Description:

Thomas Jefferson
Monticello, VA, October 12, 1807
Thomas Jefferson ALS as President, He Praises "skill and industry," Twice Signed
ALS

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). Autograph Letter Twice Signed, "Th: Jefferson," at the conclusion, and "Jefferson," within the text, 1p, 7.375" x 9.75", Monticello, Virginia, August 30, 1807. Expected folds and creases. Lightly toned with minor scattered foxing. In near fine condition. This letter was sold by University Archives for $12,000 way back on March 24, 2014, and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity dated same.

President Jefferson writes to James Oldham, a longtime woodworking joiner at Monticello, regarding an overdue payment owed him. The year of 1807 saw several additions to Monticello, and it appears that Jefferson's accounts were strapped for funds, causing him to have to defer payment to Mr. Oldham.

In full: "Your letter of July 26 came on to this place after I had disposed of all my August funds, which obliged me to postpone a remittance to you till the beginning of September. I have directed Mr. Barnes, the first week in that month to remit 100. D. to Mr. [George] Jefferson, on whom I inclose you an order to recieve [sic] it so soon as it shall have come to his hands. The balance of your account shall be remitted the first week in October, which I hope can be adapted to your convenience. I learn always with real pleasure that you meet with the employment which your skill & industry merit. I tender you my best wishes."

The July 26th letter (not included) to which Jefferson refers was written to him by Oldham and reads in part, with spelling unchanged: "Incloas'd is a statement of my Acct. which if convenient for you to settle shal be very thankful for: The prices as stated in the bill was fixed on the worke by two of the prinsable master-workmen of this place...P.S. have the graitest plentey of work on hand for this 18 months to come: the Last year prov'd very unfavorable have not receivd aney compensation for my Labour."

It would take a little while for Oldham to receive this payment. On October 12, 1807, Jefferson would write another letter, asking Oldham to call on George Jefferson in Richmond to pay the balance due him of $82.06. In that letter, Jefferson also placed an order for additional materials, writing, "I have a job of 4 Pembroke tables on hand at Monticello, but we have not the Mahogany for the tops…will you be so good as to chuse & procure for me 2. Planks...of very fine mahogany..."

George Jefferson was Thomas Jefferson's cousin once removed. He had founded the Richmond firm of George Jefferson & Co. in 1797. By 1800, he and his partner Patrick Gibson had set up in business as Gibson & Jefferson. In 1811, President James Madison appointed George Jefferson U.S. Consul at Lisbon, Portugal; he served until his death in 1812. Thomas Jefferson employed the Gibson & Jefferson partnership to handle his Richmond commissions from 1797-1820.

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: 7.375" x 9.75"
  • Artist Name: Thomas Jefferson
  • Medium: ALS

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