1From George Washington to Thomas Hutchins, 20 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
You will see by the enclosed letter from the Marqs de la Fayette to me, that the Empress of Russia is desirous of obtaining some authentic documents respecting the languages of the natives of this Country, for the purpose of compiling an universal Dictionary. As I have thought no person was more in condition to accomplish that essential service for the republic of letters than yourself, I have...