The New Era

Figure 67

Figure 67.—Wooden surveying compass made by Thomas Salter Bowles of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. With spirit level. Made of birch, the compass is 13 in. long and has a diameter of 6 in. In the Streeter Collection of Weights and Measures, Yale University.

The most interesting of the three instruments was acquired by the Dartmouth Museum as part of a collection of the late Frank C. Churchill, an inspector in the Indian Service. The instrument (fig. 69) is a quarter circle with a compass in its center and sighting bars mounted on a swinging arm that reads the angle of the brass scale on the arc by means of a vernier. It is mounted on a wooden tripod with the customary ball-and-socket joint, which permits it to be placed on a vertical plane. A built-in plumb bob at the side helps to establish the vertical.[127]

Interesting features of this instrument are two inscriptions engraved on the brass strip on the top of the dial. One states that it was "INVENTED BY P. MERRILL ESQ." and the other relates that it was "MADE BY JOHN KENNARD NEWMARKET." No information about P. Merrill has been found, and it is presumed that it was he who conceived the idea of combining the various elements into a single instrument and that it was made under his direction by Kennard.

Figure 68

Figure 68.—Wooden surveying compass made by Thomas Salter Bowles (1765/70-post 1821) of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Made of walnut, it is 12 in. long and has a diameter of 5-3/8 in. With walnut sighting bars. In collection of writer.

walnut bars

Figure 69

Figure 69.—Wooden surveying instrument inscribed "Invented by P. Merrill, Esq." and "Made by John Kennard, Newmarket." Made of walnut, 7-3/4 in. long; in its original pine case, with cover. The compass card and dial (see opposite) were made by Thomas Salter Bowles of Portsmouth. In Frank C. Churchill Collection, Dartmouth College Museum, Hanover, New Hampshire.

Some data on Kennard is available in a history of Newfields (formerly Newmarket) by Reverend Fitts. John Kennard was born in Kittery, Maine, in 1782. He learned the trade of clockmaker in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, presumably working with the members of the Ham family or others. On July 3, 1806, he married Sarah Ewer. He lived for various periods in Nashua and Concord before moving to Newfields in 1812. He lived in the Palmer house (which was burned in September 1899), and he kept a store in the little community and also served as its postmaster from 1822 to 1824. The post office was the only public office in the town until the cotton mills were built on the Lamprey River in 1823. Kennard later built and occupied the Kennard house on Piscassic Street, which was subsequently owned by Jeremiah Towle and has since been burned. In December 1830 he established an iron foundry together with Temple Paul and the Drake family, but in 1834 he sold his interest to Amos Paul and others. He was the father of six children and he died in 1861. During his lifetime he had specialized in making tall case and banjo clocks.[128]

The beginning of the 19th century saw increased trading and shipping resulting from the economic development of the new republic, and the westward surge brought increased preoccupation with the settlement of communities and the development of land areas. As a consequence, the demand for instruments likewise increased.

Whereas during the 18th century and until some time after the end of the Revolutionary War probably not more than a dozen instrument makers and dealers are known to have emigrated from England or elsewhere to make their homes and careers in the American Colonies, the beginning of the 19th century saw substantial numbers of English and French instrument makers and dealers immigrate to the United States, to establish shops in the major centers of trade.

And whereas the names of scarcely a hundred mathematical-instrument makers who worked in the American Colonies during the 18th century are known today, the names of hundreds of similar 19th-century craftsmen and dealers are to be found.

As Derek Price[129]has so cogently stated: "For scientific instrument makers, one need only examine the nineteenth century city directories of Boston, Philadelphia and New York to find hundreds of names of craftsmen and firms. It is, to be sure, an antiquarian research, for one does not expect to find great discoveries coming from these people. But just as in Europe, it is a populous trade, influential in the growth of science and highly effective in spreading and intensifying the itch for ingenious instruments and devices. It is by these men that the basic skills of the Industrial Revolution were populated...." By such means did American science and technology come of age.

Early American Scientific Instruments and Related Materialsin the United States National Museum,Listed by Makers and Users

Adams, George; Fleet Street, London. (See Ellicott, Andrew; Surveying Instrument.)

Bardin, W. & T. M.; 16 Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, London. (See Priestley, Joseph: Globes.)

