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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Isaac Briggs

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.040 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Charlottesville, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 May 1808 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.8 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Asks Surveyor General for the Territory of Mississippi Briggs to visit Thomas Moore's oil mill and report on dimensions and design. Regarding Jefferson's wish to build a beni oil mill for personal use. Beni oil is made from sesame seeds.

Note: Not in Bergh, but compare 10: 394 ALS to Gov. W. C. C. Claiborne May 24, 1803, which mentions appointing Briggs surveyor of lands south of Tennessee and praises his mathematical and surveying abilities.

Monticello May 12. 08.
Dear Sir
General Dearborne told me of an oil mill & press near mr. Thomas Moore's which he said was of the neatest contrivance he had ever seen, & was on the smallest scale. Being anxious to erect one for the purpose of making Beni oil, merely for family use, I had intended to go to see it, but was so thronged with business before my departure from Washington that it was not in my power. This lays me under the necessity of asking the favor of you to visit this press for me and give me a description of it, such as that I may build one by. For this purpose the construction of the press, and exact dimensions of the parts are essential. That of the mill maybe very general, as that machine is familiar to us all. The number, nature & dimensions of the wheels & stones will be quite enough. In hopes you may find leisure enough to do this, and wishing you to do it only at your leisure, I have hopes you would excuse my imposing this trouble on you. I salute you with esteem & respect.
Th: Jefferson
Mr. Briggs

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Briggs, Isaac, 1763-1825

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