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Thomas Moore, Jr. letter to George Tibbits, 1818 - 1818

 Series — Container: 5, Folder: 2

Scope and Contents

Copied from dealer description: Offered is a super, original, early 19th Century manuscript relic of Baltimore’s growth, American inventiveness and industrialization and Baltimore civic improvement being a two‐page, 8 x 9¾ inch stampless letter written by Thomas Moore Jr. at Baltimore on 4 Mo 25th 1818 to George Tibbits at Troy, New York. [Please see the BIO NOTES etc after the description.] This letter by Moore Jr. was written shortly before his appointment as Chief Engineer for the Virginia Board of Public Works who had been asked by George Tibbits to examine the newly‐patented Davis Dock Dredge for possible use on the Hudson River. Moore gives him a detailed description of the machine, which was being used in Baltimore harbor. [Tibbits who served in the New York State Senate originated the plan to finance the construction of the Erie Canal.] Moore writes: "Thy favr. of last month requesting information relative to Davis' Dock Dredge was received about two weeks ago just after my return from this place. I however wrote immediately to a friend of mine here on the subject, and received answer, but as it was not perfectly satisfactory I postponed answering thy letter until I could see the Machine myself. I have this day taken a view of it as it lays on the wharf. it was not in operation but the mechanism is very simple. I therefore easily comprehended I think the principle very well adapted to the removal of Gravel, but this Machine is on so small a scale & the power applied is so inconsiderable (being only the muscular powers of three men) that it performs slowly. Was it adapted to the labour of Horses & more substantially made I think it might be a good machine, but in its present state I could not recommend it to my Friends on the Hudson. I did not get to see the patentee, but was told the price for such a one including the patent fee would be about $4500 [NOTE: about $85,000 in today's dollars]. I am told one has lately been put to work on Gunpowder River. I will inform myself particularly how it performs & whether the Machine is on a more substantial plan. I will also get some further information relative to one now operating in the district of Columbia which I think is a more efficient Machine, but more expensive and write thee again on the subject. Please to make my respect to Isaac Merrit & family, and accept of thee assurance of my esteem."

Dates

  • Creation: 1818 - 1818

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Please contact Special Collections for more information.

Collection is open for use.

Extent

0.167 Cubic Feet (1 item)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Benjamin Katz, July 2015.

Accruals

Accession 2015-16.MS.007

Processing Information

Processed by Jordon Steele, August 2015.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA