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1824 Vivid THOMAS JEFFERSON Autograph Letter Signed Twice from Monticello

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:24,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
1824 Vivid THOMAS JEFFERSON Autograph Letter Signed Twice from Monticello
Autographs
Thomas Jefferson Autographed Letter Signed Twice to His Son-In-Law For Specific Law Books Used For Teaching!
THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826). 3rd President of the United States, American Founding Father, the Principal Author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the Third President of the United States (1801–1809), served in the Continental Congress representing Virginia and then served as a Revolutionary Wartime Governor of Virginia (1779–1781), Jefferson served as a diplomat, stationed in Paris, in May 1785, he became the United States Minister to France.
January 4, (18)24-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed Twice, “Th. Jefferson,” measuring 7.75” x 9.75” fully opened measuring to 9.75 x 15.5”, 1 page, from Monticello, with its Integral Free Franked Mailing Cover, providing a Second Signature, “free - Th. Jefferson,” Choice Extremely Fine. Written to Colonel Thomas M. Randolph, Jr., of the legislature of Virginia, now in Richmond.” Thomas Mann Randolph married Martha Jefferson, the oldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson and they had twelve children. In this Letter, Thomas Jefferson writes, in full:

“Monticello Jan. 4. 24. --- Dear Sir --- In compliance with the request of Col. Bowyer, conveyed through you, to furnish a list of books proper to prepare his son for the bar, I inclose you copies of two letters [not present], written formerly, and on occasions which called on me for full and mature consideration of the subject. These will not only specify the books to be read but also the reasons for their preference, and the course of other reading auxiliary to the accomplishment of a well prepared lawyer, above all things I would press on him the procuring of Thomas’s edition of [Sir Edward] Coke’s commentary on Sir Thomas Littleton, as being the only basis on which a good lawyer can be formed. Any importing merchant in Richmond could obtain it from London within 4. or 5. months; as could the importing booksellers; but they would lay on their 10. Dollars of profit. Col. Bowyer is free to make what use of these letters he pleases, perhaps they might be useful to some young students if permitted to be printed, to which, in this case, I have no objection. There is a Mr. White in Richmond, a printer, who writes me that he wants something to do, & perhaps would print this on hos own account. It would make a pamphlet of a single sheet only, and might sell during a session of the legislature. -- With my best respects to Col. Bowyer, accept yourself the assurance of my affectionate and respectful friendship and attachment. -- (Signed) Th. Jefferson”

Integral Free Franked Mailing Cover, with Second Signature, “free - Th. Jefferson,” measuring 2” long and boldly written in deep rich brown. The 3.75” x 8.25” integral envelope portion was red wax sealed and torn, when originally opened. The irregularly shaped paper tear is lacking, measuring about 2.5” x 1.5” at bottom, between the two panes not anywhere near or affecting any of the written text. Docket noted at far right center in the recipient’s hand, “Th: Jefferson - Januy 4: 24 - recd (received) 8”. Round Red Postal Mailing Date Stamp upon the envelope panel at left. Overall, a museum quality, boldly written and presented Twice Signed Thomas Jefferson Autographed Letter worthy of the finest of Presidential autograph collections.
Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr. was a planter, soldier, and politician from Virginia. The Randolphs were among the First Families of Virginia.

Born at Tuckahoe Plantation in Goochland County, Virginia, Thomas was the first son of Thomas Mann Randolph, Sr. (1741-1793) and Anne Carrey (1745-1789), both of the elite planter class.

During the War of 1812, he was a Colonel of the Twentieth Infantry. He served as a member of both houses of the Virginia General Assembly, a Representative of the U.S. Congress and as 21st Governor of Virginia from 1819-1822, the first Son-in-law of a Virginia Governor to be elected Governor in his own right.

He married Martha Jefferson (1772-1836), the oldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson, and they had twelve children, eleven of whom survived childhood. Randolph and his wife became estranged after he became an alcoholic, as he became violent and abusive when drinking. After Jefferson’s death in 1826, Martha Randolph took her two youngest children with her to Boston to gain distance from her husband. He lived apart from his family for most of the rest of his life. He and his wife were reconciled shortly before his death, and he was cared for at Monticello. Randolph died there and was interred in the Jefferson family burial ground.

The existence of the two letters about which Jefferson speaks are apparently unknown, but a letter sent by Jefferson to Mr. A. Stewart, dated May 23, 1795, refers to books he had sent to Staunton. First listed among the books was the “Coke Littleton” mentioned in this letter. A fascinating letter of Jefferson’s own recommendation for the education of a young lawyer. Autograph address and franking signature, “free Th. Jefferson,” on the verso,

reception docket by Randolph on verso. Seat tear with paper loss, minor separations to integral blank leaf. Housed in a half blue Morocco folding case with Morocco spine labels.