Lot 1534
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) 3rd President of the U.S. (1801-1809). At the Second Continental Congress he drafted the Declaration of Independence. In 1779 he became governor of Virginia, guiding that state through the troubled last years of the American Revolution. Appointed secretary of state (1790-93) in Washington's cabinet, he served as vice president (1797-1801). The Republicans triumphed at the polls in 1800, but Aaron Burr, who had been slated to become vice president, tied Jefferson in the presidential vote. Jefferson was finally chosen president by the House of Representatives, largely on the advice of Hamilton, who considered Jefferson less dangerous than Burr. Jefferson was the first president inaugurated in Washington, a city he had helped to plan. Usually strict in his interpretation of the Constitution, he pushed through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, an action that it did not expressly authorize. He also planned the Lewis and Clark Expedition. During his second administration, difficulties arose from attacks on neutral U.S. shipping by the warring powers of Britain and France. With such measures as the Embargo Act of 1807 he tried to use economic pressure to gain a solution, but this aroused strong opposition in the U.S. In retirement after 1809 at his beloved home, Monticello, Jefferson brought about the founding of the Univ. of Virginia and continued his lifelong interests in science, architecture, philosophy, and the arts.
Free Frank ("free / Th Jefferson"). One page, 10 x 8", n.p., n.d. Addressed in Jefferson's hand to "Mr. John Heckewelder / Bethlehem." Postmark and "Free" stamp. Transmittal folds with expertly repaired separation at intersections; minor surface soil. Very good condition.
Jefferson and Heckewelder were both very active in the American Philosophical Society (Jefferson was president of the Society from 1797-1814) and corresponded regularly regarding their research into the native peoples of America.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000.
Please note the extensive collection of Presidential biographies in our Political Memorabilia section.
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| Realized $2,703 |
