Important American inventor (1765–1825) remembered for developing the cotton gin. Rare ALS, one page, 8 x 9, July 16, 1823. Letter to Secretary of War John C. Calhoun regarding a contract for muskets, in full: "Voucher for a further delivery of 500 muskets, will be found herewith inclosed, whereupon be pleased to direct a remittance of six thousand five hundred dollars." In very good to fine condition, with small areas of paper loss and splitting along folds reinforced with archival tape on the reverse, and docketing on the back lightly showing through. 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. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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