The Virginia Gazette

PROVIDENCE, Dec. 2.

LUXURY and extravagance, in the use of British and foreign manufactures and superfluities, having of late greatly increased, and already had such pernicious influence on the inhabitants of this colony, as, if persisted in, must alone inevitably reduce the greatest part of its inhabitants to irretrievable distress and ruin, the colony yet labouring under a heavy debt incurred in the late war, the balance of trade greatly against it, and our commerce declining under the late burdensome impositions, we the subscribers, being sensible it is the duty of every well-wisher to his country, at all times, but more especially at this present melancholy prospect, to endeavour at some method to extricate the inhabitants out of these embarrassed circumstances, the fatal consequences of which are so justly dreaded; and being of opinion that economy, industry, and application to American manufactures, are the most obvious measures to answer these salutary purposes, and are absolutely necessary for the future well-being of the community, do engage with, and promise each other, that we will not, from and after the first day of January next, import by land or water into this colony, directly or indirectly, either for sale or for our own or families use, nor purchase of any other person who may after said time introduce any of the following articles, produced or manufactured out of North America, viz.

Loaf sugar; cordage; anchors; coaches, chaises, and all sorts of carriages, and harness for the same; mens and womens saddles, bridles, and all sorts of whips; all sorts of mens hats, except felts; mens and womens apparel ready made, excepting hosiery; mens gloves; womens hats; mens and womens shoes; sole leather; deck nails; gold, silver, and thread lace; gold and silver buttons; wrought plate of all sorts; diamond, stone, and paste ware; snuff; manufactured tobacco; mustard; clocks and watches; silversmiths and jewellers ware; broadcloths that cost above nine shillings sterling per yard; muffs, tippets, and ermine; all sorts of head dress for women, as caps, ribands, flowers, feathers, turbans, &c. starch; womens and childrens stays of all sorts; silk and cotton velvets; gauze; linseed oil; lawns and cambricks, that cost above four shillings sterling per yard; malt liquors; cheese; chairs, tables, and all kinds of cabinetware; horn combs; linens, exceeding two shillings sterling per yard; silks of any kinds excepting taffetas, persians, handkerchiefs, and sewing silks. And we do further engage to each other that we will discountenance and discourage the excessive use of all teas, china ware, spices, and black pepper, all British superfluities, and all such other articles of foreign manufactures not herein enumerated as by due encouragement are or may be fabricated in North America; and also the use of black or mourning apparel, gloves, and liquors, at funerals. And whereas wool and flax are the natural produce and staple of this colony, we will, as far as we can, encourage the raising and manufacturing those articles, particularly into flannel and tow cloth (they being already made cheaper, and more durable, than English swanskin or oznaburgs) that thereby a sufficient quantity to answer the consumption may be at market.

And furthermore, to the end that this union be not violated, and the good effects that must naturally result be thereby frustrated, if any inhabitant of this town does not sign and conform to the regulations herein made, but, disregarding the interest of the colony, still continues to import and introduce any of the aforementioned restricted articles, such person or persons shall be by us discountenanced, in the most effectual, but decent and lawful, manner.

It is with great pleasure we can inform the neighbouring colonies that a spirit of industry and manufacturing hath sprung up here, in a surprising degree: There is the most hopeful prospect of being able, in a little time, to manufacture all our necessaries; and that superfluities will be wholly given up.

We hear that sundry manufacturers from abroad will be very soon introduced here, if it may be done, as several Gentlemen are exerting themselves for bringing about this great and good design.