Gardiner, John (fl. 1791-1792) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05129 Author/Creator: Gardiner, John (fl. 1791-1792) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 August 1791 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.8 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions that the mechanic Joseph Pope, who invented the orrery purchased by the legislature for Harvard, "brought with him on his return from England, a great Variety of Drawings of many of the most useful and late invented machines, mills, &c. which he is too [sic] disinterested to make money by; but which he means for the benefit of America." Is making models with considerable improvements on existing inventions, which he means to send to Philadelphia to be deposited with the United States "for the use of all our fellow citizens." Notes he was asked to write to Knox to see if he will accept the models. If he is willing, wants Knox to write Pope and tell him the best means to send them. Letter being sent by Captain Hill who can explain the model of the newly invented wind mill. Docket notes it was answered on 1 October.
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