11To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 30 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I am very sensible of thy kind condescention, & often hesitate to trouble thee so often with my Letters, which thy goodness has hitherto excused. Preparing to go to the Southward, I am desirous of improving the opportunity to extend my acquaintance with men of worth & eminence. I intend to go to Philadelphia, Baltimore, & Washington; & should that venerable Jefferson be still living, to visit...
12To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am very grateful for thy obliging favor of the 7th ult., & must begin this with an apology for so soon troubling thee again. I wish to send a copy of the Gazetteer of New York, to the Emperor of Russia, & write to solicit the favor of thy aid in forwarding it, through thine & the Kindness of thy Son, our Minister in Russia. Will it be practicable,? & if so, wilt thou have the goodness to...
13Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Detained by some business, beyond the time that I assigned in my last, I think proper to inform thee, & that I still am preparing to go to Washington , & to see thee, as I informed thee before. In the mean time, I presume to trouble thee with a solicitation in behalf of some interest I wish to make at Washington . The present Post-Master of this city, is a most worthy man, my intimate friend....
14Horatio 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...
15Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
My Gazetteer of the State of New York being nearly out of press, I seize an occasion which my ardent wishes afford, p to present my respects, & enquire how I can forward thee a copy, without too great expense. Pardon me, my venerable friend, should the truth seem like folly; for, on this occasion, I can hardly refrain from tears. Addressing one of the venerable Fathers of our Republic, & one...
16Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I was duly honored w a late date ; and as I am always happy to have thy health remains good, so I always esteem it favor to receive thy Letters. The within will ow I am busying myself this Winter, & I expec t a pretty respectable Collection. I am, besid es printing a small pamphlet, a copy of whi ch I d esign for thee; & I am in hopes it may amuse thee for a few hours. I wish I had permission...
17Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with sentiments of very great respect, but with extreme diffidence, that I offer to obtrude upon thy retirement, & invite again thy labors in the field of science. I ask thy aid. To a mind so constituted, & so long accustomed to exertion in every mean of usefulness to mankind;—I know that, having relinquished thy public employments, the more active exertions of private research will...
18Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy favor of the 15. inst. , is duly received, & I hasten to send the book , by the Mail. I hope it will arrive safe, & find thee enjoying good health, & all the consolations that belong to a liberal benefactor to his country, in the evening of a well spent life. After thou shalt have examined the Gazetteer, I should be glad to hear thy opinion of its merits. The preface tells of the expense &...
19Horatio 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...
20Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 18 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Having sent thee my little pamphlet on Wheel-Carriages, & being anxious to have the principles of my invention fairly tested, I now send thee a Certificate of a single Right to use my improvement. The Certificate is the first I have filled; & I have pleasure in presenting it to the Man, who, of all others, I deem the best qualified to understand the principles of my Patent, & whose favorable...