The Enquirer

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21, 1808.

SIR,

The board of managers of the Philadelphia Premium Society, by their minutes of the last meeting, instruct me to inform you, that the Premium No. I. of fifty dollars, which to obtain requires, "the best piece of superfine Broadcloth twenty yards or more long, and six quarters wide, made from the fleece or living sheep, and which in dyeing and dressing shall come nearest to imported broadcloth," has been awarded to your exhibit.

The duty of communication I with great pleasure hasten to perform, and enclose the concomitant draft on our treasurer, Mr. Hugh Henry-an amount interesting to you only as an ascertainment of superiority, but incomplete and indefinite, as it marks not the grade of perfection.

It is therefore but doing justice to your honorable views to state the opinion of the judges, whose province it was to determine -it is.

"That the article of superfine cloth from the State of Connecticut, exhibited for the Premium No. I. is not only superior to any other specimen, or to any idea they had entertained that cloth of such quality could be manufactured in the U. States, but that it is in goodness of workmanship, whether as it regards the spinning, weaving, dyeing or dressing, at least equal, and in fineness of wool much superior to the best broadcloth imported from any part of Europe."

Of the great good which must obtain from the introduction of so large a stock of the invaluable Merino fleece, and of the value of the manufacture therefrom into fabrics of indispensable necessity, the legislature of your native State appear most sensible; and in their exemplary edicts, in which they delight to honor you, they most honor themselves.

May these prove the fair incentive to general emulation.

With perfect respect,

(Signed)
J. DORSEY, President.