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uary 15, 1770. The Philosophical Society of Pennsylva- 

 nia, to whom he sent the work of the Abbe Sauvage, a 

 summary of which has been published by Mr Odell, of 

 Burlington, resolved to petition the Legislature for the en- 

 couragement of this new branch of industry, and propos- 

 ed to raise a fund by subscription, for the purchase of co- 

 coons and a filature. Eight hundred and seventyfive 

 pounds, were obtained the first year among the citizens, 

 and this money was laid out for the purpose. But unfor- 

 tunately the war of the Revolution put a stop to the 

 scheme. Lately, however, Peter S. Du Ponceau, Esq. of 

 Philadelphia, the friend and companion in arms of Lafay- 

 ette, has made successful exertions in this department. 

 He has associated to his labors Monsieur J. D'Homergue, 

 who is a native of Nismes in France and was educated in 

 that country in an extensive manufactory of silk, and is 

 familiar with all the processes used in that country. 

 These gentlemen have published a valuable series of es- 

 says on the subject of silk culture, the impulse of which 

 has been felt throughout the Union, and their publication 

 has on the whole, thrown great light on the general sub- 

 ject. And although the establishment of a national 

 school of filature as contemplated by these gentlemen, 

 has not yet received the patronage of the government, 

 there is strong reason to believe that something will be 

 done to aid this business by Congress at a future session. 

 Mr Du Ponceau sent me some of the silk reeled by Mr 

 D'Homergue the last year, which was of excellent quali- 

 ty. I had it throwsted and returned to him. In a late 

 letter to me Mr Du Ponceau stated that he had been hon- 

 ored with letters from all parts of the continent from Maine 



