The Virginia Gazette

We have the pleasure to acquaint the publick that the successful introduction of the Silk Manufacture in this province bears a promising aspect, as we hear there are great quantities of silk worms raised in almost every family in Purrysburgh parish, and some by the French at Hillsborough, and the English and Germans at Long Canes; and that several Gentlemen and Ladies near Charlestown will make the private amusement of raising silk worms tend to the publick benefit, by showing how easy the knowledge thereof is to be acquired, and what small labour is necessary in the management of them.

Mr. John Lewis Gibert, a native of France (employed by the Gentlemen concerned on behalf of the publick, in the encouragement of this manufacture, to wind and to teach the winding of silk) has now a considerable number of silkworms in the Old School-House near the New Barracks, where Gentlemen who are desirous of seeing them, either through curiosity, or inclination to promote so valuable a branch of trade, may at one time see them in all the various stages of life, some young, some full grown, and some spinning their balls or cocoons.