1To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
It is with great pleasure that I have observed, of late, the continued evidences of thy health so prolonged, and habitual activity and attention. Long may it be continued. I have lately been favored with a Letter from thy Son, at London, whom so many are anxious to see return to the United States. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, has conferred on me the honor of a Fellowship, with...
2To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 20 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
Will thy good-nature excuse the freedom of a friendly enquiry after thy health? assured that a real solicitude exists for its long continuance, with every other blessing? And of our Minister, thy Son—hast thou heard of late from him? I am anxious to learn how my humble offering was received, as well by him, as by the Autocrat of all Russia. And I am also very anxious to learn that the labors...
3To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 5 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am duly favored with thy Letter. I did not see that venerable old Man for whom thou enquirest, although I intended to do so. The lateness of the season, bad roads, & too little time for my purposes prevented. I have received a Letter from him, however, a few days since, & am happy to hear of the continuance of his health. I send thee a little trifle, as one among the list of my children ( of...
4To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 18 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present my congratulations on the prospect of peace. Anxious to have the principles of my invention, in the construction of wheel-carriages, fairly & fully tested, I now send, enclosed, a Certificate of a single Right to make use of the improvement. I sent, some days since, the little pamphlet on that subject. Should it not be thy wish to use the Right I send, please hand it to...
5Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Detained by some business, beyond the time that I assigned in my last, I think proper to inform thee, & that I still am preparing to go to Washington , & to see thee, as I informed thee before. In the mean time, I presume to trouble thee with a solicitation in behalf of some interest I wish to make at Washington . The present Post-Master of this city, is a most worthy man, my intimate friend....
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, 2 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
My Gazetteer of the State of New York being nearly out of press, I seize an occasion which my ardent wishes afford, p to present my respects, & enquire how I can forward thee a copy, without too great expense. Pardon me, my venerable friend, should the truth seem like folly; for, on this occasion, I can hardly refrain from tears. Addressing one of the venerable Fathers of our Republic, & one...
8Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I was duly honored w a late date ; and as I am always happy to have thy health remains good, so I always esteem it favor to receive thy Letters. The within will ow I am busying myself this Winter, & I expec t a pretty respectable Collection. I am, besid es printing a small pamphlet, a copy of whi ch I d esign for thee; & I am in hopes it may amuse thee for a few hours. I wish I had permission...
9To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 7 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I ought, perhaps, to apologize, for troubling thee with a subject of so little direct concern to thyself, as that I am now about to propose, for thy consideration. The details, which the 3rd Census will afford, aught to be embodied, in a Volume of convenient size, & published for general use; & unless some other person shall have effected this previous to next 6 Mo., (June,) I contemplate...
10To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I send, by this Mail, Nos. 7, 8, & 9, of my Magazine, & invite thy particular attention to the Essay of Franklin , on a National School, &c. Please favor me with thy opinion of it, & of the plans that he suggests. The little Work I mentioned sometime ago, is printed, at Boston, & I have directed my publisher to send thee a Copy. It is anonymous, because I must conceal the of Authorship. I hope...
11Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with sentiments of very great respect, but with extreme diffidence, that I offer to obtrude upon thy retirement, & invite again thy labors in the field of science. I ask thy aid. To a mind so constituted, & so long accustomed to exertion in every mean of usefulness to mankind;—I know that, having relinquished thy public employments, the more active exertions of private research will...
12Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy favor of the 15. inst. , is duly received, & I hasten to send the book , by the Mail. I hope it will arrive safe, & find thee enjoying good health, & all the consolations that belong to a liberal benefactor to his country, in the evening of a well spent life. After thou shalt have examined the Gazetteer, I should be glad to hear thy opinion of its merits. The preface tells of the expense &...
13Horatio 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...
14Horatio 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...
15To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 26 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I am lately favored with a Letter from thy Son, one of our Ministers at Ghent, acknowledging the receipt of two copies of my Gazetteer, which thou wast good enough to forward for me. That Gentleman, in my estimation, stands on very high ground, & I am gratified to thee for having, so far, procured me his favorable notice. While lately at Washington, I learnt, both from the President & Col....
16Horatio 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....
17Horatio 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...
18Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I was duly favored with thy obliging favor of last autumn , & immediately sent the Gazetteer as directed. Did it arrive safe? & how dost thou like it? But, this is only a minor cause of my writing at this time, though I confess myself anxious to learn thy opinion of my Work. I am tired of this unceasing jargon of politics, with which I am surrounded, this warring of principle against no...
19To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 31 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
Although I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, yet as an Author, I claim the privilege of one, & address to thee a copy of my Gazetterr of the State of New York. Be pleased to accept, with it, assurances of my high veneration & esteem. Few, very few of the Fathers of our Republic remain to this day, a trying & eventful one to our Country.—That thou, with all these, may survive...
20To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 1 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
Since I was favored with thy esteemed favor of a late date, I have received a Letter from thy friend Josiah Quincy, who also informs that I may send a Gazetteer to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, directed to thee. I now avail myself of that privilege; & I take the liberty also to send one for thy Son in Russia. I am very grateful for the friendly sentiments expressed in thy Letter. It...
21To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 13 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
At the moment of taking my pen to address thee, my eyes are flowing with tears of anxiety and deep distress for the situation of my beloved country. And when I grieve for that, I grieve also for myself. Perhaps thy time may hardly allow thee to peruse this, but let me entreat, if that may be possible. Devoted, as I feel, to the interests of America, my passions almost subdue, at times, my...
22Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
My attention is called, by an old man of about 70 years, to a wish of his that 2 volumes of his writings may be submitted to thy examination. Doct. Williams has written the History of Vermont , in 2 8vo. volumes, & very naturally thinks that he has written very well. He is anxious to learn thy opinion of that Work; or at least to have it read by thee. The Doctor writes & thinks & feels like an...
23Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Could I make thee fully sensible of the sentiments of esteem, & a regard almost reverential, with which I feel impressed on taking my pen to address thee, thou wouldest feel the more disposed either to receive my trifling communications with friendship, or to blame a degree of forwardness in my manner, not reconcilable with propriety, unless on the score of sentiments of good-will, & an ardent...
24To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I enclose this a Right to use this improvement described in this little pamphlet I lately sent thee. Should it not be thy wish to use it, please hand the Certificate to some friend who will do so, & advise Mr Mr of the result. I am anxious to have the principles fully tested, & the best possible method is by actual demonstration. So far, this has succeeded to complete satisfaction. I was in...
25To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 24 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
As I have not, for a long time past, been favored to hear from thee, I presume to address thee again. I hope thy health continues to afford thee happiness & enjoyment, & most devoutly hope for thy good in every thing. I am just commencing another Work, of which I send a Prospectus. By a Letter that reached me yesterday, I learn that Pres. Jefferson enjoys good Health. Is thy Son probably now...
26To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
A part of the object of my journey to Washington, was suspended in part, in consequence of the feeble state of thy health. It was my intention, (as I believe I intimated to thee,) to inform thee particularly of an important discovery of mine, & to ask thy aid in my wishes to obtain an exclusive right, by a special law, & for a longer term than is authorised by ordinary Patents. When I spoke...
27To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 12 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to address one of these Letters to thee, because I can but suppose thou must feel an interest in every undertaking which interests & affects the community. Placed, as thou art, at the civil head of a Nation of Freemen, thy fatherly goodwill embraces, I trust, an anxious regard for the whole—& while I thus regard thee, I could but wish to engage thy attention to what is doing...
28To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 25 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this day forwarded, by Mail, to the late President Jefferson, for his examination, a long Essay on the propriety of establishing a National School of Science & the Mechanic Arts, at the seat of the National Government; & on a Reform of the Patent System, of the United States. It was my intention to offer this first for thy perusal, but reflecting that thy time could probably be more...
29Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1814, with Postscript 7 April 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy very interesting Letter of the 17th instant came duly to hand, & will form a kind of guide to my future life. Those sentiments were my own, except that in relation to the Lawyers, I was not informed of a possible cause, having read very little Law or Lawyers’ books. I hope I have an implied permission to show the Letter to some friends, for I have done so already. Ere this can reach thee,...
30To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 15 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
I know not what may be the views of Administration, but I have taken upon myself to deny that those in whom the national trust is deposited to guard the Constitution, should be the first to design its overthrow. To cover real designs, it is not uncommon to impute to opponents in political life, purposes which we intend. It is said by many & by many believed, that our government will soon be...
