To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 15 June 1805
From Charles Willson Peale
Museum June 15th. 1805.
Dear Sir
The small Polygraph mentioned in my letter of the 13th. has now the Machinery to it and will write to the bottom with ease—but at the same time, that I put this machinery in the hands of the workman, my Cabenet Maker began one which I am certain is of a better size, yet it is my wish that you should make your choise which may be done by the time that the several boxes for paper, Pens, Wafers &c are compleated and a little time allowed for practicing with it.
The size of this Machine is 16 I. by 11 Inches, and the other in the hands of the Cabenet Maker is 17⅝ long by 11⅝. which gives a size of Cloath that two sheets of Post paper exactly covers, without laying one sheet on the Margin of the other. The Machine in hand shall have more ribband work to inrich it than the other, and will require about 5 or 6 days longer before it can be completely finished & sent, than the smaller one. While I wait for your orders my Workmen will proceed with diligence to complete both Polygraphs.
I have now published Mr. Latrobe’s commendations of the Polygraph and if it does not bring a number of Purchasers, I shall then made no more of them, having now on hand about 20 of them all nearly finished. while I am waiting to know the result of this business, My Workmen shall be imployed in making such articles of curiosity as I can contrive to enrich the Museum, or be of use in my family as furniture.
Except my friendly salutations
C W Peale
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “His excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. president of U.S.”; endorsed by TJ as received 18 June and so recorded in SJL. PoC (Lb in PPAmP: Peale-Sellers Papers).
my Workmen: Samuel Jenkins and David Jones worked on the polygraphs for TJ and Latrobe (, v. 2, pt. 2:853).
Latrobe’s commendations: Latrobe wrote to Peale on 8 June, enclosing endorsements of 14 Mch. and 4 June, which touted the polygraph’s cost-saving measures and concluded that “no man of letters or property should be without it.” William Duane published both of Latrobe’s endorsements together in the Aurora for several days in mid-June (same, 847-9; Aurora, 15-26 June).