"Island Grove, Sangamon Co., Ill.,
"December 25, 1850.
"_Mr. Obed Hussey, Baltimore, Md.:_
"Dear Sir:--Last summer I received two of Hussey's Mowing and
Reaping Machines; one from your own shop in Baltimore, and the other
manufactured in this State. Unfortunately for me, I retained the one
manufactured in this State, and with some difficulty succeeded in
cutting about two hundred acres of wheat and grass. The one from
your shop I let Mr. John Simms have, who cut his wheat, oats and hay
(about seventy-five acres) with perfect satisfaction and ease, most
of it with two horses, and without being obliged to grind the
knives. After Mr. Simms finished his harvest he let Mr. James D.
Smith, of Island Grove, have it, who cut about three hundred acres
of grass with it, the machine giving perfect satisfaction.
"Very respectfully yours,
"EDWARD J. ENO."
"Carrolton, Green Co., Ill.,
"Dec. 27, 1850.
"I procured one of Mr. Hussey's Reaping and Mowing Machines from
Baltimore last spring; I cut eighty acres of wheat, and ten acres
of oats, and fifty acres of timothy with it, to my entire
satisfaction--after which I cut sixty acres of cloverseed with it in
less than five days. I could not have saved the cloverseed without
the machine, so I consider I saved the whole cost of the machine in
the saving of the cloverseed alone.
"SAMUEL THOMAS."
"Springfield, Ill.,
"Dec. 25, 1850.
"_Mr. Obed Hussey, Baltimore, Md.:_
"Dear Sir:--During the harvest of August, 1849, with one of your
machines I cut sixty acres of Hemp, using a set of 4-1/2 feet knives
and guards, and two teams of four horses each, changing every two
rounds, which cut on an average eight acres per day. This last
harvest, the same single machine, with 6 foot guides and knives,[7]
operated by the same force, cut successfully 250 acres of hemp, or
from 10 to 12 acres per day. From this experience, I take pleasure
in recommending your Cutters above the hemp cradle and hook, not
only as labor-saving, by the expedition with which they cut, but as
hemp saving, from the perfect thoroughness, evenness and nearness to
the ground with which they do their work, and the regular and
collected form in which they leave the hemp after being cut.
"Yours respectfully,
"EDWARD S. COX."
[7] The cutters were lengthened by removing a board that previously
reduced the cutting space to 4-1/2 feet in length.
"Carrolton, Lebanon Co., Ill.,
"Sept., 1850.
"_Mr. O. Hussey:_
"The four Reaping and Mowing Machines you sent arrived safe and in
good order. Their performance far exceeded our expectations, the
work went on so smoothly that we scarcely knew it was hay time and
harvest. * * * If your machine had been as well known as they are
now, you could have sold twenty as well as one.
"Yours,
"JONAS WARD."
The few letters which follow, taken from the _American Farmer_, and
referring to a still later period, are selected for their brevity, from
many others, and principally from Maryland and Ohio. It is considered
unnecessary to extend the list, for the operation and character of the
machine is too well and too widely known at this day to render it
necessary to the intelligent farmer and general reader, in any grain
growing section of the country.[8]
[8] With the view of determining as far as possible which was the
best Reaping and Mowing Machines for the farmer to purchase, the
Maryland State Agricultural Society in 1852 offered a prize of one
hundred dollars--the largest yet offered in the country--for the
best machine, to be tested by a committee appointed by the
Society; a large committee of men of the first standing in the
State, and all large wheat growers, was appointed, and extended
notice published of the trial to take place at "Wye," the seat of
Col. Edward Lloyd, Eastern Shore, Md., in July.
Every effort was made by the Society and Committee to give a fair
and satisfactory trial; as the extent of crops in that fine wheat
growing region, and extensive level face of the country, are
unsurpassed anywhere for such an exhibition.
But two machines were entered for competition, McKeever's and
Hussey's. The prize was awarded unanimously to Hussey. Why no
others could be induced to attend was a matter of surprize at the
time, and so remains with many.
"Harewood,
"12mo., 8, 1852.
"Having used one of O. Hussey's Reaping and Mowing Machines during
the last harvest (1852) I can state that in cutting wheat, oats
and cloverseed--also in mowing my crop of grass--it has fully
answered my expectations, doing the work better than I ever had it
done by the scythe, and at much less expense. The machine has been
tested by cutting some fifty to sixty acres of grass--quite
sufficient to prove its complete adaptation to mowing as well as
reaping.
