which he believes is the case with others in the 
 same line as himself (301). In October last, he purchased Po- 
 tatoes for the Workhouse at 31. 10s. per ton ; within the last six 
 weeks, they have been selling in Spital Fields Market at )2h 131. 
 and 141. a 100^(302). Persons who have died for want, have 
 
( 39 ) 
 
 applied for, and obtained relief, but they were too far gone be- 
 fore they made application ; has uniformly found that the in- 
 dustrious poor will never apply for relief till the very last ex- 
 tremity (303.) Believes that more than a fifth of the Silk ma- 
 nufactured in Spital Fields went to America, and that more than 
 one-third of his own manufacture, for seven years, was for the 
 American market (304.) The want of an adequate supply of 
 raw Silk, has been one great cause of the want of employ, and 
 consequent distress of the manufacturers (305). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM HALE, in the Silk Trade, and Treasurer of 
 the Parish of Spital Fields. — Confirmed the preceding evidence 
 of the great distress experienced by the Weavers, and other 
 labouring classes residing in Spital Fields (309). 
 
 Mr. GEORGE STEVENSON, in the Silk Trade of Spital 
 Fields. — Formerly employed about 150 to 200 Weavers in Lon- 
 don, which are now reduced about one-half; and about 120 at 
 Reading, now reduced to 90 or 100. Manufactured to the ex- 
 tent of about 50,0001. in a year, of which 6,0001. to 8,0001. was 
 for America (316) ; and these goods employed a greater num- 
 ber of hands in proportion to the value, than other articles. 
 Trade in general has fallen off. If the trade to America was 
 open it would be a relief, as he is informed by Merchants they 
 have orders, if they could ship (319). 
 
 '(1§). Cloth Manufacture of the West of England, 
 
 Mr. SAMUEL WOODS, of Lonrfow.— Engaged in the sale of 
 the Cloths of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somersetshire. The 
 amount of these goods annually sent from London to the 
 United States of America was 500,0001. to 700,0001. Until the 
 Orders in Council were laid, the demand for America was re- 
 gularly increasing, and it had become a very good mar- 
 ket, and the pay good (477). Has orders for America to the 
 amount of 15,0001. to 20,0001. to be shipped on the Orders ia 
 Council being rescinded (478). 
 
( 40 ) 
 
 COMMERCE. 
 
 Liverpool, 
 
 Mr. JOSEPH BROOKS YATES, Merchant, Liverpool.-^ 
 Engaged almost altogether in the Jamaica trade. Is secretary of 
 a charity formed to reheve the poor during the present high 
 price of provisions ; a temporary society. The number of 
 poor has greatly increased during the last winter over what they 
 were in the winter of 1808 and 1809. In visiting them last 
 winter, found them in very great distress indeed ; and those per- 
 sons who appeared to be suffering were not only casual persons 
 of the very lowest description, but great numbers of them were 
 regular, skilful, able bodied mechanics. In the book which he 
 took round with him, in visiting his division of the town in No- 
 vember last, there were 47 cases, of which 30 were in distress 
 from want of work. A larger division stood as follows ; out of 
 170 families, 103 were in distress from want of employment 
 (375). In nine weeks, in the winter of 1813, there was ex- 
 pended 2,3931. 4s. which was distributed to 15,985 persons (376). 
 Never recollects an equal number of persons out of employment. 
 There has been some increase of employment during the last 
 three weeks; understands from 40 to 50 ships have unexpect- 
 edly arrived from America (377). The cause of their coming 
 was, no doubt, the apprehension in America of an embargo. Con- 
 siders this arrival as merely temporary. The rent of warehouses in 
 Liverpool, in his estimation, decreased from one-third to one- 
 half; the rent of dwelling houses very considerably, but not to 
 the same degree. There has been a great glut of coffee, sugar, 
 and other West India articles which are usually exported. The 
 price of coffee has progressively lowered for the last four years. 
 Is himself a considerable importer of coffee ; is compelled to re- 
 ceive it, for unfortunately he has advanced money on the mort- 
 gage of coffee estates. Has declined extending his business in 
 that line, and has refused to advance money on coffee, because 
 it was not worth freight aud charges (378). Has no doubt that 
 if the prices of coffee do not mend, all the coffee planters 
 in the British West Indies must be completely ruined. 
 
( 41 ) 
 
 Very great quantities of foreign We«t India coffee have come into 
 this country. The trade of Liverpool has been unprecedentedly 
 distressed during the last eighteen months. Never knew so 
 many failures in the same space of time, nor so many capitalists 
 decline business, or fall off in their capital (379). 
 
 
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 ( 4S ) 
 
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 John Haselden and Co. - - 84 
 Richard Gough and Co. - - 97 
 Edward Appleton - - - - 36 
 
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 Mariner -------20 
 
 Ashton - 20 
 
 334 
 
 Considerable quantities of lumber and provisions supplied by 
 America to the West India Islands ; the lumber quite essential, 
 and the supply of American staves indispensable (382). Pre- 
 sumes the immediate cause of our exclusion from the Continent 
 is the French decrees (383). The failures in Liverpool have been 
 principally occasioned by the non-intercourse with the United 
 States of America. Several attributable to unfortunate specula- 
 tions to South America (384). Does not suppose the compara- 
 tively small increase of the poor rates by any means a fair cri- 
 terion by which to judge of the distress in the town, because the 
 number of strangers in it (not entitled to parish relief)^ is great 
 beyond that of any other place by far (389). The rates of 
 West India freight lower than they were twelve or fourteen 
 years ago, although the expenses of fitting out ships are very 
 materially increased (393). The ship owners of Liverpool are 
 making no money at all. Is a considerable ship owner himself 
 (394). The saleable value of ships at Liverpool reduced as much 
 as 20 per cent, lower than it was two years ago. (398). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS HOLT.—" In October last, I was desired by 
 ** the Society for bettering the Condition of the Poor at Liver- 
 *' pool, to inspect a district of that town ; I inspected 140 cel- 
 " lars and back houses containing 87 married persons, whose 
 * * families consisted of 443 persons ; 39 of this number were in 
 *' full work, and earned upon the average 15s. 8d. per week per 
 
e 43 ) 
 
 ** family ; 78 more of them were partly employed, and their 
 " average earnings were 4s. 6d4. ; 23 more were; totally un- 
 " employed; of the 120 which were entered in my book, 71 
 " families were relieved on the first distribution by the Society ; 
 *' 13 of those families, consisting of 68 persons, received 2s. per 
 " week; 16 more of them, consisting of 67 persons, received Is. 6d. 
 *' per week; and 42 more, consisting of 119 persons, received 
 " Is. per week. At a subsequent period, 15 more of those eh- 
 " tered into my book were relieved, and 30 more who were 
 " not entered into the book, but applied personally afterwards, 
 ** were relieved." Some of the persons who were out of em- 
 ployment were not in health and capable of workini^, but the 
 greater part of them were in full health and generally labo- 
 rious (292). 
 
