1To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
To save the trouble, let thy clerk, or some young man say whether I can send thee a 3 dollar octavo volume by mail, 620 pages, post free, & if not how I can send it? I have just published a Gazette & Geography of the State of New York, which I want thee to see. There are many things, incidentally said, besides mere topographical details, intended to counteract injurious tendencies in our young...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates Spafford, 28 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to much of a Virginian, & to friendly to the great design on which thou art bestowing thy talents, in the evening of a most illustrious & useful life, that I beg leave to present, for the Library of the Central College, the little Book sent herewith. Though perfectly aware of its dimmintive size, too small for a token of the Author’s regard, especially when offered to such a man as thee,...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates Spafford, 18 June 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy Letter duly reached my family, & I have now the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of it. I send the Gazetteer herewith. Permit me to ask, that, after thou hast done with it, it may belong to the Library of the College, to which thou art devoting thy time & talents. If I could afford it, I would prefer to send a Copy, from the Author. The best part of my education was received in...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio Gates Spafford, 25 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
After 20 odd years of investigation as an operative Chemist, I have succeeded in demonstrating the truths of a philosophical theory, which enables me to make the very best of Cast-Steel, (a Pure carbonate of Iron,) with such facility as to make the manufacture easy & sufficiently profitable. The Steel has been severely tested by the best artisans & mechanics, & is pronounced absolutely...
5Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 30 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I have not any thing to communicate that might Seem to excuse this Letter, yet, being about to remove from this State , & to abandon, for years, my late pursuits, I feel a desire to apprize thee of my intention & prospects. Weary of literary labors, I am Soon going to my farm, with an intention to devote 10 years to settling & improving my land, & my fortune. I own Some good land, in...
6Horatio 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...
7Horatio 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...
8Horatio 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...
9Horatio 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....
10Horatio 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...