July 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, July 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/28/2022
Thomas Jefferson autograph letter signed, dated 10 August 1813 from Monticello. In this letter, Jefferson is desperate for cash, instructing his banker Patrick Gibson to send funds immediately. Jefferson was often in this predicament, and even wrote in 1819 that ''To owe what I cannot pay, is a constant torment.'' His somewhat obstinate belief that the United States should not incur debt is thought to have arisen from anxiety regarding his own personal debt, a position that put him at odds with Alexander Hamilton and caused him to resign from George Washington's cabinet. Letter reads in part:
''I drew on you lately...and must now as the favor of you to send me by the return post one hundred Dollars in bills from 20 to 5.D. I find it will be indispensable to reinstate 1500.D of my late note in the bank: for within a fortnight from this time I shall be obliged to draw on you from Bedford for 600.D. in favor of Brown & Robertson of Lynchburg, and in the ensuing month for about the same sum from this place, and after that a further sum of about 300.D to close my present calls. I wish therefore you could by the return of post send me a note for 1500.D to be signed; because the day after that I shall set out for Bedford, and be absent three weeks. I now inclose the deed for Mr. Taylor duly authenticated. Accept the assurance of my constant esteem and respect. / Th: Jefferson''.
Single page measures approximately 8'' x 10'', inlaid to a slightly larger sheet. Letter is Jefferson's retained copy, with docketing to top edge of verso by Jefferson. Some tracing over in Jefferson's hand. Overall in very good plus condition with a very bold signature.
Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed from 1813, Desperate for Liquidity -- ''...send me...one hundred Dollars in bills from 20 to 5...''
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