Description:

Jefferson Thomas 1743 - 1826
Among the finest Thomas Jefferson Free Franks, written after the donation of American Revolution medals to the National Library




Thick brown paper envelope measuring 5" x 3.75" when folded, signed "from Th Jefferson", and inscribed entirely in the hand of Thomas Jefferson: "George W. Erving esquire / at Col. Bomford's / Washington". Maintains requisite folds, with red wax remnants verso and tear resulting from the opening of the wax seal. Else fine condition with strong contrasting ink.

This stunning piece will be accompanied by a copy of the original letter it once held within, dated "Sep 10 .22", and written from Jefferson's home in Monticello. The former President wrote the note to George Erving, Esq., an American career diplomat. Erving served as U.S. Consul in London from 1801 to 1804, as Chargé d'Affaires in Madrid from 1804 to 1809, as Special Negotiator to Copenhagen in 1811, as U.S. Minister to Spain from 1814 to 1819, and as Chargé d'Affaires to the Ottoman Empire before 1831. In addition to his diplomatic duties, Erving was elected as a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1834.

Based on the date of this envelope, we believe it to have once contained a thank you note from Jefferson to George Erving, who had graciously donated his personal collection of Revolutionary War medals to the National Library several months prior. Jefferson and Erving shared a mutual love of books and history. Jefferson's letter 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".

Erving's donation of American and French origin Revolutionary War era medals to the National Library is confirmed in letter No. 552 as found in the published letters journaled in the American State Papers of the 17 th Congress. In this letter, 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". This letter in turn had been in response to Erving's missive reproduced in full below:

"Sir Boston July 4 th, 1822

The letter which I had the honor to address to you on the 4 th of July 1819, 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. "







A wonderful piece of history, in highly collectible condition, with remarkable provenance. Autographed Free Franks by Thomas Jefferson are extremely scarce.




Please Note: Included with this FF will be a copy of the original letter contained within the envelope, which is also available for purchase as a separate lot within this auction.

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

University Archives

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