The Daily Advertiser

The following is a copy of the Circular Letter from the Tradesmen and manufacturers of the town of Boston to their brethren in the several sea ports in the Union.

Boston, August 20, 1788.

GENTLEMEN,

WE being appointed by the association of tradesmen and manufacturers of the town of Boston, to write to our brethren throughout the several states, do now address you on the very important and interesting subject of our own manufactures.

The late system of commerce pursued since the peace of importing such articles as can be manufactured amongst ourselves, tends to discourage the whole body of tradesmen and manufacturers of these states, who depend for the support of themselves and families on their various occupations; and this practice, unless speedily checked by the prudent exertions of those who are more particularly interested, must eventually prove ruinous to every mechanical branch in America.

Impressed with these sentiments, and finding the evil daily increasing—the tradesmen and manufacturers of the town of Boston, awakened by a sense of the danger which threatened them, assembled to deliberate on measures to relieve themselves from the destructive tendency of such importations.

An Association was accordingly formed, consisting of a representative from each branch; and in this body the whole manufacturing interest of this town becomes an object of general attention.

The first measure adopted by this association was to pass resolves respecting the importation of certain articles from Europe by our own merchants, and numbers of British agents residing among us; but knowing that nothing could be effected to any radical purpose unless we had the authority of the laws, we petitioned the legislature of this state praying that duties might be laid on the several articles enumerated in our petition. In consequence of which application, our legislature complied, in a great measure, with our request; by enacting laws for the encouragement of industry and for the promoting of our own manufactures.

However, as we are sensible that our present situation requires an extensive co-operation to complete the purposes we wish, we take this method to bring forward a confederated exertion, and doubt not from a union of sentiment the most permanent benefits may rise. We therefore apply to you, gentlemen, to lend us your assistance, and, like a band of brothers, whose interests are connected; we beg you to join in such measures to advance the general good, as your prudence shall suggest, and your wisdom dictate.

We would with submission, recommend an association of your tradesmen and manufacturers, formed upon the most extensive basis, and supported upon the most liberal principles; we may then hope the manufacturers of this country will flourish, when each man becomes interested not only in his own branch, but in those of his brethren; encouraged by such extensive patronage, each individual will be animated to pursue his business with alacrity, knowing that he acts in concert with those on whose friendship he can with confidence rely.

An association being established in your state we shall be ever happy to correspond with; and we flatter ourselves from this social intercourse, a general harmony will prevail throughout the whole manufacturing interest of this country.

As we hope to experience the good effects of the late acts of our general court, we would recommend a petition for a similar purpose to your legislature; and from the known disposition of your state to promote the welfare of America, we doubt not some plan will be devised by your general assembly to prevent the importation of such species of articles as are commonly manufactured in America.

We need not urge the necessity of some measures being immediately taken by the whole confederacy. The embarrassments of our navigation; the large debts contracted in Britain; and the remittances of our currency, all serve to put every real friend to his country upon serious attention; and if any mode can be adopted to remedy these evils, we are convinced no American will be backward in the cause, but will join heart in hand to promote the desirable purposes.

The means we propose, we conceive, are calculated to put each state upon deliberating on a subject highly important to the manufacturing interest; and we cannot but hope that one lasting benefit will accrue from the united voice of the tradesmen and manufacturers of America.

These states are so extensive in their boundaries, so various in their climate, and so connected in their national interest, that if a plan could be adopted throughout the confederation for the exchange of the produce and manufactures of each state, we conceive it would serve to cement a general union, and prove a means to promote the interest of the whole.

The northern states might furnish many articles of manufactures which are now imported from Europe; and in return might receive those supplies peculiar to the growth and climate of the southern.

An association formed throughout the states upon so liberal a plan, would establish many extensive branches of manufactures; and if prosecuted with spirit, would put this country above the humiliating state of lavishing her stores of wealth to promote the manufactures of Europe.

We wish you to communicate this letter to such towns of your state as you shall think proper.

We are, Gentlemen,
With every sentiment of respect.
Your most obedient servants,

JOHN GRAY,
GIBBINS SHARP.
BENJAMIN AUSTIN, jun.
SAMSON BELCHER,
WILLIAM HAWES.
JOSHUA WTHERLE.