 Mr. JOHN RICHARDSON, American Commission Mer- 
 chant of Liverpool. — Five years ago employed 11 clerks; one 
 would do the whole business he has had for the last twelve 
 months. Has had nine ships under his care at one time. Now 
 has not one ; but is satisfied, that if the Orders in Council were 
 repealed, he should have a great many. Has a greater stock of 
 goods for shipment lying in his warehouse than he ever had be- 
 fore (425). The Company of Carters in Liverpool, in 1806, re- 
 ceived for 120 carts 19,5561. 12s. 6d. ; in 1807, 18,221. 13s. 5d.' 
 1808, 15,7221. Os. lid.; in 1809, for 140 Carts, 25,8551. lis. in 
 1810, for 140 Carts, 29,7191. 17s. 8d. ; in 1811, not more 
 than 20,0001. From the> 1 January to 1 May of the present 
 year, by 140 Carts, did not exceed 4,0001. In 1811 made two 
 shipments to British America, amounting to 50,0001. ; and by 
 the last accounts the greatest^art of the goods intended for the 
 United States, was still in New Brunswick. A cargo of 
 60,0001. shipped to Amelia Island, not a package of which has 
 yet been unladen from the ship. From a conversation with two 
 of the most respectable houses in Liverpool, believes that goods 
 to the value of a million sterling are lying there ready to be 
 shipped on the removal of the Orders in Council (426). Has: 
 lived in Liverpool 11 years, and thinks the trade and the situa- 
 tion of the merchants were never so bad as at present. Many 
 
"\ 
 
 ( ^ ) 
 
 of the poorer orders out of employment. In entering . fre^ 
 goods at the Custom House for exportation, the insertion is 
 merely nominal ; there is no value attached to it, and the num- 
 ber of pieces is merely nominal or put at random. Trade has 
 fallen off, particularly since February 1811. Immediately after 
 Mr. Erskine's arrangement it was very good in Liverpool. At- 
 tributes the distress in Liverpool principally to the want of Ame- 
 rican Trade (427). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM RATHBONE, Merchant of Lfr^:r/?oo/, son of 
 tlie late Mr. Rathbone who was examined four years ago. Has 
 on hand upwards of 2,000 packages of goods ready for the Ame- 
 rican Market (428), the value at a moderate computation, 
 200,0001. ; and they would be shipped, provided the Orders in 
 Council of 1809 and 1807 were repealed (434). 
 
 Mr. WILLIAM ALEXANDER BROWN, Merchant of 
 Liverpool. — Has on hand about 600 packages of Hardware, 
 Calicoes, Muslins, and a variety of other articles destined for 
 Baltimore and some for Philadelphia, of the value of about 
 100,0001. which would be shipped as soon as the Orders in 
 Council are repealed (295). Read letters from his correspon- 
 dents in Amierica respecting the shipment of goods in the event 
 of the Orders in Council being repealed (294). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS THORNELY, Merchant of Liverpool, trad- 
 ing chiefly to the United States of America, partner of Mr. 
 Martin, who was examined four years ago upon the subject of 
 the Orders in Council. Was in America from 1805 to July 
 1610 (344). The merchants of Liverpool are very much without 
 employment, and the labouring poor very much distressed ; the 
 distress never so great in his remembrance. Sixteen thousand 
 persons were, in one week, relieved from a fund raised by vo- 
 luntary contributions, independently of parochial relief The 
 number of American ships cleared out at Liverpool, was 336 
 from the 1st June to 31st December 1809 ; 53 from 1st Januz^ry 
 to30 June 1810; 349 from 17 July to 31st December 1810 ; 
 196 from 1st January to 30th June 1811 j 90 from 1st July to 
 
( 4S ) 
 
 Slsl December 1811 ; and 54 from 1st January to 25th Aprit' 
 1812. These ships formerly carried back to America very valu- 
 able articles, and lately only sand and paving stones. Several 
 cargoes were shipped from Liverpool to Amelia Island last year, 
 in the hope of the Non-Importation Act being taken off, and of 
 those cargoes being immediately admitted. Read a ktterfrom' 
 the owner of an American ship which loaded at Liverpool, with 
 goods for Amelia Island (See Appendix). Shipped goods to Ca- 
 nada last year, because the prohibition had taken place in- 
 America, and it was expected the goods arriving in Canada 
 would be the first in the market if the prohibition was taken off 
 (Read a letter from Montreal, for which see Appendix). In 
 ordinary times, the exchange of America upon England did not 
 fluctuate more than from 3 to 5 per cent, above or below par. 
 During the embargo, bills on England sold at 10 per cent, pt'e- 
 mium ; the exchange has been sinking during the whole of last 
 year ; on account of the prohibition to import goods from this 
 country, it has been reduced to 17, 20 and even 25 per cent. 
 (346). When he was in America, manufactures were in their 
 infancy, but he has letters from America stating that they have 
 much increased since that time, (See two letters in the Appen- 
 dix). There are several persons in America worth half a mil- 
 lion sterling, and many of smaller capitals. There is no want 
 of specie in America, and he went to the Bank, where they 
 gave him what guineas he wanted; and he has seen passengers 
 arriving from America with SO or 100 guineas (347). If there 
 were no restrictions in the way, flour and other provisions might 
 be drawn from America ; has been in several parts where wheat 
 might be purchased at half a dollar, or 2s. 3d. a bushel (349), 
 and the Mississippi is a new source from whence flour might be 
 procured. Believes that if the intercourse with America was 
 opened, the influx of goods now on hand for the American 
 Market, would essentially injure the rising manufactures of 
 America ; and is firmly of opinion that, with the increasing 
 wealth of America, the exports of this country would continue 
 to increase. Was in New York when the news arrived of the 
 British Orders in Council of November 1807. " I received the 
 " Globe Newspaper of the 10th of November 1807, stating that 
 
( 46 ) 
 
 *' a proclamation was then waiting for His Majesty's signature, 
 " declaring the ports of France and Holland in a state of block- 
 " ade, and that no vessels would be permitted to go there without 
 " clearances from a British port ; the same information came 
 " from a variety of quarters at the same time ; these we re- 
 *' ceived on the 12th December 1807" (350). It was copied into 
 the American papers immediately. The post is two days and a 
 half between New York and Washington, and the embargo was 
 laid on the 22d of December 1807 (351). *' I will beg leave to 
 " state a conversation I had with a Member of Congress some 
 "^ time afterwards. I asked this Member of Congress, if it was 
 " a fair question, whether the Government in America had 
 " been aware of the Orders in Council at the time they laid the 
 " embargo, because I saw it stated in some papers that they 
 " were not; he said, it was a singular fact that they received at 
 " Washington, on the same day, an account of the first con- 
 " demnation in France under the Berlin decree, and of the 
 " Orders in Council ; and he said. We then laid the embargo ; 
 " in fact, we can scarcely be said to have laid the embargo, 
 " it was the belligerents who destroyed our commerce (359)." 
 Knows no persons in Liverpool who are dealers in false papers, 
 but had a circular letter of the 11th May 1811 sent to his house 
 (See Appendix). When Cotton or Linen Goods, which are 
 duty free, are entered at the Custom House for. exportation, no 
 value is stated, and a man may enter 5 pieces in a package or 
 5,000 (352). The number of industrious people out of work at 
 Liverpool very great indeed ; saw riggers who assured him they 
 had had no work for a month (353). *' If the British Govern- 
 " ment pays for the provisions sent to Spain and Portugal they 
 " are drawn upon for 22^ per cent, more than they would be 
 " if the exchange was at par ; if the importation of goods in 
 " America was permitted, that 22| per cent, would be saved, 
 " and we should have the advantage of exporting British manu- 
 " factures. The manufactures exported to America have been 
 " increasing in fineness and in value, I believe, every year, and 
 " will goon increasing with the prosperity of America (361)." 
 