Bennet, N. (fl. 1777); Middleboro, Mass., or Middleboro, Pa.Alidade, plane table, scale 7-7/8 in. radius, compass 5-3/8 in. long. Brass scale and sights with compass in wooden box. Instrument inscribed "N. Bennet—Middlebor 1777." Although the name of this instrument maker does not appear on list of English or American makers, it is believed that he was American. USNM 319076.

Ellicott, Andrew(1754-1820); Baltimore, Md.Instrument Boxfor astronomical instruments. Made of rosewood, with a hinged top, green felt underlining, brass lock, size 3 in. by 3 in. by 11 in. Owned and used by Andrew Ellicott for storage and transportation of small astronomical equipment.

Gift of John E. Reynolds, Ellicott's great-grandson, of Meadville, Pa., in 1932. USNM 310418.

JournalandAstronomical Notebook, manuscript written by Andrew Ellicott while locating the U.S. boundary line between the United States and the Spanish territory of Florida, 1797-1801. Contains day-by-day entries of experiences, field notes, and calculations made by Ellicott. The major part of the manuscript was published inThe Journal of Andrew Ellicott.[130]Bound volume withbrown leather covers, end opening, marked "And. Ellicott," 6-1/2 in. by 8 in. by 2 in. First page has signature "Andrew Ellicott 1788."

Figure 70

Figure 70.—Pages from manuscript "Journal and Astronomical Notebook" (USNM 310417) written by Andrew Ellicott while locating the boundary between the United States and the Spanish territory of Florida. These pages relate to the observations made in 1799 at the cord of the guide line on Mobile River for determining the latitude.

Figure 71

Figure 71.—Folding plate from Andrew Ellicott's "Journal and Astronomical Notebook" (USNM 310417), relating the results of observations made in February 1800 with the large and small sectors for determining Ellicott's position on St. Mary's River.

Formerly the property of Ellicott's eldest daughter, Jane Judith Ellicott, from whom it passed to her youngest son, William Reynolds. It was inherited by the latter's son, John Reynolds of Meadville, Pa., who presented it as a gift to the U.S. National Museum in 1932. USNM 310417.Figures70, 71.

Pocket Slate7-1/4 in. long and 4 in. wide, with wooden frame 7-1/4 in. long and 4 in. wide. Slate 5-3/4 in. long and 2-1/2 in. wide. Part of field equipment used by Ellicott.

Gift of Charles Ellicott of Dansville, N.Y., in 1960. USNM 318292.

Quadrantof brass made and used by Ellicott. Quadrant has a radius of 12 in., is on a stand 17 in. high, and has the original lenses. Simple construction with easy adjustment, accomplished by means of two plumb lines. A tangent screw for slow motions was designed and added in 1885 by Andrew Ellicott Douglass, Ellicott's grandson. Instrument was made by Ellicott about 1790 and was used in running the southern boundary of the United States in 1796 and 1800, and on other surveys.

Deposit of Andrew Ellicott Douglass of Tucson, Ariz., in 1931. USNM 152081.Figure72.

Surveying Instrument, with brass disk 10-1/2 in. in diameter laid off in degrees, minutes, and seconds with vernier points. Two telescopes, one fixed and the other revolving. The instrument is mounted on a tripod or Jacob's staff by means of a socket on the underside. Complete with original painted pine case. The name of the maker, "G. Adams London," is engraved on the dial.

George Adams (1704-1773) was mathematical instrument maker to King George III. After serving an apprenticeship from 1718, he made instruments for the East India Company in 1735 and 1736, and established a shop at "Tycho Brahe's Head" at the corner of Raquet Court, Fleet Street. He specialized in terrestrial and celestial globes and microscopes. Following his death he was succeeded in business by his son George Adams the Younger (1750-1795), who also served as mathematical-instrument maker to the king.

This instrument is believed by the donor to have been used by either Andrew Ellicott or by his son-in-law David Bates Douglass.

Gift of Charles B. Curtis of Litchfield, Conn., in 1945. USNM 312932.

Figure 72

Figure 72.—Brass quadrant made by Andrew Ellicott about 1790 and used for running the southern boundary of the United States about 1796 and 1800, and on later surveys. USNM 152081.

Telescope, consisting of a brass tube 3-1/2 in. long with an aperture of 2-3/4 in.; on its original brass tripod, with a serviceable altazimuth mounting. Late 18th century. Made by "W. & S. Jones/135 Holborn/London."

The firm of "W. & S. Jones" was a partnership of two brothers, Samuel and William Jones, opticians, who worked at 30 Lower Holborn and at 135 Holborn in London, from 1793. They boughtthe copyright to the books of George Adams, and subsequently largely carried on the original business of the Adams instrument makers.

InThe Journal of Andrew Ellicottits author describes this instrument as the first of "Two Acromatic Telescopes for Taking signals, with sliding tubes, one of them drew out to upwards of 4 feet, and the other to about 15 inches, the latter for its length is remarkably good, it shows the satellites of Jupiter very distinctly."

Deposit of Andrew Ellicott Douglass of Tucson, Ariz., in 1899. USNM 152082.Figure73.

Telescope, draw type, made of brass with acromatic lens, length 11 in. Incomplete, and maker not known. The second of the instruments described inThe Journal of Andrew Ellicottas an acromatic telescope. Used for taking signals, with sliding tubes, which draw out to about 15 in. It was considered to be remarkably good for its length, and showed the satellites of Jupiter very distinctly.

Gift of Andrew Ellicott Douglass of Flagstaff, Ariz., in 1931. USNM 152085.

Transit and Equal Altitude Instrument, made entirely of brass, with original lens now broken. The instrument is described by Ellicott in the following extract fromThe Journal of Andrew Ellicott:

Preparatory to beginning the ten mile square [of Washington] a Meridian was traced at Jones' Point on the West of the Potomac. From this Meridian an angle of 45 degrees was laid off North Westerly and a straight line continued in that direction ten miles.... From the termination of this second line a third making a right angle with it was carried South-Easterly ten miles: and from the beginning on Jones' Point a fourth was carried ten miles to the termination of the third. These lines were measured with a chain which was examined and corrected daily, and plumbed whenever the ground was uneven, and traced with a transit and equal altitude instrument which I constructed and executed in 1789 and used in running the Western boundary of the State of New York. This instrument was similar to that described by Le Monnier in his preface to the French "Histoire Celeste." ... All the lines in this city in which I have been concerned were traced with the same instrument which I used on the lines of the ten mile square but as the Northern part was not finished when I left that place, I cannot pretend to say what method has since been pursued.

Deposit of Andrew Ellicott Douglass of Flagstaff, Ariz., in 1931. USNM 152080.Figure10.

Figure 73

Figure 73.—Telescope used by Andrew Ellicott for his survey of the boundary between the United States and the Spanish territory of Florida. The instrument is signed "W. & S. Jones, 135 Holborn, London." USNM 152082.

Ellis, Orange Warner(18th century).Theodolite, about 1780, brass; horizontal circle 5 in., vertical circle 5 in., telescope 7-1/2 in., compass 3 in.; spirit level set into compass card; spirit level attached to telescope; fixed vertical circle; unsigned. Used by Orange Warner Ellis about 1780 in the surveying of the boundary between the United States and Canada, the area which is now Vermont.

Acquired from Miss Mary N. Ellis of Chicago, Ill., in 1929. USNM 309596.Figure74.

Frye, Joseph(fl. 1762-1783), Fryeburg, Maine.Manuscript Bookletof "Tables Useful in Surveying Land, made and presented by Joseph Frye to his son, Joseph Frye, Jr., November 18, A. D. 1783." Size 6-1/4 in. by 3-7/8 in., 16 pages, paper covers, marked "Fryeburg Joseph Frye AD MDCCLXXXIII."

Loan from Laurits C. Eichner of Clifton, New Jersey, in 1957. USNM 315062.Figure45.

(See Greenough, Thomas, for surveying compass used by Joseph Frye.)

Figure 74

Figure 74.—Theodolite used by Orange Warner Ellis about 1780 for surveying boundary between the United States and Canada in the area which is now Vermont. USNM 309596.

Greenough, Thomas(1710-1785), Boston, Mass.Surveying Compass, made of hickory with engraved paper compass card. Over-all length 11 ft.; dial 5-1/2 in. in diameter. Central medallion on card depicts man along shoreline using a Davis quadrant with a schooner offshore, with touches of red. Inscribed in gilt in band around central medallion: "Made and Sold byTHOMAS GREENOUGH, Boston, New Eng." Used by Joseph Frye in 1762 for surveying his land grant in what is now Fryeburg, Maine. Loan from Laurits C. Eichner, Clifton, N.J., in 1957. USNM 315001.Figure44.

(See also, Frye, Joseph, manuscript booklet of "Tables Useful for Surveying Land ... ")

Hagger, William Guyse, (C. 1748?-1830?), Newport, R.I.Backstaff, orDavis Quadrant, about 1760-1770, made of dark wood with scales and sights of boxwood, 25 in. long, 14 in. wide at large arc and 5 in. wide at small arc. Inscribed as follows: "WmG. Hagger NewptR. Island/For Mr——." The name of the original owner has been blocked out by the insertion of a piece of ivory. This quadrant was acquired from Mrs. Carola Paine of Bethel, Conn., in 1961. USNM 319029.Figure59.

Davis quadrants signed by Hagger are in the Comstock Memorial Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society (dated 1776); in the Shepley Library in Providence, R.I. (dated 1768); and in the Peabody Museum at Salem, Mass. (dated 1775).

Also in the U.S. National Museum is an unsigned quadrant (USNM 178975) that is almost identical in detail to the one signed by Hagger. It is the gift of A. R. Crittenden, Middletown, Conn. Another almost identical instrument, in the collection of the Franklin Institute, is signed "C. Elliott, New London, 1764"; it differs from the other two only in that a lens is combined in the middle sight.

Holbecher, John, (fl. 1738).Backstaff, orDavis Quadrant, of dark wood with boxwood scales and vanes. Length 25-1/2 in.; large arc 15 in. Inscribed "Made by John Holbecher/ For Capt. Joseph Swan—1738."

Holbecher is not listed as an English or American instrument maker, but it is believed that the instrument is American.

Acquired from Bern C. Ritchie & Co., Chicago, Ill., in 1960. USNM 318439.

Johnson, John, Surveyor, 1818. (See Rittenhouse & Evans, surveying compass.)

Jones, W. & S., 135 Holborn, London. (See Ellicott, Andrew, telescope.)

Pierce, Abner, (c. 1790).Surveying Compasswith Jacob's staff. Made of brass; 12 in. long; 5 in. in diameter; with needle lift. Jacob's staff 4 ft. high and with wood shaft about 1-1/2 in.; brass head. Unsigned. Used about 1790 by Abner Pierce, who built Pierce's Mill in Rock Creek, District of Columbia.

Gift of Mrs. Francis D. Shoemaker of Washington, D.C., in 1930. USNM 309826.

Priestley, Joseph(1733-1804), Northumberland, Pa.

Chemical Apparatusthat formed part of the laboratory of Joseph Priestley at his home. It includes the following specimens: 3 chemical retorts, 6 bell jars, 1 gas collecting flask, 6 flasks, 4 funnels, 23 miscellaneous metal and glass objects, and 1 eudiometer. A special exhibition of some of this chemical apparatus was held in the U.S. National Museum in 1958 (see fig. 69).

Gift of Miss Frances D. Priestley of Northumberland, Pa., in 1958. USNM 315341-315358.Figure75.

Globes, one terrestrial (fig. 76) and one celestial (fig. 77), that formed part of the equipment used by Dr. Joseph Priestley. The terrestrial globe, of 26 in. diameter, has a Sheraton mahogany tripod stand and is inscribed—

To the Rt. Honorable/Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. K.B./President of the Royal Society/containing all the latest Discoveries and Communications from the most/correct surveys to the year 1798/by Capt. Cook and more recent Navigators. Engraved upon an accurate degree by Mr. Arrowsmith,Geographer/Respectfully Dedicated/by his most obedient servant/W. & T. M. Bardin/Manufactured and Sold Wholesale and Retail by W. & T. M. Bardin/16 Salisbury Square/Fleet Street, London.

Figure 75

Figure 75.—Special exhibition of chemical laboratory apparatus used by Dr. Joseph Priestley. USNM 315341-351358.

