11To 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,...
12To Thomas Jefferson from John Cunow, 17 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
To this may be added, that two Brethren lately have been sent to reside among the Creeks, who under the direction of Col. Hawkins furnish them with spinning wheels, looms, tin ware and other articles of their trade.
13To John Jay from John Drayton, 29 January 1794 (Jay Papers)
Perhaps the young ladies may manufacture some thing out of it, with the assistance of their spinning wheel; while taking advantage of the first approach of spring, you may give the seed a trial by sowing them.
14Ferdinando Fairfax to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 20 January 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
Indeed the common Spinning-wheel must be kept with care: and
how much better will the one in question repay every care!
15Franklin’s List of New Year’s Gifts and Gratuities, 29[-31] December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Small spinning WheelSome of these presents seem destined to young girls, perhaps the Brillon daughters, Cunégonde and Aldegonde, and the Le Veillard daughter, Geneviève. The “Small spinning Wheel” is reminiscent of
16From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Franklin, 6 January 1727 (Franklin Papers)
...a celebrated beauty. I had almost determined on a tea table, but when I considered that the character of a good housewife was far preferable to that of being only a pretty gentlewoman, I concluded to send you a spinning wheel, which I hope you will accept as a small token of my sincere love and affection.
17From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 13 July 1762 (Franklin Papers)
...end through the box, on which shank a wheel is fixed by a screw. This wheel serves as a fly to make the motion equable, when the spindle, with the glasses, is turned by the foot like a spinning wheel. My wheel is of mahogany, 18 inches diameter, and pretty thick, so as to conceal near its circumference about 25 lb. of lead. An ivory pin is fixed in the face of this wheel and about 4...
18Anthony Afterwit, 10 July 1732 (Franklin Papers)
...(except my Boy) none but our selves). I have sold the fine Pacing Mare, and bought a good Milch Cow, with £3 of the Money. I have dispos’d of the Tea-Table, and put a Spinning Wheel in its Place, which methinks
19Some Account of the Pennsylvania Hospital, [28 May 1754] (Franklin Papers)
the Beginning of 1754, Spinning-wheels were provided by the Managers, for the Employment of such of the Women Patients as may be able to use them.
20Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Appraisal of Chattels at Belmont Estates, [after 5 October 1810] (Jefferson Papers)
1. spinning wheel for cotton, & 2. wheels for spinning flax, with cotton & wool cards.