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T. Jefferson Donates Book on War to UVA & Extols "improvement of the human mind... condition of man," One of His Best Letters!
T. Jefferson Donates Book on War to UVA & Extols "improvement of the human mind... condition of man," One of His Best Letters!
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Description:

Thomas Jefferson
Monticello, VA, May 16, 1824
T. Jefferson Donates Book on War to UVA & Extols "improvement of the human mind... condition of man," One of His Best Letters!
ALS

Incredible Autograph Letter Signed by Thomas Jefferson, penned at Monticello, dated May 16, 1824, and written to Maj. John Michael O'Connor. Jefferson thanks Major O'Conor for sending him a "Treatise on the Science of War and Fortifications," explaining that, being too advanced in years to study such subjects himself, he will place the volume where it will be most useful, in the library of the University of Virginia. Reflecting on uncertain global times "on both sides of the Atlantic," Jefferson affirms his enduring enlightenment faith that "public sentiment can never retrograde; and the advances daily making in the improvement of the human mind, ensure an ultimate issue in that of the condition of man." In fine condition, with expected folds and toning and boldly signed. This fantastic ALS measures 7.875" x 9.875".

Jefferson writes in full:

"Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to Major O'Conor for the Treatise on the science of war and fortifications, which he has been so kind as to send him. too far advanced in years to attend to subjects of that kind, he will beg leave to place it, where it will become truly useful, in the library of the University of Virginia, which will be opened now with little delay. from this institution he hopes a great regeneration in the character of his native state, which for want of public instruction at home, has for some time had great difficulties to obtain it. the times are much clouded on both sides of the Atlantic. but public sentiment can never retrograde; and the advances daily making in the improvement of the human mind, ensure an ultimate issue in that of the condition of Man. he prays Majr. O'Conor to accept his respectful salutations.

Monticello May 16. 24."

This letter is new to market, and offered individually for the first time. We have reviewed public auction records over the last 100 years, and only a limited number of notable examples prominently referencing the University of Virginia stand out, none of these examples have a quote quite as powerful as Jefferson's take on the current conditions on both sides of the Atlantic and the "condition of man." Among them are the following:

Sotheby's (2010) – Sold for $62,500: Condition was noted as not exceptional. The key quoted passage reads: "I wish your travels should one day lead you this way, there, from Monticello as your headquarters, you could visit and revisit our University."

Sotheby's (2010) – Sold for $56,250: The key quoted passage reads: "the University will give employment to my remaining years, and quite enough for my senile faculties. it is the last act of usefulness I can render, and could I see it open, I would not ask an hour more of life."

Sotheby's (2011) – Sold for $46,875: This letter concerns the University library collection. The key quoted passage reads: "I have been to the University since that letter; and examined the boxes of books arrived there. they are marked and numbered thus. C.H. &co. No. 1.2.3.4.5.6.7. –9.10. –12.13.14. –16.17.18. in all 15. all appear in good order except one."

Each of the comparable examples that have sold previously demonstrate Jefferson's deep personal involvement in the planning, development, and intellectual foundation of the University of Virginia, particularly during the years 1823–1826.

Written just one year before the University of Virginia formally opened in 1825, this letter reflects Jefferson's unwavering Enlightenment faith in human progress, even at age 81. In 1824, conditions were indeed "clouded on both sides of the Atlantic": Europe was still unsettled by the political aftershocks of the Napoleonic Wars, with conservative restorations suppressing liberal movements in Spain and Italy, while revolutions in Greece and Latin America signaled ongoing instability; in the United States, the fiercely contested presidential election of 1824 exposed sectional tensions and deep political rivalries, raising anxieties about the future of the young republic. Jefferson's acknowledgment of uncertainty speaks directly to this atmosphere of political strain and ideological conflict.

Yet, his immediate reassurance that "public sentiment can never retrograde" and that advances in "the improvement of the human mind" would ultimately better "the condition of Man" reaffirms his lifelong conviction that knowledge and reason steadily elevate society. This belief was inseparable from his founding vision for the University of Virginia, which he regarded as the essential instrument for cultivating an informed citizenry and safeguarding republican government. In linking global turbulence with educational progress, Jefferson transforms contemporary instability into a reaffirmation of intellectual optimism, offering one of the clearest late-life expressions of his enduring faith in education as the engine of human advancement.

Jefferson's letter placing Major O'Conor's military treatise in the library of the University of Virginia reflects his lifelong conviction that knowledge was the foundation of republican government. That conviction had already shaped American history: after the British burned Washington in 1814 and destroyed the congressional library, Congress purchased Jefferson's personal collection of 6,487 volumes in 1815, and it became the foundational core of the rebuilt Library of Congress. Although the UVA library was a separate institution, it was guided by the same expansive philosophy, that a public library should encompass the full range of human knowledge. In donating O'Conor's volume to the University of Virginia, Jefferson once again demonstrated his belief that books were instruments of civic regeneration, intended not for private possession but for the education of future generations.

Following the death of John Michael O'Connor in 1826 without issue, his papers would naturally have remained within the family. His sister, Margaret O'Connor, who had married an unrelated Thomas O'Connor, had died earlier in 1816, suggesting the letters likely stayed in the possession of her widower until his death in 1855. From there, they would have descended to his son, Charles O'Conor, who notably dropped the second "n" from the family surname. O'Conor became one of New York's most distinguished constitutional lawyers, handling major matrimonial litigation such as the celebrated Forrest divorce case and representing Aaron Burr, who had served as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson and later became his political rival following the contested Election of 1800, in Burr's separation from Madame Jumel. In striking historical symmetry, O'Conor would later defend yet another "Jefferson," serving as chief counsel to Jefferson Davis in his post Civil War prosecution for treason by the United States, thereby connecting this family archive to two of the most dramatic political controversies in American history.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 9.875"
  • Medium: ALS

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000