The old manâs hand trembled as he put pen to paper. Palsy had afflicted him before he reached middle age, and he was used to working around it, but nervousness always worsened it. He managed to scratch out âQuincy January 1st 1812â and then paused to gain control of the shivering pen for the next line: âDEAR SIR.â He paused again. Perhaps a little joke would help break the ice. âAs you are a Friend of American Manufactures under proper restrictions,â he began, a playful way to announce that he was sending a package âcontaining two Pieces of Homespunâ for the recipientâs inspection.