![JEFFERSON, Thomas. Letter signed (“Th: Jefferson”), as Secretary of State, to [Thomas Mifflin], New York, 28 May 1790. 1 page, 4to, blank integral leaf, docketed on verso.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/NYR/2015_NYR_11610_0048_000(jefferson_thomas_letter_signed_as_secretary_of_state_to_thomas_mifflin101940).jpg?w=1)
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JEFFERSON, Thomas. Letter signed (“Th: Jefferson”), as Secretary of State, to [Thomas Mifflin], New York, 28 May 1790. 1 page, 4to, blank integral leaf, docketed on verso.
JEFFERSON, NEWLY INSTALLED IN HIS POST IN WASHINGTON'S CABINET, CIRCULATES IMPORTANT NEW LAWS ABOUT THE NEXT TWO STATES TO JOIN THE UNION
Here he sends Mifflin copies (not included) of four pieces of legislation: “the Act for the Government of the Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River and an Act to regulate processes in the Courts of the United States; also…the Act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeiture and penalties accruing under the revenue laws,” and finally, “the Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, records and Judicial proceedings in each State shall be authenticated…” The Territory south of the Ohio River would become the States of Kentucky (1792) and Tennessee (1796). Jefferson letters from New York are not common, given the brevity of his stay in the first Federal capital, which lasted only from his arrival in March 1790 until his departure for Monticello in September. He lived in three different locations, complaining to his daughter Martha in words that New Yorkers down the ages could echo: “I find it difficult to procure a tolerable house here.” He finally settled at 57 Maiden Lane, where he entertained Alexander Hamilton in June, a month after writing this letter. Out of that famous dinner emerged the deal that would move the U.S seat of government far from what Jefferson regarding as the corrupting influences of a mercantile city, and place it in what he hoped would be the virtuous, pastoral banks of the Potomac.
JEFFERSON, NEWLY INSTALLED IN HIS POST IN WASHINGTON'S CABINET, CIRCULATES IMPORTANT NEW LAWS ABOUT THE NEXT TWO STATES TO JOIN THE UNION
Here he sends Mifflin copies (not included) of four pieces of legislation: “the Act for the Government of the Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River and an Act to regulate processes in the Courts of the United States; also…the Act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeiture and penalties accruing under the revenue laws,” and finally, “the Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, records and Judicial proceedings in each State shall be authenticated…” The Territory south of the Ohio River would become the States of Kentucky (1792) and Tennessee (1796). Jefferson letters from New York are not common, given the brevity of his stay in the first Federal capital, which lasted only from his arrival in March 1790 until his departure for Monticello in September. He lived in three different locations, complaining to his daughter Martha in words that New Yorkers down the ages could echo: “I find it difficult to procure a tolerable house here.” He finally settled at 57 Maiden Lane, where he entertained Alexander Hamilton in June, a month after writing this letter. Out of that famous dinner emerged the deal that would move the U.S seat of government far from what Jefferson regarding as the corrupting influences of a mercantile city, and place it in what he hoped would be the virtuous, pastoral banks of the Potomac.