Thomas Jefferson to Thomas W. White, 11 December 1823
To Thomas W. White
Monticello Dec. 11. 23.
Sir
In answer to your letter of Nov. 29. I can say no more than I did to that of Jan. 26. 20. I know no book particularly interesting to us to be reprinted here1 but Baxter’s history of England which I then mentioned. it’s principles were too republican for the meridian of London, and it therefore has never been reprinted there as far as I have been able to learn.2 it would make 3. or 4. vols 8vo. nor do I know whether it would be a book of ready sale here at first, because it is not3 known. it would be so4 when it should become known, being really the history best fitted for common use in this country. what kind of books are most popular & saleable with us I am uninformed. of this the booksellers could best advise you. referring you therefore to them I tender you my best wishes and respect
Th:J.
P.S. I do not know whether a copy of Baxter could be got in the US. the only I know of went with my library to Congress.
Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; between signature and postscript: “Thos W. White Richmond”; endorsed by TJ. Not recorded in SJL.
1. Word interlined.
2. Preceding five words interlined in place of “know.”
3. Word interlined.
4. Preceding two words interlined.
Index Entries
- A New and Impartial History of England (J. Baxter) search
- Baxter, John; A New and Impartial History of England search
- books; on history search
- historiography; of Great Britain search
- Jefferson, Thomas; Books & Library; advice for publishers search
- Library of Congress; TJ sells personal library to search
- White, Thomas Willis; letters to search
- White, Thomas Willis; proposed edition of J. Baxter,A New and Impartial History of England search