( 47 ) 
 
 
 -Mr. JOHN RICHMOND J AFFRAY, Merchant of London, 
 engaged in the American Trade. Was in Canada in September, 
 October, and November last. In that market, and in New 
 Brunswick, there was a great glut of British Goods, and they 
 were selhng, in general, at a loss of from 10 to 40 or 50 per 
 cent, below prime cost and charges. Has exported nothing 
 since the Non -Importation Law of the United States went into 
 operation ; but upon the repeal of the Orders in Council (337), 
 would make a very large shipment. Has pretty large orders 
 conditioned upon that event (338). In America, a great many 
 manufactories are now attempted to be estabhshed, and they are 
 making a little progress: If the Non-Importation Law lasts 
 a very long time, they will no doubt make progress ; but they 
 have not produced any important rivalship to the manufactures 
 of Great Britain at present. Of the French manufactured 
 goods, particularly Silk Goods, there are a great many more than 
 the country wants, and they are as cheap as they have ever 
 been ; they cannot be sold at all to the advantage of those 
 who imported them, a larger quantity having been imported, 
 than the country required. The manufactures from France 
 were confined entirely to Silks and Cambrics, with a very few 
 Laces, but those were inconsiderable (340). During the time 
 when an open trade existed, the Linens of Great Britain were 
 sent to America, and sold to advantage. Up to the last period 
 of open trade, the Linens of Great Britain were not undersold in 
 the American market (341). Supposing that German Linens 
 can now be exported from the Elbe to the United States of 
 America, they have every advantage which they could have if 
 the Orders in Council were repealed (342). 
 
 Mr. HENRY HINCKLEY, Insurance Broker of London,— 
 In case the Orders in Council were repealed, and no other event 
 was to take place, could now effect insurance at Lloyds on 
 goods from England to America, against capture and sea risk, 
 and also against seizure in the American port of destination, for 
 the premium of four guineas per cent. (343). 
 
 Mr. JOHN FRY, has been for many years managing clerk 
 
C 48 ) 
 
 pf the Hduse of Mackenzie, Glennie, and Co. of London. Mr. 
 Glenuie was examined before the House, four years ago, and is 
 at present unwell. Before the year 1808, received very large 
 remittances from the Continent of Europe, for the proceeds of 
 American shipments (463), at least a million per annum. This 
 money was repaid by the Americans drawing bills and selling 
 them to the agents of British manufacturers in America ; or 
 by paying the manufacturers in this country, by orders from 
 various correspondents in America. No remittances have been 
 received from the Continent for the last two years, except from 
 Spain and Portugal, whence they arc in the habit of receiving 
 very large sums, arising from the sales of Flour, Grain, and 
 Salt Provisions. Mr. Gallatin's report to Congress, stated the 
 Export of Provisions to different parts of the world, to have 
 amounted to 20 millions of dollars within the last year; and as 
 some, of the seller's prices, have perhaps produced a hundred 
 per cent, profit, he supposes, judging from what passed through 
 their hands, that the sales in Lisbon, Oporto, Cadiz, and 
 Gibralter, must have amounted to 7 or 8 millions sterling. A 
 mail just arrived from Lisbon, brings accounts that Flour, which 
 prior to any idea of an Embargo, and for some few months back, 
 used to sell for about 12 to \2\ millreas a barrel, had got up to 
 15 and 15^; — the moment the Embargo was known it went up 
 instantly to 16, 17, and to 20; and the last accounts bring 
 the account of 22 millreas a barrel (464). The Millrea is 70 
 pence, but government is now paymg 71. The exchange betweeti 
 America and this country is rather better than 29 per cent. 
 If the Oixlers in Council were revoked, the goods which 
 are lying ready for America, would instantly be shipped, 
 ** To-morrow morning we should get ships, and send them 
 "off immediately. The only time I should wait is our 
 *' clerk going to the Custom-House and entering the goods.'* 
 The former duty on Cotton imported into France was 33 francs 
 on 50 Killegrams, it is now on long staple 400 francs, and on 
 short staple 300 francs, that is, 3s. 6d. per pound on the lon*^ 
 staple, and 2s. 6d. on the short. These duties were imposed in 
 1810. The duty on Coffee used to be 82^. francs the hundred 
 v^eight, it is now 200 francs, or £\\, sterling, but at the pre- 
 sent exchange ^12. 2s. The duty on sugars used to be 30 
 
C 49 ) 
 
 fi^ancs per hundred weight on muscovado; ahd is now raised 
 to 150; and on clayed it was 55 francs, and is now 200 (465). 
 In ©nteringfor exportation Cotton and Linen Goods, which are 
 free of duty at the Custom-House, they never think of giving 
 the real value, but take care to enter enough, it is just as easy to 
 write .^100,000. as ten (466). Has seen an entry made, Bri- 
 tish Cottons o£'5,000, when that Package, perhaps, cost c£50 
 (468). The last exchange from America was 22 per cent., they 
 deduct the exchange from the .^£'100., ^therefore in fact it is 
 29 upon o£'100. The circumstance of the loss of exchange has ' 
 been from the Trade being all one way ; the Trade has been 
 from America to this side, without any means of making re^ 
 turns, and they have no means but drawing these Bills, and 
 they are forced to sell them for what they can get (467), 
 American ships used generally to return from Holland in bal- 
 last ; there were a itw goods laid on the top of the ballast, but 
 nothing in the shape of cargoes. The present low rate of ex- 
 change is an essential loss to this country, because that which cost 
 8 millions of dollars, would not cost 6 were it not for the ex»- 
 change; a barrel of Flour if invoiced at 10 dollars, is in fact 12 or 
 12^ (469). Never heard of persons in France drawing upon this 
 country in payment of shipments which they were making to 
 America ; or of shipments going from France to America, of 
 such consequence as to require drafts. All the foreign grain 
 that arrives in this country goes to the Peninsula, ** there were 
 *' 6,000 quarters of corn came into the market this morning, they 
 " were all bought to go to Lisbon ; there is a good deal come 
 " from Archangel, and they must all go to Lisbon, I presume, 
 " for their prices are so high they will give a very handsome 
 *' profit upon it." The corn arriving from the Baltic in this 
 country is shipped to the peninsula, in consequence of the high 
 prices payable there since the American Embargo; if the price 
 had remained as it was, it would not have gone from this coun- 
 try. The remittances from the Peninsula for Flour sent from 
 America, are principally bills on the Treasury at 30 days;- so 
 that if the price has advanced 50 per cent, it is so much addi- 
 tional expense to the government of this country, for all they 
 buy. The provisions from America to the Peninsula, amount 
 
 H 
 
( 30 ) 
 
 to seven millions or more, the Commissary General buys the chief, 
 but part is bought by other individuals, who go to the Commis- 
 sary, and he gives his Bills for it. These supplies are now increas- 
 ed in cost to the amount of 50 per cent, in consequence of the 
 interruption to the American intercourse. In consequence of 
 the depreciation of the exchange, arising from the want of 
 shipments of manufactures of this country to America, and at- 
 tributable solely to the Orders in Council, this government loses 
 22^ per cent, in every <£100. that it lays out in America for 
 shipments to the Peninsula, which it would not lose if the Orders 
 in Council were off, and the Exchange at Par. This must 
 have made a total loss to this country of two millions (474). 
 
