Benton, Thomas Hart (1782-1858) to John C. Rivis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02542.22 Author/Creator: Benton, Thomas Hart (1782-1858) Place Written: near Versailes, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 May 1843 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Missouri Senator Benton. References Rivis's letter of 15 April. Says he is in Kentucky to check out a "Sawing enterprise" he recently purchased. Says he purchased one of Page's circular saws and has set it up on 800 acres of land near Versailles, Kentucky, about halfway between Lexington and Frankfurt. Says 500 acres of the land has the finest timber. Claims that practical men have told him that each acre can get 50,000 to 100,000 feet of lumber. Describes his day working at the mill and says he has "dinner at twelve (with the white part of the work people)." Does not want this to get into the newspapers because "while I respect the labourer in his cabin & with his [illegible], I despise the politician who affects their use." Gets into business affairs with Rivis. It seems that Rivis's brother-in-law runs a newspaper and wants to relocate to St. Louis and is requesting Benton's help. Says he will have an interview with the man because men in the party are clammoring for another newspaper.
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