Jefferson, Thomas. Autograph letter signed, Monticello, 4 Jan. 1824....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Jul 11, 2019 for:

$9,600.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

Jefferson, Thomas. Autograph letter signed, Monticello, 4 Jan. 1824. Jefferson, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th. Jefferson"), 1 page (7.75 x 9.75 in.; 197 x 248 mm.), Monticello, 4 Jan. 1824, written to "Col. Thomas M. Randolph, Jr. of the legislature of Virginia, now in Richmond." Accompanied with autograph address and franking signature, "free Th. Jefferson," on the verso, reception docket by Randolph on verso. Seat tear with paper loss and minor separations to integral blank leaf. Jefferson writes in full: Dear Sir, In compliance with the request of Col. Bowyer, conveyed through you, to furnish a list of books proper to prepare his son for the bar, I inclose you copies of two letters [not present], written formerly, and on occasions which called on me for full and mature consideration of the subject. These will not only specify the books to be read but also the reasons for their preference, and the course of other reading auxiliary to the accomplishment of a well prepared lawyer, above all things I would press on him the procuring of Thomas's edition of [Sir Edward] Coke['s commentary on Sir Thomas] Littleton, as being the only basis on which a good lawyer can be formed. Any importing merchant in Richmond could obtain it from London within 4. or 5. months; as could the importing booksellers; but they would lay on their 10. Dollars of profit. Col. Bowyer is free to make what use of these letters he pleases, perhaps they might be useful to some young students if permitted to be printed, to which, in this case, I have no objection. There is a Mr. White in Richmond, a printer, who writes me that he wants something to do, & perhaps would print this on his own account. It would make a pamphlet of a single sheet only, and might sell during a session of the legislature. With my best respects to Col. Bowyer, accept yourself the assurance of my affectionate and respectful friendship and attachment. Th. Jefferson.