 .^t 
 
 .» inA9d 
 
t 51 ) 
 
 MANUFACTURES 
 
 OF AMERICA, 
 
 In addition to the Evidence upon that subject, to be 
 found in the preceding pages, 
 
 Mr. JAMES RONALDSON, Merchant, has resided in Ame- 
 rica about e/ghteen years, and has been engaged in manufac- 
 tures, tradi, and farming. Since Commerce has been embar- 
 rassed th^ manufactures have been increasing ; in the ratio of the 
 troMbles of commerce, the manufactures have been advancing. 
 Th^ Cotton Manufacture has increased; before 1807, it was a 
 laiffuishing business, but since that time it has become a brisk 
 ara thriving trade. Came before the House with reluctance, and 
 n/t till the Warrant of the House had been served upon him, be- 
 cause being embarked in manufactures in America, as the pre- 
 nt investigation might produce an effect upon them, he did 
 
 t like to interfere. The present order of things is just making 
 em, and a change might perhaps ruin them (451). There 
 
 an importation of French manufactures, but does not 
 
 nk it is considerable ; very little of their articles is ca- 
 able of supplying the consumption of America. Has been 
 ^ngaged in the growth of Wool in America, and is capable of 
 kaying, from his own observation, that it has been attended 
 
 th great success. Coals are to be found in abundance in the 
 United States on the western waters, there are several mines in 
 ihe Eastern States ; and at Richmond and Wilkesbarre. He is 
 engaged in the manufacture of types and of earthenware. He 
 does not know that his pottery interferes with the British ; it 
 sells in the present state of things ; the British rather interferes 
 with it (452). The cotton manufacture has principally become 
 considerable within the last six years. There has been no in- 
 crease of duties on British manufactures in America to protect 
 her own manufactures. Some goods have been bought iq France 
 
 fe 
 
( 52 ) 
 
 for the American market, because they could not be got from 
 England in the present state of things. He thinks the wool of 
 the Merino Sheep maintains its quality, and in some instances 
 it has been stated to improve, but the experiment is so young, 
 that that fact is not yet ascertained (453). Has seen superfine 
 cloths made from the Merino Wool in America, and people 
 who professed to be judges, said it was good in the material, but 
 not very well manufactured (454). 
 
 Mr. THOMAS KINDER, Merchant of London Wa» in the 
 United States from the year 1804, to the end of 1809. The 
 progress of manufactures in America has been greut since 1807. 
 At the end of the year 1807 there were fifteen Coton Mills in 
 the United States, and at the end of 1809 there w^re eighty- 
 seven. Since the year 1807, there have been many xiarvufac- 
 tiires introduced, white and red lead; and the manufactvire of 
 Glass has been much extended. In Pittsburg there is a manu- 
 factory of Flint Glass, which has a ten pot furnace. It was 'h- 
 dertaken by merchants, who were till then in the habit of sellng 
 British manufactures in New York, but being put out of emplc;- 
 mertt in consequence of the Orders in Council destroying te 
 intercourse, they sought some other occupation, and establishd 
 this manufactory at Pittsburg; it is now very successfully ca- 
 ried on, and they have it in contemplation to build anothc 
 furnace, and to double their capital (446). Produced a specimei 
 of the glass. Coals cost there about 2d. per bushel, or 6s. 6c 
 per chafdron. The mines extend for many miles up the Ohio \ 
 and the Alleghany, and Monongahela. Large foundries are es- \ 
 tablished in the United States, there are three at Pittsburg, tw( 
 of which have been established since the year 1809. A steam- 
 boat of 400 tons has been built since that period, to navigate 
 the Ohio and Mississippi. Great numbers of Merino Sheep have 
 been imported from the peninsula, and large quantities of wool 
 are now produced. Prices of land have risen very much in 
 Pittsburg; in the summer of 1809, a lot of half an acre was sold 
 for 1,000 dollars, and in 1810, the same lot was sold again for 
 2,000 dollars, which he attributes to the improvement of the 
 town, and in particular to its being considered a favourable 
 
( is ) 
 
 situation for maniifactufes (447). The Banks in America dis^ 
 count at 6 per cent. The legal interest in the State of New 
 York is 7 per cent. There are a great number of men of Capi- 
 tal now in the United States ; believes there is no want of ma- 
 nufacturing Capital, and the Banks are very free, accommodat- 
 ing those who wish to establish manufactories in the United 
 States. The common Currency of America is Paper, but you 
 may always call for specie at the banks. English Guineas are 
 to be had occasionally at the Banks if applied for. The wool 
 raised in America is capable of making as fine cloth as is worn 
 (448). A manufactory of Pins has very lately been established 
 at New York, the wire for that manufacture is now imported 
 from France, because it could not be imported from England. 
 Produced some of the Pins. The capital employed in it is ten 
 to twelve thousand dollars (451). 
 
 Mr. CAMPBELL PATRICK WHITE, Merchant, has resid- 
 ed at Baltimore for thirteen years. The Cotton manufacture in 
 America has increased, more particularly, since the year 1809. 
 A very large manufactory was established in the year 1808, 
 within nine miles of Baltimore, with a capital of ^£1 12,500. 
 sterling ; it employed in the year 1811, about one hundred and 
 fifty persons. Another considerable Cotton Mill, was esta- 
 blished about the same time at the Passaic Falls. Cotton twist 
 has been exported to Petersburg and Archangel, since 1808. 
 Consumption of French manufactures in America is not consi- 
 derable. French silks in America are much cheaper than they 
 were six or eight months ago, and the price of brandy has fallen 
 within the last four months at least 20 per cent. (441). Is in- 
 formed that the French silks will not interfere with those from 
 Great Britain, French silks being of a high price, and the 
 silks generally used in America being of a low price. The 
 Cotton twist Manufacture in America has been profitable (442). 
 In the year 1811, the whole value of American produce export- 
 ed was in dollars, 45,295,043, viz. to Great Britain 20,308,211 
 dollars. To Spain and Portugal, 18,266,466 dollars. To France, 
 and Italy, 1,194,275 dollars. The produce shipped to Spain 
 and Portugal, amounting to four millions and a half sterling, was 
 
( 54 ) 
 
 chiefly Flour, and Indian corn (443). A^ood deal of German 
 linens have been imported into the United States, but in the year 
 .1806, which was a year of the greatest import, the manufactures 
 of France and Holland, paying duties ad valorem, did not 
 amount to more than .i'OOOjOOO. sterling. In the same year 
 there were imported from England, Scotland, and Ireland, of 
 manufactures paying duties ad valorem, 35,569,744 dollars 
 (444). This amount is exclusive of those articles imported from 
 Great Britain, which pay specific duties, and those which are 
 free (445). The re-export of British manufactures in former 
 times, did not amount to more than one thirteenth part of the 
 Imports (442). 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 (1) Extract from the present Non -Importation Act of the 
 United States, 
 
 Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, Thai in case Great Britain 
 shall so revoke or modify her edicts, as that they shall cease to 
 violate the Neutral Commerce of the United States, the Presi- 
 dent of the United States shall declare the fact by proclamation ; 
 and such proclamation shall be admitted as evidence, and no other 
 evidence shall be admitted of such revocation, or modification, 
 in any suit, or prosecution, which may be instituted under the 
 fourth Section of the Act to which this is a Supplement. And 
 the Restrictions imposed, or which may be imposed by virtue of 
 the said Act, shall, from the date of such Proclamation, cease 
 and be discontinued. 
 
