The Fleece of Their Flock: Homespun & the American Identity

(Try to read the story in its original format before reading the version below.)
This article reveals a great many things about the homespun movement at
this time. Firstly, it is evidence that by 1766, homespun was being embraced
with “a laudable zeal” which would certainly continue. Although the Stamp
Act would be repealed just six days after this spinning bee, the evening’s
events reflect notions of nonconsumption and staunch resistance to British
goods. The sacrifices of these mature young women are complemented by
their patriotism, industry, and steadfastness – symbolic values of this movement.
These eighteen women, joined by many more across the colonies had
an important responsibility: they were lifting up their “sinking country” from
the weight of imperial oppression.
PROVIDENCE, in Rhode-Island, March 12.
On the 4th Instant, Eighteen Daughters of Liberty, young Ladies of good
Reputation, assembled at the House of Doctor Ephraim Bowen, in this
Town, in Consequence of an Invitation of that Gentleman, who hath discovered
a laudable Zeal for introducing Home Manufactures. There they
exhibited a fine Example of Industry, by spinning from Sunrise until Dark,
and displaying a Spirit for saving their sinking country rarely to be found
among Persons of more Age and Experience. The Doctor provided an elegantly
plain Dinner, and other Refreshments, for the fair Company; but they
expected but very little time in dining, and chearfully agreed to omit Tea, to
render their Conduct consistent. — Besides this Instance of their Patriotism,
before they separated, they unanimously resolved that the Stamp Act was
unconstitutional, — that they would purchase no more British Manufactures
unless it be repealed, and that they would not even admit the Addresses
of any Gentleman, should they have Opportunity, without they were determined
to oppose its Execution to the last Extremity, if Occasion required.
We hear another Meeting of these Daughters of Liberty, with many more,
is intended to be held at the Court-House, some Time in April next, there to
spin a handsome Piece of Linen, as a Premium to be given the Person who
shall raise the greatest Quantity of good Flax, in the Country of Providence,
in the Year 1766. 14
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