Phillips, Samuel (1752-1802) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05079 Author/Creator: Phillips, Samuel (1752-1802) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 July 1791 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32.5 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Says that for the past several years he has been trying to make gunpowder "to as great a degree of perfection as I was able." Claims he supplied large amounts to the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. States the "Essaymaster for this state" determined it was equal in quality to English gunpowder. Notes Israel Holt, the bearer of this letter, will offer some samples. Knows that Knox wants "to promote the manufacture of an article so essential to our national safety, and the Interest of your native State in particular..." Can give a small quantity now and a larger amount in September or October. Says he will try to fulfill any contract he wants to make with Holt. Asks if Knox has any advice for further improvement in the powder.
Samuel Phillips (1752-1802) was the founder of Phillips Academy Andover and a trustee of Dartmouth College. Phillips, a Harvard-educated Calvinist minister, also ran a sawmill, paper mill and powder mill. He was a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Council during the Revolutionary War and helped draft the state's constitution.
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