31Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
My attention is called, by an old man of about 70 years, to a wish of his that 2 volumes of his writings may be submitted to thy examination. Doct. Williams has written the History of Vermont , in 2 8vo. volumes, & very naturally thinks that he has written very well. He is anxious to learn thy opinion of that Work; or at least to have it read by thee. The Doctor writes & thinks & feels like an...
32To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I enclose this a Right to use this improvement described in this little pamphlet I lately sent thee. Should it not be thy wish to use it, please hand the Certificate to some friend who will do so, & advise Mr Mr of the result. I am anxious to have the principles fully tested, & the best possible method is by actual demonstration. So far, this has succeeded to complete satisfaction. I was in...
33Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 6 April 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The work of Dr. Williams , of which I spoke , is a Second edition of that which thou hast seen, published in 1809, at Burlington Vt. , in 2 8vo volumes, containing about 1000 pages. Much of it is written anew, & the additions are extensive & valuable. I know the Doctor would be highly gratified to have it read & applauded by thee. He prides himself on his Republican Sentiments, particularly in...
34Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 4 [May] 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace every opportunity for presenting my respects, constantly wishing thee all possible heath health & happiness. This Work has long been wanting, & for years I have been urged to undertake it. I am pretty well satisfied with the plan of it, & hope it may meet thy approbation. May I be permitted to solicit from thee something for it? It is designed for general circulation, & I shall spare...
35To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 24 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
As I have not, for a long time past, been favored to hear from thee, I presume to address thee again. I hope thy health continues to afford thee happiness & enjoyment, & most devoutly hope for thy good in every thing. I am just commencing another Work, of which I send a Prospectus. By a Letter that reached me yesterday, I learn that Pres. Jefferson enjoys good Health. Is thy Son probably now...
36Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A few weeks of ill health have confined me to the house, & prevented my correcting the proofs for the Magazine. Thou wilt find an interesting Biography of Baron Steuben , written by General William North , one of the Baron ’s Aids. The General does not wish to be publicly known as the writer. He is a distinguished Federalist, † I mention this circumstance, because that in doing justice to...
37Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The event which I expected, has terminated the life of my friend Dox , & vacated the office of Post Master in this City . May I now solicit thy aid in obtaining that office for me? I need some kindness very much, having a numerous family to support, & having lately lost a good deal of property. Thy aid would be very grateful to my feelings, & an intimation from thee would ensure me success. I...
38To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 25 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this day forwarded, by Mail, to the late President Jefferson, for his examination, a long Essay on the propriety of establishing a National School of Science & the Mechanic Arts, at the seat of the National Government; & on a Reform of the Patent System, of the United States. It was my intention to offer this first for thy perusal, but reflecting that thy time could probably be more...
39Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose to thee a long Paper, which I wish to have thee read, & to favor me with thy suggestions on any amendment or alteration. I wish to learn thy opinion of the propriety of the sentiments, & whether or not it may be well to publish them now. It was intended for the Dec. & Jan. Nos. of my Magazine, but I have concluded to delay it till January. Please have the goodness to enclose the...
40Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very thankful for thy attention, nor was it yet too late ‘ to be useful to me,’ nor is it still. My long Essay on establishing a School of Science, &c. had not, probably, reached thee, at the date of thy Letter , Dec. 27, ’15. I hope thou wilt have time to examine it, & to favor me with thy opinion, & advice. It has been read by several of our most eminent Literary characters, & some 4 or...
41To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 18 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I wrote thee, some time since, concerning an Essay of mine, which I proposed to have sent to thee for examination, before I should publish it: & I am now to explain why that Paper was not sent to thee as I intended. Presuming thy time would be all occupied at that time, I sent it to thy friend Jefferson to read, requesting him to return it to thee, as soon as might be convenient, & to favor me...
42To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
It is with great pleasure that I have observed, of late, the continued evidences of thy health so prolonged, and habitual activity and attention. Long may it be continued. I have lately been favored with a Letter from thy Son, at London, whom so many are anxious to see return to the United States. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, has conferred on me the honor of a Fellowship, with...
43Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
After a long delay, occasioned by adverse events, I Send thee, by this day’s mail , another No. of the American Magazine. The Essay, partially read by thee, concerning the establishing a New School at Washington , & new modeling the Patent system of the United States , is in type, & will be published in a few days. I am in hopes this Paper will engage the attention of the Administration. In 3...
44Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 15 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The Essay which thou wast kind enough to wish to See in print, is commenced in this No., & I anxiously hope the spirit & plan of it may meet thy approbation; & that I may be favored with the assurance. It is venturing a good deal, but not more, in my opinion, than the circumstances of the times demand. For the good of our Country, it is neccessary that the Men of the South express their...
45To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I send, by this Mail, Nos. 7, 8, & 9, of my Magazine, & invite thy particular attention to the Essay of Franklin , on a National School, &c. Please favor me with thy opinion of it, & of the plans that he suggests. The little Work I mentioned sometime ago, is printed, at Boston, & I have directed my publisher to send thee a Copy. It is anonymous, because I must conceal the of Authorship. I hope...
46Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am obliged by thy kind attention. Thy Letter of Dec. 20 , was duly received, & I shall avail myself of the Suggestion contained in it. By this day’s Mail, I Send No. 9 of the Magazine, with the conclusion of the Essay of ‘Franklin,’ to which I invite thy particular attention. Looking over Some old Papers, I have, just now, accidentally taken up the Letter enclosed , which I Send for thy...
47To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Had I not a great personal interest in seeing the Laws of the United States, relating to the granting of Patents, & the protection of the rights of Inventors, So Modified as to embrace a better security of these rights, I should not have devoted So much time & attention to this Subject: nor should I now presume to Solicit thy attention to it. The Essay of “Franklin,” published in Nos. 8 & 9 of...