John Davison letter to Thomas Rotch, Hempstead Harbour, Long Island, 8th of 4th mo 1821

              A-134-1 
  
	   Sir
	       I must apologise to you for the liberty I am
	  taking in writing to you without the formality of
	  an introduction.   Having heard from a young man (of
	  whom you  inquired your way to Silas Downing) that you
	  are engaged in the Manufacture of Woollen Goods in the State
	  of Ohio & having a desire of visiting  that part of the Country
	  I have thought it prudent to address myself to you for
	  some information respecting the State of Manufacture in
	  the Western district of the Union.--- Should this information
	  be waiting, I would offer my services to you in any way
	  in which I could make myself useful-  - I understand the
	  manufacturing & finishing of Flannel in all its departments
	  can weave  & finish it myself--either from pulled or shorn
	  wool -  I have a thorough Knowledge of the Manufacturing
	  & finishing of Lattinet in all its branches-  My brother also
	  wished to accompany me  he Slubs cards & weaves- another young
	  Man is desirous of [unclear]- he understands Weaving only
	     Should you be in want of workmen of the above des-
	  scription, or could inform me where all or any of us could
	  meet with constant employment at good wages, you
	  would confer a favour on     Sir
	  Hempstead Harbour            Your obedient Servant
	  Long Island 8th April 1821       John Davison
	  [reverse]
	  John Davison Hempstead
	  Harbour asking for work
	  for himself & brother in the 
	  Factory  8th of 4 mo  1821