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THE PROPERTY OF A LADY
JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") to General Henry Dearborn, Monticello, 18 December 1824. 1 page, 4to, tipped to a larger page, minor staining, separate address leaf with JEFFERSON'S FREE FRANK, ("Th:Jefferson"), also tipped to page.
Details
JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") to General Henry Dearborn, Monticello, 18 December 1824. 1 page, 4to, tipped to a larger page, minor staining, separate address leaf with JEFFERSON'S FREE FRANK, ("Th:Jefferson"), also tipped to page.
JEFFERSON'S WINE, SENT THROUGH GENERAL DEARBORN
A fine letter to General Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War during Jefferson's Presidency, concerning a shipment of wine. Thomas Jefferson, the son of an aristocratic Virginia family, was well acquainted with fine foods and luxuries: "Jefferson's posture was Epicurean. His desire to cultivate the senses, his concern for bodily comforts, his confidence in man's power to control events, his commitment to the pursuit of happiness - these directives were Epicurean" (Peterson, Thomas Jefferson & the New Nation, p. 54). Jefferson was particularly interested in wine and, while in France visited the vineyards and wineries. His consumption of wine was based upon the principle that "good wines had become a necessary part of the art of living" and, as a result, "Wine was always a major item in his budget" (Peterson, pp 351,421).
In retirement at his home in Monticello, Jefferson writes to Dearborn: "I received yesterday your favor informing me of the arrival of a parcel of wines for me to your address, with your statement of the expences of freight, duties etc. which you have been so kind as to answer for me 31.30 which sum I have this day desired Colo. Peyton to remit to you. For this and your kindness in dispatching them to him without waiting to hear from me I am very thankful." Jefferson concludes with a freindly request for a visit: "I shall be made very happy indeed by receiving a visit from my antient [sic] friend and colleague Genl. Dearborne [sic]. Should the season and his conveniences admit it, it will renew many very dear recollections."
Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) organized a militia company in the Revolutionary War and was promoted to Major by the war's end. He saw action at Bunker Hill, on Arnold's campaign against Quebec, and at Saratoga, was with the army during it's encampment at Valley Forge, and served on Washington's staff at Yorktown. Rising to the rank of Major General in the post-war army, he served as a congressman before being selected by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of War. Jefferson barely knew Dearborn before his appointment, but the general proved an effective member of his cabinet.
PROVENANCE:
The personal collection of Herbert Gunnison (1858-1932), publisher of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle -- The present owners.
JEFFERSON'S WINE, SENT THROUGH GENERAL DEARBORN
A fine letter to General Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War during Jefferson's Presidency, concerning a shipment of wine. Thomas Jefferson, the son of an aristocratic Virginia family, was well acquainted with fine foods and luxuries: "Jefferson's posture was Epicurean. His desire to cultivate the senses, his concern for bodily comforts, his confidence in man's power to control events, his commitment to the pursuit of happiness - these directives were Epicurean" (Peterson, Thomas Jefferson & the New Nation, p. 54). Jefferson was particularly interested in wine and, while in France visited the vineyards and wineries. His consumption of wine was based upon the principle that "good wines had become a necessary part of the art of living" and, as a result, "Wine was always a major item in his budget" (Peterson, pp 351,421).
In retirement at his home in Monticello, Jefferson writes to Dearborn: "I received yesterday your favor informing me of the arrival of a parcel of wines for me to your address, with your statement of the expences of freight, duties etc. which you have been so kind as to answer for me 31.30 which sum I have this day desired Colo. Peyton to remit to you. For this and your kindness in dispatching them to him without waiting to hear from me I am very thankful." Jefferson concludes with a freindly request for a visit: "I shall be made very happy indeed by receiving a visit from my antient [sic] friend and colleague Genl. Dearborne [sic]. Should the season and his conveniences admit it, it will renew many very dear recollections."
Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) organized a militia company in the Revolutionary War and was promoted to Major by the war's end. He saw action at Bunker Hill, on Arnold's campaign against Quebec, and at Saratoga, was with the army during it's encampment at Valley Forge, and served on Washington's staff at Yorktown. Rising to the rank of Major General in the post-war army, he served as a congressman before being selected by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of War. Jefferson barely knew Dearborn before his appointment, but the general proved an effective member of his cabinet.
PROVENANCE:
The personal collection of Herbert Gunnison (1858-1932), publisher of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle -- The present owners.