Address of the Managers of the United Company of Philadelphia

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To the Inhabitants of this Province:

The great reason that there was to apprehend that, through the infatuation and obstinacy of the British Parliament, the Non-Importation and Non-Exportation Agreement of these Colonies would continue for a considerable time, and the great distress that might consequently ensue, unless some means were devised to give employment to the necessitous, together with the advantage that would arise to the publick if manufactories could be established amongst us, were considerations which induced us to make the experiment; and although at first we met with difficulties, owing chiefly to our inexperience, we have now the pleasure to inform you, that we are thoroughly convinced of the

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utility of this institution; that it is practicable, and may be profitable, not only to the persons who are actually employed in labour, but to the contributors themselves; and, in order to render it still more extensively useful, we are extremely desirous that the company may be enlarged, and that every person who can conveniently spare the small sum of ten Pounds would become a proprietor. There are now upwards of four hundred persons in employment, which numbers are daily increasing; and nothing is now wanting but capital stock, to carry on a very extensive trade.

As the inhabitants of this Province are distinguished for humanity, if there was no other motive but the employment of the poor, it must be a strong incitement to join the company; but when private interest, charity to the poor, and the publick good, unitedly urge us thereto, who that has ability can refuse? Persons of experience in the linen branch assure us that our climate is much more favourable than either England or Ireland, and that nothing is wanting to carry on manufactories very extensively, but experienced workmen, and a disposition in the people to promote the design.

As the bleaching of linen is a material part of the manufacture, we may inform the publick that there is a gentleman now in this City, who has been bred to the business, a man of character and abilities, who, if sufficient encouragement should be given, will soon establish a bleach-field.

Such as incline to become subscribers to the manufactory are desired to call at the Factory-House, in Market Street, at the corner of Ninth Street or at the London Coffee-House, where articles will be left for them to sign.

Address of Managers of the United Company of Philadelphia for promoting American Manufactures. [1775-09-28] Pennsylvania, Managers of United Philadelphia Company. [S4-V3-p0820] [Document Details][Complete Volume]