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Thomas Jefferson

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Thomas Jefferson

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Auction Date:2013 Jun 19 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Superbly signed LS, as secretary of state, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 7 x 8, Philadelphia, March 4, 1791. Letter appointing a supervisor for the District of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations on behalf of President George Washington. In full: “The President of the United States desiring to avail the public of your services as Supervisor for the District of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, I have now the honor of enclosing you the Commission, and of expressing to you the sentiments of perfect esteem which I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, with a slight separation along one edge of horizontal fold, and some mild edge toning.

John Singer Dexter (not addressed by name in this letter) was appointed Supervisor for the District of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations by President Washington at a crucial time in the new nation’s history. The day prior to his appointment, March 3, 1791, Congress passed the Excise Act—also known as the Whisky Tax—imposing substantial duties on domestically distilled spirits. As Supervisor, one of Dexter's main responsibilities would be to oversee the collection of this tax, a task that would prove quite difficult. This was the first time that the federal government had levied a tax on a domestic product, and naturally faced immediate resistance. Over the next three years, outbreaks of opposition increased, culminating in the Whisky Rebellion in 1794 during which Washington quickly raised an army to march on a violent insurrection, successfully ending it and demonstrating that the new government had both the willingness and ability to suppress violent resistance to its laws. Along with its relevance to a historic and controversial piece of legislation, this letter holds one of the finest Jefferson signatures we have seen—crisp and bold, a highly desirable piece!