Details:

Samuel Slater autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated January 6, 1815, from North Providence, Rhode Island. Addressed to his brother and business associate John Slater, the letter discusses family illness, ongoing work at their textile manufacturing operations, financial matters, and banking conditions during the final months of the War of 1812. Signed "S. Slater" at the conclusion, with an additional postscript initialed "S. S."

Slater explains that family illness has prevented him from traveling, writing that a cousin is confined to bed under a physician's care, with her pulse having reached 120 the previous evening. Turning to business matters, he discusses the measurement and valuation of work being performed, writing:

"I will endeavour to assist in measuring the work as soon as I can possibly make it convenient."

He advises his brother to examine the work already completed and estimate the remaining amount, adding that additional money may be owed.

Of particular historical interest is Slater's postscript concerning financial conditions during the War of 1812: "No news of importance, saving, all the Banks in Portland & Eastward of them having stop'd paying out specie."

The letter retains its original integral address leaf, addressed to John Slater in Smithfield, Rhode Island, with contemporary docketing.

The letter measures approximately 8 x 10 inches, comprising two handwritten pages on a folded sheet. Very good condition with scattered age toning, areas of discoloration, original folds, minor edge separations, and paper loss associated with the original wax seal. Some old paper reinforcement is present.

Samuel Slater (1768–1835) was an English-born American industrialist widely regarded as the "Father of the American Industrial Revolution." Trained in the British textile industry, Slater immigrated to the United States in 1789 and helped introduce mechanized cotton spinning technology to American manufacturing. In 1793, he established a successful water-powered cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, contributing to the development of the American factory system. Working with his brother John Slater, he expanded his textile enterprises, including the development of Slatersville, Rhode Island, one of America's earliest planned industrial communities. His pioneering manufacturing operations helped transform New England into a major center of the American textile industry.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419712-1