The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
MASS PRODUCTION
An improvement is made here in the construction of muskets, which it
may be interesting to Congress to know, should they at any time
propose to procure any. It consists in the making every part of them
so exactly alike, that what belongs to any one, may be used for every
other musket in the magazine. The government here has examined and
approved the method, and is establishing a large manufactory for the
purpose of putting it into execution. As yet, the inventor has only
completed the lock of the musket, on this plan. He will proceed
immediately to have the barrel, stock, and other parts, executed in
the same way. Supposing it might be useful in the United States, I
went to the workman. He presented me the parts of fifty locks taken to
pieces, and arranged in compartments. I put several together myself,
taking pieces at hazard as they came to hand, and they fitted in the
most perfect manner. The advantages of this, when arms need repair,
are evident. He effects it by tools of his own contrivance, which, at
the same time, abridge the work, so that he thinks he shall be able to
furnish the musket two livres cheaper than the common price. But it
will be two or three years before he will be able to furnish any
quantity.
to John Jay, 30 August 1785
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