American Colonies exporting Hats of American Manufacture to any place whatsoever, as the foreign Markets were then almost altogether supplied from the Plantations as well, also, as Great Britain to the great prejudice of the Trade. This petition was referred to a Special Committee who reported the Evidence in which the number of Beaver Hats then Manufactured in New York & New England was estimated at 10,000 yearly; In Boston there were 16 Hatters one of whom pass a law to prevent (he Inhabitants of the

was stated to have commonly finished 40 hats a week. Ireland.

The Exports were to the Southern Plantations, the West Indies and

•

A law was accordingly passed the tame Session (5. Geo. II. c xxii.,) " to prevent the Exportation of Hats out of any of His Majesty's Colonies or Plantations in America and to restrain the number of Apprentices taken by the Hatmakers in said Colonies" &c All such exported hats were declared forfeit; the exporter subjected to a fine of £500 and every Master, Mariner, Porter, Carter, Waggoner, Boatman &c aiding and assisting him became liable to a fine of Forty pounds; any officer of Customs passing an Entry for such Export was to be fined also jEoOO. No person was to make Hats in the Colonies unless he served seven years to the Trade & no master could take more than two apprentices. in this country as

This law continued in force

long as it belonged to Great Britain and is still applicable to the existing Colonies. exception above made in Gov. Tryon's Report. 2 Incorrect ought be 14,240. 3 Ought to be 182,247. :