Description:

Thomas Jefferson
Monticello, VA, October 17, 1816
Thomas Jefferson ALS With Excellent Content, PSA GEM MT 10!
ALS

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). Autograph Letter Signed, "Th: Jefferson," within the text, 1p, 7.75" x 4.75", Monticello, October 17, 1816. Certified, graded GEM MT 10, and encapsulated by PSA to an overall size of 10" x 6.75". Letter has expected folds and creases. Minor age toning and light spotting. Mounting remnants and scattered ink notations at an otherwise blank verso. Tiny open tear at right edge, not affecting bold text. In near fine condition.

Jefferson's letter references two of his favorite subjects - agriculture and literature. With an outstanding association between the letter's recipient and Jefferson's former presidential cabinet.

In full and as written: "Th: Jefferson presents his compliments and his thanks to Mr. Dearborn for the copy he has been so kind as to send him of his translation of De Lasteyrie's learned & valuable work on the Pastel or Woad. he hopes the translation will encorage and promote the culture of that useful plant in the US. a long absence from home must apologise for this late acknowlegement of the receipt of the work. Monticello Oct. 17. 16."

Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father, the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809, and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Following the American Revolutionary War and before becoming president in 1801, Jefferson was the nation's first U.S. Secretary of State under George Washington and then the nation's second Vice President under John Adams. Post-presidency, when this letter was written, Jefferson remained influential and continued to correspond with many of the country's leaders (including his two protégées, Madison and Monroe, who succeeded him as president). The Monroe Doctrine strongly resembles solicited advice that Jefferson gave to Monroe in 1823. Jefferson was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and natural rights, and he produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels. He has been memorialized with buildings, sculptures, postage, and currency.

Charles Philibert de Lasteyrie (1759-1849) was a French agronomist, lithographer, and philanthropist. A correspondent of Jefferson's, he wrote to the former president about horticulture and printing processes. Lasteyrie documented the method of extracting dye from woad in his "A Treatise on the Culture, Preparation, History, and Analysis of Pastel, or Woad," first published in Paris in 1811 and translated from the French in 1816 by H.A.S. Dearborn.

Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn (1783-1851) was an American soldier, lawyer, author, and statesman. Dearborn was the first President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, and the author of many books. He was the son of Secretary of War and Major General Henry Dearborn, named for his father's friend, Alexander Scammell.

Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) was an American military officer and politician. In the Revolutionary War, he served under Benedict Arnold in his expedition to Quebec, of which his journal provides an important record. After being captured and exchanged, he served in George Washington's Continental Army. He was present at the British surrender at Yorktown. Dearborn served on General George Washington's staff in Virginia. He served as the 5th U.S. Secretary of War under President Thomas Jefferson, from 1801 to 1809, and served as a commanding general in the War of 1812. Fort Dearborn in Illinois, Dearborn County in Indiana, and the city of Dearborn, Michigan, were named in his honor.

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: 10" x 6.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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