Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
I have been at the Smelting furnace in Jersey, find it will not do for our porpose but have ingaged a parcle of Copper of the proprietor of the furnace, 30 or 40,00 lb. which is to be delivred this weak & sevrile other large parcles. Have not been able to procure wood fiting for making the tryal of Casting without Coals, but have had Conversation with a person that Assisted in Casting som Brass howits hear last warr who Asures me thay melted all thare Copper with wood, & did not use aney Coals. I am not in the least doubt but wood will do but a furnace must be built for the purpose. It will also do for Coals. I have Seen Mr. Ogdons furnace at New Arck.1 It is Just like ours at N.york, Except the building which is too low for Casting Cannon. It is unsertane how long I shall have the privlige of this furnace as we are now atack’d by our Innimy, tharefore Could wish to know your determination as the artillery you have now ordred to be made will Require som Extrordinary preparation. Do not Expect to Cast above twice more for want of Coals. Your humb. Sert.
A member of the large iron-making Ogden family, most likely Moses Ogden, who operated Vesuvius Furnace, a blast furnace in Newark, N.J. (Gottesman, Arts and Crafts in New York, 219).
I inclosed the Petition and Resolve of the Honourable Congress into one to the Assembly of Jersey; but they gave me for Answer that they could exempt no Man, in whatever Station or Busseness he was. We can therefore deliver no Copper for the Public Service. I am, Sir, your most humble Servant,