Webster, Noah (1758-1843) to Francis Childs
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00312 Author/Creator: Webster, Noah (1758-1843) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 March 1797 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 24.8 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Webster, book writer and editor of the New York Federalist newspaper "The Commercial Advertiser," writes to Childs, a New York publisher and friend, in London. Asks Childs to place an order for type with Caslon's foundry, perhaps for his newspaper. Requests Childs to get unsold copies of his books from a noted London bookseller, Charles Dilly. Webster is possibly referring to his works "Dissertations on the English Language," "Political Essays on the Nature and Operation of Money, Public Finances and Other Subjects," or a series of pamphlets on free trade and finance, all of which sold poorly. He says to send them to the bookseller John Stockdale if Dilly does not want them. Expresses anger over French seizure of American vessels in the West Indies, "Things are come to a crises, It must soon change for the better - they cannot be worse."
Webster later backed the peace efforts of John Adams that avoided war with France.
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