Thomas Jefferson Papers

John Wilson to Thomas Jefferson, 3 June 1814

From John Wilson

Washington City June 3d 1814

Sir,

Please to accept the enclosed, you were so good to examine the M.S., you will peruse it, I hope, with more satisfaction now it is in print. I thank you for having said the reformation would be desirable if it could prevail, because, I think, on reviewing the subject in a fairer form, you will be convinced, that admitting the custom is to change ey into ies or y preceded by a consonant, yet you will more cordially unite with me, as you would to reform an unreasonable law or custom of any kind. You know, sir, it is only by exercising our reason that prejudice can be dispelled & reformation effected.

Yours very respectfully

Jno Wilson

RC (CSmH: JF-BA); at foot of text: “Th. Jefferson, Esqr”; endorsed by TJ as received 26 June 1814 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Wilson, A Volume for all Libraries … Being a System of Philological Entertainments, Comprising Altogether an Extensive Ground Work for Immense Improvements in the English Language (Washington, 1814; Sowerby, description begins E. Millicent Sowerby, comp., Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson, 1952–59, 5 vols. description ends no. 4888).

Index Entries

  • A Volume for all Libraries … Being a System of Philological Entertainments (J. Wilson) search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Books & Library; works sent to search
  • Wilson, John (of Washington); A Volume for all Libraries … Being a System of Philological Entertainments search
  • Wilson, John (of Washington); letters from search