For other works by Joel Barlow, 1754-1812, see the Index. This first edition of this work, an amplification of the Vision of Columbus , q.v., was printed at the expense of Robert Fulton to whom it is dedicated. Some years earlier Barlow had been instrumental in introducing Fulton to Jefferson, see no. 1162.

Jefferson’s copy was sent to him by Joel Barlow, who wrote from Hartford on June 15, 1787: “Your character in the literary, as well as political world has induced me to request your acceptance of the Poem herewith forwarded to the care of the Marquis de la Fayette. What is said in it of the french king & nation may perhaps occasion it to be translated into that language. Should this ever be done, I could wish it might be in a manner that the work may not appear to disgrace that illustrious personage who condescended to recieve the dedication . . .”

This letter, which refers also to the publication of Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia in the United States [q.v. no. 4167] is endorsed by Jefferson: Barlow Joel, ( author of the Vision of Columbus).

On July 11 of the following year, 1788, Jefferson used this work to introduce the author to Richard Price. In a letter to the latter dated from Paris, Jefferson wrote: “ It is rendering mutual service to men of virtue & understanding to make them acquainted with one another. I need no other apology for presenting to your notice the bearer hereof m ( ^~ r) Barlow. I know you were among the first who read the Visions of Columbus, while yet in manuscript: and think the sentiments I heard you express of that poem, will induce you to be pleased with the acquaintance of their author. he comes to pass a few days only at London, merely to know something of it. as I have little acquaintance there, I cannot do better for him than to ask you to be so good as to make him known to such persons as his turn & his time might render desirable to him . . . ”

This work, as mentioned by Barlow in his letter to Jefferson, is dedicated to Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre, who subscribed for twenty-five copies. The penultimate paragraph of the dedication reads: The following work, which may be considered in part, as the offspring of those reflections which your Majesty’s conduct has taught me to make, possesses one advantage scarcely to be expected in a Poem written in a foreign language. Your Majesty’s permission, that the unfortunate Columbus may once more enjoy the protection of a royal benefactor, has added a new obligation to those I before felt--in common with a grateful country. It is the policy of wise Princes to encourage the liberal arts among their subjects; and, as the human race are the objects of your extended administration, they may all in some measure claim the privilege of subjects, in seeking your literary as well as political protection.

The dedication to the King was omitted from the second edition, published in 1787, and the work was not issued in a French translation. It was later expanded by the author into the Columbiad , q.v. no. 4301.

The lines in praise of the patriots of the Revolution are less impressive than in the Columbiad, and Jefferson doese not have a paragraph to himself:

Nash, Rutledge, Jefferson, in council great,

And Jay and Laurens oped the rolls of fate;

The Livingstons, fair Freedom’s generous band,

The Lees, the Houstons, fathers of the land . . .