 Extract from a Letter from Mr. Munroe, the American Secretary of 
 State to His Majesty's Minister, Mr. Foster, dated Washington, 
 26th July, 1811. 
 
 It is in the power of the British Government at this time, to 
 enable the President to set the Non -Importation Law aside, by 
 rendering to the United States an Act of Justice. If Great Bri- 
 tain will cease to violate their Neutral Rights by revoking her 
 Orders in Council, on which event alone the President has the 
 power, I am instructed to inform you that he will, without delay, 
 €3iercise it by terminating the operation of this law. 
 
App. ( 56 ) 
 
 (2) Dates of the Orders in Council, the French Decrees, and the con* 
 sequent Acts of the American Government. 
 
 1806 May 16th. British, Blockade from the Elbe to Brest. 
 Nov. 21 St. Berlin Decree. 
 
 1807 Jan. 7th. British Order in Council, prohibiting Coast- 
 
 ing Trade. 
 Nov. 11th. The celebrated British Orders in Council. 
 Dec. 7th. Milan Decree. 
 Dec. 22nd. American Embargo. 
 
 1809 March 4th. Embargo removed, and Non -Intercourse sub- 
 
 stituted. 
 April 19th. Mr. Erskine's Negotiation, which opened the 
 
 Trade with England. 
 April 26th. An Order in Council, modifying the Orders 
 
 of November 1807. 
 Aug. 10th. Non-Intercourse with Great Britain. 
 
 1810 May 1st. Act of Congress, opening the Trade. 
 
 Nov. 2nd. Presidents Proclamation, declaring the French 
 Decrees to be rescinded. 
 
 1811 Ftb. 2nd. American Non-Importation Act, 
 
 1812. April 4th. American Embargo. n\\i'.J \s>umA sdi ■ 
 
 (3.) Letters from America, regarding the Shipment of Goods, in case 
 oijfiOiiibOj/i 'ithe Orders in Council are removed. 
 
 * ' ' " New York, December 10th, 1810. 
 
 " Messrs. Naylor and Sanderson, 
 
 " ^entlemen,^^j^j- ^| ^^^^j nmivu lo ^iyiioium moivjviU 
 
 " We now hand you a' small addition to our order, which we 
 wish prepared as soon as possible, and if in time, to come with 
 those already ordered. We are daily in hopes of our Congress 
 doing something to allow merchants to get their goods now or- 
 dered ; it is probable they will fix some time beyond which goods 
 shall not be shipped from England to this, unless the Orders in 
 Council are repealed : we, therefore, wish those already ordered, 
 and also the present addition, ready as soon as possible, so that 
 advantage can be taken of any opening that may occur. Under 
 present circumstances, we would not wish the goods shipped, 
 unless your Government repeal their Orders. If any thing is done 
 on this side, you will be immediately informed of it. 
 We are your obedient servants, 
 
 S. & J. Lambert." 
 
 " New York, December 1st, 1810. 
 
 " Messrs. Naylor and Sanderson, 
 
 " Gentlemen, 
 
 " Since our respects of the 26th ult. certain circumstances 
 
 have transpired, which induce us to give directions respecting 
 
 our orders of September 15th and October 10th last j as follows 
 
( 57- ) App. 
 
 ^That the goods be prepared with all possible dispatch at all 
 events, and sent down to Liverpool. If your Government shall 
 have repealed her Decrees or Orders in Council, usually known 
 by the name of the Paper Blockades, or retaliating Decrees 
 against France, then to have our goods shipped by the first ves- 
 sel, otherwise to wait our further advice. It is expected that a 
 memorial will be presented to Congress, praying, that in case 
 England should refuse to rescind her Decrees, that then goods al- 
 ready ordered may be admitted to an entry here ; so that we hope, 
 in any event, to order the shipment of our goods. If this Petition 
 should be granted, we shall give you the earliest notice of it. 
 We remain your obedient servants, 
 
 Rogers & Winthrop." 
 
 (147) " New York, 3rd December, 1810. 
 
 " Messrs. Naylor and Sanderson, 
 " Dear Sirs, 
 
 " My last was 17th October. Two questions have been pro- 
 posed to Mr. Gallatin, the Secretary of the Treasury of the 
 United States ; and by his answers to them, I find that all Bri- 
 tish goods arriving into the United States, after the 2nd day of 
 February next ensuing the date hereof, will be seized and for- 
 feited to the United States ; but if the British Decrees are re- 
 moved, you will please to ship them without loss of time; but if 
 the British Decrees are not removed, you will please to let them 
 lay until you hear further from me. You will please to under- 
 stand, that I wish you to have the goods all packed, and ready to 
 be dipped at a moment's warning. 
 
 With much respect, I am, dear Sirs, 
 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 John Mowatt, Jun." 
 
 " Boston, December 31st, 1810. 
 " Messrs. Naylor and Sanderson, 
 " Gentlemen, 
 
 ** We have now to request you to countermand all our goods 
 ordered since November 2nd, 1810, unless the Orders in Coun- 
 cil are repealed. Our goods were ordered without any intention 
 of evading the Non-importation Law, and full expectation of the 
 groods being shipped. . ... ... ... . 
 
 We remain, very respectfully. Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient servants. 
 
 Homes & Homer." 
 
 " Messrs. Harris, Leach, & Co. (181) 
 
 " Gentlemen, Boston, Nov. 16th, 181 1 . 
 
 " We have been duly favoured with yours of 20th May and 
 
ApjJt. ( 5« ) 
 
 9th July, the latter informing that a part of our goods wer« 
 nearly ready, and we wish we could say that the two Govern- 
 ments appeared nearly ready to suffer them to be shipped, but 
 at present there appears no probability ; but if we can judge 
 from the correspondence just published between Mr. Foster and 
 our Secretary, we shall have no opening until the Orders in 
 Council are removed, in which case we request you to ship ouo 
 goods without any further instructions. Hoping the differences^' 
 between the two Governments will soon be amicably adjusted, 
 
 " We remain, &c." 
 
 Browns and Drayton, esteemed Friends. (185) 
 
 *' Baltimore, 30th November 1811. 
 " Should your Orders in Council be rescinded time enough 
 to enable you to ship spring goods, you will please send the 
 same assortment as ordered of you for last spring ; should they 
 however not be removed before the shipping season for next 
 fall, you will be pleased to send me the same assortment as or- 
 dered for spring and fall, under full insurance, by one of the 
 first vessels sailing from Liverpool with fall goods under full in- 
 surance. In the mean time I rest your friend." 
 