"EDWARD STABLER."
"Wye House,
"Dec. 20, 1852.
"Dear Sir:--Having worked your Reaper for many years I have fully
tested its merits. It has proved itself to be not only a wheat
saving implement but a labor and time saving one--these are all
important to the farmer.
"It does its work completely, regardless of the position of the
wheat, if in condition to bind.
"Those you sent me in the spring worked well through the harvest,
and proved their strength.
"Yours respectfully,
"EDW'D LLOYD."
"Oxford, Md.,
"Dec. 8, 1852.
"_Mr. Obed Hussey:_
"Sir:--I have used your Reaper with such entire satisfaction that
I am but performing a duty to my brother farmers by recommending
it in the strongest terms.
"For sixteen years I have used a Reaping Machine, and know from
experience that the most important qualities are _strength_
and _simplicity_. In these respects your machine is superior
to any other, and is the only one I have seen which can be safely
entrusted to the management of ordinary overseers, with negro
laborers.
"Yours, etc.,
"TENCH TILGHMAN."
"Hayes, Montgomery Co., Md.,
"December 7, 1852.
"I purchased in the year 1851 one of Mr. Obed Hussey's Reaping
Machines. I used it that year and this year in cutting my grain; I
was pleased with the machine; I consider it a valuable implement,
and hope never to be without one while I continue to be a farmer.
My machine was used in cutting wheat and oats--it was not designed
for grass. I employed it about half the day, and reaped about ten
acres of land in grain--the rest of the day was devoted to the
securing of the grain; I used four horses. My machine, I believe,
was of the smallest size, and was without front wheels; with
wheels it would have been a relief to the horses.
"I cannot speak of the relative value of this machine compared
with others, having never seen any Reaping Machines but Hussey's
at work. I do not think I could be induced to return to the old
mode of cutting grain by the scythe and cradle.
"Respectfully yours, etc.,
"ROBERT P. DUNLOP."
"Forest Hill, King and Queens Co., Va.,
"December 24, 1852.
"_Mr. O. Hussey:_
"Sir:--It gives me pleasure to state that I used your Reaping
Machine in my late harvest with great satisfaction. It fully
equals my expectation as a labor-saving implement, and does the
work better than can be done by the cradle. I would farther state
that the seven which were purchased along with mine for my
relations and friends of this country have given in every
instance, entire satisfaction.
"Very respectfully,
"WM. D. GRESHAM."
"_To the Editor of the American Farmer:_
"Dear Sir:--Having had a fair opportunity of observing the
performance of Mr. Hussey's celebrated 'Reaper' on my farm last
season, under circumstances peculiarly calculated to test its
efficiency, I think it not inappropriate to bear my testimony in
its favor.
"I finished cutting my grain more than a week ago. The grain was
not only blown as flat as possible, but was tangled and twisted
together, and lying in every direction; so much so that it would
have been impossible to cut a large portion of it with the cradle.
No one who saw the field believed the machine could possibly
succeed.
"I take great pleasure in stating that its success was perfect and
entire. It cut and gathered the grain in the very worst spots
almost as well as that which was standing; and I was thus enabled
to mow my crop in about one-half the time the _old fashioned_
method would have required, thereby effecting a large pecuniary
gain. It cuts the grass as evenly and as close as the most expert
mower. I need scarcely say that I am perfectly satisfied with it.
I subscribe myself yours, etc.,
"AQUILLA TABOT."
"Alexandria, Va.,
"12 mo., 11, 1852.
"It gives me much pleasure to state that I have had in use on my
farm in Montgomery County, Md., for the past two seasons, one of
'Hussey's Reapers,' and its operation has given me _entire
satisfaction in every respect_. It appears to combine the three
qualities so important to the farmer, efficiency, durability and
economy. I can, with great sincerity, recommend its general
adoption.
"BENJAMIN HALLOWELL."
"_To Obed Hussey:_
"Dear Sir:--Having used one of your Reapers upon land, a great
deal of which was hilly, stony and rough, I take pleasure in
saying that it has given entire satisfaction, and proved to be a
very durable, well built, and great labor saving machine.
"Respectfully,
"A. B. DAVIS."
"Greenwood, Mont. Co., Md., Dec. 20, 1852."
"Pickaway County, O.,
"July 1, 1851.
