James Madison Papers

To James Madison from David Rittenhouse, 19 January 1790

From David Rittenhouse

Philadelphia Jany 19th. 1790

Dear Sir

I beg leave to recommend to your favorable notice Mr. Francis Bailey, printer, of this City, as a Gentleman of abilities in his profession and an amiable Character. I understand he intends to apply for something in the way of his business, either to the Treasury or elswhere. His mechanical Genius must in some respects give him advantages superior to any other printer of my Acquaintance. He some time ago invented a very simple and easy method of making flowers and ornaments for printing work which seem incapable of imitation, and may perhaps be of use.1

Please to give my Compliments to our good friend Mr. Page. I am, Dr Sir, your friend & very humble Servant

Davd. Rittenhouse

RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

1Bailey printed the Philadelphia Freeman’s Journal. His petition for a patent on his invention was submitted to the House of Representatives on 29 Jan. (DHFC description begins Linda Grant De Pauw et al., eds., Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America (3 vols. to date; Baltimore, 1972—). description ends , III, 279).

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