 " Philadelphia, 12 Month, 26, 1810. 
 " Respected Friends, 
 
 " On the 27th of 10 Month, we ordered sundries from you 
 for spring ; and on the 6th inst. we wrote, requesting you would 
 not send them unless the Orders in Council were so far repealed 
 as to remove the obstructions occasioned by the President's Pro- 
 clamation. 
 
 " We now hand you an order for sundries, which please for- 
 ward to Hobsons and Bolton of Liverpool, in time for some of 
 the early fall vessels, provided affairs are so far settled between 
 our respective Governments as to make it safe for us and you. 
 You will please to leave the insurance subject to our directions to 
 them." 
 
 Addressed, Brown & Drayton, \ 
 t Merchants, Leicester, England, j 
 
 (294) " Baltimore, 15th December 1810. 
 
 " Messrs. Wm. Brown & Co. 
 *' Gentlemen, 
 
 " The Non-Intercourse will be in operation on the ^d Fe-, 
 bruary, provided the Orders in Council, &c. are not removed ; on 
 which account you will not forward our goods, if they do not 
 arrive in time to have them forwarded prior to Ist February 1811. 
 
 " We are your most obedient servants." 
 
( «9 ) Apj>. 
 
 " Baltimore, Slst December 1810. 
 ** Messrs. Wm. Bro^n k Co. 
 " Gentlemeni 
 
 . .: i i i t i * ■,.:•.■. \ \ i , , 
 
 *' The present situation of affairs between the two countries, 
 renders the importation of goods so precarious, that no per- 
 manent arrangement can be made of a satisfactory nature. We 
 ordered several goods for the spring, and have ^countermanded 
 them, unless the Orders in Council are removed. 
 
 " Your friends and servants," 
 
 ** Baltimore, January 1, 1812. 
 " Messrs. Wm. Brown & Co. 
 
 " At present, it is the opinion of many here, that the Orders 
 in Council will be repealed in time for spring goods : we hope it 
 may be the case. Our opinion is, the present Session of Con- 
 gress will leave our affairs, as it respects England, in nearly the 
 same state at its close as at its commencement. 
 
 " We are your most obedient servants," 
 
 (4) Letter from the owner of an American Ship which loaded at 
 Liverpool for Amelia Island, 
 
 " Messrs. Hobsons and Bolton, Liverpool. (345) 
 
 " New York, February 1st, 1812. 
 " Dear Sirs, 
 
 " The Captain is placed in the most disagreeable and embar- 
 rassing situation imaginable, at Amelia Island ; the Governor 
 there refusing him permission to remain unless he enters the 
 cargo, the duties on which are about 33J- per cent. Again I 
 
 am requested by and others, to do an illegal 
 
 act, and to order the to the Delaware, which 
 
 I of course decline, unless I am completely indemnified from all 
 possible loss, which perhaps is impossible. I shall proceed under 
 the best legal advice I can get. I am mortified to the soul that 
 the ship ever took in the cargo; and if you could have foreseen 
 all this trouble, 1 think, for three times the amount of the freight, 
 you would hpt have given it me. I wish the thing was at an 
 end, and the consignees in lawful possession of the goods in Phi- 
 ladelphia. . . . . . . . . . . . 
 
 " Your very obedient servant. 
 
App. ( 60 ) 
 
 (5) Letter from Canada. (346) 
 " Thomas Martin, Esq. Liverpool. 
 "Dear Sir, Montreal, 7th Dec. 1811. 
 
 " Every thing here, as may be well supposed from the non- 
 admission of manufactures to the States, and the low price of 
 produce with you, is as bad as possible 
 
 " Dry goods of all descriptions have been selling to a large 
 amount, at 20 per cent, and upwards less than their cost in 
 England ; but. in the event of an opening to the States, the 
 profits would be great. Ship-building has been carried on ex- 
 tensively, by which there will be much money lost. If an open- 
 ing to the States does not soon take place, 1 am afraid further 
 failures will occur. Not more than two-thirds of the number of 
 ships of last year have loaded from this country ; and for the 
 next, except in case of a radical change, we cannot expect so 
 
 many as this 
 
 " Your's, &c. 
 
 (6) Letters on the subject of the Manufactures of America. 
 
 " New York, November 30th, ISll. (347) 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 *' Our country is in an infinitely better state than is generaUy 
 supposed ; ship owners and importing merchants feel the present 
 state of things, but the agriculturers of the Middle States, where 
 grain is the staple commodity, were never more prosperous ; the 
 prices of certain articles (woollens) of British manufacture arc 
 high, and with difficulty can be procured. This has turned the 
 attention of farmers to the raising or breeding of sheep, and 
 others to the manufacture of cloth. I do not think we shall ever 
 enter into competition with you in foreign markets. But 
 this, 1 believe, that the habits of a part of our community may 
 be brought to manufacture, to an extent nearly equal to our 
 wants, of articles which we deem essential, as well of woollen as 
 cotton ; thus far manufactures with us are to be wished for, but 
 in my opinion, not further. There is a wonderful change in this 
 respect since you left us ; streams of water, of sufficient force to 
 work mills are sought after, and purchased with avidity at great 
 prices. Men deemed prudent, possessing capitals, have em- 
 barked, and it is expected Government will protect them in their 
 enterprises. Previous to our Non-importation Act taking effect, 
 the state of specie in the country was alarmingly low ; the Act 
 has caused vast sums to be brought into the country, and I 
 question whether our banks ever contained a greater amount.*' 
 
 Yours sincerely. 
 
C 61 ) App. 
 
 The following from Englishmen resident in America. (348) 
 
 " New York, December 12th, 1811. 
 " Messrs. Hobsons and Bolton, Liverpool, 
 "Dear Sirs, 
 
 " It is with regret I observe there is no improvement in your 
 cotton market, which too strongly shews the depressed state 
 of the trade in England. I cannot but approve of the de- 
 termination evinced of petitioning Parhament, on its meet- 
 ing, respecting the destructive and ruinous measures of the 
 Orders in Council, which are sapping the foundation of England. 
 I will yield to no one as a well-wisher to his native country ; and 
 it has seldom happened but I have ranged myself on the mi- 
 nisterial side of the question ; but from the first issuing of these 
 
 Orders, I have uniformly declared, that a perseverance 
 
 in the system for five years, ivould not leave either a silver tea- 
 pot or spoon in the land. If the export trade to this country was 
 worth preserving to Great Britain, how awfully and woefully has. 
 the game been played. I believe I might say five years ago, nay 
 perhaps four, that in America there were not four cotton factories. 
 Look at our situation now, and cast your eye on the enclosed 
 list I hand you in this, of the cotton factories in the neighbour- 
 hood of Providence, Rhode Island alone. This account appear- 
 ed yesterday in our papers. Going on the wharf this morning, I 
 was struck with a sight that might give a pang to the heart of 
 your Liverpool and Manchester folks ; for passing by a Pough- 
 keepsie packet, I saw her loaded entirely, both under and above 
 deck, with bales of New Orleans cotton going to a factory in that 
 quarter. What a reverse of things ! three years ago (and it 
 would have been the same at this day but for the restrictive 
 measures of England) at the same season of the year, this sloop 
 would have been loaded with Liverpool salt and crockery ware ; 
 with Manchester cotton goods, Leeds broad cloths, &c. &c. It 
 cannot be denied, should a settlement between the two coun- 
 tries take place, that the importations from Britain will still be 
 large. I should only observe how ^much more of a customer 
 this country would have been to England, had not the policy of 
 the latter compelled the Americans to become manufacturers; 
 and most certainly Congress are now bound to protect them all 
 in their power. But for the mistaken policy of England, in is- 
 suing these unfortunate Orders in Council, and sticking to them, 
 be assured, France and America would long ago have been at 
 
 loggerheads. . . . ; 
 
 I am, dear Sirs, &c. 
 
