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1 page, on bifolium, 8 x 9 3/4 in., old folds, significant staining, light wear to edges and corners. Addressed on postally used integral leaf, docketed. 

In part: "Does my Hon'd friend Col. Burr know that I am still waiting for his description of New York, with its fortifications, &c.? Or has he forgotten it, in a press of other, & more important business? Such is the present progress of my work, that I shall very much need that within 1 or 2 weeks at most. Should it not, therefore, be in thy power to send it to me, please advise me immediately, & very much oblige...I will not affect to conceal that I am very solicitous for thy aid in it, & the discriminateing exercise of thy judgment. That aid to be acknowledged to the public, or not, at thy option..."

Horatio Gates Spafford Sr. was an inventor, author, editor, and entrepreneur, and was a correspondent with such notable Americans as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and other prominent Americans. He published the Gazetteer of New York in 1813, and it is for use in that work that he requests Aaron Burr's description of New York "with its fortifications" in the letter offered here.