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Thomas Jefferson

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:10,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Thomas Jefferson

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Auction Date:2016 Apr 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, 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
Third-person ALS as president signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 8 x 5, October 29, 1803. In full: “Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Pichon. He meant to be understood the other evening as asking the favor of him to dine here to-day with Messrs Soult & Delile. He did not know till last night that Mr. Pichon did not so understand him. He hopes if he has no engagement he will do him the favor of dining here today at half after three.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Jefferson’s hand, “Mr. Pichon.” In very good to fine condition, with several intersecting folds.

Financial difficulties and an impending war with Britain hastened Napoleon’s decision to sell the entirety of Louisiana to the US for $15 million in 1803. On October 20th, six months after the initial agreement, the United States Senate ratified the purchase, enabling Jefferson to formally take possession of the territories ceded by France and to devise a temporary government the following day. Resolved disputes between the Senate and the House of Representatives led Jefferson to sign the act into law just two days after this letter was written. French charge d’affaires and consul general to the United States, Louis Andre Pichon was a key figure in the swift negotiations of the historic land acquisition. An incredible link to such a vital moment in Jefferson’s presidency.