[dateline] Philadelphia May 28. 1777
An horrid cold Day for Election—warm work however, in the Afternoon, I suppose.
1
You will see by the inclosed Papers, among the Advertisements, how the Spirit of Manufacturing
grows. There never was a Time when there was such full Employment, for every Man,
Woman and Child, in this City. Spinning, Knitting, Weaving, every Tradesman is as
full as possible. Wool and Flax in great Demand.
Industry will supply our Necessities, if it is not cramped by injudicious Laws—such
as Regulations of Prices &c., Embargoes &c. These discourage Industry and turn that
Ingenuity which ought to be employed for the general Good, into Knavery.