To Thomas Jefferson from John Davis, 1 March 1805
From John Davis
Philadelphia, March 1, 1805.
Sir,
I take the liberty to enclose a Satirical Poem which I have just published. To encrease its sale I have written under a feigned name, but I make no scruple vivâ voce to avow myself its author. I know not, Sir, whether you ever before heard of Mr Dennie, but he is looked upon in this City, by some strange agency, a writer of transcendant merit. I purpose to continue the Pamphlet, & drive, if I can, from the usurped seats of Literature the Dennies, the Jacksons &c. &c.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient most humble Servant,
John Davis.
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Mch. and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: probably The Philadelphia Pursuits of Literature; A Satirical Poem (Philadelphia, 1805).
On 27 Feb., Davis announced the publication of a Satirical Poem by “Juvenal Junius, of New Jersey,” for sale at his bookstore for 18 cents. He offered the second book of The Philadelphia Pursuits of Literature for sale a month later for 12 cents (Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, 27 Feb., 27 Mch.).
the Dennies, the Jacksons: Joseph Dennie was the former editor of the Gazette of the United States and the publisher of the Port Folio. William Jackson was the Federalist editor of the Philadelphia Political and Commercial Register ().