31To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 1 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have been duly favored with thy kind Letter of the 16th ultimo, & avail myself of a privilege to convey through thy hands to thy Son, for the Emperor of Russia, a copy of my Gazetteer of the State of New-York. All conveyances are uncertain;—this must take its chance. Should it nark thy Son, I pray thou let him know the high sentiments of esteem which I entertain, & the obligations he would...
32Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose to thee a long Paper, which I wish to have thee read, & to favor me with thy suggestions on any amendment or alteration. I wish to learn thy opinion of the propriety of the sentiments, & whether or not it may be well to publish them now. It was intended for the Dec. & Jan. Nos. of my Magazine, but I have concluded to delay it till January. Please have the goodness to enclose the...
33Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
After a long delay, occasioned by adverse events, I Send thee, by this day’s mail , another No. of the American Magazine. The Essay, partially read by thee, concerning the establishing a New School at Washington , & new modeling the Patent system of the United States , is in type, & will be published in a few days. I am in hopes this Paper will engage the attention of the Administration. In 3...
34Horatio 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...
35To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Had I not a great personal interest in seeing the Laws of the United States, relating to the granting of Patents, & the protection of the rights of Inventors, So Modified as to embrace a better security of these rights, I should not have devoted So much time & attention to this Subject: nor should I now presume to Solicit thy attention to it. The Essay of “Franklin,” published in Nos. 8 & 9 of...
36Horatio 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...
37To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 18 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I wrote thee, some time since, concerning an Essay of mine, which I proposed to have sent to thee for examination, before I should publish it: & I am now to explain why that Paper was not sent to thee as I intended. Presuming thy time would be all occupied at that time, I sent it to thy friend Jefferson to read, requesting him to return it to thee, as soon as might be convenient, & to favor me...
38To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 30 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I am very sensible of thy kind condescention, & often hesitate to trouble thee so often with my Letters, which thy goodness has hitherto excused. Preparing to go to the Southward, I am desirous of improving the opportunity to extend my acquaintance with men of worth & eminence. I intend to go to Philadelphia, Baltimore, & Washington; & should that venerable Jefferson be still living, to visit...
39Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 6 April 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The work of Dr. Williams , of which I spoke , is a Second edition of that which thou hast seen, published in 1809, at Burlington Vt. , in 2 8vo volumes, containing about 1000 pages. Much of it is written anew, & the additions are extensive & valuable. I know the Doctor would be highly gratified to have it read & applauded by thee. He prides himself on his Republican Sentiments, particularly in...
40Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 14 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I am perfectly sensible that my acknowledgement of the due receipt of thy Letter of May 14, 1809 , ought not to have been postponed to this time. As it has been, however, I hope the delay will be attributed to the proper cause. It is but justice to say that, I receive the favor as I ought, & shall certainly not fail to improve the next edition of my Geography, by thy candid corrections....
41Horatio 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...
42Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A few weeks of ill health have confined me to the house, & prevented my correcting the proofs for the Magazine. Thou wilt find an interesting Biography of Baron Steuben , written by General William North , one of the Baron ’s Aids. The General does not wish to be publicly known as the writer. He is a distinguished Federalist, † I mention this circumstance, because that in doing justice to...
43Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am obliged by thy kind attention. Thy Letter of Dec. 20 , was duly received, & I shall avail myself of the Suggestion contained in it. By this day’s Mail, I Send No. 9 of the Magazine, with the conclusion of the Essay of ‘Franklin,’ to which I invite thy particular attention. Looking over Some old Papers, I have, just now, accidentally taken up the Letter enclosed , which I Send for thy...
44To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am very grateful for thy obliging favor of the 7th ult., & must begin this with an apology for so soon troubling thee again. I wish to send a copy of the Gazetteer of New York, to the Emperor of Russia, & write to solicit the favor of thy aid in forwarding it, through thine & the Kindness of thy Son, our Minister in Russia. Will it be practicable,? & if so, wilt thou have the goodness to...
45Horatio 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...
46Horatio 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...
47Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very thankful for thy attention, nor was it yet too late ‘ to be useful to me,’ nor is it still. My long Essay on establishing a School of Science, &c. had not, probably, reached thee, at the date of thy Letter , Dec. 27, ’15. I hope thou wilt have time to examine it, & to favor me with thy opinion, & advice. It has been read by several of our most eminent Literary characters, & some 4 or...