Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-18-02-0009

Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Nelson, 5 December 1821

To Hugh Nelson

Monticello Dec. 5. 21.

Dear Sir

The inclosed letter is addressed, as you will percieve to our representation in both houses of Congress, and availing myself of the consideration of your more immediate relation to our district I take the liberty of putting it under your cover for it’s communication to them. the proposition came to us from the University of Cambridge, who meant to engage the other Northern seminaries in cooperation, and requested me to do the same with those of the South & West. I accordingly made the proposition to those of them with whom I could find any colorable channel of communication, particularly Chapel hill of N.C. Columbia of S.C. Athens of Georgia, and Transylvania of Kentucky. I presume the delegates of Massachusets will be prepared to bring it forward, and that those of other states will willingly cooperate. I think a simple repeal without any modification is desirable to wipe away the barbarism of the idea of taxing science. there is not a single art more firmly established in the US. than that of printing, nor more able to stand on it’s own legs. it is monstrous for such an establishment to wish the labor of their fellow citizens to be taxed for their support. wishing you a peaceable and harmonious campaign I salute you with friendship and respect.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (ViU: TJP); at foot of text: “honble Hugh Nelson”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: University of Virginia Board of Visitors to Virginia’s Senators and Representatives in Congress, 30 Nov. 1821, and enclosure.

university of cambridge: Harvard University.

Index Entries

  • books; tariffs on search
  • Congress, U.S.; and tariffs search
  • Congress, U.S.; letter to Va.’s senators and representatives, from University of Virginia Board of Visitors search
  • Georgia, University of; and tariffs on books search
  • Harvard University; and tariffs on books search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; taxes search
  • Nelson, Hugh; letters to search
  • North Carolina, University of; and tariffs on books search
  • printing; in U.S. search
  • schools and colleges; Harvard University search
  • schools and colleges; Transylvania University (Lexington, Ky.) search
  • schools and colleges; University of Georgia search
  • schools and colleges; University of North Carolina search
  • South Carolina College (later University of South Carolina); and tariffs on books search
  • taxes; on books search
  • Transylvania University (Lexington, Ky.); and tariffs on books search
  • United States; printing in search
  • Virginia, University of; Board of Visitors; letter from, to Va.’s senators and representatives in Congress search
  • Virginia, University of; Books and Library; and tariffs on books search