"I made an experiment this season in my field of testing the
McCormick and Hussey Reapers. I tried each fairly and under
similar circumstances. I am satisfied that Hussey's is decidedly
the best Reaper, both as to cutting grain and durability. The
objections made to Hussey's Reaper by agents and manufacturers of
other machines I do not find, upon trial, to exist in any one
particular.
"WM. STAGE."
"We, the undersigned, present at the trial, concur in Mr. Stage's
statement: Z. Pritchett, John Reber, Philip Stuart, Isaac Stage,
John Hogeland, Michael Eyer."
"Salem Tp., Champaign Co., O.,
"July, 1851.
"I have worked with McCormick and Hussey's Reapers three seasons,
and unqualifiedly pronounce Hussey's the best machine. It cuts
cleaner and faster, and leaves the grain in better order on the
ground; and this is the opinion of every hand in giving an
expression of the comparative merits of the two machines.
"THOS. OUTRAM."
"Union Township, Champaign County, O.,
"July, 1851.
"I have for the past four seasons worked Hussey's Reaper, and
unhesitatingly pronounce it vastly superior to McCormick's or any
other Reaper I have seen used.
"WILLIAM T. ZOMBRO."
"Salem Township, Champaign County, O.,
"July, 1851.
"I have had Hussey's Reaper used on my farm. It will cut 20 acres
of the heaviest wheat per day, with ease. I consider it far
superior to the McCormick Reaper.
"JOSHUA BUFFINGTON."
"Ross County, Ohio,
"July, 1851.
"I have used Hussey's Reaper, and consider it an invaluable
machine. I have seen McCormick's Reaper operate, and am of opinion
that Hussey's is the best machine.
"D. M'CONNELL."
"Union Township, Champaign County, O.,
"August, 1851.
"I have used Hussey's Reaper for four years. I prefer it to every
other machine. I do not have to drive fast, and the raking is the
easiest work in the field.
"JOHN EARSOM."
"Salem Township, Champaign County, O.,
"August, 1851.
"I bought a Hussey Reaper this season, and it has given the best
satisfaction. I cut wheat that was down as badly as any I ever
saw. It operated well by driving in a slow walk. My hands would
rather rake than bind.
"JOHN LEE."
"Union Township, Champaign County, O.,
"July, 1851.
"I have used for five years Hussey's Reaper. It is a labor and
grain saving machine. It is a much better machine than
McCormick's, in several particulars; it is more substantial, not
so liable to injury, and will cut faster and cleaner. I cut this
season, with three horses, sixteen acres of heavy wheat, in five
hours and thirty minutes.
"REZIN C. WILSON."
"Bergen,
"September 1, 1851.
"This is to certify that I have for three seasons used one of
Hussey's Reaping Machines, which I purchased at the Genesee Seed
Store, and that it gives perfect satisfaction. I have cut my wheat
when it was very badly lodged, much faster, better and cheaper
than it could have been done in any other way. I had one of
McCormick's, but left it in the road, a useless article, as I
consider it, having tried for three years to use it without
success.
"I consider Hussey's machine just the thing for our farmers, and I
could not now, after having proved its merits, be induced to be
without one.
"NOAH WILSON."
With a few general remarks as to the reputation of Reaping Machines in
England, and on the authority of the annexed English publications, we
take leave of the subject.
At the trial for which the "Great Council Medal" was awarded, but which
no practical farmer in this country would consider as any trial at all,
being merely the attempt to cut a small space in green and wet grain, and
during the temporary absence of Hussey, his machine was operated by
ignorant laborers of the "Chrystal Palace," and who had never before seen
a reaping machine.
This did not satisfy the English farmers; complaints were soon heard of
injustice, partiality, and unfairness. It compelled C. H. McCormick or
his agents to offer a challenge, which was promptly accepted by Hussey;
and before the Cleveland Agricultural Society a tolerably fair trial was
had of the rival machines, though neither the grain nor ground was then
in a suitable state. For the decision of twelve prominent men and
practical farmers we refer to the annexed English account for the
complete triumph of the unmedalled machine.
In an interview with an extensive agricultural implement maker of
Yorkshire--himself an inventor of many valuable implements, and to no
small extent a rival--he spoke of Obed Hussey as a man who conferred
honor on his own country; as well by his genius and talents, as by his
integrity of character. This feeling was alike honorable to the gentleman
who gave it expression, and just to an American citizen.
