1Horatio 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...
2Horatio 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....
3To 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...
4Horatio 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...
5To 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...
6Horatio 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...
7Horatio 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 &...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...