letter 9
Boston, Dec. 5, 1790.
Sir,
In compliance with your request communicated by
Mr. Remsen,
that I would furnish you with an estimate of the expense that will
attend the publication of the laws of the United States in my
paper; and the lowest price for which I will perform the work; I
beg permission to inform your Honour, that the Laws of the second
session inserted by your order amount to Three Hundred and
Seventy-two[*]
Squares
of
Long-Primer. These at half a dollar a square, amount to One
Hundred and Eighty-six dollars. The price paid for publishing the
Laws of this Commonwealth, in Long-Primer squares, has been
reduced, on account of the competition of the Printers for the
Printing work of government, which in some of its branches, is
lucrative, from One Dollar to Half a Dollar—The price, therefore,
that I have inserted, is regulated by the price given by this
State—Your Honour's information will enable you to judge whether
it is too high or not
high enough.
With me, Sir, compensation is <not the> first object, in the
publication of the La<ws> of the United States; and while I
earnestly solicit the continuation of your patronage; I shall rest
satisfied, should I be so fortunate as to obtain it, with such
allowance as you shall think just to make.
I have empowered Captain Patrick Phelen, an officer of the
customs of the United States, to receive, on my behalf, such sum as
shall be allowed for my services.
I am, Sir, with great respect
your most obedient, humble
servant,
Benj. Russell
Hon. Thomas Jefferson, Esq.
