The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON, May 5.

Last Monday a petition of the clothiers and manufacturers of Devonshire kersey, and plain cloth, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that the manufactory is greatly reduced, and that consequently the consumption of wool, the growth of this kingdom, is proportionably lessened, to the great injury of the farmer and the landholder; and that the petitioners apprehend, the great decay of this branch of the staple of England, is materially injured by the great consumption of Russia drabs, and other low foreign linens, which is well known to be substituted by many of the lower class of people, in lieu of the woolen and linen manufacturers of this kingdom; and therefore praying, that such an additional duty may be laid on low foreign linnens as will prevent the ill consequences of farther lessening and reducing both the woollen and linen manufactory of England, or in such other way as the House shall think fit.