Figure 76

Figure 76.—Terrestrial globe made by W. & T. M. Bardin of London and used by Dr. Joseph Priestley. Diameter, 26 in. USNM 53253.

Figure 77

Figure 77.—Celestial globe made by W. & T. M. Bardin of London and used by Dr. Joseph Priestley. Diameter, 23 in. USNM 53254.

The celestial globe, also with a Sheraton mahogany tripod stand, has a diameter of 23 in. and is inscribed—

To the Rev./Nevil Maskelyne, D. D. F. R. S./Astronomer Royal/This New British Celestial Globe/containing the positions of nearly 6,000 stars, clusters, nebulae, Planetary Nebulae/& correctly computed & laid down for the year 1800 from the latest observations and discoveries by Dr. Maskelyne, Dr. Herschel, the Rev. Mr. Wollaston, etc., etc./Is respectfully dedicated by his most obedient hmbl Servants W. & T. M. Bardin, Manufactured and sold Wholesale & Retail by W. & T. M. Bardin/16 Salisbury Square/Fleet Street, London.

Gifts of Mrs. Eliza R. Lyon of Williamsport, Pa., in 1893. USNM 53253, 53254.Figures76, 77.

Orrery, mounted on three legs 31 in. high, round top 22-1/2 in. in diameter. The planets shown are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. The base is not original. Maker not known; English, 18th century.

Gift of Miss Frances Priestley of Northumberland, Pa., in 1958. USNM 315353.Figures76, 77.

Rittenhouse, Benjamin(1740-c. 1820).

Surveying Compass, about 1796, of brass, 13-1/2 in. long over-all and 6-1/2 in. diameter. Supported on a tripod by means of a ball-and-socket joint and screw-tightening device. The name "A. Ellicott" is inscribed on one arm outside the bezel of the dial, and the name "B. Rittenhouse" is inscribed on the other arm. The number "10" is marked on the reverse of this instrument, which is listed in theJournal of Andrew Ellicottas Item 9: "A Surveying Compass made by Mr. Benjamin Rittenhouse upon the newest and most approved plans."

Gift of Henry B. Douglass of Newton, N.J., in 1934. USNM 310815.Figure78.

Rittenhouse, David(1732-1796), Philadelphia, Pa.

Surveying Compass, brass, over-all length 14 in., diameter 6-1/2 in., silvered dial marked with eight-pointed star indicating the cardinal and intermediate points, glazed. Inscribed "Rittenhouse, Philadelphia." Fitted with a ball-and-socket joint for mounting on a tripod, and complete with wooden field case.

Figure 78

Figure 78.—Brass surveying compass made by Benjamin Rittenhouse for Andrew Ellicott and inscribed with both names. The instrument is described in Journal of Andrew Ellicott (Philadelphia, 1803). USNM 310815.

Stated to have been used by General Washington for laying outthe estate of Mount Vernon, according to family manuscripts. It was made by David Rittenhouse and presented by him to General Washington, who subsequently gave it to Capt. Samuel Duvall.

A manuscript consisting of 14 letters relating to the surveying compass is filed in the U.S. National Museum (USNM 92542). The letters were written in 1851 and 1852 by George Washington Parke Custis, Anthony Kimmel, and other Washington descendants.

Gift of Anthony Kimmel to the U.S. Government, and transferred to the U.S. National Museum in 1883. USNM 92538.Figure79.

Zenith Sectorfor measuring the angle between a star at its zenith and the vertical. Made of brass, with focal length of 6 ft. and an aperture of 2-1/2 in. The original lens was made in London about 1780. The instrument was made in the old pattern with brass tube and mountings and a wooden supporting post. The tube is suspended by trunnions at the top and swings against a graduated arc extending north and south for measuring zenith distances in the meridian. It is adjusted in the vertical by a plumb line whose errors are eliminated by reversing the whole mounting about the supporting post. Constructed principally by David Rittenhouse, with some modifications by Andrew Ellicott.

