Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 3]
Upon the subject of improving Manufacture and trade, I am of opinion that dying drugs are the likeliest articles that may be discovered; but if it was in my power to bring this to bear, I could make nothing of them for I know nothing of them for I know that there are few dyers that study dying in a chemical light, and they think that they have drugs that are sufficient to dye what they want. To put such a subject as this in force requires the aid of a learned society or body of people. if Government takes such a subject into consideration, the person whom they employ, ought to think of doing justice to the Nation; every useful object ought to be in his consideration; but I must not say, that he has a right to pirate inventions from other Nations, for perhaps if he is found guilty of this, he may pay for his guilt with the loss of his life. He might in an honourable manner be of use in improving Commerce, Agriculture, Medicine, Dying, printing, manufacture, besides other useful matters; however at least, to do his best whatever he is capable of towards his agreement. I certainly shall grant, that his employer, whether Government or any other, has a right to expect, for him to be punctual to his agreement.
As I know some little of the Manchester Manufactury, I dare engage to undertake such a subject; and also to collect plants for Kew, provided I may have a few weeks practice of what I mentioned before; for in this manner, I calculate that a person may learn as much, if not more, than he would do if he was compelled to work, in two months. It is not to tell what the mind is capable of receiving in a short time, when it remains in a state of ease.
I am your humble servant
George Caley
Strangeways
Sepr 2nd 1798.
[Draft response by Banks]
I have been for maney years of opinion that all mankind are realy Equal notwithstanding the artificial distinctions which Custom has placd among them & been usd to treat them so as far as the usages of the Countrey I live in will permit. I felt therefore no anger at the Expressions you made use of but I felt myself sorry for your having indulged a temper of mind which no Person in my opinion can justify.