Important American inventor (1765–1825) remembered for developing the cotton gin, revolutionizing agriculture in the American South. ALS, one page, 8 x 9.75, October 25, 1822. Handwritten letter to "Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War," in part: "Herewith inclosed you will receive vouchers for my having made a delivery of five hundred muskets for the use of the U. States, in conformity with my arrangement of the first of August last with the Ordnance Dept: on receipt whereof be pleased to direct a remittance of six thousand five hundred Dollars." In very good to fine condition, with a small edge chip, and light staining from old tape repairs to fold splits.
On the verge of bankruptcy thanks to litigation concerning his cotton gin invention, Whitney turned to the manufacture of muskets in the late 1790s in hopes of turning a profit. He received a government contract in 1798 to deliver 10,000–15,000 muskets by 1800, but failed to fill the order until 1809. However, Whitney was a champion of interchangeable parts and, demonstrating an improved production process, was able to secure a second contract for 15,000 arms in 1812. Arms manufacture would become Whitney's primary business for the rest of his life. An outstanding letter connecting one of America's greatest early inventors to the development of the US Army.
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