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 American; a ‘Sect’ of which he esteems thee a principal patron! The Work sells at 5 dolls., but I am directed to send thee a Copy from the Author, who by-the-by is a very poor old man. If thou hast not read his Work, please inform me. The Doctor was my early Preceptor; & he was the Preceptor and generous friend of Benjamin Thompson, whom he educated at his own expense. If I am correctly informed, (for the Doct. will not say much about it,) Count Rumford was very ungrateful to his patron. The Doct. was formerly Professor of Math. et Nat. Philosophy in the university1 of Cambridge, Massachusetts, & always2 a distinguished Republican. Benj. Thompson, by becoming a Royalist, was Knighted in England, & became in time Count Rumford; but all the while neglected to reward the Man who, from a poor dependant orphan, had raised his promising talents in youth to notice, & taught him to become a man. I have just announced to the Society of Arts, my intention to write the Count’s Life, & it seems to be well received. I studied under the Doctor’s instruction, & well know his reverence & respect for thee. I hope my former Letters have duly reached thee, & that thou wilt excuse my troubling thee so often. With much respect,

H. G. Spafford.