To Tobias Lear
Walnut Farm, 13 June 1800
"... I cannot help thinking that Genl. Marshall may be induced to undertake the writing of the history, and I write to him by this post...I am extremely anxious to see this work commenced & finished as well upon your account as my own...as pecuniary considerations are less operative with me than many others I cannot be otherwise than very nice in selecting a proper person to be the author..."
XYZ Sotheby's Parke Bernet Inc. "Fine Printed & Manuscript Americana The Collection of the Late Joseph M. Roebling. #179.