Lot 165

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
Autograph Letter Signed to Henry Dearborn
THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826). An author and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the United States (1801-1809). 4to handwritten letter signed (ALS) while President, Monticello, Virginia, September 1, 1808, to the Secretary of War (Henry Dearborn). President Jefferson agrees with Secretary Dearborn that an estimate to purchase "the blocks at N[ew]. York" should justify "suspending the operation", but Congress should be consulted "if they are to cost a million, altho' I should be for it." Jefferson encloses (not present) a letter from George Mosley wishing to be a cadet with Governor Tompkins' recommendation "which places him on high ground." President Jefferson hopes to be in Washington on October 1. He notes that newspapers "tell us of dispatches from Mr. Pinckney [likely William Pinkney, Minister Plenipotentiary to England] but Mr. Madison [James, then Secretary of State] had not received any of the day before yesterday." The number "18" is written at top left, "No. 33" is written at the top center, both in another hand. A copy of this letter is in The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress (See Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/item/mtjbib019000/).
In 1801, shortly after his inauguration, Thomas Jefferson directed that plans be made to establish the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York. Congress formally authorized the establishment and funding of the school with the Military Peace Establishment Act of 1802, which Jefferson signed on March 16. The Academy officially commenced operations on July 4, 1802. It is likely that George Mosley was seeking admission into the new Military Academy with support from New York's Governor Tompkins. Henry Dearborn (1751-1829), Secretary of War 1801-1809, served as a general in the War of 1812 - the city of Dearborn, Michigan is named for him; William Pinkney (1764-1822), Minister Plenipotentiary to England April 27, 1808 - May 7, 1811; Daniel D. Tompkins (1774-1825), Governor of New York 1807-1817, Vice President 1817-1825; James Madison (1751-1836), 5th Secretary of State 1801-1809, a Framer of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, 4th President 1809-1817. The letter is in very good condition, clean and fresh, firmly laid down on similar-sized piece of thin cardboard, a small hole at bottom right not affecting any content.

Property of a Prominent Washington, DC Family

    Notes:
  • We gratefully acknowledge the kind assistance of Edward Bomsey in cataloguing this lot.
  • Condition:
  • Weschler's provides written condition reports, upon request, for any lot in our auctions. Such a condition report is provided as a courtesy to our clients and should in no instance replace first hand inspection by a prospective buyer or his/her agent. All property is sold "as is" in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph 3 of Conditions of Sale. Neither Weschler's nor the consignor makes any express or implied warranty or representation as to the condition of any lot offered for sale, and no statement made at any time, whether oral or written, shall constitute such a warranty or representation. *While we do our best to protect the frames, we will not be responsible for damage, regardless of cause.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

COD (cash on delivery), Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

March 18, 2016 10:00 AM EDT
Rockville, MD, US

Weschler's

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

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000