1Gideon Fitz to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to lay before you a copy of my letter lately transmitted to the President of the United States, with a copy of its enclosure, on a subject which has greatly interested my feelings, and which I fear may have injured my reputation. I hope it may not be thought amiss that I should feel desirous of affording you, to whose kindness I am indebted for my present promotion in life, a brief...
2Gideon Fitz to Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
About ten days since, I wrote you on the subject of a Wind mill of my own invention, soliciting your opinion of its usefulness, and that it might be patented in case you should think it deserving that attention. In little time after writing I discovered a material error which had happened from overlooking a small circumstance in estimating its power of raising weight. Although the Wheel runs...
3Gideon Fitz to Thomas Jefferson, 10 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my arrival in this country I have heard it generally remarked, that windmills would be exceedingly useful here.—They are in use on the mississippi , but not constructed on any plan, that I know of, which I think to be so managable & useful as the plan I now present to you.— It is of my own invention, never having seen or heard of any thing of its construction. I forward it to you for the...
4Gideon Fitz’s Drawing of his Windmill, [ca. 10 June 1810] (Jefferson Papers)
Signification of the letters in the drawing, A Axletree, say 15 inches diameter. B. Arm, say 9 feet long. C Large sail, say 6 feet by 4. D Paddle, or small sail E Pivot shaped like those of steelyards. F Cap roof fast to the axle to prevent rain passing down. G Roof. H Joist, or plate.
5Gideon Fitz to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My personal acquaintance with you and the kind attention you have been pleased to bestow on me in my outsetting in life is my apology for the freedom I take in offering you the following remarks. This is the third letter I have ventured to trouble you with relative to the adjustment of the land claims in this country.—It is with diffidence I write it, though I have long been convinced, that it...