1Jefferson’s Letters to David Williams: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
Joel Barlow introduced David Williams to James Monroe “as an old friend of Dr. Franklin.” On 20 Sep., Monroe informed the president that he was forwarding Williams’s 1802 London publication, Claims of Literature: The Origin, Motives, Objects, and Transactions of the Society for the Establishment of A Literary Fund . Monroe agreed to present any response Jefferson wished to make to the author....
2I. To David Williams, 14 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved the volume on the Claims of literature which you did me the favor to send me through mr Monroe, & have read with satisfaction the many judicious reflections it contains on the condition of the respectable class of literary men. the efforts for their relief made by a society of private citizens are truly laudable. but they are, as you justly observe, but a palliation of an...