1James McKinney’s Description of a Hemp Brake, [ca. 28 August 1813] (Jefferson Papers)
1 st It works like a Sawmill that as it the same frame & Crank—The proportion is that the gate is one third the Size or hight of the frame in which it works & is Six feet in width with 5 breakers 3 below & 2 Above with the Same flare & rake as hemp brakes commonly worked by hand—To explain myself better it is nothing more or less than like a double Saw gate working up & down in the Same Manner...
2James McKinney to Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I am apprehensive I have left the draft of the hemp break amongst some papers I left in charge of my Son at the city of Washington , I hunted diligently for it here, but contrary to my expectation cannot find it, however, I can draw or explain the model from memory So as to make you perfectly understand the principal on which it works, I will Send it to you on Saturday you will See by the...