App. 
 
 ( 
 
 ) 
 
 " Statement of Cotton Manufactories, situated within 30 miles 
 of the Town of Providence, R. I." 
 
 Towns. 
 
 Factories. 
 
 Prov. R. I. - 
 
 1 
 
 North Prov. 
 
 5 
 
 Johnston - - 
 
 2 
 
 Cranston - - 
 
 4 
 
 Cumberland 
 
 3 
 
 Smithfield - 
 
 3 
 
 Situate - - . 
 
 3 
 
 Gloucester - 
 
 2 
 
 Warwick - - 
 
 9 
 
 Coventry - - 
 
 5 
 
 Exeter - - - 
 
 1 
 
 So. Kingston 
 
 1 
 "~38 
 
 
 N* of Spindles in 
 operation. 
 
 540 
 3,592 
 1,382 
 1,100 
 
 412 
 
 4,188 
 
 2,688 
 
 72 
 
 10,757 
 
 5,124 
 
 400 
 
 408 
 
 30,663 
 
 N" of Spindles which 
 
 which might mn in 
 
 the Buildings. 
 
 1,250 
 6,700 
 2,700 
 2,988 
 
 412 
 5,800 
 4,000 
 
 432 
 17,858 
 12,800 
 
 800 
 
 408 
 
 56,248 
 
 Massachusetts, within 30 miles of Providence 
 
 Rehoboth- - 
 
 8 
 
 Attleborough 
 
 4 
 
 Taunton - - 
 
 1 
 
 Dighton - - 
 
 4 
 
 Wimtham - 
 
 1 
 
 Norton - - - 
 
 2 
 
 Mansfield- - 
 
 2 
 
 Medway - - 
 
 2 
 
 Franklin • - 
 
 1 
 
 Murdon - - 
 
 I 
 
 Bedham - - 
 
 1 
 
 Walpole - - 
 
 1 
 
 Canton - - - 
 
 2 
 30 
 
 
 5,250 
 
 1,200 
 800 
 
 2,775 
 260 
 480 
 360 
 
 1,000 
 200 
 
 3,392 
 654 
 
 1,000 
 
 9,438 
 4,460 
 1,000 
 7,000 
 
 260 
 2,400 
 1,600 
 1,500 
 
 400 
 
 11,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 800 
 2,400 
 
 17,371 
 
 Connecticut, within 30 miles of Providence : 
 
 43,45» 
 
 Pomfret - 
 Plainfield - 
 Sterling - 
 Thompson 
 Killingly - 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 1 
 2 
 1 
 —8 
 
 76 
 
 1,560 
 l/)60 
 
 800 
 
 3,420 
 
 3,000 
 3,096 
 2,000 
 2,300 
 1,500 
 
 11,896 
 
 51,454 
 
 111.600 
 
d 63 > A(»p* 
 
 ** Each spindle will produce yarn enough weekly, to make 
 two and a half yards of cloth, of the value of 30 cents, pe 
 yard. The number of spindles now in operation will, therefore, 
 produce sufficient yarn, when wove, to make in each week, 
 128,635 yards of cloth, worth 896,476. 35ct8." 
 
 *' Messrs. Nathaniel and Falkner Phillips and Co. (435) 
 
 « Gentlemen, Philadelphia, 18th Nov. 1811. 
 
 " The continuing for a long time the non -importation sys- 
 tem, by encouraging manufactories here, will greatly endanger 
 the trade hereafter. Manufactories do grow prodigiously in ex- 
 tent, and in the improvement of the quality of goods ; and the 
 difficulty of getting hands is every day diminishing. There is a 
 manufactory of cords, velveteens, &c. near this city, where they 
 turn out very good work. In heavy goods, where cotton is a 
 material article, and it can be laid down at ten cents, about five- 
 pence half-penny sterling per pound, at the loom-house door, 
 while you have to pay for it about twelvepence sterling, the ma- 
 nufacturer goes to work with great advantage ; and on the back 
 of this and the freight insurance of goods to America, and the 
 duties paid here, (amounting together to about twenty-two and a 
 half per cent.) are all saved. I am clearly of opinion, that if a 
 Non-Intercourse Act existed three years, the trade to this coun- 
 try in cotton goods would never be worth pursuing afterwards. 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 (Circular Letter.) (351) 
 
 " Messrs. Martin, Hope, and Thornley. 
 
 " Gentlemen, Liverpool, 11th May 1811. 
 
 " We take the liberty herewith to inform you, that we have 
 established ourselves in this town for the sole purpose of making 
 similated papers, which we are enabled to do in a way which 
 will give ample satisfaction to our employers, not only being in 
 possession of the original documents of the Ships Papers and 
 
 Clearances (a list of which we annex) but our Mr. having 
 
 worked with his brother Mr. ' ■ of London, in the same 
 line for the last two years, and understanding the necessary 
 languages. 
 
 *' Any changes that may occur in the different places on the 
 Continent we are careful to have the earliest information, not 
 
 only through our own connexions, but also those of Mr. 
 
 who has proffered us his assistance in every way, and who, for 
 
 some time past, has made similated papers for Messrs. — 
 
 and of this town ; to whom we beg to refer for any in- 
 formation regarding the same. 
 
 f€ ^g remain respectfully. Gentlemen, 
 
 " Your most obedient servants. 
 
App. 
 
 ( 64 ) 
 
 
 CLEARANCES. 
 
 
 " Laurirg, 
 
 ^ 
 
 Charleston. 
 
 Bergen, 
 
 f 
 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 Troudheina, 
 
 >m Norway. 
 
 Dieppe. 
 
 Friderichshald, | 
 
 Nantes. 
 
 Christiana, 
 
 J 
 
 Bordeaux. 
 
 Gothenburg. 
 
 
 Rio de Janeiro 
 
 UddervaUe. 
 
 
 St. Michaels. 
 
 Carlsham. 
 
 
 Terceiro. 
 
 Stockholm. 
 
 
 St. Ubes. 
 
 Riga. 
 
 
 Faial. 
 
 Danzig. 
 
 
 Lisbon. 
 
 Memel. 
 
 
 Bilboa. 
 
 Konigsberg. 
 
 
 Santander. 
 
 New York. 
 
 
 Gixon. 
 
 Boston. 
 
 SHIPS PAPERS. 
 
 Malaga. 
 
 American. 
 
 
 Stettin. 
 
 Danish. 
 
 
 Memel. 
 
 Swedish. 
 
