To Thomas Jefferson from Joel Barlow, 23 January 1808
23 Jany. 1808—
Dear Sir
I beg your acceptance of a specimen of the typographical art* which I think equal to any that Europe has produced. The paper type & ink are made in Philadelphia, and I regret that the engravings had not likewise been committed to American artists.
I cannot hope that you will soon find leisure to read the poem with that attention which would be requisite to obtain from you your opinion of its merits, I mean in a moral & political view. As a poem of the Epic Character it can never rank high. As a patriotic legacy to my country I hope it may prove acceptable.
With great respect yr. obt. sert—.
Joel Barlow
DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.