Figure 79

Figure 79.—Surveying compass made by David Rittenhouse for Gen. George Washington, inscribed "Rittenhouse, Philadelphia." This instrument was used by Washington in making a complete survey of his estate at Mount Vernon, 1796-1799. The survey was assisted by Capt. Samuel Duval, surveyor of Frederick County, Maryland. Washington gave the instrument to Captain Duval, from whom it descended to the Hon. Anthony Kimmel, who donated it to the U.S. National Museum. USNM 92538.

In theJournal of Andrew Ellicottits author referred to this sector as follows:

The boundary line to the North of Pennsylvania was fixed by Dr. Rittenhouse and Captain Holland in the year 1774 and completed in 1786 and 1787. We commenced operations by running a guide line west from the point mentioned on the Delaware 20-1/4 miles and there corrected by the following Zenith distances taken at its West termination by a most excellent sector constructed and executed by Dr. Rittenhouse.

The zenith sector is again mentioned in the appendix of theJournal: "One Zenith Sector of nearly six feet radius similar to the one made by Mr. [George] Graham for Dr. Bradley and Mr. Molyneux, with which the aberrations of the stars and mutation of the earth's axis were discovered, and the quantities determined."

Gift of Andrew Ellicott Douglass, Tucson, Ariz., in 1931. USNM 152078.Figure11.

Zenith Sector, made of brass, original lens broken. Constructed by David Rittenhouse with some additions made by Andrew Ellicott. In TheJournal of Andrew Ellicottthe instrument is described as aZenith Sector of 19 inches radius to be used when the utmost accuracy was not necessary, and where the transportation of the large one could not be effected without great expense and difficulty. These instruments were principally executed by my late worthy and ingenious friend, Mr. Rittenhouse, except some additions which I have made myself. The plumb lines of both Sectors are suspended from a notch above the axis of the instruments in the manner described by the Rev. Dr. Maskelyne, the present Astronomer Royal at Greenwich, in the introduction to the first volume of his Astronomical Observations. A particular description of those instruments is rendered unnecessary by being accurately done in a number of scientific works, particularly by M. de Maupertius in his account of the measurement of a degree of the meridian under the Arctic Circle—The Sector is of all instruments the best calculated for measuring zenith distances which come within its arc. The large one above mentioned [large Zenith Sector] extends to 5 degrees North, and South of the Zenith. Stars when so near the Zenith are insensibly affected by the different refractive powers of the Atmosphere arising from its different degrees of density. Add to this that the error of the visual axis is completely corrected by taking the Zenith distances of the stars with the plane, or face of the instrument both East and West. USNM 152079.Figure80.

Rittenhouse & Evans, Philadelphia, Pa., 18th century.

Surveying Compass, about 1780, made of brass, overall length 13-3/4 in., diameter of dial 5-1/4 in., silvered bubble level, vernier on alidade. The glazed dial, engraved "Rittenhouse & Evans," is fitted with a brass cover.

This instrument was made during a brief partnership between David Rittenhouse and David Evans, a clock- and watchmaker of Philadelphia and Baltimore. It was one of several owned and used by John Johnson in 1818 for surveying the boundaries between Canada and Maine.

The survey, made in compliance with the Treaty of Ghent, is described inThe Collections of the Maine Historical Society(Portland: Hoyt, Fogg & Donham, 1881, vol. 8, p. 20):

Thomas Barclay, of whom we have heard more than once before, as a Commissioner under the treaty, on the part of Great Britain, and Cornelius P. Van Ness, on the part of the United States, were appointed Commissioners to ascertain and run the line. An actual survey was arranged, and surveyors appointed, to wit: Charles Turner, Jr., on the part of the United States, and Colin Campbell on the part of Great Britain. About twenty miles of the line was surveyed, then the work was discontinued, never to be resumed; but an exploring survey was commenced by Colonel Bouchette, on the part of Great Britain, and John Johnson, on the part of the United States. These gentlemen made an exploring line in 1817, extending ninety-nine miles from the monument at the head of the river St. Croix, and made separate reports of their doings. In 1818 Mr. Johnson, with Mr. Odell, who had taken the placeof Col. Bouchette, finished running the exploring line to the Beaver or Metis River....

Figure 80

Figure 80.—Zenith sector, with a radius of 19 in., constructed by David Rittenhouse for Andrew Ellicott. USNM 152079.

