To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Aitken, 22 May 1793
From Robert Aitken
Philada. 22d. May 1793
Sir
The inclosed piece for the Philosophical Transactions, ordered to be printed end of Vol. 3—It has been unfortunately gnawed by mice. As you are acquainted with the performance—perhaps you will do me the kindness to Supply Some defects in the reading—I cannot, with propriety make it out as it now stands. I am Sir Your Most Obedt. & humble Servant
Robt. Aitken
NB I will Send for it to morrow.
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 May 1793 and so recorded in SJL.
Robert Aitken (1734–1802), a native of Scotland who came to Philadelphia before the Revolution and published the first complete English Bible in America in 1782, was a noted printer, bookseller, and engraver at 22 High Street (; , 1). The Inclosed piece was probably John Cooke’s paper, “A Description of a new Standard for Weights and Measures,” which the author sent to George Washington in a letter of 28 Mch. 1791. For TJ’s acquaintance With the performance, see Vol. 19: 626–7.