I had the pleasure this morning of recieving your favour of the 20th. I am heartily rejoiced at hearing of any proposition to print a 2d. Edition of the Life of Washington as it is one of the most desirable objects I have in this life to publish a corrected edition of that work. I would not on any terms, could I prevent it, consent that one other set of the first edition should be published, because it would so far obstruct the circulation of the 2d; and it would be injustice to Mr Wayne to publish a second without his full consent because after such publication it is probable that not another volume of the 1st would sell. It is however material for Mr Wayne to recollect that his copy right, if he has secured it only for 14 years, has expired; & that he must exercise his privilege of renewing it for the other 14 years if he thinks it worth asserting. Should Mr Wayne decline renewing his copy right I should hardly think it advisable to publish 1000 copies without previously securing the copy right for the amended work in 4 volumes, if it can be done, because other printers would probably republish from the copy printed in New York.

We ought not to count on the same sum per volume which was received on the first edition. The printer cannot afford it. A 2d large edition cannot be got off, and the profits of printing will of course be greatly diminished. I should think fifty cents per volume a liberal allowance, and that must be divided with Mr Wayne should he decline being himself the printer.¹

I have gone through the corrections & have only to copy them over so as to make them intelligible to the printer. I can have them ready for the press faster than they will be required. With my sincere congratulation on your restoration to health I am my dear Sir your affectionate friend