Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 to Nathaniel F. Moore.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00020 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 Place Written: Charlottesville, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: September 22, 1819 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 31 cm, Width: 23 cm Order a Copy
Jefferson responds to Moore's pamphlet on ascertaining the pronunciation of ancient Greek and describes his own efforts in trying to answer the same question. He describes his efforts while in Paris, and even earlier, to find the most accurate pronunciation from modern Greek, but decided to follow the system of the early humanist Erasmus. Jefferson concludes "I am glad... to see the question stirred here; because it may excite among our young countrymen a spirit of enquiry and criticism, and lead them to more attention to this most beautiful of all languages." Moore taught classical languages at Columbia and later served as its President.Written in Monticello
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