Jefferson, Thomas. Historic letter signed ("Th: Jefferson")...

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Jefferson, Thomas. Historic letter signed ("Th: Jefferson") Jefferson, Thomas. Historic letter signed ("Th: Jefferson") 1 page (7 ½ x 9 ¼ in.; 190 x 235 mm.), "Philadelphia," 1 March 1792 to Josiah Bartlett, Governor of the State of New Hampshire, formally announcing the Bill of Rights as part of the Constitution as well as the establishment of the Post Office Department. Minor paper loss at lower corners and bottom center fold. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson writes to New Hampshire Governor Josiah Bartlett formally announcing the final ratification of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Jefferson writes in full: "Sir, I have the honor to find you herein enclosed two Copies duly authenticated, of an act concerning certain fisheries of the United States, and for the regulation and government of the fishermen employed therein; also of an act to establish the Post Office and Post roads within the United States, also the ratification by three fourths of the legislatures of the several States, of certain articles in addition to, an amendment of the Constitution of the United States, proposed by Congress to the said Legislatures; and of being with sentiments of the most perfect respect." Though the U.S. Constitution was designed as an instrument to maintain the new nation as a perpetual union, it failed to guarantee personal freedom. For Americans, the Bill of Rights is a citizen's right to live in liberty and personal freedom. It is America's statement to the world that national independence, without personal liberty, is an empty prize. This letter served as Jefferson's formal announcement to Governor Bartlett of New Hampshire. According to the Papers of Thomas Jefferson at Princeton, New Jersey (Vol. 22), Jefferson reported adoption of the last ten of the proposed twelve Amendments in his circular letter to governors of the states of 1 March 1792, accompanied by the first printing of the Bill of Rights. The Postal Service Act was signed by President Washington on February 20, 1792, establishing the United States Post Office Department, to which Jefferson refers in this letter. Under the act, newspapers would be allowed in the mails at low rates to promote the spread of information across the states. To ensure the sanctity and privacy of the mails, postal officials were forbidden to open any letters in their charge unless they were undeliverable. Finally, Congress assumed responsibility for the creation of postal routes, ensuring that mail routes would help lead expansion and development instead of only serving existing communities.