Author and lexicographer (1758-1843) who published the first comprehensive dictionary of American English. ALS signed “N. Webster,” one page, 8 x 9.75, February 8, 1841. Written from New Haven, a letter to J. G. Mogen, in full: "The suspension of specie payments by the banks in Philadelphia will probably affect very much the business of the South & West, & it may affect my resources. I have a note for 3000 dollars on which I have relied for funds to pay the bill for stenotyping the Bible. If this should fail me, I shall not be able to pay you with punctuality; & it may be for a great length of time. I wish you therefore to suspend the work, till you hear further from me. I hope to be able to ascertain whether the note will be paid or not, within two or three weeks; but of this I am not certain. In times like these, the most wise & prudent men can make no certain calculations or matters of business." Addressed on the reverse in Webster's own hand. In fine condition, with scattered light creasing and intersecting folds. Now holding an honored place in the history of American English—as well as being a treasured tool of writers and term paper-writing students—Webster's first dictionary only sold 2,500 copies. He was forced to mortgage his home in order to publish a second edition in 1840-1841, resulting in a life plagued with ceaseless debt.
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