Figure 81

Figure 81.—Brass surveying compass marked "Rittenhouse & Evans," about 1780. Over-all length, 13-3/4 in.; diameter of dial, 5-1/4 in. This instrument, made about 1780, was owned and used by John Johnson in 1818 for surveying the boundaries between Canada and Maine. USNM 309543.

Gift of John Johnson Allen of Burlington, Vt., in 1927. USNM 309543.Figure81.

Thompson, CaptainSamuel Rowland(18th century); Lewes, Del.Octantmade of dark wood and with lignum vitae; brass fittings. This harbormaster's instrument, used by Captain Thompson during the second half of the 18th century, is without numerical designations on the arc. The eighth part of a circle is connected to an apex by two side pieces with a swinging arm hinged at the apex, with a blade at its end that moves along a checkered scale on the arc.

Gift of George Andrews Thompson of Baltimore, Md., in 1926. USNM 308473.

Voight, Henry(1738-1814), Philadelphia, Pa.

Equal Altitude Telescopeof brass, 17 in. long, on wooden tripod about 46 in. high. Objective lens is missing. Signed "Henry Voigt." Made about 1790 and used for determining meridian lines and time observation of the sun's noon transit. This form ofinstrument was originally invented about 1716 by Roger Cotes, professor of astronomy at Cambridge, as a simple instrument for the determination of time.

Deposited in the U.S. National Museum by the Smithsonian Institution in 1939. USNM 311772.Figure31.

Washington, General George(1732-1799), Mount Vernon, Va.

Compass Sundialdescribed by the donor as having been presented to Gen. George Washington by General Braddock on the retreat through Paris Gap, Fairfax County, Va. Gift of Samuel Keese in 1902. USNM 9842.

Field Glass, brass tube in three sections, length closed 9 in., opened 22-1/2 in. Diameter of object lens 1-3/4 in., of ocular lens 1-1/8 in. With original case of russet leather, which is 9-1/2 in. long and 2-1/2 in. in diameter. Maker not known. Stated to have been used by Washington during the Revolutionary War at the campaign of Valley Forge.

According to related correspondence, when not in use the instrument was carried by the General's body servant, Billy Lee. The General presented the field glass to Major Lawrence Lewis, his favorite nephew, in 1799, the last year of his life.

Purchased by the U.S. Government from the Lewis heirs in 1878 and transferred to the U.S. National Museum in 1883. USNM 92424, 92425.Figure82.

Spyglass or Telescope, made of wood, 9-sided, wrapped throughout with twine, 62 in. long. Brass mountings for object and ocular lenses made by "Cole, Fleet Street, London." Diameter of object lens 2-3/4 in., diameter of ocular lens 1 in.

Figure 82

Figure 82.—Brass field glass in case of russet leather, stated to have been used by General George Washington at Valley Forge. USNM 92424, 92425.

The maker, Benjamin Cole (1725-1813), was the third generation of instrument makers of the same name. Other instrumentsby this maker are in the National Maritime Museum and the Whipple Museum, Cambridge.

Figure 83

Figure 83.—Telescope, 62 in. long, made of wood wrapped with twine. It was made by Benjamin Cole of London and was owned and used by Gen. George Washington at Mount Vernon. USNM 92423.

This telescope, used by General Washington at Mount Vernon, "was kept behind the hall door and his favorite amusement was to look out over the river with it." According to Mrs. Lewis, the General used it to observe life on the river and especially to discover guests approaching Mount Vernon, as many of their visitors arrived by boat. Benjamin Latrobe, the architect, on a visit to Mount Vernon made an amusing sketch of his host looking anxiously up the stream for some belated dinner guests.

Part of the collection purchased from the Lewis heirs in 1878 by the U.S. Government and transferred to the U.S. National Museum in 1883. USNM 92423.Figure83.

Survey of Land, drawn and documented by George Washington on April 2, 1751 for Thomas Loftan of Frederick County, Va. Paper, 12 in. wide by 7-3/4 in. high.

This survey was made by Washington when he was 19 years of age, and it is believed to be the only such document relating to his earliest period as a surveyor. Washington was licensed as a surveyor by the President and Masters of William and Mary College in 1749. On July 20th of the same year he was appointed surveyor in Culpepper County, Va., by Governor Dinwiddie.

