Description:

Jefferson Thomas 1743 - 1826
Superb Thomas Jefferson ALS corresponding to a fellow contributor to the National Library; Jefferson's own book collection was donated to become the core of the Library of Congress

Single page ALS, 7.8" x 9.75" (matted to a size of 7.25" x 4.25"). Dated "Sept. 10.22" and signed by Thomas Jefferson as "Th Jefferson". Beautiful strong contrasting ink and a bold signature. Expected folds, with toning to the page. Accompanied by an engraved hand painted portrait of Jefferson, 7.25" x 9", lightly evenly toned creating an attractive patina that contrasts well with the very dark writing. Stunning presentation having been matted, framed, and glazed using all archival materials, to an overall size of 20" x 13.5" in a richly toned wood frame with gilt beading. Included will be a copy of the original Free Frank used to mail the piece, which is also available for purchase as a separate lot within this auction.

This stunning piece was written from Jefferson's home in Monticello to George Erving Esq., who was an American diplomat, as U.S. Consul in London from 1801 to 1804, chargé d'affaires in Madrid from 1804 to 1809, Special Negotiator to Copenhagen in 1811, U.S. Minister to Spain from 1814 to 1819, and chargé d'affaires to the Ottoman Empire before 1831. Erving was elected as a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1834. Based on the date of this envelope, we believe this to have contained a follow up thank you note from Jefferson to Erving, the latter whom had so graciously donated his personal collection of Revolutionary War medals to the National Library only several months prior. Jefferson's love of books and history no doubt bonded these two men. Jefferson's letter to Erving originally located within a Free Franked envelope states in part: "I shall be happy to receive the visit with which you promise to honor me, whenever most convenient to yourself and to express to you in person the pleasure which such a favor will ever give me "

George Erving Esq. donated medals of both American and French origin relating to the American Revolution to the National Library just two months before this letter was written. This can be confirmed via a letter found in the published letters journaled in the American State Papers of the 17 th Congress as letter No 552, in which Alexander Smith of the Joint Library Committee noted that: "The Speaker be directed to express to George W. Irving, the Thanks of this House (House of Representatives) for the liberal donation of French and American medals made by him to Congress, for the use of the National Library":

"Sir Boston July 4 th, 1822

The letter which I had the honor to address to you on the 4 th of July 1919, and which Mr. Lowndes was so obliging to take charge of and deliver was intended to have been accompanied by the collection of medals therein referred to, but this was unfortunately lost on board the ship "Factor" bound to New York, of which accident it appears that the House was duly informed by its committee. As soon as I have heard of it I endeavored to procure a duplicate of the collection, and succeeded a few days before I left Paris, in April last. This together with the medals that have been stuck at Paris to commemorate some principal event of , and men distinguished in our Revolution, I take the liberty, through you sir of herewith sending and offering to Congress for the use of the National Library.

With sentiments of highest respect, sir, your most obient servant. George We. Esquire

To the Hon The Speaker Of The House

P.S. A printed catalogue of the French Medals is enclosed in the case which contains them. The American medals are but five, proper, viz: One of General Washington at the siege of Boston, One of Doctor Franklin, One of Paul Jones, two of the Battle of the Cowpens. To these I thought it well to add Columbus and Kosciusko, taken from the collection of illustrious men deceased, now publishing in the French mint.

G.W.E. "

What we now also know is that somewhere medals from the American Revolution aboard the ship "Factor" currently sit at the bottom of the ocean -- or were stolen, an event which movies are made of, and treasure hunters dream of.

A scarce ALS, and a wonderful piece of history, in highly collectible condition.

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June 14, 2017 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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$50,000 + $5,000