Sir:
The bearer, Mr. Noah Webster, has taught a grammar school for some time past, in this place, much to the satisfaction of his employers.
He is now doing some business in the literary way, which, in the opinion of good judges, will be of great service to posterity. He, being a stranger in New Jersey, may stand in need of the assistance of some gentlemen with whom you are acquainted. He is a young gentleman whose moral as well as political character is such as will render him worthy of your notice.
Any favor which you may do him will be serving the public and accepted as a favor done your friend and very humble servant,
Henry Wisner.
His Excellency, Governor Livingston.
During the preceding year, Prof. Webster had prepared the manuscript of the first part of his "Grammatical Institute of the English Language," the first text-book for the use of schools published in this country. This first part was the Webster Speller, not only the first school book published in this country, but also the most popular one.
Mr. Webster's object in leaving Goshen at this time, was to show these manuscripts to people acquainted with the educational situation throughout the country and to get their opinions on the probable demand for the work.
He visited Philadelphia and met a number of the members of Congress, among whom was James Madison, afterward president of the United States. Mr. Madison was himself, a thorough linguist and deeply interested in the subject of schools. He also showed much interest in Mr. Webster and his proposed work. From Philadelphia, Mr. Webster went to Princeton and showed his work to the Rev. S. S. Smith, then a professor and afterward president of Princeton College. Everywhere the project was enthusiastically received and the young author returned to Goshen, greatly encouraged to complete his series of texts and to publish it.
As we have already stated, no text books had been published in America. Moreover, at this time a widespread awakening to the importance of education was manifest throughout the country and the demand for books suitable for the instruction of the children, both in the elementary schools and in the academies was great. Accordingly, Prof. Webster returned to Goshen, continued his work there another year, during which he revised and completed his manuscripts, and in 1783, returned to Hartford and began their publication. The Grammatical Institution of the English Language was published in three volumes. The first was the speller, the second the grammar, and the third, the reader.