![JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") to Ebenezer Herrick of West Stockbridge, Mass.; Monticello, 2 July 1812. 1 page, 4to, integral address leaf [With:] JEFFERSON. Autograph free frank and signature ("free Th:Jefferson"), addressed in Jefferson's hand, recipient's docket, small seal tear.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01534_0308_000(102121).jpg?w=1)
Details
JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") to Ebenezer Herrick of West Stockbridge, Mass.; Monticello, 2 July 1812. 1 page, 4to, integral address leaf [With:] JEFFERSON. Autograph free frank and signature ("free Th:Jefferson"), addressed in Jefferson's hand, recipient's docket, small seal tear.
A RETIRED PRESIDENT ORDERS A NEW SPINNING MACHINE FOR MONTICELLO. Jefferson writes to the American inventor, confirming arrangements to have a new spinning machine sent to him: "...I this day include your 3. dollars for cartage in a small remittance I make to Mr. Gelston [Collector of the port of New York] to meet other petty charges, but you must have the goodness to direct some friend going to N. York to call on Mr. Gelston for the 3.D He has not retained the machine for further orders on account of the danger of capture by sea: but I desire him to risk it, and if it is taken I must apply to you for another & try another chance. It is the smallness and presumed simplicity of this machine which make me anxious to get it as I expect it will best suit the situation of a family in the country. We have jennies [spinning jennies], & mules & Arkwright's machines in the neighborhood so that I suppose we shall be able to understand yours....."
The English mechanic, Richard Arkwright (1732-1791), had invented a water-powered spinning frame which was an improvement on the spinning jenny. The machine played an important role in the growth and mechanization of the textile industry in England and the U.S. Herrick had perfected and patented a similar, but smaller, spinning device he named the Domestic Spinner, which appeared to Jefferson to be usefully adaptable to the needs of small farmers and plantation owners.
A draft is in the Jefferson Papers at LC.
A RETIRED PRESIDENT ORDERS A NEW SPINNING MACHINE FOR MONTICELLO. Jefferson writes to the American inventor, confirming arrangements to have a new spinning machine sent to him: "...I this day include your 3. dollars for cartage in a small remittance I make to Mr. Gelston [Collector of the port of New York] to meet other petty charges, but you must have the goodness to direct some friend going to N. York to call on Mr. Gelston for the 3.D He has not retained the machine for further orders on account of the danger of capture by sea: but I desire him to risk it, and if it is taken I must apply to you for another & try another chance. It is the smallness and presumed simplicity of this machine which make me anxious to get it as I expect it will best suit the situation of a family in the country. We have jennies [spinning jennies], & mules & Arkwright's machines in the neighborhood so that I suppose we shall be able to understand yours....."
The English mechanic, Richard Arkwright (1732-1791), had invented a water-powered spinning frame which was an improvement on the spinning jenny. The machine played an important role in the growth and mechanization of the textile industry in England and the U.S. Herrick had perfected and patented a similar, but smaller, spinning device he named the Domestic Spinner, which appeared to Jefferson to be usefully adaptable to the needs of small farmers and plantation owners.
A draft is in the Jefferson Papers at LC.