"I HAVE A GREAT SCHEME… WHAT THIS IS I SHALL LEAVE TO YOUR OWN SURMISES TILL I SEE YOU, ONLY ASSURING YOU THAT WE HAVE BEEN TAKING THE NECESSARY MEASURES FOR SUCCESS ON OUR PART, AND HAVE A TOLERABLE PROSPECT OF NOT BEING DISAPPOINTED": SPLENDID EARLY 1767 THOMAS JEFFERSON AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, WRITTEN WHEN HE WAS ONLY 24 YEARS OLD TO HIS COLLEGE FRIEND JOHN PAGE, MENTIONING HIS OWN WIFE AND FAMILY, HIS PLANS TO PRACTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT, HIS CLOSE FRIEND AND BROTHER-IN-LAW "CARR" AND HIS GUARDIAN "WALKER"
JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed. Williamsburg, VA: April 17, 1767. One leaf, measures 7 by 9 inches, written and signed on recto for one page, professionally remargined on all sides with left and right edges restored.
Outstanding example of a very early Thomas Jefferson signed autograph letter, penned by him when he was just 24 years old, shortly out of law school. A warm, effervescent, at times jocular, and at times serious letter addressed to his close collegiate friend, John Page, with whom he remained a close friend for the rest of his life. In the letter Jefferson mentions his own wife and family, his close friend and brother-in-law "Carr," his guardian "Walker," business plans, mutual friends, and travel plans. An incredible piece: only nine years later the author would produce the Declaration of Independence.
In this letter to friend John Page Jefferson refers to mutual college friends and family. He comments on numerous college friends including "Page" (the recipient of the letter and a classmate from Jefferson's alma mater, William and Mary college), "Carr" (a close friend who married Jefferson's sister Martha in 1765), "Walker" (Jefferson's guardian upon his fathers death), "Willis" (Jefferson's college friend from William and Mary), and "Warner Lewis" (another classmate from William and Mary), among others. He calls Page's newborn child "your heir apparent," and later in the letter inquires about another friend, asking if he can "make my compliments to (illegible) and endeavor to bring him over at least for day or two if he has made himself adept in the arts of elocution." Another reference to their mutual friend Willis notes, "Willis I am told is on the brink of matrimony: a comfortable prospect." The letter also delves into family and business, mentioning his own wife and family—"I left my wife and family well"—and regarding business, "If your debt is not called for soon I am afraid we shall be barred by the act of limitations." Jefferson refers to the general tumultuous background of his life as he prepared to enter politics, in this period just prior to his election to the Virginia House of Burgesses where he aligned himself with the young radical faction, led by George Washington and Patrick Henry, while simultaneously beginning construction on a new home at Monticello.
The letter in full reads: "Williamsburgh [sic], April 17, 1767. Dear Page, Your welfare, that of Mrs Page, and your heir apparent give me great joy: but much was I disappointed at not seeing you here today. Surely you will visit the city some time in the [illegible]: do not let family attachments totally rusticate you. In answer to the interrogatories of [illegible], I left my wife and family well; I have been in constant health myself and still continue… I left well, but brought nothing from him except assurances of his friendship; I have never… from you. You further ask me if I propose to practice in the General Court? Yes… year and … as I speak it!… resolution has occasioned my deferring an… hitherto, and might perhaps have done it perpetually, had not the opening made by so many… retiring from the bar have made this time peculiarly proper. I do not however propose to do… in court till October: yet the attention to business now become necessary renders it impossible to… my friends in Glocester before I return, which will be about the 3'd of May. Nor am I comforted with any certain prospect of doing it at any future time; since the same obstructions are likely to continue and even to increase. I shall be here again at the oier [oyer] court but that will be only for a day. I have a great scheme… to you from Carr, Walker, and myself, of which yourself, Fontaine and Warner Lewis are to [make] a part. What this is I shall leave to your own surmises till I see you, only assuring you that we have been taking the necessary measures for success on our part, and have a tolerable prospect of not being disappointed. Make my compliments to Fontaine and endeavor to bring him over at least for day or two if he has made himself an adept in the arts of elocution. I would be glad by Sheridan for the service of some other friends who have asked it of me. I wish much to hear something of your domestic affairs but Nil mihi rescribas attamen ipse veni [come if you can before your letter]. Willis I am told is on the brink of matrimony: a comfortable prospect, twin infants of [illegible]. If your debt is not called for soon I am afraid we shall be barred by the act of limitations. Make my compl to Mrs. Page, to Mann, to the family at North River, and to your sisters, with an assurance that their and your happiness is principally conducive to that of, Your friend and servant, Th:Jefferson." (The few ellipses in the above transcript represent the occasional missing word or two at the outer margins of the letter, or the occasional illegible word along one of the four old fold-lines.). This item was bound into an extra-illustrated copy of the "History of the City of New York" circa 1872, in the possession of Emery E. Childs, and while the book—expanded to 21 volumes—has passed through several hands, this particular autograph letter has not been on the market since it was professionally restored and bound in, a happy circumstance that has also maintained this fragile letter in its current condition.
Letter somewhat thin and worn, laid on to a backing sheet. Edge-wear and expected folds. Outer margins missing in several areas affecting text, several words are rubbed along the folds, however the body of the letter and intent are intact, with the letter quite legible containing strong definition and contrast to the script. Small tear to the right edge outside of margin along the backing sheet. Very good condition, extremely scarce and desirable.