as the present machinery of the Penitentiary duplicated
while to the people, the advantage of the warp and wool
rools [rolls] would be treble, what that of the osnabergs is and also
act as a spur to that laudable ambition, that is causing so
much labor, to secure clothing for our soldiers and people.
Gentlemen, I have submitted my views in plainness and in candor.
Its importance I trust will be a sufficient excuse for prolixness.
I have hazarded no word or figure at random. The Penitentiary
with its trained laborers, can accomplish what I have said,
at the same time, I have no idea that any but experienced men
could do so at any thing like the figure I have set down.
Thomas Carothers to the Directors of the State Penitentiary, undated. Correspondence Concerning the Penitentiary, Records Relating to the Penitentiary, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.