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THE WEDGWOODS. 



" An Address to the Young Inhabitants of the Potteries, by 

 Josiah Wedgwood, F.B.S.," in which he calmly considered 

 the grievance of the people, and reasoned with them on 

 their lawless and mischievous course of proceedings. Of 

 this pamphlet, which is now of excessive rarity, I possess a 

 copy. It was "printed at Newcastle, by J. Smith," and 

 is dated " Etruria, 27th March, 1783." This admirable 

 address, which, for kindliness, manly and fatherly feeling, 

 and strict integrity of principle, has seldom been equalled, 

 is here for the first time reproduced. 



"Etruria, 27th March, 1783. 

 "Mr YOUNG FBXENDS, 



" The very serious events which have just now taken place 

 amongst us must alarm every one who has any regard for the welfare 

 of his country, or good wishes towards the deluded people themselves 

 who were concerned in the late riots ; but young minds like yours 

 receive stronger impressions, and are more affected with such un- 

 common appearances than older people. At the same time, for 

 want of that experience which should accompany riper years, you 

 are more likely to he misled in judging of the part you ought to 

 take when such violent measures are in agitation. This difficulty 

 of knowing what to decide upon, and the danger of judging and 

 acting wrong, are greatly increased, not only by the unsettled state 

 of the mind in the midst of riot and tumult, but more particularly 

 by seeing your friends, your relations, perhaps even your parents 

 to whom you have always looked up for advice and direction taking 

 the most active part in these disturbances. 



" I therefore address myself particularly to you, because when you 

 are placed in these unhappy circumstances, seeing those who have 

 fed and protected you from your infancy very forward in promoting 

 such disorders, it is not to be wondered at that you should approve 

 their actions and be prepared yourselves to follow their example 

 upon any future occasion. But though this may be the frame and 

 temper of your minds at the present moment, whilst you believe 

 that the conduct of your friends has been right, yet, if I am happy 

 enough to convince you that, notwithstanding such appearances, 

 they have been mistaken, I have little doubt, from the general good 

 disposition of youth, but that you will change your sentiments and 

 acknowledge that the late tumultuous proceedings were contrary to 

 their own and your real interests. It is of the last importance to 



