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Approach to research. Seeking George Washington incoming and outgoing correspondence in governors' papers. "I imagine there are many of Washington's letters among Gen. Greene's papers, which have not been published. The substance of the whole I suppose is in Johnson's life, but I wish to procure all the original letters of Washington. If convenient, will you do me the favor to ascertain, whether there are not such letters, & also, whether there is not much correspondence relating to the Revolution among Gen. Greene's papers." Arrived with: Sparks, Jared. A Reply to the Strictures of Lord Mahon and Others, on the Mode of Editing the Writings of Washington (Cambridge, 1852). Note: Located in the Book Division.

The publishers of the Life of Gouverneur Morris sent Aspinwall two copies. Expects that the first volumes May be republished in London, "They contain much curious matter about the French Revolution." Aspinwall should have already received the 12 volumes of "Diplomatic Correspondence." "I shall return shortly to Boston, & put Washington's Works immediately to press."

Respecting a book that Sparks has kept "long from the Library" [American Philosophical Society]. Explanation of why he has kept the volume and hopes that he will be permitted to keep it longer. Working on a volume on the life and treason of Arnold.

Wishes to invite the Governor to speak and draw attention to the Normal School at Lexington. "Mr Pierce and Mr Mann think the step will be important."

Regarding German works on Roman History. [Friedrich Christoph] Schlosser. Believes that the Corporation will be interested in translations of works for college textbooks. With Josiah Quincy ANS to C. S. Wheeler; January 1, 1843. Despite Sparks's positive remarks, the Corporation cannot commit themselves on "subjects of this nature."

Thanks Rives for writing to him and sending a copy of his speech. Supports Rives' "lucid and forcible argument on the [Webster-Ashburton] treaty with a lively interest, and with an entire conviction of the soundness of its principles, & the justness of its conclusions." Is happy with the land acquired by the U.S. and doubted if "we had any good reason for expecting more." Was unaware of the potential importance of the map he found. Discussion respecting the 'red line' Mitchell Map.

Believes that "certain" Boston auctioneers have approached Aspinwall; assures him that he had nothing to do with their contact. "I have thought this explanation necessary to prevent your supposing that their schemes have anything to do with my suggestions to you." Has given Henry Stevens a letter of introduction. "He has a remarkable faculty for finding out and collecting historical materials."

Sparks informs Armstrong that he cannot provide her with "autographs of men distinguished in the Revolution," as he returns the originals to their owners. Applications for autographs have been numerous and frequent and his “stock has long been exhausted.” Encloses samples of Washington’s and Lafayette’s handwriting [not present].

Confirms that he received volume "concerning the great 'Dinner'." "If this splendid specimen of the typography is intended to be emblematical of the brilliancy of the entertainment, it was truly an event worthy to be commemorated." Encloses a letter to Crossley, and requests Stevens to forward it. If Crossley will allow a copy of the pamphlet to be made, "let it be handsomely written on thick letter paper of the common size."Enclosed: Jared Sparks ALS to James Crossley (1880-1883); Cambridge, Massachusetts, 3pp. [1852 ?] January 26. Asks for a manuscript copy of Benjamin Franklin's Liberty and Necessity pamphlet. "Such a copy I suppose would not diminish the value of the impression which you possess." (Note: The William L. Clements Library owns an 1854 facsimile reprint of the Franklin pamphlet, by Charles Whittingham ... from the original edition in the possession of Henry Stevens [1 of 25 copies])