Description:During the career of Burslem pottery manufacturer Enoch Wood (1759 - 1840), industry bosses frequently gathered to discuss pressing issues and find common solutions to particular problems that they faced.
1812: Cause for Optimism
July 1812 brought the best news in years, as the collapse of overseas trade had brought business to its knees.
In 1807, warring nations Britain and France had effectively barred each other from trading with the United States - a crucial market for the Potteries.
US President Thomas Jefferson responded by barring all US trade with Britain, leading to terrible "distress and sufferings" among manufacturers -and especially their workers.
Now the government was taking steps to remedy the situation by withdrawing the Orders in Council - the very issue that had first upset America.
Thanks
In this notice, the manufacturers confirmed that they were "deeply impressed" by these long-awaited moves, thanking MP Henry Brougham and the Marquis of Stafford for their keen interest.
They also recognised the hard work and zeal of those responsible for mustering a delegation to travel to London: Josiah Wedgwood, Ralph Stevenson, Robert Hamilton and Thomas Lindop.
Nonetheless, they resolved upon enduring further sacrifices with "cheerfulness" if required.
About this Document
This document was collected by local industrialist Enoch Wood and is now part of the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.