Franking signature as vice president, “free, Th: Jefferson,” on a 5 x 3.25 (panel size) postal cover addressed in his hand to James Dinsmore at “Monticello near Milton,” bearing a faint postmark and “FREE” ink stamp and docketed on a flap in another hand “Philadelphia, March 16th, 1800.” Dinsmore (circa 1771-1830) was an Irish joiner who created most of the interior woodwork at Jefferson’s Monticello house from 1798 to 1809. During his decade-long tenure at Monticello, Dinsmore taught his trade to Jefferson’s slave John Hemings, who became a skilled woodworker in his own right and who was freed under the terms of Jefferson’s will. Dinsmore later applied his skills to buildings at the University of Virginia and to James Madison’s Montpelier. In very good condition, with scattered mild soiling and unobtrusive ink smudges, and expertly repaired tears and small losses to top edge of panel (similar repairs to flaps). The writing is clear and dark. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
