From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas H. Brantingham, 21 January 1806
Washington Jan. 21. 06
Sir
The United States are not in the practice of engaging in any manufactures but those of arms, within which description that of white lead, proposed by you, does not fall. they have lately come to the possession of the lead mines of Louisiana, the most valuable probably in the world: but how they will be employed has not yet been decided by Congress. Accept my respects
Th: Jefferson
DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.