1To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 13 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
...large Manufactories, would soon have furnished us in a great measure with the necessary Cloathing in both kinds. But the Flood of English Goods that came in upon us at the Peace, soon stopt the Spinning-Wheel the Loom and the fulling-Mill, which at the Close of the War were so fully employ’d. The great Scarcity of Money occasioned by the large Exportations of Gold and Silver to England,...
2II. Answers to Soulés’ Queries, [13–18 September 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
...commerce, but not tax us. This mysterious system took for a moment in America as well as in Europe. But sounder heads saw in the first moment that he who could put down the loom, could stop the spinning wheel, and he who could stop the spinning wheel could tie the hands which turned it. They saw that this flimsy fabric could not be supported. Who were to be judges whether duties were imposed...
3To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 20 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have procured some Grass seed which I think is extraordinary good & much Cheaper than it has been sold. You have also the Spinning Wheels, all of which Articles are Shipped on board the Sloop Dolphin Aaron Steward Master for alexandria & you have the Bill of Loading & Invoice inclosed—the Sloop will leave this about Sunday next, & I hope will be......, £2.5 for two spinning wheels, and 10...
4From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
...me one dozn of the best corn Scythes of a proper length, and strength at the heel, and in the backs, and the same number of the best Grass Scythes—two strong bramble Scythes, & two flax spinning wheels. The Dolphin returns to this Port in the course of next month, and will afford a good Conveyance. What does the best Hyson Tea, and dble refined Sugar sell at with you? And how are linnens now...
5To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 26 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
By the Sloop Dolphin Capt. Steward who sailed last week for Alexandria I have shipp’d the scythes & Spinning wheels of which acct & bill of loading are inclosed the Scythe Maker could get only one of the Briar Scythes finished in time
6To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 16 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
...safe to your Hands since whch I am favd with yo[ur]s of 3 & 5d—I have accordingly put on bd the sloop Polly Ellwd in addition to the Volume of Newspapers & 2 Casks Grass seed, 2 Spinning wheels & 1 Box of 12 Wool Cards—this Vessel has staid much longer than expectd but as she has at last sail’d this Day I hope she will be with you in time for the Grass seed—As I.......6, two spinning wheels—...