From Gold Pen maker John Foley’s catalog and book “History of John Foley’s Gold Pens with Illustrations”
Letter from Aaron Porter Cleveland, maker of the first Gold Pen made in America
New Orleans, La., April 8th, 1875.
John Foley, Esq., New York,
Dear Sir : —I received yours of March 23d yesterday.
The secret and instructions for making the Gold Pen were purchased by me from the inventor, Mr. Hawkins, for £300, in the spring of 1836.
I learned to make the Pen, and sold a few in London "before I left at £1 each. The gold was tempered by the hammer and the points put on with a blow pipe and ground with .sharp emery. Four Pens were all that a good workman could finish in one day.
I returned to New York in the fall, and by Mr. Hyde's request, taught Mr. Levi Brown how to make the Pen in October, 1836. I made but one or two Pens in doing so. I had no interest in the matter except to make the purchase for Mr. Hyde, learn the process of making, and teach any one he might designate.
Yours respectfully,
AARON PORTER CLEVELAND.