Acquired in 1961. USNM 238367.Figure84.

White, Peregrine(1747-1834), Woodstock, Conn.

Surveying Compass, about 1790, made of brass, complete with original case, tripod, and gunter's chain. The instrument measures 12-1/4 in. overall. The dial, with a diameter of 5-5/8 in. and a pewter vernier ring, is inscribed "PEREGRINE WHITE/Woodstock." Tripod is 57-1/2 in. long and has walnut legs and a brass universal socket joint. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Greenwood.

USNM 388993.Figure23.

Figure 84

Figure 84.—Survey of land drawn and documented by George Washington for Thomas Loftan of Frederick County, Va., in 1751. Size: 12 in. wide, 7-3/4 in. high. USNM 238367.

Whitney, Thomas(fl. 1798-1821), Philadelphia, Pa.

Pocket Compassof brass encased in brassbound mahogany box with separate carrying case. Paper dial is inscribed "T. Whitney/ Phila." Carried by Capt. William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Coast in 1803-1806. USNM 38366.Figure85.

Figure 85

Figure 85.—Pocket compass made and signed by Thomas Whitney of Philadelphia. With original carrying case. Carried by Capt. William Clark on the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Coast, 1803-1806. USNM 38366.

(Asterisk denotes information unavailable)

CollectionType of woodLength (in.)Width (in.)Height of bars (in.)Length of needle (in.)Maker and periodPreston R. BassettMaple953-1/4*Unsigned (18th century)Bucks County Historical SocietyCherry115-1/26-5/82-3/8Thomas Greenough of Boston (1710-1785)Bostonian SocietyApple or walnut13-7/8**4-3/4John Dupee of Boston (after 1761)Dartmouth College MuseumWalnut7-3/4***Thomas S. Bowles of Portsmouth, N.H. (c. 1765-1821)*128**Unsigned (18th century)*8-3/84-5/8**Unsigned (18th century)L. C. Eichner (U.S. National Museum)Hickory115-1/234Thomas Greenough of Boston (1710-1785)Farmer's MuseumOak12-3/46-1/25*Unsigned (18th century)Franklin InstituteGum13-3/45-3/445Thomas Greenough of Boston (1710-1785)Mariner's Museum*****Charles Thacher (18th century)Old SturbridgeMaple134**Unsigned (18th century)Maple11-5/85-7/8**Thomas Greenough of Boston (1710-1785)Walnut188**Aaron Breed of Boston (1791-1861)New Hampshire Historical SocietyMaple115-3/42-1/24-5/8Joseph Halsy of Boston (fl. 1697-1762)N. ParkerWalnut13-1/24-7/85*John Dupee of Boston (after 1761)Peabody Museum*11**3James Halsy II of Boston (1695-1767)Worth Shampeny*****Jedidiah Baldwin of Hanover, N.H. (c. 1777-1829)South Natick Historical SocietyApple or walnut13-16**4-7/8John Dupee of Boston (after 1761)Streeter Coll., Yale UniversityBirch136*4Thomas S. Bowles of Portsmouth, N.H. (c.1765-1821)Cherry11-5/664*Jere Clough of Boston (18th century)Cherry1263-1/2*Benjamin Warren of Plymouth, Mass. (fl. 1740-1790)Roleigh L. StubbsCherry7-1/23-3/43*UnsignedSilvio A. BediniWalnut125-3/854Thomas S. Bowles of Portsmouth, N.H. (c. 1765-1821)Pine5-3/43-1/22-1/2*Unsigned (18th century)Mahogany****Unsigned (18th century)Basswood125-3/42-3/44Thomas Greenough of Boston (1710-1785)Birch187-1/27-1/26Samuel Thaxter of Boston (1769-1842)Mahogany137-1/44-1/46Samuel Thaxter of Boston (1769-1842)Yellow birch8-1/44*4-1/4Benjamin K. Hagger of Boston and Baltimore (c. 1769-1834)Cherry145-1/26-3/84-3/4Gurdon Huntington of Windham, Conn. and Walpole, N.H. (1763-1804)Yale Gallery of Fine ArtMahogany11-1/25**Andrew Newell of Boston (1749-c. 1798)

Alphabetical List

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