We had brought with us some strong, light, hempen rope for the purpose of lowering our swags down steep and difficult places.
"Reminiscences of a South African Pioneer"
W. C. Scully
The place was then possessed by a tenant, as a farm; but Birmingham, a speedy traveller, marched over the premises, and covered them with twelve hundred houses, on building leases; the farmer was converted into a steward: his brown hempen frock, which guarded the outside of his waistcoat, became white holland, edged with ruffles, and took its station within: the pitchfork was metamorphosed into a pen, and his ancient practice of breeding up sheep, was changed into that of dressing their skins.
"An History of Birmingham (1783)"
William Hutton
"I wish they 'd go out with hempen ones, then," muttered Repton.
"The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)"
Charles James Lever