Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 26 February 1793
"Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 26 February 1793." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
"Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 26 February 1793." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
Note: Jefferson made two copies of this letter. The first copy is a press copy that he made from the one he sent to Wythe. The second copy is one that he re-wrote in a neater hand from the press copy. The first press copy is illegible in many places, not just to the eyes of Wythepedia, but, evidently, to the eyes of Jefferson himself.
Jefferson tells Wythe that the law passed on the subject of patents should be in the paper within a few days. The seal will be given to Mr. Giles when he returns from Congress. However, if the seal is not ready by then, Wythe will still receive it within a few days. In the postscript, Jefferson says that he has received Mr. Clarke's letter with Meredith's affidavit and based on what Jefferson says about the letter, it appears to have to do with patents.
Letter text
Page 1
Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Feb. 26
I have just now received your favor of [...] law is passed on the subject of patents which [...] Clarke to present his petition anew. this [...] in the newspapers within a few days. having [...] it a slight reading in the Roll, I am unable [...] particular account of it.
Your seal is promised in time to [...] Giles on his return from Congress. should the [...] fail in punctuality you may still [...] more days. Adieu My Dear Sir
Yours affectionately
P.S. Mr Clarke’s letter within Meredith's affidavit is just received. by the new law when a question arises on the priority of invention, the parties are to name referred to decide it.
See also
External links
- Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 26 February 1793, Founders Online, National Archives.