[Sidenote: Mr. Hussey's Distinction]
Obed Hussey is perhaps the only American who ever waved the "Stars and
Stripes" on the soil of England [placed there, too, at different times,
on his machine, by _Englishmen_] or who could do it without a strong
feeling of envy and jealousy being engendered. Even Englishmen, jealous
as they are known to be, viewed Hussey as a public benefactor, and his
mission as one calculated either directly or indirectly to benefit all
classes. Yet in his own country, which he has so signally benefited, he
is compelled to supplicate for years, and as yet in vain, for rights,
that others, with not a tithe of his claim and merit, but with more ample
means perhaps, or more influential friends, succeed in obtaining. It is a
reproach to the age and to the Halls of Legislation. When it was supposed
this great invention was perfected in England, many years ago--though
_not_ successful, as was subsequently proved--the _Nation_ took
the matter in hand, and Parliament voted a reward to its author.
At the great Agricultural Exhibition for "Bath and the West of England,"
held at Plymouth in 1853, the _Plymouth Mail_ states: ["the interest
and excitement created by the trial of Reaping Machines was very great,
and the crowd of persons assembled to witness their performance was
immense"]--that Hussey won the prize for Reaping, by acclamation, over
all competitors--the only other American machine present, McCormick's
included; and an eye witness states that three cheers were proposed for
Mr. Hussey by Sir Thomas Ackland, the President, and member of
Parliament, which was responded to by thousands, and without a dissenting
voice; that his reaper was crowned with laurel by the Judges, and the
"Stars and Stripes" waved in triumph twenty-five feet high over American
ingenuity and enterprise on English soil.
[Illustration: Gold medal won by Mr. Hussey with the Reaper at Baltimore
in 1853.
Silver medal won by Mr. Hussey with the Reaper and his Steam Plough at
New York in 1857.]
[Sidenote: A Mowing Machine as Well as a Reaper]
At this trial it was again demonstrated to the agriculturists of Great
Britain by Obed Hussey [and not the first time, though he was the first
to do it] that his machine would cut their grass quite as perfectly as
their "corn." The _Mail_ goes on to say: "A mowing machine was so
remote from the expectations and hopes of the Society, that no prize was
offered for one; yet Mr. Hussey was prepared with a mowing machine, which
was taken to an adjoining field of meadow grass and clover mixed. The
people followed, but evidently with no expectation of being gratified.
The machine mower was put in action, and to the admiration of every one,
it cut the grass with an evenness and precision which is truly
surprising, being more close and even than a scythe. The grass left
behind the machine was quite evenly spread, and where it was not so, it
lay so light and open that the use of the tending machine was scarcely
necessary. The admiration of the truly astonishing performance was
universal.
"The cutting the rye was looked for, but mowing the grass took every one
by surprise. Thus a great desideratum has been achieved; the farmer has
now only to gear up his horses and take a ride through his meadow, and
his grass is cut."
Again, at the Royal Agricultural Society's Exhibition, held at Lincoln,
the present season, the _Mark Lane Express_ states that Hussey's
machine won the prize over all competitors; and admits that Bell's
machine was "at last fairly beaten."
Is there an _American_ who can read these accounts who does not feel
indebted to the man who, solely by his own perseverance and skill, has
added lustre to his country's renown in the peaceful walks of life? If
the same man, as a "warrior in hostile array," had raised the same flag
in triumph on the same soil, how would his countrymen have rewarded him?
Doubtless by a "vote of thanks by both Houses of Congress," together with
a sword and gold medal, if not a monument in addition!
[Sidenote: A Peaceful Conquest]
Should not those be equally honored and rewarded by the Country, who are
engaged in the arts and in agriculture; who devote their energies to add
to the comfort and happiness of their fellow man, as those engaged in
shedding blood, making widows and orphans to mourn for their untimely
bereavement, and who literally for hire, not patriotism, and with the
spirit demons, seek to slay and destroy?
We fully believe so; for fame and renown in arms are rarely or never
acquired, except by entailing misery and distress on our fellow beings,
and engendering the worst feelings and passions of our nature.
But we hope for the advent of better days; when, if the political sword
is not literally beaten into a plough-share, and the partisan spear
turned into a pruning hook, the inventive genius and talent of our
countrymen shall be more aided and better rewarded by Government, in its
praiseworthy efforts "for the diffusion of knowledge among men," in all
that really ennobles the mind, and benefits the whole human family. Such,
at least, is the earnest wish and desire of