To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, 25 June 1803
From Joseph Priestley
Northumberland June 25. 1803.
Dear Sir
As you were pleased to think favourably of my pamphlet intitled Socrates and Jesus compared, I take the liberty to send you a defence of it. My principal object, you will perceive, was to lay hold of the opportunity, given me by Mr. Blair Linn, to excite some attention to doctrines which I consider as of peculiar importance in the christian system, and which I do not find to have been discussed in this country.
The Church History is, I hope, by this time in the hands of the bookseller at Philadelphia, so that you will soon, if my directions have been attended to, receive a copy of the work which I have the honour to dedicate to you
With the greatest respect and attachment, I am, Dear Sir Yours sincerely
J Priestley
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 30 June and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: A Letter to the Reverend John Blair Linn, A. M. Pastor of the First Presbyterian Congregation in the City of Philadelphia. In Defence of the Pamphlet, Intitled, Socrates and Jesus Compared (Northumberland, Pa., 1803; No. 1662).
In response to Priestley’s recently published pamphlet, John blair linn, a Presbyterian minister in Philadelphia, published in that city a critique entitled A Letter to Joseph Priestley, L.L.D. F.R.S. &c. &c. In Answer to His Performance, Entitled Socrates and Jesus Compared (, No. 4527).
dedicate to you: for Priestley’s dedication, see Vol. 37:593–5.