To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Leacock, 13 November 1792
From Joseph Leacock
Philada. Novr. 13th. 1792.
Sir
This day Richd. Johns wishes (if convenient) to see Mr. Jefferson, when he may have an opportunity of seeing the three processes of Pot and pearl-ash going on at one time—’tis now 2 oClock, and the melting of the Pot-ash is nearly completed, but will be retarded should business prevent his attendance. I have been requested to inform you of it and am dear sir your huml. servt.
Joseph Leacock
NB. The taking out the melted Pot ash will be kept back till 5 oClock—and should it not suit to come this day, the work will be going on tomorrow—but the coming this afternoon would be best because more may be seen.
RC (DLC); below signature: “The Honble. Thomas Jefferson Esqr.”
Joseph Leacock (1735–1804), the brother of John Leacock, the Philadelphia goldsmith and playwright, the cousin of Deborah Franklin, and the brother-in-law of David Hall, Benjamin Franklin’s business partner, was a Philadelphia watchmaker who in 1771 had been one of the founders of the second glassworks in that city, an unsuccessful venture that was sold the following year. He was appointed inspector of pot and pearl ash for the port of Philadelphia in 1790 ( viii, 140, xix, 282; Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, 1683–1790 [Harrisburg, 1851–53], xvi, 312; Harrold E. Gillingham, “Pottery, China, and Glass Making in Philadelphia,” , liv [1930], 125–6; Francis James Dallett, Jr., “John Leacock and the Fall of British Tyranny,” , lxxviii [1954], 457n, 463n).