BANKS, George
186
Leeds, 31 May 1819
My Lord,
In consequence of the introduction into this neighbourhood of machinery for finishing cloth, a great number of hands formerly engaged in shaping cloth by manual labor are now out of employment & the number is materially increased owing to the great depression in the trade which at present exists in the manufacturing districts generally.
I have been repeatedly waited upon lately by a deputation from these unfortunate men expressing very strongly their wishes to emigrate if money could be raised to send them out – they have produced a printed paper of regulations which I believe was obtained at your Lordship’s office by my Lord LASCELLES & sent by him to them. This document is dated in last year & I am apprehensive from information I have received that some changes in these regulations have since been made. At the desire of these men ?? of the overseers of the poor of this town I am induced to trouble your Lordship to request you will cause to be transmitted to me information whether the government still continues to provide tonnage for conveying settlers out & whether provisions or any allowance for them is made or might be made under particular circumstances such for example as those attached to the present applicants - & when arrived in Canada what grant of land is made and under what conditions & whether agricultural implements & any provisions are issued to the settler on arrival by government.
The season I am affeared is too far advanced for carrying into execution this year any scheme of emigration to Canada but I could not refuse the repeated requests of the applicants who amount to 76 men with 56 wives and 161 children.
My Lord your Lordship’s most obedient & most humble servant
Geo. BANKS
Mayor