Thomas Jefferson Autograph Endorsement Signed approving the appointment of a lighthouse keeper. One page, 7.5" x 12" (sight)...

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Thomas Jefferson Autograph Endorsement Signed approving the appointment of a lighthouse keeper. One page, 7.5" x 12" (sight), with an integral address cover, n.p., May 6, 1805. Jefferson's endorsement appears at the close of a manuscript copy of a letter by James Day "keeper of the Light House in Squam in Gloucester County of Essex & State of Massachusetts, being aged & infirm & not able to attend to my duty... Do hereby express a desire to resign my office, & my son George Day having kept the Light under me ever since its establishment... I would beg leave to recommend him as a fit and suitable person to take my place..." Jefferson writes: "The appointment of George Day is approved. Th Jefferson May 6. 05." Beneath Jefferson's endorsement is a lengthy postscript explaining the situation and requesting prompt expedition of the appointment being that "his recommendation has been several months at Genl Lincoln's office Boston...".

The letter is framed in a simple wooden frame, and appears fragile. A window has been cut on the verso through which can be viewed the address panel made out to Albert Gallatin, and an Autograph Docket Signed by Gallatin instructing "Mr. Lincoln to be apprised that the President has appointed George Day keeper of the light..." This open window has been covered in celo tape which has yellowed and become affixed to the address panel. Unexamined out of the frame, but overall appearance is good with even toning.