No. 216.] 225 



From the same metal that I use in preparing my iron, I have also 

 succeeded in making a superior artic'e of cast steel, and am now in 

 treaty with a company for its extensive manufacture at this place. 

 I subjoin another certificate from the same gentleman who tried the 

 iron. 



Jersey City, 8th February, 1848. 

 " Mr. Joseph Dixon brought me three specimens of cast steel which 

 he informed me he had made from ' Adirondac iron,' and of which 

 he desired me to ascertain the quality. It was made into chisels, 

 turning tools, &c., and found to possess an unusual degree of strength, 

 and well suited for every purpose to w'hich it was applied. It required 

 a rather higher heat for hardening than some of the best kinds of 

 steel in common use, but its quality did not appear to be injured 

 thereby, and in consequence of the mildness of its temper, it was 

 welded and worked into any requisite form with the greatest facility." 



JOHN D. WARD. 



You are doubtless aware of the amount of cast steel annually con- 

 sumed in the United States, as well as of the fact that it is not 

 manufactured in this country at all. A great desideratum in the arts 

 and an additional element of national wealth is about to be developed. 

 No portion of the Union will be so much benefited by it as the 

 Empire State, whose exhaustless mines of the richest iron ore, will 

 become vastly enhanced in value. 



I herewith send you a bar of the iron and the steel made by my 

 new process. 



I hope at your next annual fair, to have some tons for the exam- 

 ination of the thousands who yearly visit your collection of specimens 

 of American ingenuity and industry. 



I beg you to excuse the haste with which this communication was 

 prepared, as the pressing requirements of business prevent my 

 bestowing that care upon it which its importance requires. 



I shall be happy to give you or any person interested in the 

 subject, all the information you or they may desire. 



I am, sir, with great respect. 



Very truly your friend and servant, 



JOSEPH DIXON. 



[Am. Inst.] P 



