Fowler offered a similar piece. In the course of the same year, Chisman presented a second piece of linen cloth and was allowed eight hundred pounds of tobacco.[1] The same amount of tobacco was granted for the same reason to John Smith of Middlesex in 1695,[2] and to Thomas Cocke of Henrico.[3] In 1697, Tobias Hall of Lancaster claimed the reward for the production of this kind of cloth, and again in 1698.[4] Among the manufacturers of linen in Middlesex were Ralph Wormeley, who, in 1684, brought into court one hundred pounds of dressed flax fit for the spindle; Captain Henry Creyk, who presented seven yards of cloth; and Richard Parrott, who presented thirty-five yards. Thirty-three yards were offered by other persons.[5] In 1698, the court of Middlesex, replying to a communication from the Governor asking to what extent linen had been manufactured in this county, stated that the quantity had amounted annually to about fifty yards.[6]
No special attempt was made to foster by the offer of statutory encouragement the growth of domestic cotton manufacture, although Governor Andros, towards the close
- ↑ Records of York County, vol. 1694-1697, pp. 60, 74, Va. State Library. An order of York court authorized the justices of the peace to pay the rewards prescribed by Act of Assembly; for the first piece of linen, 600 lbs. of tobacco; for the second, 400; for the third, 200. Ibid., p. 222. This was in 1695.
- ↑ Records of Middlesex County, original vol. 1694-1705, orders Nov. 12, 1695.
- ↑ Records of Henrico County, vol. 1688-1697, p. 606, Va. State Library.
- ↑ Records of Lancaster County, original vol. 1696-1702, p. 32.
- ↑ Records of Middlesex County, original vol. 1680-1694, April 9, 1684. A reward was granted to Mr. Bayley of Elizabeth City County in 1696 for a “prime piece of Lynen,” 22 yards in length. See vol. 1684-1699, p. 117, Va. State Library. Also, in 1694, to Mrs. Sarah Emperor of Lower Norfolk (records for 1694, November 13) for “best linen cloth.”
- ↑ Records of Middlesex County, original vol. 1694-1705, p. 222. The court was doubtless only referring to what had been presented to them to secure the reward.
