Under
this latter head a hint shall be suggested which must find its
apology in the motive from which it flows, that is, a desire of
promoting mutual interests and close friendship. 600,000 of the
labouring poor of America, comprehending slaves under that
denomination, are clothed in three of the simplest manufactures
possible, to wit, Oznabrigs, Plains, and Duffel blankets. The first
is a linen, the two last woollens. It happens too that they are used
exactly by those who cultivate the tobacco and rice and in a good
degree by those employed in the whale fishery. To these manufactures
they are so habituated, that no substitute will be received. If the
vessels which bring tobacco, rice and whale oil, do not find them in
the ports of delivery, they must be sought where they can be found.
That is in England at present. If they were made in France they
would be gladly taken in exchange there. The quantities annually
used by this description of people, and their value are as follows.
Oznabrigs 2,700,000 aunes a 16. sous the aune
worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,160,000l.
Plains 1,350,000 aunes a 2. livres the aune . . 2,700,000
Duffel blankets 300,000 a 7livres. 4sous. each . 2,160,000
---------
7,020,000
It would be difficult to say how much should be added for the
consumption of inhabitants of other descriptions.
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