1To 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...
2To 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...
3Horatio 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...
4Horatio 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...
5Horatio 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8Horatio 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...
9To 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...
10Horatio 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...