Paris Feb. 1. 1787.
Sir
You have two or three times proposed to me the printing my Notes on Virginia. I never did intend to have them made public, because they are little interesting to the rest of the world. But as a translation of them is coming out, I have concluded to let the original appear also. I have therefore corrected a copy, and made some additions. I have moreover had a map engraved, which is worth more than the book. If you chuse to print the work I will send you the corrected copy, and when it shall be nearly printed I will send the plate of the map. I would not chuse that it should be put under a patent, nor that there should be a tittle altered, added, nor omitted. It would be necessary to have a small half sheet map engraved of the country of Virginia as when first discovered. This map is only to be found in Smith’s history of Virginia, a thin folio, now very rare. I was not able to find that work here, but surely it can be found in London. An exact copy of the map is all that would be wanting. I leave this place about the 11th. or 12th. Be so good as to let me know whether you chuse to print this work under the conditions before named. If I receive your answer in the affirmative before I set out, I will send you immediately the copy. It is an octavo of 391. pages. The American Atlas is come safe to hand. I am Sir your very humble servt.,
Th: Jefferson
P.S. It is not necessary to observe that as I have been at the expence of engraving the large map, I should expect to be paid for those you should have occasion for, a shilling a peice.
