Description:

Jefferson Thomas

Free franked postal cover inscribed overall and signed by 3rd U.S. President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) as "Th: Jefferson" in upper left corner below "free". Addressed in Jefferson's hand to "Doctr. Samuel Brown, Professor of the theory & practice of Physic in the Transylvania University, Lexington Kentucky". In very good to near fine condition. Professional restoration included in-filling a few holes, reinforcing folds, and air brushing. Light traces of damp stain do not significantly affect the second part of Jefferson's signature.

Although the postal cover is undated, we know that it once contained a circular signed by Jefferson and dated from Monticello on September 28, 1821. In the circular, Jefferson lobbied for a modification to tariff laws concerning imported books. Although originally the tariff was implemented to protect and foster the growth of American print shops, the actual effect was reduced access to printed material vital to educating the next generation of new Americans. Jefferson dispatched copies of these circulars to faculty at American universities whom he hoped to rally to his cause. Samuel Brown was one such recipient.

Samuel Brown (1769-1830) studied medicine in the United States and Scotland. After receiving his degree from the University of Aberdeen in 1794, he returned to private practice in the American South and West. He served as professor of surgery, anatomy, and chemistry at Transylvania University between 1799-1806, and later as professor of medicine between 1820-1826. Transylvania University was first chartered in 1780 in what was then the westernmost colony of Virginia and today's Lexington, Kentucky.

Around this time in 1821, Jefferson began writing his autobiography.

Free franking, or the ability to send mail free from postage, was instituted in the late eighteenth century. The privilege has been alternately granted, rescinded, expanded, and restricted over the last two hundred years. Traditionally, Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Congressmen like Pennsylvania Senator James Buchanan, as well as former office holders and occasionally their spouses and relatives, held free franking privileges.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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