 
 Danzig. 
 Rostock," 
 
 Konigsberg. 
 
 
 J. M^Creery, Printer, 
 Black-HoreeCourt, Fleet-Street, 
 London. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 \^ A >. 
 
 
 Commons 
 
 
 
 
 Evidence, 
 
 Abstract. 
 
 
 BIRMINGHAM. 
 
 
 
 Attwood, Thos. - 
 
 - 
 
 . . Page 1 
 
 Page 1 
 
 Bannister, William 
 
 - - 
 
 - . 
 
 K)6 
 
 9 
 
 Blakeway, William 
 
 
 • .. 
 
 59 
 
 4 
 
 Clark, Thomas 
 
 
 Txj^asfc^' 
 
 107 
 
 10 
 
 Cook, Benjamin 
 
 
 
 87 
 
 6 
 
 Dunbar, Henry 
 
 
 -105- 
 
 -250 
 
 8 
 
 Fiddian, Robert 
 
 
 - 
 
 77 
 
 6 
 
 Messenger, Thomas 
 
 
 .,**>v;i.5a4* 
 
 63 
 
 4 
 
 Milward, Thomas 
 
 
 - .. • 
 
 110 
 
 11 
 
 Osier, Thomas 
 
 
 - 
 
 96 
 
 9 
 
 Potts, Thomas 
 
 
 - 
 
 27 
 
 2 
 
 Ridout, Jeremiah 
 
 
 - 67- 
 
 -211 
 
 5 
 
 Ryland, James 
 
 
 - 
 
 48 
 
 3 
 
 Room, George 
 
 
 - 
 
 72 
 
 5 
 
 Smith, Benjamin 
 
 
 - 
 
 108 
 
 10 
 
 Scholfield, Joshua 
 
 
 - 
 
 98 
 
 7 
 
 Shore, Joseph 
 
 - 
 
 - 36- 
 
 -250 
 
 3 
 
 Spoon er, Richard 
 
 - 
 
 - " - 
 
 52 
 
 4 
 
 Webster, Joseph 
 
 WEST 
 
 BROMWICH. 
 
 79 
 
 6 
 
 Whitehouse, William 
 
 - 
 
 19- 
 
 -125 
 
 1 
 
 
 WOLVERHAMPTON. 
 
 
 
 lUidge, Thomas 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 92 
 
 7 
 
 Stanley, Joseph 
 
 - 
 
 > .. 
 
 95 
 
 9 
 
 
 SHEFFIELD. 
 
 
 
 Bailey, John 
 
 - 
 
 - . - 
 
 127 
 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 Naylor, George 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 145 
 
 Rhodes, Ebenezer 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 152 
 
 
 THE 
 
 POTTERIES, 
 
 
 
 Stevenson, Ralph 
 
 - 
 
 - * 
 
 161 
 
 as 
 
 1 Cft 
 
 Wedgwood, Josiah 
 
 - 
 
 xr 
 
 156 
 
 13 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Dennison, Thomas 
 Holforth, James 
 Lawson, Christopher 
 Rawson, George 
 Walker, Joseph 
 
 LEEDS. 
 
 Commons 
 
 Evidence. Abstract, 
 
 Page 244 Page 16 
 
 263 20 
 
 242 15 
 
 253 17 
 
 239 15 
 
 RAWDEN, NEAR LEEDS. 
 
 Thompson, WiUiara - - - 229 14 
 
 
 
 DEWSBURY. 
 
 
 
 Beckett, Joshua 
 
 " - 
 
 247 
 
 16 
 
 Sheard, David 
 
 WAKEFIELD. 
 
 260 
 
 18 
 
 Oxley, John 
 
 SADDLEWORTH. 
 
 249 
 
 IT 
 
 Buckley, John 
 Piatt, Francis 
 
 HALIFAX. 
 
 462 
 454 
 
 20 
 18 
 
 Greenwood, Thomas 
 
 . 
 
 127 
 
 20 
 
 ii . 
 
 ROCHDALE. 
 
 
 
 Hastings, William 
 Hoyle, Henry 
 Midgley, William 
 
 ~ - ~ 
 
 205 
 209 
 195 
 
 22 
 23 
 21 
 
 Turner, Richard 
 
 _ - _ 
 
 . 478 
 
 23 
 
 Walker, WilUam 
 
 - 
 
 202 
 
 22 
 
 
 BURY, LANCASHIRE. 
 
 
 
 Grundy, John, Jun. 
 Kay, James 
 
 MANCHESTER. 
 
 213 
 217 
 
 24 
 . 23 
 
 Cardwell, Thomas 
 
 - - - 
 
 282 
 
 27 
 
 Palfreyman, George 
 Phillips, Shakespear 
 Weight, Joseph 
 Wiggin, Timothy 
 Withington, Thomas 
 
 - 
 
 296 
 434 
 276 
 321 
 289 
 
 27 
 25 
 28 
 28 
 26 
 
INDEX. 
 
 
 
 Commons 
 Evidence. 
 
 Abstract. 
 
 
 STOCKPORT. 
 
 
 
 Bentley, John 
 Bury, Jeremiah 
 
 Page 273 Page 
 . 265—480 
 
 31 
 
 30 
 
 BOLTON IN THE MOORS. 
 
 
 Wood, John 
 
 KIDDERMINSTER. 
 
 223 
 
 31 
 
 Broom, Herbert 
 Watson, Richard 
 
 LEICESTER. 
 
 118 
 112 
 
 32 
 33 
 
 Drayton, William^ 
 Leach, Thomas 
 
 HINCKLEY. 
 
 184 
 177 
 
 34 
 34 
 
 Short, Thomas 
 
 WARWICK. 
 
 190 
 
 35 
 
 Parkcs, John 
 
 WaRRRINGTON. 
 
 192 
 
 35 
 
 Holt, Thomas 
 
 - - - 
 
 291 
 
 36 
 
 SALT WORKS OF CHESHIRE. 
 
 Okill, Wilham - - . . 479 ^^ 
 
 LINEN TRADE OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 Fergus, Walter - - - - 475 37 
 
 SPITAL FIELDS. 
 
 Hale, William - _ . _ 309 39 
 
 Honyman, John - - . . 299 38 
 
 Stevenson, George - - - 3I6 39 
 
 CLOTH MANUFACTURE OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND. 
 
 Woods, Samuel - - _ . 477 39 
 
 MANUFACTURES OF AMERICA. 
 
 Ronnaldson, James - - - 451 52 
 
 Kinder, Thomas ... 445 ^2 
 
 White, Campbell, P, - - - 440 53 
 
INDEX. 
 
 
 
 
 Commons 
 Evidence, 
 
 Abstract, 
 
 
 UYERPOOI.. 
 
 
 
 Brown,WilIiam A. 
 Holt, Thomas 
 Rathbone, William 
 Richardson, John 
 Thornely, Thomas 
 Yates, Joseph B. 
 
 - 
 
 Page 294 Page 44 
 - 391 49 
 428 44 
 425 43 
 344 44 
 375 40 
 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 
 
 
 Fry, John 
 
 Hinckley, Henry . 
 Jaffray, John R. 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 463 
 343 
 337 
 
 47 
 47 
 
 47 
 
 
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