Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Articles, Letters to the Editors, etc. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Produce of Free Labor Description An account of the resource PRODUCE OF FREE LABOR. We have received from the Corresponding Committee of the Free Produce Society of Philadelphia, answers to the questions proposed some time since, in our paper, in regard to the productions of Free Labor, which is given below. We are much obliged to the Committee for the attention which they have bestowed on the subject, and recommend the communication to all persons who have conscientious scruples about using articles tainted with slavery. Philadelphia, 5 th Month 12 th, 1831. ESTEEMED FRIEND:—A letter from thee, addressed to -----, of this city, was laid before the Committee of Correspondence of the Free Produce Society of Pennsylvania, at their last meeting, with a request that the committee would adopt measures in regard to it, whereby thou wouldst receive a full, and as far as practicable, a satisfactory answer to thy several queries respecting free goods.—Having been appointed at a former meeting, a subcommittee, for the purpose of corresponding with individuals who feel an interest in the cause of our oppressed colored brethren, the letter was referred to us, and although it is not now in our power to give as definite answers as we could wish, we will proceed to notice them as far as our present limited knowledge will permit. We would, however, remark that we have written to several individuals in the southern and western states, requesting of them such information upon this subject as may be serviceable or interesting; and when their replies are received, we shall, no doubt, be able to answer thy queries much more satisfactorily. Thy first question is—'Where and in what quantities are sugar, cotton and rice raised by free labor in the United States?' The maple sugar is the only kind that we can ascertain, with any degree of certainty, to be raised in the United States. This is cultivated in considerable quantities in the states of New-York and Ohio, and some in Pennsylvania; but in consequence of the great expense and difficulty of transportation from Ohio, all that has as yet come to this market has been the produce of the other two states. The greatest quantity that we have known being sold in one lot, was 600 barrels, equal to 125,000 pounds. We are unable to say whether this was all made in one season, or was the production of two or more years. We are inclined to the latter opinion. The free cotton of United States growth that has come to this market, has hitherto been sent to us by Nathan Hunt, Jr. of North Carolina. The first lot, sent two years since, consisted of nine bales. Last spring he was enabled to increase the quantity to thirty bales, and this spring we have received intelligence that he has procured and intends shipping about the same quantity again. In his letter, written upon the subject, he informs us that in consequence of the drought of the last season, there was not exceeding half a common crop; so that had it not been for this circumstance, the quantity raised would no doubt have been at least fifty or sixty bales. There are large quantities raised in Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee, and we hope that ere long, arrangements will be made to receive it from those states. Indeed, we have no doubts that as the demand increases, arrangements will be made to this effect. With respect to the article of rice, our information is very limited. We have satisfactorily ascertained that in the aggregate, considerable quantities are raised in the state of North Carolina, by individuals who are either too poor, or unwilling to employ slaves; but the quantity each one raises is comparatively small, and is considered unworthy the attention of the merchants who buy up the article for the market, and it is consequently disposed of to private families, or to those who mix it with that raised by slave labor. Twenty dollars premium over the market price has been offered for from five to ten casks, one half of it by C. Pierce, who is engaged in the sale of free groceries in this city, and the other half by the Colored Free Produce Society, as an inducement for some person to turn his attention towards collecting it from those who raise it by free labor, and keep it separate from the slave rice. We entertain the hope of obtaining it by another season. Thy second query is—'How may the free goods be produced, and what security would a person have that they certainly were raised by free labor?' This is already partly answered in the foregoing observations. We may, however, remark, that as we cannot be eye witnesses to the cultivation of these articles, we must exercise the utmost caution with respect to the channel through which we receive them. We are very liable to imposition, but this can be avoided with care. Having the most implicit confidence in Nathan Hunt, Jr., from whom we have hitherto received our cotton, inasmuch as many persons in this city are personally acquainted with him, and know him, as far as their acquaintance extends, to be a man of honor and probity, we are willing to receive such articles as come through his hands, as of genuine production. With respect to sugar, there is not much danger of our being deceived in the maple, if we are at all acquainted with the article, as it has a peculiar taste, smell and appearance, by which it is easily known. But other sugars have been imposed upon those unacquainted with the article, for maple, which were not of that description, so that even in this article it is necessary the conscientious should trace the channel through which it comes, from the retailer to the cultivator.— We have just been informed that maple sugar is cultivated by slave labor in the state of Maryland, so that in this article more care is required than we at first supposed. As no rice of the United States growth has, as yet, been obtained, it is unnecessary to say any thing further upon that article at present. Third query—'Is the supply of such of these articles, as are raised by free labor, greater or less than the demand?' In consequence of the disadvantages under which every new cause labors, while in its infancy, the free goods have not yet been brought into fair competition with the slave. The highest market price has been required for them, and, in some instances, a considerable advance. But as these goods have become more plenty, and the facilities of obtaining them have increased, the prices have necessarily been reduced, so that at present, there is not that great difference which at first existed. But until the prices are the same, we can scarcely expect that the free goods will be generally used; for although there are many who are friendly to the cause, and wish it success, still their zeal is not sufficient to induce them to give an advanced price. But as soon as the prices compete with each other, we may expect that every friend to the cause of humanity, will give the free goods the decided preference. In consequence of these disadvantages, we may say, that the demand for the cotton goods has not exceeded the supply. With respect to sugar, the quantity of maple