From John Adams to Leslie Combs

I have received “the history of the late war in the western country by Mr Robert B McAffe” and “the philosophy of human nature by Mr Joseph Buchanan; both of the growth, production, & manufacture of Kentucky.”

I rejoice to see literature following the steps of patriotism & heroism, in a region, which since my memory, was a simple wilderness, inhabited only by the children of nature

I have shewn these volumes to Mr Shaw, and Mr Quincy and will transmit them to the Atheneum channel you have prescribed. Would it not be well to send a few copies of these works to Boston for sale. I should like to purchase a copy of each, because it has been one of the maxims of my life, for more than sixty years, Never to be afraid of a book. I am Sir though a stranger, with much respect your obliged Servant