Auction Name: 2026 March 18 The Dan Madsen Collection of Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain Memorabilia Americana & Political Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 43002

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6335*43002

Thomas Jefferson: Letter Signed as Governor of Virginia. One page, 6 1/2" x 8"; Richmond; May 30, 1780. Framed to an overall size of 13" x 14 1/2". A Revolutionary War-era letter signed by Thomas Jefferson as Governor of Virginia, directing the tax commissioners of Rockingham County to submit overdue returns. Signed at conclusion, "Th: Jefferson." The letter reads, in full:

"Be pleased to deliver for the use of this State to Messrs. Eaton and Brown, or order, whatever indian corn, oats rye, or barley you may have received for the public. Your wheat you will please to have properly manufactured and packed. No return being yet received from your County I shall hope to receive one without delay."

As Governor from 1779 to 1781, Jefferson oversaw Virginia's finances during a time of high inflation and depreciating paper currency. He favored frugal administration and the collection of taxes in kind to provision troops and sustain the state. The tax law referenced here, enacted during the May 1779 legislative session, levied assessments payable in agricultural commodities (wheat, corn, rye, barley, oats, hemp, and tobacco) on all persons over the age of sixteen. County commissioners were charged with collecting these levies and submitting annual returns to the governor by May 15.

Includes a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.

Condition: Not examined out of frame. Lightly toned with flattened folds. Seemingly a few small separations at edges of fold lines, expertly repaired. Ink blotting at a single word ("public"), not affecting legibility.

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