that has come to market, has been trifling, compared to the demand for the article, and we have, therefore, had to look elsewhere for a supply. The East Indies, of course, claimed our attention, and we found that considerable quantities were annually imported from thence. But latterly our attention has been turned towards some of the West India Islands, in which we find that considerable quantities of sugar and molassas, of an excellent quality and free from any unpleasant taste, are made, and can be obtained with considerable facility. C. Peirce, to whom we have before referred, has made arrangements to receive a regular supply from Porto Rico, through such channels as we trust can be depended upon; so that the supply of sugar from the places we have mentioned, is, at present, fully equal to the demand. Of rice, considerable quantities might be sold, could it be obtained. Some has been received from foreign places, but the duty is equal to a prohibition to its importation. Fourth query—'What means and prospects are there of an increased supply?' Whenever a demand exists for any particular article, it is but seldom that any great length of time elapses, before that demand is satisfied. And as the circumstance of there being a market, and a ready sale for any particular kind of goods, is a great inducement to individuals to raise or manufacture that description of goods, and send them to the place where are wanted; so with regard to the free goods we have found that as the demand increased, the supply has hitherto increased in the same proportion. The first lot of cotton, consisting of nine bales, having met with a ready sale, at a fair price, Nathan Hunt, Jr. from whom it was received, exerted himself the succeeding year in collecting a larger quantity, and has expressed a willingness to increase his exertions as the demand increases. But it is not to him alone, we shall look for a supply. After the facilities of transportation shall become completed, so that goods can be sent from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee, almost any quantity can be procured from those states. St. Domingo and Mexican cotton can be imported by paying a duty of three cents per pound, which will be an increase on the price of the manufactured goods of only half a cent cent per yard, which is not worthy of consideration, so that with regard to the cotton goods, the prospect is truly encouraging. If the present struggle in Europe should result, as we most heartily hope it will, in the emancipation of the West India Islands, there will be no difficulty in procuring any quantity of sugar that the demand may require. But should this not be the case, there is no doubt but the quantity of maple sugar raised in the free states will be increased, as also that raised by free labor in the West India Islands. And it seems to us, that the latter is more particularly deserving of encouragement; for as it comes from the very heart of slavery, it may have the effect of causing some of the slaveholders to liberate their slaves, and work their plantations by free labor. Mexico and St. Domingo may also present their claims to our patronage. Fifth query—'Where any of these free articles are raised, are the laborers black or white?' With respect to those raised in the United States, we may answer, they are of both colors. The persons who cultivate the sugar in Porto Rico, are principally the natives of the Island, or the descendants of the Spaniards. Some others are also concerned in it. Of the Haytians, Mexicans, and East Indians, thy knowledge is, perhaps, superior to our own. Sixth query—'What varieties of cotton fabrics are manufactured from cotton produced by free labor?' Shirtings of different qualities, Sheetings, Checks of different patterns and qualities, Cotton Shawls, Calicoes of various patterns, Jean, Table Diaper, Dimity, Bed Ticking, Sewing and Knitting Cotton, Battings for quilts, Wadding, Vigonia Cassimere, Candle Wick. By the request of one of the members of the Female Association for the Encouragement of Free Cotton, we enclose to thee a specimen of knitting cotton. It is part of a hank sent to the Association last summer, by a friend in Richmond, Indiana, manufactured of cotton raised in Illinois, purchased in Cincinnati, and prepared at the spinning factory of Charles W. Starr, of Richmond, Indiana. For further information respecting the free cotton raised in that quarter, thou canst apply to James Lamb, of Kaskaskia, Illinois, or Eli B. Clemson, Lebanon, Illinois. Seventh query—'Is there any manufactory which is confined to cotton raised by free labor?' We cannot answer with certainty, but our impression is, that the factory conducted by C.W. Starr, of Richmond, Indiana, is devoted exclusively to the free cotton. The persons who manufacture the goods for this market, have also expressed their willingness, that in case sufficient free cotton can be obtained to keep them employed during the whole year, they would not manufacture any other kind; and there is no doubt many others, in different parts of the Union, might be found of like disposition. We notice, with much gratification, thy observations respecting the prospect of a Society being formed in your city, for the encouragement of free produce, as well as the establishment of a store for the sale of goods of this description. Union of efforts is the surest means of accomplishing any great undertaking, and although this must be an individual work, in which each one must lay his hand to the plough, without regarding the course pursued by his neighbor, still there is much encouragement afforded and many difficulties are overcome, by mutual cooperation, which individual enterprise would be unable to accomplish. But we cannot too strongly caution those who engage in the work, to beware of imposition; for it has been with surprise and indignation that we have witnessed the extent to which it has been practised in this city. It seems to be the opinion of too many, that deception in this cause is no crime, and that, so long as our consciences are satisfied, it is all that is necessary, and they will, therefore, either tacitly (which is frequently the case) or otherwise, vend their slave goods for free, when they know they are not of the description required. We have, with much pleasure, noticed thy exertions on behalf of our oppressed colored brethren, and do, most sincerely, hope they may be crowned with success. Friends to their cause are daily increasing, and although in some parts of our Union laws have been enacted, which are an outrage upon humanity, and a disgrace to the nation, still there seems to be no other alternative than patiently to submit, and bear our testimony against it, until the cup of their iniquity be filled, when shame and disgust may be the means of producing a change for which humanity, reason, and the inherent laws of our nature, have been for so long a time appealed to in vain. We remain, very respectfully, the friends. JAMES L. PEIRCE, PETER WRIGHT, JOSEPH PARKER. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Liberator Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6.11.1831 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource James L. Peirce, Peter Wright, Joseph Parker