- More
Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Thomas Jefferson recommends a former messenger
Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed Th:Jefferson." One page, 7.75" x 4.75", [n.p., though likely from Monticello], December 26, 1795. Though no longer serving as President George Washington's secretary of state, Jefferson still found time to write this letter of recommendation for Sampson Crosby, a State Department messenger and assistant. Crosby must have impressed Jefferson, who wrote in part:"I hereby certify that the bearer Sampson Crosby acted as . . . [missing text; likely the word "messenger" or "assistant"] the Secretary of State's office during the time it was under my direction, that I found him diligent, faithful & intelligent in all his duties and believe him to be of the most perfect integrity. I bear this testimony to truth with the ore satisfaction as it may serve those also who may have occasion to confide anything to him, since it is doing good service to anyone to inform them whom they may trust with safety."
Though Jefferson believed he had retired from politics when he left Washington's administration in 1793, he was actually just taking a hiatus and enjoying life as a Virginia planter - albeit one in debt - at Monticello. Forces again pulled him back into the political arena in 1796 and on March 4, 1797, he was sworn-in as John Adams' vice president. Four years later, he was elected the third president.
The letter is toned with some wrinkles. Though it is laid on a larger paper that also bears an engraving of Independence Hall, the document appears to have earlier separated along a fold, just slightly touching the top of Jefferson's "T," "h," and "J." A later annotation appears in the lower left corner. The top right corner has been removed, affecting at least one word of text. Still, all remaining text is easily legible.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Fine Art
Ends on 04/14/2021
Photography
Ends on 04/14/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 04/15/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 04/15/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/16/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/18/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/21/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/22/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/25/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/27/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/29/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/30/2021
Illustration Art
Ends on 04/30/2021
Entertainment
Ends on 05/01/2021
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 05/02/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/05/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/06/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 05/06/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/07/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/21/2021
Photography
Opens about 04/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/22/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/23/2021
Historical
Opens about 04/26/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/15/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 04/18/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/15/2021
Manuscripts
Opens about 04/30/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/28/2021
Silver
Opens about 04/29/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 04/22/2021
Space
Opens about 05/03/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 04/30/2021
Historical
Opens about 05/03/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/22/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/23/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/04/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/12/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/14/2021
Entertainment
Opens about 05/14/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/21/2021
Arms & Armor
Opens about 05/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/08/2021
Rare Books
Opens about 05/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/19/2021
Photography
Opens about 05/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/20/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
You reach a customer base that is in many ways completely unknown to the major auction houses, and your marketing to this base is as professional as one could hope for. As I continue to wind down my holdings.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search