From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Remsen, Jr., 6 September 1790 [Document added in the digital edition]
To Henry Remsen, Jr.
Philadelphia Sep. 6. 1790.
Dear Sir
I inclose you a patent in the case of mr Sampson which needs the great seal, as also the endorsement of the time of delivery, which be pleased to make over my signature on the back, in the form used in Hopkins’s, case, and dating it the day you deliver the patent. I am Dear Sir
Your most obedt. humble servt
Th: Jefferson
RC (Raab Collection, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 2020); torn at seal; addressed: “Mr. Henry Remsen New York”; endorsed by Remsen.
Joseph Stacey Sampson received a patent dated 6 Aug. 1790 for a method of manufacturing candles. It was the second patent issued under the patent act, or “Act to promote the progress of useful Arts,” of 10 Apr. The first patent, dated 31 July and delivered 4 Aug., went to Samuel Hopkins for an apparatus and process to make potash and pearl ash (List of Patents, 4; U.S. Statutes at Large, 1:109-12; Vol. 20:580; Vol. 27:858-9).