Important colonial-era American printer and publisher (1749-1831), second in renown only to Benjamin Franklin. In addition to authoring a massive History of Printing in America, one of the classics on the subject, Thomas also performed the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Very desirable ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 6 x 8, April 23, 1793. Letter to Dr. Joseph Lathrop, in part: "I have this inst. received yours of the 19th—have not time to answer it as the mail is closed—would just observe that rather than have a piece printed and pasted on at the close of the Sermon you mention—I had rather lose all the books and print and bind them over again—and if it will not do without, please to inform me and I will do it—The Sermon may conclude rather abruptly—but hundreds will not notice it unless it is shewed to them; and possibly one man to 300 might of himself discover it did not conclude as you wish it." In very good condition, with paper loss to first page not affecting text of letter, and some show-through from writing on reverse.