Eli Whitney Writes To His Nephew About A Military Promotion: You May As Well Inform Capt. That If The Company Should Think Proper To Honor You With A Farther Promotion

ELI WHITNEY (1765-1825). Whitney was a mass-production pioneer best remember for his work with firearms and the cotton gin.ALS. 2pg. 9 x 8. August 12, 1816. New Haven. An autograph letter signed E Whitney to his nephew Elihu Blake Jr. The inventor penned: Dear Elihu, I have recd yours of the 6th instant - I have but one moment to write - Capt Whitney is anxious to know whether you would accept the appointment in case you should be promoted in the Company which he has lately commanded - The Compy is to be led to a choice on Friday next. I think on the whole you may as well inform Capt. that if the Company should think proper to honor you with a farther promotion you will endeavour to Discharge the Duties of the office according to the best of your abilities - I have no time to write further now but will write to you again in a few days In mean time I remain yr friend E. Whitney Mr. Elihu Blake. Blake, following in the family footsteps, invented a stone crushing machine. This letter was written the year following the American victory in the War of 1812. The letter has mailing folds (including one through the bold autograph) and a few ink smudges but is in fine condition overall.