Memoir of the Life of Eli Whitney. 241 
New Haven, and have no hesitation in saying that I consider it the 
most perfect I have ever seen; and I believe it is well understood, 
that few persons in this country surpass Mr. Whitney in talents as a 
mechanic or in experience as a manufacturer of muskets. Those 
which he has made for us, are generally supposed to exceed, in form 
and quality, all the muskets either of foreign or domestic fabrication 
belonging to the State, and are universally preferred and selected by 
the most competent judges. 
tis perhaps proper for me to observe further that all Mr. Whitney’s 
contracts with the State of New York, have been performed with 
integrity, and to the entire satisfaction of the several military com- 
missaries of the state.” Governor Wolcott’s testimony is still more 
fall, as his opportunities for acquaintance with Mr. Whitney had been 
more extensive. We insert the letter entire, as not only indicating 
the high reputation of the individual to whom it relates, but as exem- 
plifying the liberality with which the writer is known always to have © 
fostered and encouraged genius and merit. 
“New York, May 7, 1814. 
“Sir—I have the honor to address you on behalf of my friend, Eli 
Whitney, Esq. of New Haven, who is a manufacturer of arms, un- 
der a contract with your department. Mr. Whitney first engaged in 
this business under a contract with me, as Secretary of the Treasury ; 
when, according to existing laws, all contracts for military supplies 
Were formed under my superintendence. TI have since been con- 
stantly acquainted with him, and venture to assure you that the pres- 
®nt improved state of our manufactures is greatly indebted to his skill 
and exertions ; that though a practical mechanic, he is also a gentle- 
man of liberal education, a man of science, industry and integrity, 
‘nd that his inventions and labors have been as useful to this country . 
*S those of any other individual. Moreover, that if any further alter- 
atlons or improvements in the construction of military machines are 
Poposed, Mr, Whitney is one of the few men who can safely and 
‘dvantageou sly be consulted, respecting the best mode of giving 
them effect, ; 
Imake these declarations to you, with a perfect conviction that 
they €xpress nothing more than Mr. Whitney has a right to demand 
fom every man, who is acquainted with his merits and capable of 
mating their value ; and understanding that he experiences some 
— in regard to his contract, I venture respectfully to request 
: ol 
1. XXI—No. 2 
