11-14-201011-14-2010
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2526BBoston
November 14, 2010 11:00 AMCalender
57

Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826)

Sell one like this
$59,250$50,000
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 2526BLocation: BostonDate / Time: November 14, 2010 11:00AM

Description:

Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Autograph letter signed, Monticello, February 14, 1823, one page, to Messrs. Parsons and Cooley, responding to a request for a donation of any of his written works to a newly formed college and stating that he has no extra copies, but begs to forward along the plans for his newly formed University in Virginia, 4to, (some dampstaining and softness to paper, minor edge chipping and weakness along folds).

Text in full: Messrs. Parsons & Cooley, I have duly received your favor of Jan. 29 in which you are pleased to request a copy of my works to be deposited in your library. I have never published any work but the Notes on Virginia, of which I have but a single copy, and they are now rarely to be found. All other writings of mine have been of an official character, and are only to be found among the public documents of the times in which I have lives. To shew however my respect for the request you have been pleased to make, I select on of these, the subject of which is so little altered by the body for whom it was prepared, that I may truly call it a work of mine. this is a Report on the plan of an University in Virginia, which is now nearly compleated, and in the course of a year or two will commence it's operations. with this, be pleased to accept the assurance of my high respect & consideration. Th. Jefferson

Note: A fine letter in which Jefferson mentions not only the only full length book he authored, Notes on the State of Virginia, but the approaching opening of what he considered one of his finest achievements, the founding of the University of Virginia. On the tombstone that Jefferson designed for himself, he lists only three achievements, Author of the Declaration of Independence, The Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and the Father of the University of Virginia.

The recipients of this letter are connected to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The Timothy Cooley referenced is likely Dr. Timothy Mather Cooley who was a Trustee of the college from 1812-1859.
Estimate $30,000-50,000

The recipients of this letter are connected to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The Timothy Cooley referenced is likely Dr. Timothy Mather Cooley who was a Trustee of the college from 1812-1859.

Keywords

Virginia, Timothy Mather Cooley, Williams College, Monticello, University of Virginia, Williamstown, Massachusetts, Trustee, Declaration of Independence