1Horatio 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...
2Horatio 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...
3Horatio 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...
4Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I am so frequently asked, ‘how does President Jefferson like the Gazetteer ,’ or ‘what does he say of it,’ that I hope thou wilt excuse my anxiety to learn. Possibly it may not have reached thee. I sent one in the Mail , a long time since. If that miscarried, I would send another. I must not trouble thee with a long Letter, but permit to add assurances of my wishes for thy health & happiness....
5Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 4 [May] 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace every opportunity for presenting my respects, constantly wishing thee all possible heath health & happiness. This Work has long been wanting, & for years I have been urged to undertake it. I am pretty well satisfied with the plan of it, & hope it may meet thy approbation. May I be permitted to solicit from thee something for it? It is designed for general circulation, & I shall spare...
6Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Events that have occurred since I last had the pleasure to write thee , have made it probable that I must defer my journey to Washington to a later period than October. Grateful for thy past favors, I regret to give thee any further trouble. But, it appears to me that the removal of Doct. Thornton from the Patent Office , must follow now, as a thing of course. And in this view, my wishes...
7Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I send, herewith, the little pamphlet I mentioned in my Letter a few days since . I am in hopes it may amuse thee a few hours, & that thou wilt favor me with thy opinion of the principles I have laid down, & of the utility of my invention. The numerous & expensive experiments which I have made on this subject, shall be, in due time, detailed for some Literary or philosophical Society. I have a...
8Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Could be apprized how often the enquiry is made, & “what does M r Jefferson think of your improvement in Wheel Carriages;?” & did he know my own anxiety to learn, his goodness would certainly excuse my impatience. For myself, I am perfectly satisfied; but the public thinks little of my opinion, & much of thine. Thy bitterest foes allow thee the highest rank in science, & philosophy. I...
9Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
At length I have arrived in this city, exhausted with fatigue, having been travelling near 5 weeks. It is about 6 weeks since I crossed the St. Lawrence , on my return from Upper Canada , & I only rested one week at Albany . Under these circumstances, I regret to learn that it is much further than I had supposed, to Monticello . The winter is also approaching, & I feel in haste to return to...
10Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Highly as I appreciate the favor of thy friendly regards, I can but feel mortified at the length of time that has elapsed Since my last , & often admire at the cause. Sometimes I fear that the latitude allowed to my remarks, has given displeasure; then that, possibly, I asked too much, & I know that it is painful to deny some gratification. If, in any case, I have offended, pray have the...