LOT #43015 |
Sold on May 7, 2022 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
James Madison. Autograph letter signed ("James Madison")....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Sold on May 7, 2022 for:
$37,500.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Get one of these:
Explore Available Items
Description
James Madison. Autograph letter signed ("James Madison"). 1 page (7.5 x 9.8 inches), "Montpellier", April 20, 1818, to Thomas Jefferson. Docketed in Jefferson's hand on verso, "Madison Ja, Montpellier [missing text on margin] recd. M [missing text on margin]". Professional restoration of left margin slightly touching three letters of Madison's text, a few minor spots.James Madison writes to Thomas Jefferson submitting his first donation for the founding of The University of Virginia.
"I take the opportunity by Judge Holmes of sending my first Installment for the Central College..."
Madison writes in full: Dear Sir I take the opportunity by Judge Holmes of sending my first Installment for the Central College, which I beg the favor of you to have put with the proper hands. The only subscription to the list I distributed is the enclosed one from Gen. A.T. Mason. It is worth while to await ourselves of his solitary liberality in that distant quarter, which connects him to settle with an institution as yet a local one. If you think not the subscription & his check may be kept back. I do not find that any decision of Cooper has taken place with respect to his transportation from Philadia. Affecy. yours James Madison
In retirement, James Madison focused his attention on creating an institution of higher learning in Virginia along with Thomas Jefferson. In 1816, Madison was appointed one of the trustees, or "visitors" of the university, at first called Central College, to be established (Jefferson hoped) in Charlottesville, with the support of the state of Virginia. In July, the visitors went ahead with building plans and the recruitment of the institution's first professors. In October 1817, the visitors gathered in Charlottesville to lay the cornerstone of what would become the new university. During the winter of 1817-1818, Madison watched anxiously as a fund drive progressed and the legislature in Richmond struggled with a general education bill providing for primary education throughout the state, colleges or academies in each of nine districts, and a university to cap the system. The fund drive soon had subscriptions of nearly $50,000, including a $1,000 pledge from Madison (mentioned in this letter as begin transmitted to Jefferson by Judge Hugh Holmes). It was enough to begin building in Charlottesville. In late February 1818, the legislature authorized a general system of education, including a university, but referred the vital question of location to twenty-four "discreet and intelligent" commissioners to be appointed by the governor and to meet in August at Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge mountains between Charlottesville and Staunton. It was at this meeting that the final questions were hammered out, including Charlottesville as the location and the "University of Virginia" as the official name, superseding that of "Central College."
Auction Info
2022 May 7 Treasures from the Melvin "Pete" Mark, Jr. Collection Signature® Auction #6256 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2022
7th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 9
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 707
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms